Family law
Equitable distribution
The way many states divide marital assets and debts in a divorce: fairly, which isn't always equally. Florida courts start from an equal split unless relevant factors justify an unequal one.[1]
In more detail
Florida's factors include each spouse's contributions to the marriage, including caring for children and keeping the home.[1] Community property states use a different system for property acquired during marriage.[2]
Varies by state
Property division systems, factors and starting points differ by state. Find your state’s rules.
Related terms
- Marital propertyThe assets and debts a court treats as belonging to the marriage and divides in a divorce.
- Community propertyA system in which most property either spouse acquires during the marriage belongs to both.
- AlimonyMoney a court may order one spouse to pay the other during or after a divorce.
- Marital settlement agreementA written agreement in which divorcing spouses record how they've settled issues such as property, debts, support and, often, parenting.
- Financial disclosureThe required exchange of information about what each spouse owns, owes, earns and spends in a divorce or legal separation.
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Sources
The official documents this definition is based on, with the date we last read each one. Definitions are in our own words.
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MediationList. (2026, October 28). Equitable distribution: Definition. https://mediationlist.com/glossary/equitable-distribution/
APA 7th ed. A retrieval date is included only for pages whose content changes, such as maps, data and tools.