1. Employer Contributions and Vesting Schedules
This plan type likely includes both employee and employer contributions. While employee contributions are always fully vested, employer contributions may vest over a period of time. If you’re the alternate payee, you may not be entitled to unvested employer funds.
A well-drafted QDRO should specify whether the award includes only vested balances or both vested and unvested portions. If any portion is forfeited due to lack of vesting, that needs to be accounted for in the order’s language.

