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Term Definition Kitchen Sink States - jurisdictions that include separate property in the marital estate and treat such property as eligible for distribution in a divorce.
Application in Divorce The Kitchen Sink States are Connecticut, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, North and South Dakota, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, and Wyoming. Eight other states include separate property when the court finds a need. These are Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Hawaii, Iowa, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin.

In these jurisdictions, gifts between spouses and inheritances can become very much of an issue.

See also All-Property States.