What is the prime factor in determining the division of property acquired during marriage?

The division of property acquired during marriage is primarily influenced by the substantial sacrifices made by either spouse. This concept recognizes that the contributions of each spouse to the marriage extend beyond financial aspects; they include emotional support, caretaking, and other non-monetary contributions that are essential to the family unit. Courts often consider these sacrifices when determining how property should be divided, as they reflect the partnership and commitment involved in the marital relationship.

Substantial sacrifices can take many forms, such as one spouse foregoing career advancement to support the other's career or taking on additional household responsibilities to enable the other to pursue educational or employment opportunities. These factors acknowledge that the efforts of both spouses contribute to the overall success and stability of the family, just as financial contributions do.

Other considerations, such as the length of the marriage or the nature of the property, might play a role in property division but are often secondary to the personal sacrifices made. Though financial contributions are important, they do not tell the whole story of a marriage's dynamics or the partnership's essence, hence the significance of recognizing the sacrifices made by spouses.