Employee vs. Employer Contributions
QDROs must distinguish between different contribution types. In the Butcherbox 401(k) Plan, contributions likely include both employee deferrals and employer matching contributions. If divorcing couples aren’t clear on which portion is being divided—just the account’s total value, only vested balances, or only certain contributions—it can create unnecessary delays.
You can divide the entire account, limit the division to vested amounts only, or provide formulas (e.g., a percentage of contributions made during the marriage). Importantly, employer contributions may be subject to vesting, which we’ll cover next.

