1. Employee and Employer Contributions
A standard 401(k) plan like the Leonard Green & Partners Retirement Plan includes both employee deferrals and possible employer matching or profit-sharing contributions. It’s important a QDRO clearly states whether the alternate payee is entitled to a share of:
- Only employee contributions
- Both employee and employer contributions
This distinction matters because plans may only vest employer contributions over time. Without careful wording, an ex-spouse might be awarded an amount not yet owned by the employee spouse due to vesting schedules.

