Ontario Property Division Calculator
Estimate how property might be divided (equalization) in Ontario.
Based on the Net Family Property calculation.
Net Family Property Calculator
Calculate your equalization payment based on Ontario's Family Law Act
Understanding Property Division in Ontario
How does equalization work?
In Ontario, married spouses don't automatically split assets 50/50. Instead, they calculate the growth in each person's wealth during the marriage and equalize that growth.
The formula:
- Calculate each person's Net Family Property (NFP) = Assets at separation - Debts - Deductions
- The person with the higher NFP pays the other person half the difference
Inheritances - The "Kept Separate" Rule:
Inheritances can be excluded from your NFP, but only if you kept the money separate. Here's how it works:
- Kept separate = excluded: If you inherited $50,000 and kept it in a separate account in your name only, it can be deducted from your NFP. Keep in mind that if just a few dollars of this amount is used in your marriage, it will be included as assets to be divided.
- Mixed in = included: If you deposited that inheritance into a joint account, used it for household expenses, or put it toward the family home, it becomes part of the marriage and cannot be excluded
- You need to trace it: You must be able to show where the inheritance went. If you can't prove it stayed separate, courts will likely include it
Gifts - Similar Rules Apply:
Gifts from third parties (like your parents) can also be excluded, but the same "kept separate" rules apply:
- Gifts from family or friends: Money or property given to you (not both of you) by someone other than your spouse can be excluded if kept separate
- Gifts between spouses don't count: Anything your spouse gave you during the marriage is not excludable
- Wedding gifts: Generally considered gifts to both of you, so they're included in NFP
Other Important Notes:
- The family home is special - Even if one spouse owned it before marriage, its full value at separation is usually included. Inheritances or gifts used for the home lose their exclusion.
- Pensions require professional valuation - This calculator doesn't include pensions, which can be complex to value
- Common-law couples - Different rules apply; equalization under the Family Law Act only applies to married couples
- NFP can't be negative - If someone has more debts than assets, their NFP is treated as zero
