1 Purpose, Scope, Cross References, and Effective Date

1.1 PurposeThis standard does the following:

1. provides guidance to actuaries who perform professional services concerning retirement plan benefits in domestic relations actions;
2. amplifies those provisions of Actuarial Standard of Practice (ASOP) No. 17, Expert Testimony by Actuaries, and ASOP No. 4, Measuring Pension Obligations, that relate to actuarial practice concerning retirement plan benefits in domestic relations actions; and
3. provides information to enhance understanding of the actuarys role and responsibilities, and of the factors that may affect the measurement, allocation, or division of retirement plan benefits in domestic relations actions.

1.2 Scope

This standard applies to actuarial services performed in connection with the measurement, allocation, or division of retirement plan benefits in domestic relations actions. This standard is not applicable to actuarial services performed in connection with other post-employment benefits, such as medical benefits, that may also be considered as part of the domestic relations action.

To the extent that the guidance in this standard may conflict with ASOPs of a more general nature, this standard will govern. If a conflict exists between this standard and applicable law, compliance with applicable law is not considered to be a deviation from this standard.

1.3 Cross References

When this standard refers to the provisions of other documents, the reference includes the referenced documents as they may be amended or restated in the future, and any successor to them, by whatever name called. If any amended or restated document differs materially from the originally referenced document, the actuary should consider the guidance in this standard to the extent it is applicable and appropriate.

1.4 Effective Date

This standard will be effective for relevant assignments for which the actuary is first engaged on or after March 31, 2000.