I am a first ex-wife and just went through this QDRO in Florida. If my ex dies, no one gets anything. But when he retires, from the date of our marriage to the date of our divorce is what part I will receive. If I do in the meantime, my portion goes to my beneficaries. The bad thing is, second wifes usually lose. Just like social security - if my ex marrys and he passes on, his social security is split between myself and the new wife. I don't know if this helps but this is what I just went through