1. Define the Division Method
Most QDROs use one of two approaches:
- Percentage Approach: The alternate payee gets a fixed percentage of the participant’s vested account balance as of a certain date (often the date of divorce or separation).
- Fixed Dollar Approach: The QDRO instructs the plan to allocate a specific dollar amount to the alternate payee.
For employer plans with fluctuating balances like the Wonderlic Profit Sharing Plan, a percentage method with date-specific valuation is typically safer and easier to administer.

