Property Division: Dividing Matrimonial Household Contents

It is frequently necessary to divide the contents of the Matrimonial Home.  You do not want to pay a divorce lawyer to argue over contents, the cost will likely exceed the amount at issue.

As a result, there are several methods one can use in amicably dividing the contents of the Matrimonial Home, namely as follows:

5 Simple Methods of Content Division During Divorce

1. Sell the contents

Sell all of the matrimonial household contents and divide the proceeds of sale;

2. Have a “shot gun clause”

whereby one person makes an offer to purchase all of the contents of the matrimonial home, but also must be willing to sell his/her interest in the contents to the other party on the same terms.

3. Don’t fight over the contents

It is sometimes not worth it.  Take your personal items and forget about the rest.  You can always buy a new couch.

4. Create two lists of  equal value

One party makes two lists of equal value listing all of the contents in the house.  The other party gets to pick one of the two lists.  It is a risk as to the list of items that you will end up with, but it is quick and easy.

5. Create one list of all the items

One party makes a list of all of the items in the house (group the smaller items together – ie. bathroom contents).   The parties then take turns picking from the list.

Stay Focused on What Matters Most

It is important to stay focused on the big issues (ie. child custody/ access, child/spousal support, and property division) and not get hung up on the small issues.    It does not make logical sense to fight over tools or books.  The cost does not justify the amount at issue.  Stay focused and objective and you will have a successful divorce.

At Fine & Associates, we have the best Toronto family law lawyers to help you through situations like these. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our family or divorce lawyers for a free, initial consultation.