community property laws in divorce

Community property laws generally mean that assets and debts acquired during a marriage are considered equally owned by both spouses, regardless of who earned or incurred them. In a divorce, these assets are divided equally, typically 50/50, unless there's an agreement or court order specifying otherwise. This system aims to ensure fair distribution of the marital estate, recognizing both partners’ contributions during the marriage. Not all states follow community property laws, but in those that do, the principle emphasizes equal ownership and division upon divorce.