No one wants to think about losing a loved one but when it happens, sometimes it can also bring surviving family members a bit of financial security in the event that they receive an inheritance. During a divorce, people often fear losing that financial security because they believe their inheritance will be divided as part of divorce proceedings. So, what will happen to your inheritance during a divorce?
Property Division During Divorce
Illinois is an equitable distribution state when it comes to divorce. This means that in the event that the couple cannot come to a fair and mutual agreement on their own, a judge will divide the marital property fairly, although not necessarily 50/50. Marital property includes assets that were acquired during the marriage, while separate property includes any assets that one spouse acquired before the wedding and brought into the marriage with them.
Under Illinois law, inheritances are not considered marital property. This holds true even if the inheritance was accepted after the two spouses were already married. However, there are times when inheritances are considered marital property and so, it is important that all individuals know how to protect theirs.
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