Community Property Laws

A series of laws that obligtate any property bought or money earned by either spouse in a marriage is equally owned by both partners.

Similarly, debt incurred by either partner is equally owed by the couple.

In the event of a death, the deceased partner's share goes to the surviving partner, unless a Will obligates otherwise.

States that employ this law include:

• Arizona
• California
• Idaho
• Louisiana
• Nevada
• New Mexico
• Texas
• Washington
• Wisconsin

Note: Alaska, South Dakota, and Tennessee are "opt in" states, meaning it gives partners the choice to be governed by the "community property" system.