Getting divorced means dissolving all legal ties with your spouse, which includes dividing up your marital property. The rules governing which property is subject to distribution and how it should be divided vary from one jurisdiction to the next, so it’s important to hire an attorney who understands the divorce laws in your state. Below are a few things every divorcing couple should know about property division in Ohio.

Dividing Marital Property in Ohio

What Is Marital Property?

Ohio law considers everything you acquired as a couple during your marriage to be marital property, regardless of who earned the money or made the purchase. This includes real estate, whether owned by one or both of you, savings, and retirement accounts, along with any investment income or appreciation of your assets. Anything purchased or acquired by either of you before the marriage, along with inheritances or gifts given to only one spouse, is generally considered separate from the marital estate and is exempt from distribution.

How Marital Property Is Divided in Ohio

Ohio divorce law follows the principle of equitable distribution, meaning that the marital estate should be divided fairly and equitably. In many cases, this means that each spouse receives half of the property, but the courts have broad discretion to decide what would be fair in each situation. When making these decisions, judges will weigh a variety of factors, including the duration of the marriage, each spouse’s economic prospects, and who will have primary custody of the children.

If you’re going through a divorce or dealing with any other family law issues, the Rutherford Law Office will provide detailed legal guidance you can count on and the individualized attention you need. With their in-depth background in divorce law and commitment to their clients, you can rely on them to achieve a fair and just outcome in even the most difficult situations. Visit their website for more on their divorce law experience and background, follow their Facebook for updates and news, or call (740) 775-7434 to schedule a consultation at their office in Chillicothe today.