I live in Los Angeles. I am a US citizen formerly married to a Swede. My divorce was finalized in a Swedish Court in 2005. As part of my divorce, my ex-spouse is entitled to half of my union retirement plan for the years we were together. The QDRO we drew up and signed many years ago was rejected by my union retirement plan, as it was not registered in a Los Angeles court. I neglected to follow up on this, and before I kick the bucket, my ex (who lives in Sweden) should probably have her share transferred into her hands. I approached the free legal help center at the Van Nuys courthouse, and after several visits they ultimately said that I would need to hire an enforcement attorney, since our children are no longer minors.

I did so, but the fees requested were beyond my ability to pay. Yes, part of me did think I should just say to my ex "I've agreed to it, but you have to make it happen" - but really, that wouldn't be fair as she lives there and I'm here.

My union is telling me that I have to have our divorce registered in in the system here, and that an LA judge must sign off on the QDRO prior to them accepting it.

Since there is no dispute between myself and my ex (with regards to her being entitled to this), is there a way for me to do this myself without having to hire an attorney? It seems as if it should be fairly straightforward.

Many thanks for your advice.