1. What Are Marital Assets?

Marital assets include all property and financial resources acquired during the marriage that are subject to division in a divorce. This typically includes real estate, bank accounts, investments, vehicles, retirement accounts, and other valuable property obtained during the marriage.

2. How To Calculate Total Assets

The calculation is straightforward:

Where:

• Real Estate — Current market value of all jointly owned properties
• Bank Accounts — Combined balances of all joint accounts
• Investments — Value of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, etc.
• Vehicles — Current market value of all vehicles
• Other Assets — Valuables like jewelry, art, collectibles, etc.

3. Importance of Asset Calculation

Details: Accurate asset calculation is crucial for equitable distribution during divorce proceedings. It forms the basis for settlement negotiations and court decisions regarding property division.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the current market value of each asset category. For accurate results, use recent appraisals or statements. Remember that some assets may be separate property (acquired before marriage or through inheritance).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between marital and separate property?
A: Marital property is acquired during marriage, while separate property is owned before marriage or received as inheritance/gift.

Q2: Are retirement accounts included in marital assets?
A: Yes, the portion earned during marriage is typically considered marital property.

Q3: How is debt handled in asset division?
A: Marital debt is also divided, often in proportion to asset division.

Q4: What if we can't agree on asset values?
A: The court may order professional appraisals to determine fair market values.

Q5: Is the division always 50/50?
A: Not necessarily. Courts consider many factors for equitable (fair) distribution which may not be equal.