Property received as a gift or through testamentary succession during a marriage is often treated differently than assets accumulated during the marital union when a dissolution occurs. The classification of such property as separate or community/marital significantly impacts its distribution. Generally, assets considered separate property, belonging solely to one spouse, are not subject to division upon divorce. An example would be stocks inherited by one spouse after the marriage began, provided these assets were kept separate and distinct from marital funds.
The treatment of inherited assets during a divorce proceedings is significant because it directly impacts the financial outcomes for each party. State laws vary considerably in how they categorize and treat such assets. Understanding these laws is essential for equitable distribution. Historically, the concept of separate property has aimed to protect assets belonging to one spouse that were not acquired through joint efforts during the marriage.