Inheritance is typically protected from division during divorce in Ontario if kept separate from marital assets

Under Ontario’s Family Law Act, inheritance received during marriage is considered “excluded property” and can remain solely yours after divorce. However, maintaining this protection requires careful management of inherited assets.

To protect your inheritance, you should:

  • Keep inherited funds in a separate bank account under your name only
  • Maintain clear documentation of the inheritance source and date received
  • Avoid mixing inherited money with joint marital funds or assets
  • Use caution when using inheritance for shared family purchases or investments

Be aware that any income or appreciation generated from inherited assets may be subject to division if not properly segregated. For complex inheritance situations, consulting a family law professional is strongly recommended to ensure proper protection of your inherited assets.