How To Divide The Assets

Moving in with a partner is a big step in any relationship. Not only do you learn how to coexist in the same space, but you learn to share and pool resources.

Unfortunately, things don't always go according to plan and after some time under the same roof people realize that they live better apart. There's no prenuptial agreement equivalent for dating, so the merging of possessions can get complicated when it's time to separate.

Monetary value on items is obviously going to be your primary concern, and whatever you paid for in full should be yours to keep. However, being open to negotiate on items that you shared or mutually invested in will be helpful too.

The most important thing to remember is to be practical. Nothing you do or say will make the move-out situation easier emotionally, but there are definitely ways to approach it respectfully and with the kind of maturity that will allow the both of you to move on in peace.

Here are some tips to remember for how to divide the assets:

Separate "mine" vs "ours"
Compile respective lists of what you brought into the relationship individually and then match them up - to first compare notes, then to both sift through the relationship debris and double check. If luck and common sens are on your side for this split, the lists should be markedly similar. When you check in and out of a hotel, you leave with what you brought - and sometimes a few complementary extras. That's how the break up process should work as well. 

Be fair
Make yourself available for a little leniency and compromise where necessary. If you're the one moving into a bigger place and leaving your partner with an empty house, you might consider letting him have a few household items that you can spare to part with. Or suggest a trade off for the things you may have become attached to but aren't yours. 

Be civil 
Maybe you didn't end on the greatest terms but focus on what's important in the moment. This does not include making a dramatic statement by flinging his dirty laundry over the balcony. Come together with rational mindsets and put any conflicts on the back burner.      

Let it go
If you really can't seem to divide everything fairly, remember that the items are only material. Collect all of the things causing contention, and sell them off together - splitting the profits between the two of you!

 Image from MorgueFile

Courtney Gilmour
		About the author:
		Courtney is a published writer, stand-up comic, and shameless Internet enthusiast. She holds a double bachelors degree in English Literature and Communication Media Studies, specializing in semiotic theory, however she doesn't get Shakespeare and has never won a game of Scrabble. Currently she lives in Toronto and works as a writer for WOMAN.CA.
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