(a) A former spouse of a judge retired or deceased as of January 1, 2001, shall be eligible for the benefits provided by this section if the community property interest in the system was divided by court order pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (a) of Section 2610 of the Family Code, the former spouse retained an interest in the system, and the parties did not divide the member’s account pursuant to Section 75050. The monthly allowance payable pursuant to that division to the former spouse shall be a lifetime benefit and the former spouse shall have the right to designate a beneficiary for any unpaid allowance payable at the time of his or her death.

(b) The section shall apply retroactively to establish eligibility for a former spouse to the benefits provided by this section, but any payment made to the former spouse shall be prospective and shall commence no earlier than (1) the first day of the month in which the application was received by the system in those cases where the member is deceased, or (2) the first day of the month in which a valid court order is received in cases where the retired judge is still living.

(c) The board has no duty to locate or notify the members or former spouses who may be eligible to apply for the benefits under this section.

(d) The benefits provided by this section shall be applicable to persons otherwise eligible who notify the system in writing prior to January 1, 2002.

(Amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 159, Sec. 123. Effective January 1, 2002.)