- A Study on Wife's Contribution to Matrimonial Property -

재산형성에 대한 주부의 기여도에 관한 연구

The reformed family law was enforced from Jan.1,1991 and the claim to division of matrimonial property in case of divorce, a newly enacted right in the law, is expected to increase the economic position of married women. By this system, married woman can claim her share in the matrimonial property in case of divorce if she verifies her contribution to it. But actually, household work of housewives has not been evaluated properly as compared with their husbands' work in deciding of property division rate, because there is no economic base about the value of household work. So, this study verified wives' role of contribution to matrimonial property and compared their work hours with their husbands. As the result, following suggestions can be presented. 1. The contribution rates of husband and wife to the matrimonial property have to be acknowledged equally and, in case of employed wife, her rate has to be evaluated higher than her husband. 2. Because the property division is not a solatium but a transfer of wife's share, responsibility which marriage has dissolved should not be taken more to women than men. 3. Decision of division rate has to be made regardless the amount fo property unless there are special reasons. 4. The donation tax and inheritance tax should not be imposed on matrimonoal property which was returned to wife from her husband.