Community property generally is everything that spouses or domestic partners own together. It includes everything you bought or got while you were married or in a domestic partnership — including debt — that is not a gift or inheritance.

What is considered community property in California?

All property that a couple acquires during marriage is considered marital, or community property in California. A couple’s community property must be divided equally if there is no written agreement (such as a prenuptial agreement) requiring a particular division of property.

Is New York a community property state?

At The King Law Firm, our clients often asks us whether community state property laws will affect their divorce case. However, only nine states in the country abide by community property guidelines, and New York is not one of them.

Is California a community or marital property state?

Along with nine other states, California is a community property state. Spouses are entitled to one-half of the marital assets when they split up. It doesn’t matter which spouse contributed more during the marriage.

Can you get married in one state and move to another?

We didn’t have to do anything in FL. My understanding is that marriages are recognized between every state (so, if you get married in NY and then move to MN, your marriage is recognized without you having to do anything), but definitely call to double-check.

When did my family move to California from another country?

My family moved to California from another country in 1989 when we were granted permanent resident status. Early in 1993 my parents moved back to our former country to live and work, leaving me and my older brothers in California. My brothers and I are financially dependent on our parents.

How is property treated in a California divorce?

And, in a divorce or legal separation in California, it will be treated as community property. For example, if you and your spouse were living in New York during part of your marriage, and you were both working and bought a car there. Now, you are living in California and are filing to get divorced or legally separated.

What kind of property is considered community property in California?

In other words, if you or your spouse or partner were living outside of California during your marriage or partnership, and you had any earnings, bought any real estate, or acquired any other type of property that in California would be community property, that property is called quasi-community property.