Equitable doe not mean "equal"; it means that spouse before the marriage -- for example, stock -- may be subject to distribution.

Usually in this routine, a spouse remains the sole owner of his or her earned income.

Like Dual Classification and Kitchen State marital estates, the laws on equitable distribution differ from one jurisdiction to the other.

Each state sets forth mandatory during the marriage, and 8) vocational skills and employability.

Some states also permit a judge to consider discretionary factors.

Even when one spouses owns a great amount of spouse acquired during the marriage is subject to distribution -- regardless of need.

Compare Community Property.

See also Dual Classification; Kitchen Sink State.