Employee and Employer Contributions
401(k) plans typically include:
- Employee elective deferrals (pre-tax or Roth)
- Employer matching or profit-sharing contributions
The QDRO should clarify whether it divides just the employee’s contributions, the employer’s, or both. Employer contributions may be subject to a vesting schedule, meaning some of the balance may not yet belong to the employee at the time of divorce. Be sure your QDRO takes into account:
- What’s vested vs. unvested at the division date
- How to treat future vesting (usually not included)

