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A: In most cases, assets inherited by one party during the marriage will be deemed separate property, not subject to division in the divorce. However, under certain circumstances, property brought into the marriage through inheritance can become marital property. For instance, if it is co-mingled with the marital estate, by putting it in the name of the spouse, reinvesting it so that it changes character, or using it to purchase an asset that is used or relied on by both parties, these factors can sometimes transform separate property into marital property. Separate property can also become marital if the other spouse has a role in procuring, maintaining or somehow adding to the value of the asset. Sometimes it can be difficult to sort out what assets are marital and what are separate. If you brought assets into the marriage or inherited them during the marriage, try to provide your attorney with an accurate history of how the asset was obtained, and what, if anything your spouse did to enhance its value during the marriage. Unfortunately, there is no set formula for making this determination, and if your case goes to trial, the judge will need to look at all the evidence.
For more information about property division, click here.
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