401(k) Contributions: Employee vs. Employer
In the divorce context, it’s crucial to understand the difference between contributions made by the employee (pre-tax or Roth deferrals) and any employer contributions, which are often subject to vesting schedules. The QDRO should be clear about whether the alternate payee is entitled to:
- Only the employee’s account balance as of a specific date (e.g., date of separation, filing, or dissolution)
- Any portion of employer contributions that are vested as of that same date
- Investment gains or losses from the date of division through the date of distribution
In cases where employer contributions are not fully vested, the QDRO can explicitly state whether those unvested amounts are excluded—or included if they later vest.

