Property Division in Manitoba

Family assets include property acquired during the marriage: the family home, vehicles, savings, investments, pensions, and business interests. These are generally divided equally regardless of whose name is on the title.

Some assets are exempt: gifts and inheritances from third parties, property owned before marriage, and certain damage awards. Growth in value of exempt property during marriage may be shareable.

The family home receives special treatment in Manitoba. Both spouses have equal rights to possession, and it's typically divided equally regardless of who owned it before marriage.

Courts can order unequal division if equal sharing would be 'grossly unfair or unconscionable' - a high threshold that requires significant factors.