Employee vs. Employer Contributions
Most 401(k) plans include both:
- Employee Contributions: Always 100% vested; the participant owns these funds outright.
- Employer Contributions (Match): Subject to vesting schedules—some matched funds may not be available for division if unvested at the time of separation.
Your QDRO should clearly specify whether the alternate payee is to receive a percentage of only the vested balance or includes any future vesting post-divorce. This is critical in cases where people have years of employment after separation.

