When people file for divorce, they that know inevitably, they may lose some of their property. However, they may not know what exactly is “up for grabs.”
Tennessee is an equitable distribution state, which means that property is split among both spouses after a divorce is finalized. However, equitable doesn’t mean “even” or 50/50, and not all property is subject to equitable division.
Confused? Don’t worry! We’ve got the information you need to know about which properties can be divided in a divorce and which can’t in this blog. If you have additional questions or need assistance with a divorce, we offer free consultations to help you get on the right track.
Separate Property is NOT Subject to Equitable Division
Separate property is difficult to define but any property that a divorcing spouse owned before they got married, inherited during the marriage, received as a gift, etc. is likely separate property. That means if a person got married in 2015, inherited money from a deceased relative in 2017 and divorced in 2021, their spouse might not have a claim to that money during a divorce. However separate property can be easily converted into marital property. For example, if in the example above the inherited money was placed in a joint bank account then it has been converted into marital property and subject to division. However there are many other ways that separate property can become marital property as is further explained below.
Marital Property IS Subject to Equitable Division
Separate Property Can Become Marital Property
Just because something was purchased, inherited, created, or received before marriage doesn’t mean it’s 100% safe from equitable division in a divorce. That’s because in some cases, separate property can become marital property.
This can happen if the non-owning divorcing spouse can prove that he or she substantially contributed to the preservation or appreciation of property.
For example, if the non-owning divorcing spouse performed or paid for a substantial amount of work on an investment property owned by the other spouse, which then appreciated in value, that previously separate property may become marital property.
Commingling and Transmutation Can Change Separate Property into Marital Property
Separate property also may become marital property through commingling, which is where separate property is inextricably mingled with marital property. An example of this is a bank or retirement account where the non-owning spouse makes regular deposits or contributions to it.
Transmutation is another way that separate property becomes marital property. It involves separate property that is handled in such a manner by the owning spouse as if it’s marital property. An example of this is the owning spouse putting the non-owning spouse’s name on a property deed or other official documentation concerning ownership.
How Is Marital Property Divided?
Although the phrase “he or she gets half” is commonly used before or during a divorce, it’s not necessarily true. As noted previously in this blog, equitable division doesn’t mean a 50/50 split right down the middle. Instead, it means the property is divided based on a number of factors considered by the court/judge during divorce proceedings, such as:
- How long the marriage lasted is very important.
- If it was separate property converted to marital property
- If a family member of one spouse contributed to the purchase of an item
- The dissipation of martial assets
- And many more
We’re Can Help with Property Division Questions and Conflicts during a Divorce
The division of property is one of the most heated and contentious aspects of divorce. Tennessee divorce law tries to make it as fair as possible, but inevitably, one or both divorcing spouses will contest how their property is divided.
If you need help with any aspect of your divorce, including preserving separate property, claiming marital property, or disputing equitable division, we’re here to help. Contact us for a free consultation and let us put our years of Tennessee family law experience to work for you.