Separate property trace calculator
Trace pre-marital and post-separation interests in a defined contribution account across as many statement periods as you need — then download your results as an Excel file.
Please read before using: Use of this calculator does not create an attorney-client relationship, nor does it constitute legal advice. Separate property tracing is not applicable in all cases, and you should seek legal advice before relying solely on this tool.
Do not use this calculator for complex traces — accounts with merged accounts, rollovers from other accounts, or large loans/withdrawals (especially those that produce negative results below) should be completed by a professional CPA. Attorney Ruegg can give you a recommendation if you have a complex trace.
No warranties or guarantees are provided related to use of this free calculator. Incorrect use will produce incorrect results.
1 · Set up your trace
Enter your key dates and starting balances. If you are continuing from an earlier trace, enter the separate and community balances you already calculated — no need to tie spreadsheets together.
2 · Enter your periods
Add as many periods as you need — days, months, years, or multiple years. The shorter the periods, the more accurate the allocation of gains and losses will be. Contributions made during marriage are community; contributions after separation are separate (the calculator suggests this automatically from your date of separation, and you can override it). Enter withdrawals as negative contributions with caution — large withdrawals or loans call for a professional trace.
| # | Period end date | Contributions in period ($) | Contribution character | Ending balance ($) |
|---|
3 · Results
Methodology (matches our master trace template): gains and losses for each period are allocated according to each side's percentage ownership at the beginning of that period — contributions made during a period are added to their character at the end of the period and do not share in that period's gains or losses. In estimate mode (no statements), balances accumulate contributions period by period, and total appreciation (final balance minus starting balances minus total contributions) is allocated by the ownership percentages as of the start of the final period. Shorter periods produce more accurate allocations. Verify important results with a professional.
Complex trace? Let us handle it.
Rollovers, merged accounts, plan loans, or missing records — these call for professional tracing. That's what we do.