1. Employee vs. Employer Contributions
Most 401(k) plans include:
- Employee Contributions: These are always 100% vested and fully available to divide in a QDRO.
- Employer Contributions: These may be subject to a vesting schedule. If the employee is not fully vested at the time of divorce, the unvested portion may be forfeited.
We always recommend identifying vested and unvested balances at the exact division date (usually the date of separation or divorce filing). It’s one of the most important steps to avoid disputes or confusion later.

