http://www.ontariodivorces.com/division-of-property.htmlYou can see from the above lists that the “matrimonial home” is treated differently from the rest of the property brought into or acquired during the marriage. First, let us define the matrimonial home. This is a special legal term, meaning the home that the spouses lived in at the time they separated. Of course, if the home the spouses lived in at separation was rented or leased, then this property is not divided. Since no-one owns the property, there is nothing to divide.The matrimonial home is treated differently from other property in that it does not matter if one spouse is not on title, or if one spouse brought the home into the marriage with them. No matter what, each spouse has an equal right to possession of the matrimonial home. If only one spouse is on title to the house, then that person is entitled to keep the house (because it’s in their name), but they must pay the other party 50% of the value of that house on date of separation. ...This claim on the matrimonial home does not require that the person be on title, that they have contributed money toward the house, or even that they work at all. This claim is rooted in the court’s viewpoint that the marriage is a partnership, and that both parties contribute to the best of their ability. Work outside the home, or for pay, is not considered to be more valuable than taking care of the home and the children. If one person stays home and takes care of the home or children, this takes the responsibility for these tasks off the person working outside of the home. He or she can therefore focus on work and earn more than they could if they had to take the time to pick kids up from school, do grocery shopping and other such tasks.