Marital Property vs. Separate Property
March 24, 2011 | By Steven DiGregorio
Most states recognize a distinction between marital property and separate property. In a divorce, marital property is divided between the spouses, and separate property is not. So how do you know what is marital and what is separate?
State law differs on this, but there is a general framework that is usually followed. Separate property is property:
- Owned prior to the marriage
- Inherited, even if it was inherited during the marriage
- Received as a gift, whether from the spouse or anyone else
In some states, other property may also be considered separate. Common examples are:
- Personal injury awards received during the marriage
- Property purchased with or exchanged for separate property
To complicate matters, that which may start out as separate property can be converted or transmuted into marital property. This can happen if:
- You comingle separate property with marital property. An example would be taking your inheritance and depositing it into a joint bank account.
- You transmute separate property into marital property by adding your spouse to the title, or by simply using the property as if it were marital property.
The subsequent value of the property is relevant as well. If separate property appreciates or increases in value during your marriage, some states consider the appreciation to be marital. For example, let’s say you have an investment account you owned prior to the marriage that was worth $20,000 on your wedding date. Now you’re getting a divorce and it’s worth $30,000. In the states that treat appreciation as marital property, $20,000 would be separate property, and $10,000 would be marital property. Other states say that the appreciation of a separate asset remains separate property, so the whole $30,000 would be separate. Talk to a divorce lawyer if you have questions about this, because it can get very complex depending on your circumstances and your state law.
The concept of marital vs. separate property is an important one. Understanding the distinction could be worth thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars in your divorce settlement. If you’re not sure, ask your attorney.
The information herein contained does not constitute legal advice. Any decisions or actions should not be made without first consulting an attorney.
For more information contact us at 845.563.0537 or Contact@CompassAMG.com
The author of this blog, Steven M DiGregorio is President of Compass Asset Management Group, LLC and an Investment Advisor Representative with Spire Wealth Management, LLC a Federally Registered Investment Advisory Firm. Securities offered through an affilliated company Spire Securities, LLC a Registered Broker/Dealer and member FINRA/SIPC.
Tags: divorce planning, legal, marital assets, marital property, property, separate assets, separate property, splitting
