I have a traditional (Defined Benefit) pension plan. As I am
divorced, my former spouse is entitled to her share through the date
of separation.

My pension benefit will be a single life annuity, and I will have the
option of receiving the monthly benefit starting at normal retirement
for the plan, or at an earlier date.

1. Does the commencement of the benefits for the former spouse
coincide with the date that I elect, or is it a fixed date, such as my
normal retirement age?

2. If the former spouse predeceases the plan participant, does that
affect the payments to the plan participant? Or does the former
spouse's benefit merely cease and stay in the plan?

Thanks much.

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