1. Employee vs. Employer Contributions
Many 401(k) plans include both employee contributions (which are always 100% vested) and employer contributions (which may be subject to a vesting schedule). It’s critical to determine:
- What contributions were made during the marriage
- What portions were vested at the date of division
- Whether unvested employer contributions will be excluded or conditionally awarded
For example, if your spouse receives employer contributions that aren’t fully vested until after the divorce, you may not be entitled to a portion of them unless agreed to otherwise. This can have a substantial impact on the amount awarded under the QDRO.

