Equitable distribution is the legal principle most states use to divide marital property in a divorce. In so-called equitable distribution or common law property states the court attempts to divide the spouses’ assets equitably (fairly) and may consider the value of a spouse’s separate property in making an unequal division of the spouses marital property.

In deciding what is an equitable distribution of the spouses’ property, the court may consider factors such as the relative education, employability, earning capacities, and separate property assets (acquired before marriage) of the spouses, and whether one spouse’s infidelity or abusive behavior, for example, was a greater factor in the breakup of the marriage.

In contrast, if the spouses live in a community property state the court generally begins with the presumption that the spouses’ marital or community property will be divided equally.

But in practice, the difference between the division of assets in community property states and in equitable distribution states is sometimes not as great as it may seem, as the court in a community property state may have the discretion to divide the spouses’ community property on a 60-40, 70-30, or other unequal basis—and to order one of the spouses to pay all or most of the community debts—based on factors such as the relative education, employability, earning capacities, and separate property assets (acquired before marriage) of the spouses, and whether one spouse’s infidelity or abusive behavior was a greater factor in the breakup of the marriage.

Community property states generally include Alaska, Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin.

Washington is a community property state, which means that in the event of a divorce, the court starts with the presumption that all marital or community property should be divided equally between the spouses. However, this does not mean that the division is always a strict 50-50 split. The court has the discretion to divide the property unequally if it finds that factors such as the relative education, employability, earning capacities, and separate property assets of the spouses warrant an unequal distribution. Additionally, the court may consider the conduct of the spouses, including infidelity or abusive behavior, when determining the division of property. Debts incurred during the marriage are also considered community property and may be divided between the spouses. It's important to note that while the starting point for division of assets in Washington is equal distribution, the outcome may be similar to that of equitable distribution states due to the court's ability to consider various factors and make an unequal division if deemed fair and just.