Author: Stacey Staios - Associate Lawyer
Edited By: Ryan Carson

If a married couple decides to separate or divorce, both parties are entitled to what is called the equalization of net family property. This means that each spouse is automatically entitled to an equal share of the profits of that marriage. Barring a domestic contract between the spouses, either spouse can apply for equalization of family property under the Ontario Family Law Act (FLA).

Upon the breakdown of the marriage, in order to compensate the spouses fairly for the equal contribution during the marriage, the FLA states that the value of all assets acquired during the marriage will be divided equally. This will require one of the spouses to make an equalization payment to the other, in order to equalize the value of each spouse’s net family property. The purpose of equalization is to recognize that child care, household management and financial input are the joint responsibilities of the spouses and inherent in the marital relationship there is equal contribution.¹

The first step in calculating equalization is to determine the valuation date. This date is typically the date of separation and is a fixed date, meaning there is very little discretion for the court to adjust the date. According to section 4(1) of the FLA, the valuation date is the earliest of; date of separation with no prospect of reconciliation, date of divorce granted, date of nullity, date of application for equalization due to improvidence, or day before death. In most cases, the valuation date is the date of separation.

The second step is to determine the net worth at valuation date. Once the valuation date is established, the parties must list all assets they have that would be considered property for purposes of the FLA, including any debts each party has. Some examples that would be considered property include but are not limited to life insurance, severance pay entitlements, partnership interests, future income from a trust and leasehold interests. It is important to note that professional degrees, licenses, and expectation of inheritance are not considered property for the purpose of equalization.

The third step is to determine the net worth at the date of marriage. Any assets owned before marriage are considered a deduction when calculating equalization, excluding the matrimonial home. A rule of thumb suggests that the more money you have coming into the marriage, the higher deductions you will have. The current value of the assets is irrelevant, as deductions are calculated in ‘date of marriage’ dollars.

The forth step is to calculate any exclusions in determining equalization. Any assets acquired during the marriage would be considered an exclusion. This may include property, other than a matrimonial home, that was acquired by gift or inheritance from a third party after the date of marriage. It is important for the spouse to keep their inheritance separate and have the testator (individual leaving the inheritance) specify that any income generated from the inheritance is to be excluded in such circumstances. In addition, a marriage contract entered into by the parties can state that property may be excluded, along with rights to proceeds from life insurance.

The fifth step is to determine the difference between assets on the valuation date and assets on the date of marriage for each party, then divide that number by two. This calculation gives you the net family property, and requires the party with the higher number to pay 50% of the difference to the party with the lower net family property number. The presumption at the end of the calculation is that there will be an equal division of value. However, there are cases where an unequal division of net family property will occur, meaning that there will be a variation from the 50/50 split. For example, if spouse A has calculated a net family property of $100,000, and spouse B has a net family property of $300,000, spouse B will pay $100,000 to spouse A, being 300k-100k=200k/2=100k. The court will only award an unequal payment under section 5(6) of the Family Law Act where the court is of the opinion that an equal split would be unconscionable, having regard to different factors.² For example, if one spouse was found to be to be recklessly depleting their net family property, the court would intervene and may order an unequal payment in favour of the innocent spouse.

When calculating equalization for the purpose of net family property, it is important to pay attention to specific dates, including the valuation date, the date of marriage, and when items were received, inherited or purchased. It is also important to note section 7(3) of the FLA which sets out limitation periods for when an application can be brought forth by a spouse.³

Articles written by Stacey Staios:

Testamentary Capacity Aggravated and Punitive Damages Leaves of Absence in Ontario Co-Parenting In The Age of a Pandemic Corollary Relief Disability Accommodation in the Workplace
Estate Planning: A How To Guide Should You Consider A Cohabitation Agreement? What Is Wrongful Dismissal?

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References

¹ Family Law Act, s.5(7)
² Family Law Act, s.5(6)
³ Family Law Act, s.7(3)