Maintaining individual financial accounts during a marriage, particularly if facing dissolution, refers to a situation where spouses do not pool all of their monetary resources. Each party retains ownership and control of their distinct funds. For instance, one spouse may have an account solely funded by their employment income, while the other has a separate account managing inherited assets. This arrangement becomes significant when marital assets are divided.
Independent control of funds can offer greater transparency and accountability regarding individual spending habits during a marriage. In the context of dissolving a marriage, having these distinctly managed assets may simplify the asset division process. It may also mitigate disputes about funds acquired before the marriage or received as gifts/inheritance during the marriage. The historical context shows a shift from sole ownership of property by the husband to greater financial autonomy for women, leading to increased prevalence of this arrangement.