Dividing Employee and Employer Contributions
One of the first things to clarify in your QDRO is how to divide the contributions. Most 401(k) plans include both:
- Employee Contributions: Paid directly by the participant via payroll deductions
- Employer Contributions: Offered as matching or discretionary contributions, often subject to vesting
Your QDRO can award a former spouse (the “alternate payee”) a portion of just the employee contributions, just the employer contributions, or both. Just make sure the order clearly defines whether the award is a flat dollar amount, a percentage of the account, or a split as of a specific date (commonly the date of separation or divorce).

