1. Employee vs. Employer Contributions
Both employee deferrals and employer-funded contributions may be present in this plan. This distinction matters for your QDRO:
- Employee Contributions: These are elective deferrals and are immediately vested. They’re often divided based on the date of marriage to separation or divorce.
- Employer Contributions: These may come with a vesting schedule. Contributions not yet vested as of the division date are usually forfeited unless the alternate payee waits for full vesting (and the QDRO allows it).

