What types of property are included in net family property in Ontario?
Net family property includes virtually every type of asset a spouse owns at the valuation date: real estate (including the matrimonial home and investment properties), bank and investment accounts, RRSPs, TFSAs, pension entitlements, business interests, vehicles, valuable personal property, and any money owed to you. Digital assets, cryptocurrency, and stock options that have vested are also included.
The test is ownership at the valuation date. Property you gave away or sold before the valuation date is not included, though courts will scrutinize suspicious disposals made to reduce net family property.
Property acquired after the valuation date is generally not included — the equalization snapshot is taken at separation. However, income or growth from assets can sometimes affect support calculations even if it doesn't change the equalization number. Understanding exactly what you own and what it was worth at separation is the foundation of any equalization claim.
Key takeaways
- All assets owned at the valuation date are included regardless of asset type
- Real estate, savings, pensions, businesses, and vehicles all count
- Assets disposed of before the valuation date may be scrutinized if the timing looks suspicious
- Cryptocurrency and vested stock options are also included