Colorado will not be a neighborhood property state. As a substitute, it follows the precept of equitable distribution. Which means in a divorce, marital property is split pretty and equitably, not essentially equally. For instance, if one partner considerably contributed to the marital property financially or as a homemaker, the courtroom could award them a higher share of the property. Separate property, resembling property acquired earlier than the wedding or via inheritance or present throughout the marriage, typically stays the property of the person.
The equitable distribution system goals for a simply and honest division of property, contemplating the distinctive circumstances of every marriage. Components thought-about by courts can embody the size of the wedding, every partner’s financial circumstances, contributions to the wedding (together with homemaking and childcare), and any dissipation of property. This differs considerably from neighborhood property states, the place all property acquired throughout the marriage are typically thought-about equally owned by each spouses no matter particular person contribution.