Vesting Schedules and Forfeitures
Many employer contributions in 401(k) plans have vesting schedules. That means the participant earns ownership rights over time. For example, the employee may become 20% vested after each year of service and fully vested after five years. Any unvested portion is not subject to division under a QDRO and will be forfeited if the employee terminates early.
When drafting a QDRO for the Cogent Solutions and Supplies 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan, it’s important to determine which contributions are fully vested. The alternate payee can only receive a portion of those vested amounts. Contact the plan administrator if you’re unsure of the vesting schedule applicable to this plan.

