Dividing Property

When people separate or divorce, decisions need to be made regarding how to divide “property”. The provinces and territories are responsible for laws that set out the rules for dividing property when couples divorce or separate. These laws vary across Canada.

The term "property" may include a variety of items, such as:

• your home
• furniture and other contents of your home
• other real estate
• pensions from employment
• Canada or Quebec Pension Plan credits
• RRSPs
• investments
• bank accounts
• cash
• pets

You may wish to seek legal advice to help ensure that you receive the share of the property you are entitled to according to the law. Information on property law is available from your provincial or territorial Minister of Justice or Attorney General.

In addition, family justice services such as mediation may be available in your province or territory to help you reach an agreement on how to divide your property.