What is considered family patrimony in Quebec?

In Québec, family patrimony was introduced by the Act to promote economic equality between spouses (L.Q. 1989, c. 55) and is governed by articles 414–426 of the Civil Code of Québec. It automatically applies to all married or civil union spouses, regardless of their matrimonial regime. The patrimony includes: the family residence, household furniture, family vehicles, and pension or retirement plans accumulated during the marriage. These assets’ net value—after deducting related debts—is divided equally when the marriage or civil union ends through divorce, separation, or death. Property received by gift or inheritance and certain retirement rights payable to a surviving spouse are excluded from the patrimony.