Divorce Lawyers in St. Catharines
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/ Divorce & Separation
Division of Property Agreements
Even in an amicable divorce, dividing property can be a difficult task. Partners enter a marriage with property and then acquire property together as a couple. There can be homes, vacation homes, vehicles, pensions, RRSP’s, artwork and much, much more.
Who gets what? Determining the answer to that question can be complicated. At Galbraith Family Law, our equalization and division of property experts can help you find a fair solution.
We have considerable knowledge in this area of the law and significant experience representing clients in family financial matters, including property division.
Will I need to go to court for property division?
As with many things in a divorce, this depends on a number of factors, including whether the split is amicable or contested.
In cases where the divorce is amicable, the division of property can often be done outside of the courtroom with the partners and their lawyers coming to an agreement that is welcomed by both sides.
In contested divorces, division of property can be a much lengthier and more complex process. Nonetheless, it is good to have knowledgeable experts, like our family law lawyers, on your side making sure your best interests are being looked after.
In general, there is a legal rule for division of property in Canada. In short, the increased value of any property that you and your spouse or partner acquired during your marriage and that you still have when you separate, must be divided equally between spouses.
Typically, property brought into your marriage is yours to keep. However, any increases in the value of this property during the duration of marriage must be shared. Depending on the complexities of your divorce and the amount of your property and assets, the property division process could be lengthy.
One of the big issues is the value of the assets. Once that is determined, the resolution is often simple. Our experienced lawyers can walk you through every step.
What are the 3 Steps of Property Division?
1
Identification of Property
All of the property owned by the couple is identified and recorded. We need to know the property and debt as of the date of separation and the property and debt as of the date of marriage. Property acquired or sold during the marriage is not relevant. We just need a snapshot of the assets/debts on the date of marriage and the date of separation.
You keep the property in your name. Your spouse keeps the property in their name. You share property that you jointly own.
Common law separations are different. They do not follow this formula.
2
Valuation of Property
The fair market value of all assets on the date of marriage and date of separation needs to be determined. Often this can be determined by agreement. If there is not agreement, each spouse’s lawyer will present evidence, such as valuations done by an expert, as to the fair market value of the property and assets as of the date of marriage and date of separation.
3
Calculating each spouse’s net worth
Your net worth for equalization purposes is the value of your assets on the date of separation, less your debt on the same date, less the assets (less debt) you had on the date of marriage. So you can see this is the increase in your net worth during the course of the marriage.
We do the same calculation for your spouse.
If your net worth is more than your spouse’s net worth, you owe one half the difference. Once you pay one half of the difference, you will each have the same net worth.
For example, if your net worth is as follows:
Assets on date of separation: $800,000
- Debt on date of separation: $100,000
- Assets - debts on date of marriage: $50,000
Your net worth is: $650,000
If your spouse’s net worth is $550,000, then the difference is $100,000. Therefore, you would owe your spouse $50,000. Then, after you pay your spouse, you would both have $600,000.
Note: you would own all the assets in your name and owe all the debts in your name. You just owe an equalization payment of $50,000.
If the home is jointly owned, then you would have to sell it and split the equity or one person would have to buy out the other person’s interest in the home. Other joint assets would have to be divided or sold.
At each step of this process, it would be to your benefit to have a skilled and tenacious property division lawyer from Galbraith Family Law on your side.
Dedicated lawyers who truly care about outcomes and family
This firm has heart, and they take your matters through the process efficiently with your best interests in mind.
Erik Zander
Frequently Asked Questions
Married spouses in Ontario don't split every asset down the middle. Instead, the law equalizes the growth in each person's net worth over the marriage, so the spouse whose wealth grew more pays the other an equalization payment. Most of the real complexity lies in the valuation and the numbers, and that's where legal guidance matters most.
Yes, and it often catches people off guard. Unlike other assets, the matrimonial home in Ontario generally can't have its date-of-marriage value deducted, even if one spouse owned it before the wedding. If a home is involved, that special treatment can make a significant difference in the numbers, so it's best to seek advice early.
Retirement savings are part of the equalization picture, though they aren't always straightforward to value. A pension, in particular, often requires a formal valuation before it can be factored in. Handling pension division in a divorce in Ontario properly matters, since these assets are frequently among the largest a couple holds, and errors are costly to unwind later.
No, and this surprises many people. The equalization rules that apply to married spouses don't automatically apply to common-law partners, who generally keep what's in their own names. As a result, sorting out shared property afterward can be more complicated, so it is worth seeking tailored advice from a property settlement lawyer in Ontario.
Questions?
Contact us
At Galbraith Family Law, we have years of experience helping individuals and families navigate complex legal matters with clarity and support. Whether you're facing divorce, separation, or other family issues, our experienced team is here to guide you.
We proudly serve clients in Barrie, Newmarket, Oakville, and St. Catharines, Ontario.
