Employee Contributions vs. Employer Contributions
In most 401(k) plans, employee contributions (elective deferrals) are immediately vested and fully belong to the participant. However, employer contributions (especially the profit-sharing component) often have a vesting schedule. If your spouse is still working at the sponsoring company, a portion of those employer contributions may be unvested and therefore not divisible in the QDRO.
This means your share could be lower than expected unless the plan grants accelerated vesting upon retirement, termination, or divorce—something your attorney should verify with the plan administrator.

