### Question
How is the "qualified former wife or husband" defined?


### Answer
The term **qualified former wife or husband** is defined in *22 U.S.C. § 4069* as follows -

> a former wife or husband of an individual if—


(1) such individual performed at least 18 months of civilian service creditable under this subchapter

#### Citation:
  - *22 U.S.C. § 4069*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 52-FOREIGN SERVICE > SUBCHAPTER VIII-FOREIGN SERVICE RETIREMENT AND DISABILITY > Part I-Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System**

