Employee and Employer Contribution Divisions
In most 401(k) QDROs, the alternate payee is awarded a percentage or flat dollar amount from the participant’s account as of a specific date. One key consideration in dividing the Westside Community Mental Health Center, Inc.. Employer Savings Plan is how to treat employer contributions that are subject to vesting schedules. If the participant has not been fully vested at the time of divorce, only the vested portion may be divided under the QDRO.
Here’s what to clarify in your QDRO:
- State whether the award includes both employee and employer contributions.
- Clearly define the valuation date—typically the date of divorce or another mutually agreed date.
- Choose whether the award includes earnings and losses from the valuation date until distribution.

