Employee and Employer Contributions
A major issue is distinguishing between the employee’s salary deferrals and the employer’s matching or profit-sharing contributions. In some plans, employer contributions may be subject to a vesting schedule. That means even if the account shows a total balance, not all of it is legally owned by the employee spouse yet.
If you’re the alternate payee, make sure your QDRO is clear about whether you’re receiving only vested funds as of the division date or whether you’ll share in future vesting. The plan document and administrator can confirm how these rules apply.

