Employee and Employer Contributions
One of the first things we look at is how much of the account value is attributable to employee vs. employer contributions. Those figures are crucial during the QDRO process because:
- Employee contributions are fully vested and available for division.
- Employer contributions may be subject to a vesting schedule.
If you’re the non-employee spouse (called the “alternate payee”), you’re entitled to receive a portion of the benefits earned during the marriage. But if some of the employer match is unvested at the time of separation or QDRO submission, it won’t be included in your share.

