Employee vs. Employer Contributions
401(k) accounts often have multiple money sources: employee deferrals, employer matching contributions, and possibly profit-sharing contributions. The QDRO must clearly define whether the alternate payee is receiving a percentage of the total balance or only specific contribution types.
Also important—some employer contributions may be subject to a vesting schedule. Unvested amounts may be forfeited if the employee is no longer with the company, and a well-drafted QDRO should address whether the alternate payee receives only vested assets or will benefit from future vesting events.

