Marital property refers to assets that were obtained during a marriage. In comparison, separate property is assets that an individual acquired before they entered into a marriage. This can also pertain to gifts received from a third party or an inheritance kept separate from the couple's shared funds. For example, if your Aunt left you an inheritance and you put those funds in a separate bank account while you were married, the court will likely grant you that money. Spouses may also choose to exclude specific property from marital property by signing a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement.