1. Employee Contributions vs. Employer Contributions
Employee contributions are straightforward—they’re always 100% vested. However, employer contributions may be subject to a vesting schedule. If the employee spouse isn’t fully vested, the alternate payee may only be entitled to the vested portion as of the divorce or QDRO date.
If your settlement says you get 50% of “all funds,” but half of the employer contributions aren’t vested yet, you may get less than expected. That’s why accurate QDRO language is essential.

