Which of the following is NOT considered separate property?

In the context of New York family law, separate property refers to assets that are owned individually by one spouse and are not subject to division during a divorce. Typically, separate property includes items acquired before the marriage, property received as a gift solely to one spouse, and inheritances.

The correct answer indicates that property purchased during the marriage is not considered separate property. This is because, in New York, property acquired during the marriage is generally considered marital property unless it can be proven to be otherwise. Marital property is subject to equitable distribution in the event of a divorce.

In contrast, inherited property and gifts to one spouse remain separate property, and settlement payments for claims accrued before marriage are also classified as such. Understanding the distinction between marital and separate property is crucial for determining how assets will be divided upon divorce. Thus, the inclusion of property purchased during the marriage in the classification of marital rather than separate property aligns with New York's legal principles regarding asset division.