If a spouse inherits real property (real estate) or personal property (money, stocks, bonds, art, jewelry, antiques, etc.) before or during marriage, it is generally separate property (not marital property) and is not subject to division upon divorce in equitable distribution/common law property states or in community property states. But any appreciation or increase in the value of such separate property (e.g., real estate, stocks) and any income from such separate property (rental payments, stock dividends) may be marital or community property—unless the parties agree otherwise in a written prenuptial or postnuptial agreement.

An important exception to this general rule is the situation in which separate property from an inheritance is commingled with marital or community property—by placing funds from both sources in the same bank account, for example, or holding (titling) real estate from both sources in the same entity (limited liability company, family limited partnership, etc.).

In Virginia, which follows equitable distribution laws, if a spouse inherits real property or personal property either before or during the marriage, it is typically considered separate property and not subject to division upon divorce. However, any increase in value of the separate property, such as appreciation of real estate or stock, and any income derived from it, like rental payments or dividends, may be considered marital property. This can be altered by a written prenuptial or postnuptial agreement that specifies otherwise. A key exception to this rule is when separate property is commingled with marital property, such as mixing inherited funds with marital funds in a joint bank account or holding real estate in a shared entity. When commingling occurs, the inherited property may lose its separate status and become subject to division upon divorce.