Employee vs. Employer Contributions
In most 401(k)s, employees contribute a part of their wages, and the employer may offer matching contributions. Sometimes, employer contributions are subject to a vesting schedule. Only the vested portion is available for division in a QDRO.
If you’re the non-employee spouse (called the Alternate Payee), be sure to request account statements that clearly lay out both the employee and employer contribution balances, along with the vesting status. Any unvested funds are typically forfeited unless specifically addressed in the QDRO upon future vesting.

