Rhode Island follows an equitable distribution model for marital property in divorce proceedings. This means that assets and debts acquired during the marriage are subject to fair division, not necessarily a 50/50 split. The court considers various factors, such as the length of the marriage, each spouse’s contributions, and their respective economic circumstances, to determine what constitutes an equitable outcome.
The system employed in Rhode Island provides flexibility and aims for a just resolution tailored to each couple’s unique situation. It allows for consideration of non-financial contributions, such as homemaking and childcare, which may not be readily quantifiable but significantly impact the marital estate. This approach differs significantly from community property states where most assets acquired during marriage are automatically considered jointly owned, regardless of individual contributions.
