Tips on Dividing Sentimental Assets in Divorce

Splitting things up during a divorce is never easy, and some belongings are harder to divide than others. While bank accounts and real estate can often be divided fairly cleanly, sentimental items come with emotional attachments that make things more complicated.

In this post, we’ll go over 5 of the most sentimental assets that can be tricky to split in a divorce—plus some tips on how to handle them.

1. Pets

For many couples, pets are family members, not just property. However, in most states, pets are legally considered assets, similar to furniture or vehicles. This means courts typically assign ownership rather than creating a shared custody arrangement. Factors such as who primarily cared for the pet, who paid for veterinary bills, and the pet’s best interest may be considered when determining ownership.

If both spouses want the pet, mediation or a private agreement can help establish shared pet custody or pet visitation rights.

2. Artwork and Collectibles

High-value artwork, antiques, and collectibles can be difficult to divide, especially if they have appreciated significantly in value since their purchase. These assets often require professional appraisals to determine their worth. Unlike financial assets, splitting artwork physically isn’t an option, and selling a piece may not be desirable if one spouse has an emotional connection to it.

Couples can negotiate a trade—one spouse keeps the artwork while the other receives an asset of equal value—or they can agree to sell the piece and split the proceeds.

3. Furniture and Home Décor

While furniture may not always have high monetary value, it often holds sentimental significance and practical importance. Deciding who gets the living room set or the dining table can lead to disputes, especially if the items were chosen together or hold personal meaning.

A common solution is to list all household items and assign a value to each, allowing each spouse to take turns choosing pieces until both feel they have received a fair share.

If an agreement cannot be reached, selling the furniture and splitting the proceeds is another option.

4. Family Heirlooms

Items passed down through generations, such as jewelry, antiques, or keepsakes, can be particularly difficult to divide. While these pieces may not always hold significant financial value, their emotional worth can be immeasurable. Courts may consider whether the heirloom originally belonged to one spouse’s family and whether it was explicitly given as a shared marital asset.

A possible solution is to negotiate a fair trade with other assets or arrange for the heirloom to be passed down to children, preserving its sentimental value.

5. Photo Albums and Digital Memories

Family photos, home videos, and digital memories are irreplaceable and often hold deep sentimental significance. While it is possible to make copies of digital files, physical photo albums or framed pictures can be harder to divide.

A practical solution is to create digital backups of shared memories, allowing both spouses to keep access to them

If there are disputes over specific photos or albums, mediation may help find a fair way to distribute them.

Get Expert Legal Help Dividing Marital Property

Dividing sentimental assets during a divorce can be an emotional and challenging process.

Whether it’s a beloved pet, family heirloom, or a collection of shared memories, these items hold deep personal value that can’t always be measured in dollars.

If you’re considering divorce in Clark County, NV, and need help securing ownership of sentimental property acquired during your marriage—such as pets, artwork, furniture, heirlooms, or photo albums—Smith Legal Group is here to support you.

Contact us today at 702-410-5001 to request a free consultation at our Henderson, NV office. Our legal guidance can help ensure a fair and thoughtful division that respects both parties’ connections to these cherished belongings.