Missouri follows the precept of equitable distribution. Which means that in a divorce, marital property is split pretty, not essentially equally. Marital property sometimes consists of belongings and money owed acquired through the marriage, whereas separate property typically refers to belongings owned earlier than the wedding, or obtained through the marriage as a present or inheritance. Figuring out what constitutes marital versus separate property could be complicated, typically requiring cautious consideration of the circumstances surrounding acquisition and any commingling of belongings.
The equitable distribution precept goals for a simply and truthful end result primarily based on the contributions of every partner to the wedding, each monetary and non-financial. Components thought-about may embrace the size of the wedding, every partner’s financial circumstances, and the contributions every made to the acquisition of marital property. Understanding this authorized framework is essential for people coming into or dissolving a wedding in Missouri, because it considerably impacts the division of belongings and money owed. Traditionally, many states operated below common-law property guidelines, which frequently favored males. The shift in direction of equitable distribution goals to supply a extra balanced and truthful strategy to property division upon divorce.
