No Performance Units or DERs awarded to the Service Provider under this Agreement may be transferred, assigned, pledged or encumbered by the Service Provider, except (i) by will or by the laws of descent and distribution or (ii) pursuant to a domestic relations order. Except as set forth above, any attempt to transfer, assign, pledge or encumber the Performance Units or DERs by the Service Provider shall be null, void and without effect.  The rights and protections of the General Partner hereunder shall extend to any successors or assigns of General Partner.