1. Employee vs. Employer Contributions
401(k) plans typically contain two types of money: amounts the employee contributed from their paycheck and amounts the employer contributed as matching or profit-sharing. The Great Western Manufacturing Company, Inc.. Profit Sharing 401(k) Plan name suggests that profit-sharing is one of the benefits offered, in addition to elective deferrals.
When dividing the plan through a QDRO, the order can seek to divide:
- The entire account (including both employee and employer contributions), or
- Only the marital portion — for example, contributions made during the marriage until the date of separation.
If the plan has matching contributions, be aware that employer contributions may be subject to a vesting schedule.

