The moneys in the fund and the right of a member, spouse or other beneficiary to benefits under this article, to the return of contributions, or to any retirement, death, or disability payments under the provisions of this article are not subject to execution, garnishment, attachment, or any other process whatsoever with the exception that the benefits or contributions under the system shall be subject to “qualified domestic relations orders” as that term is defined in Section 414(p) of the Internal Revenue Code with respect to governmental plans, and are unassignable except as is provided in this article.
