New Jersey is an Equitable Distribution State. This means that marital assets will be divided in a manner that is considered fair but not necessarily equal for the parties. Below we have developed an outline to give a general overview on Equitable Distribution in New Jersey.

Equitable Distribution in New Jersey an Outline Overview.

1. Subject to Equitable Distribution
   • Assets that  are Acquired During the Marriage
   • Assets acquired in contemplation of marriage
2. Immune by Statute
   • Premarital – except an increase in active assets value due to efforts of non-owner.
   • Inheritances
   • Gifts from third parties
   • Specific Assets: Subject to Equitable Distribution
     1. Pensions and other retirement accounts that were acquired during the marriage.
     2. Real Estate as per I(a), (b).
     3. Automobiles, jewelry, inter-spousal gifts, house contents
     4. Stocks, bonds, etc.
     5. Insurance annuities and cash surrender value of life insurance policy
     6. Business and partnership interests
     7. Personal injury awards (medical expenses and lost wages only)
     8. Debts, obligations, tax liabilities
3. Property not subject to Equitable Distribution 
   • Educational and professional degrees
   • Assets immune by statute
4. N.J.S.A. 2A:34-23.1: Determination of Equitable Distribution
   • Marriage length.
   • Age, the physical and emotional health of the parties.
   • Income or property brought to the marriage by each party.
   • Standard of living during the marriage.
   • Existence of written agreements made by the parties
   • Income and earning capacity of each party
   • The contribution by each party to the education, training or earning power of the other.
   • The contribution of each party to the acquisition, dissipation, preservation, depreciation or appreciation in the amount or value of the marital property
   • The contribution of the party as a homemaker.
   • Tax consequences of the proposed distribution to each party.
   • The present value of the property.
   • The need of a parent who has physical custody of a child to own or occupy the marital home.
   • The debts and liabilities of the parties.
   • The need for creation now, or in the future, of a trust fund to secure reasonably foreseeable medical or educational costs for a spouse or child.
   • Other factors which the court may deem relevant.

For more information about equitable distribution matters in New Jersey please contact our office at (201) 880-5563, for an in person or virtual appointment with one of our attorneys.