Is the matrimonial home treated differently in the equalization process?

Yes — the matrimonial home has special status under Ontario's Family Law Act. When you calculate your net family property, you normally subtract the value of assets you brought into the marriage. The matrimonial home is an exception: its full value on the valuation date is included in your net family property even if you owned it before the marriage, unless a valid marriage contract says otherwise.

This can significantly increase the net family property of the spouse who owned the home before marrying. The result is that more value gets equalized, which can feel unfair to the owning spouse, but the law deliberately protects both spouses' stake in the family home.

In addition to equalization, each spouse has an equal right to possess the matrimonial home during and immediately after separation, regardless of who is on title. A court can order one spouse to vacate or grant exclusive possession — these are separate proceedings from equalization.