California Community Property Law

California Community Property Law generally considers assets and debts acquired during a marriage as jointly owned, regardless of whose name is on the title. This means that both spouses have equal ownership and rights to the property, including income, savings, and real estate, accumulated during the marriage. Upon divorce or legal separation, community property is typically divided equally. However, assets owned before marriage or received as gifts or inheritances may be considered separate property, unless they are commingled. The law aims to ensure fair treatment of both spouses' contributions, whether financial or non-financial, during the marriage.