for example, a house and a cottage. A matrimonial home can be owned or rented.

If one spouse owns the matrimonial home on the date of marriage and on the date of separation, they do not include the home's value or any debts related to the home on the date of marriage. But they have to add the value of the matrimonial home less any debts on the date of separation.

This means that the home's total value is shared in the equalization payment, not just the change in its value during the marriage. This can have a big effect on the amount of the equalization payment.