Legal Question in Family Law in New York

How much does the actual amount of money contributed by the parties towards the purchase of an asset affect equitable distribution? For instance, in my divorce I contributed 99% of the money (from my separate money) towards the purchase of the marital residence with my spouse, while my spouse obviously only contributed 1%. However, I look through the thirteen factors that go into determining equitable distribution and I do not see any factor that discusses the actual amount of money contributed by each party towards a particular asset.

Thus my question is: which factor DOES take into account the actual amount contributed, or is this NOT a factor at all in the court's decision?


Asked on 5/27/11, 12:35 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Kristen Browde Browde Law, P.C.

It may alter what is actually equitable in the "equitable" distribution. But, depending upon the facts and circumstances of your particular case it may be that the "contribution" - your word - amounted to a marital gift to your spouse.

You should discuss the matter in detail with an experienced divorce attorney - trying to do this on your own can lead to mistakes which cost far more than any consultation.

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Answered on 5/27/11, 12:38 pm


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