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.

In Massachusetts, the division of marital property in a divorce follows the principle of equitable distribution. This means that the court will divide the spouses' assets in a manner that is fair, but not necessarily equal. The court considers a variety of factors to determine what is equitable, including each spouse's education, employability, earning capacities, and separate property assets that were acquired before the marriage. Additionally, the court may take into account the conduct of the spouses, such as infidelity or abusive behavior, when deciding on the division of property. Unlike community property states, where there is a presumption of equal division of marital assets, Massachusetts does not start with this presumption. Instead, the court has broad discretion to determine what is fair based on the specific circumstances of each case. It's important to note that while Massachusetts is not a community property state, the factors considered by the court in both types of jurisdictions can lead to similar outcomes, with the court having the authority to make unequal distributions of property if deemed appropriate.