This paper provides an introduction to property considerations in matrimonial matters for lawyers new to family law or their legal support staff. It reviews common types of property, including real property, vehicles, bank accounts and investment accounts, business assets, pensions, personal possessions, and debts. It also reviews some more unusual forms of property that may be encountered in matrimonial proceedings, and discusses exempted property. Tips for eliciting property-related information from clients are integrated throughout.

This paper is part of a collection presented at LESA’s Effective Legal Support: Matrimonial Property program in Edmonton on March 5, 2019 and in Calgary on March 12, 2019.