First, on the narrow topic on how to preserve money 'gifts' - the easiest way is for the parent to have a simple promissory note signed by their child acknowledging a loan to be repaid on demand...Second, on the more difficult topics raised by some posters about current Family Law - there are ways to transition out of marriage that are much less adversarial than court-sponsored process.  Search "Collaborative Law" for your area - Toronto, Durham, York & Peel all have Collaborative Family Law Practice Groups.  You and your partner can choose a better way.