Employee vs. Employer Contributions
The participant’s own contributions (employee deferrals) are typically 100% vested. However, employer matching or profit-sharing contributions may follow a vesting schedule. That means the participant might not own the full amount reflected in the account unless they’ve met certain service or time requirements. A proper QDRO ensures the alternate payee receives only the divisible portion of vested funds as of the divorce date—or another valuation date defined in the order.

