1. Employer Contributions and Vesting
Profit-sharing plans usually include employer-funded contributions. However, these contributions may be subject to a vesting schedule — meaning the employee must work a certain number of years before gaining full rights to the funds. If the employee spouse is not fully vested at the date of division, the unvested portion may be forfeited and cannot be awarded in a QDRO.
Make sure the QDRO specifies that only vested account balances as of the division date are included. If not, the Alternate Payee could expect funds that never vest.

