What is considered nonmarital property?

Nonmarital property refers to assets that are not subject to division between spouses in the event of a divorce. This typically includes properties owned by one spouse prior to the marriage. Such assets are considered separate because they were acquired independently, and ownership remains with that individual regardless of marital status.

In the context of the other choices, properties acquired during marriage generally fall into the category of marital property, which can be divided upon divorce. Properties passed down from family are usually treated as nonmarital property as long as they remain distinct and are not commingled with marital assets. Gifts received after marriage can also be classified as nonmarital property if it is clearly designated to one spouse. However, the primary defining characteristic of nonmarital property is ownership prior to the marriage, making that the correct choice.