Employee and Employer Contributions
401(k) plans often include both employee salary deferrals and employer matching contributions. A common mistake is assuming the entire balance belongs to the employee. However, employer contributions might have a vesting schedule. Only the vested portion can be divided in most QDROs.
For example, if the plan includes a five-year vesting schedule and the employee has only been there for three years, 60% of the employer contributions may be considered vested and subject to division. The rest would be forfeited if the employee leaves before fully vesting.

