Missouri follows the precept of equitable distribution. Because of this in a divorce, marital property is split pretty, not essentially equally. Marital property usually contains belongings and money owed acquired through the marriage, whereas separate property typically refers to belongings owned earlier than the wedding, or acquired through the marriage as a present or inheritance. Figuring out what constitutes marital versus separate property could be complicated, usually requiring cautious consideration of the circumstances surrounding acquisition and any commingling of belongings.
The equitable distribution precept goals for a simply and honest end result based mostly on the contributions of every partner to the wedding, each monetary and non-financial. Components thought of 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 beneath common-law property guidelines, which regularly favored males. The shift in direction of equitable distribution goals to offer a extra balanced and honest strategy to property division upon divorce.