Employee vs. Employer Contributions
Employee contributions are usually 100% vested, meaning the amount the participant contributed is theirs and can be divided by QDRO as negotiated. Employer contributions, however, may be subject to a vesting schedule. If the participant hasn’t worked long enough to be fully vested, part of the account may not be available for division.
The QDRO must specify whether it seeks to divide just the vested portion or include a formula that adjusts over time. It can also define whether gains and losses should be included from the division date to the date of distribution.

