Employee and Employer Contribution Divisions
401(k) plans typically include two types of contributions:
- Employee salary deferrals—what the participant voluntarily contributes
- Employer contributions—matching or profit-sharing amounts provided by the company
In QDROs, you can divide both kinds of contributions, but employer contributions may be subject to a vesting schedule. If the participant isn’t fully vested at the time of divorce or QDRO entry, the alternate payee may receive less than expected.

