{"id":376026,"date":"2016-03-31T21:36:30","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:36:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/pennsylvania-law\/pennsylvania-marital-property-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-06-28T16:39:53","modified_gmt":"2024-06-28T21:39:53","slug":"pennsylvania-marital-property-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/pennsylvania-law\/pennsylvania-marital-property-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Pennsylvania Marital Property Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Pennsylvania Marital Property Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

All property acquired during a marriage becomes marital property. In Pennsylvania, marital property belongs to both spouses. Pennsylvania, like most states, is an equitable distribution state<\/a>. During a divorce or legal separation, courts divide marital property fairly between spouses, but not always equally.<\/p>\r\n

A few states, such as California and Louisiana, are community property states<\/a>. In these states, courts divide marital property 50\/50 during a divorce. States have their own rules about property division during divorce. Spouses should consult a family law attorney during a divorce or separation.<\/p>\r\n

If a couple has a prenuptial agreement or other settlement agreement, the court will include that in the divorce decree. Otherwise, the court will divide the marital assets and debts according to Pennsylvania law.<\/p>\r\n

See FindLaw’s Divorce and Property<\/a> section for more information.<\/p>\r\n

Note:<\/b><\/i> State laws are subject to change through the passage of new legislation, court rulings (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. FindLaw strives to provide the most current information available. You should consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) before making any legal decisions.<\/i><\/p>\r\n

Marital Property vs. Separate Property<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

In Pennsylvania, marital property<\/b> includes everything either spouse acquires during marriage. It also includes anything purchased with marital funds and appreciation of nonmarital property.<\/p>\r\n

Marital property can include:<\/p>\r\n