1. Splitting Contributions
401(k) accounts often include both employee contributions (earned through salary deferrals) and employer contributions (matching or discretionary). A QDRO can award a percentage or fixed dollar portion of either type, but timing and valuation dates matter.
- Make sure the QDRO clearly defines what part of the account is being divided.
- Determine if the split is based on the marital portion only (i.e., contributions and growth during the marriage) or on the full balance as of a certain date.

