Legal Question in Family Law in Pennsylvania

Generally, until the parties have divided their assets through the process known as equitable distribution, whether by agreement or litigation, the only requirement is that neither party dissipate an asset. So, as most property is often marital subject to equitable distribution, you can take it, but may have to account for it as part of the assets you received.

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Anything that was purchased during the marriage is considered "marital property", regardless of which spouse paid for the item, and it will be subject to equitable distribution between the parties. Therefore, if you take an item that was purchased during the marriage, its value will be deducted from your side of the "balance sheet". This is often difficult for spouses to accept because they feel that since they "paid for the item" they are entitled to take it. However, different rules apply when the parties are in the throes of divorce.

ANDREA G. TILLIS