Employee and Employer Contributions
In most 401(k) plans, employees make contributions directly from their paycheck, and employers may offer matching contributions or profit-sharing. Only the vested portion of employer contributions is eligible to be divided. If part of the employer’s contributions weren’t vested at the time of separation or divorce, those amounts are typically forfeited and cannot be transferred to the alternate payee.
It’s essential to specify in the QDRO whether the division includes only the employee’s contributions or also any vested employer contributions. At PeacockQDROs, we help ensure that distinction is made clearly and correctly.

