Financial accounts held individually by each spouse, established before or during a marriage, and maintained without commingling funds, are often considered separate assets in dissolution proceedings. For example, an account opened prior to the marriage, into which only the holder’s pre-marital earnings are deposited, generally retains its character as individual property, even if the marriage lasts for many years.
Maintaining distinct financial identities throughout a marriage can simplify the asset division process considerably during a divorce. Clear financial boundaries offer transparency and reduce the potential for disputes over ownership, appreciation, and the source of funds. Historically, tracing assets involved significant time and expense; delineating ownership with these practices minimizes this burden and promotes more equitable settlements.