(a) The election of an alternative form of annuity and evidence of spousal consent must be filed on a form prescribed by OPM within the time limit prescribed in paragraph (b)(2) of this section. The form will require that a notary public or other official authorized to administer oaths certify that the current spouse presented identification, gave consent to the specific election as executed by the retiree, signed or marked the form, and acknowledged that the consent was given freely in the notary's or official's presence.

(b) An election of the alternative form of annuity must be in writing and received by OPM on or before the date of final adjudication. After the date of final adjudication, an election of the alternative form of annuity is irrevocable.

(c) Except as provided in paragraph (d), an annuitant who dies before the time limit prescribed in paragraph (b)(2) of this section is deemed to have made an affirmative election under § 842.703(a) with a reduced annuity to provide a current spouse annuity, regardless of any election completed under § 842.606, and the lump-sum credit will be paid in accordance with the order of precedence described in section 8424 of title 5, United States Code.

(d) If an annuitant described in paragraph (c) has completed an election under § 842.604 (a) or (b)—

(1) The lump-sum credit will be paid in accordance with the order of precedence described in section 8424 of title 5, United States Code; and

(2) The election under § 842.604 (a) or (b) will be honored.