1. Employee vs. Employer Contributions
401(k) plans commonly consist of both employee salary deferrals and employer matching or profit-sharing contributions. The QDRO should specify whether the alternate payee is entitled to receive:
- Only the participant’s contributions up to the date of divorce or separation
- Both participant and employer contributions
- A percentage of the total vested balance
It’s important to ensure the QDRO clarifies the proper dividing point. If there were significant employer contributions and a vesting schedule, a portion of the account may not be marital property depending on your state law.

