Divorce

4. Division of property

The process of dividing up the items you and your spouse own together is called division of property. This includes your house, car, savings, bank accounts, pensions, and other valuable posessions. Usually all the property you and your spouse got during the relationship is divided equally, but some things can't be divided - like a car or house. Instead, the total value of the property is added up and divided in half. If one of you wants to keep more than half of the property, he or she may have to pay money to the other spouse.

Sometimes one spouse will have to pay spousal support to the other. This amount is separate from child support and money exchanged during division of property; and reflects how you supported each other during the relationship, how long you were together, and whether or not you are each capable of supporting yourselves after the relationship ends. You can agree on the amount of support due during separation, or let a judge decide.

The Department of Justice publishes an in-depth guide to family law in the Northwest Territories. This guide is an excellent source of information, and can provide you with more detailed information on marriage, the divorce process and other related legal considerations.