Separate Property vs. Community Property

The Texas Family Code defines separate property as:

- property owned or claimed by the spouse before marriage;

- property acquired by the spouse during marriage by gift, devise, or descent; and

- the recovery for personal injuries sustained by the spouse during marriage, except any recovery for loss of earning capacity during marriage.

In essence, all other property acquired by one or both spouses during marriage is considered community property. This includes income earned on separate property during the marriage. The Texas Family Code states that “property possessed by either spouse during or on dissolution of marriage is presumed to be community property.” In a divorce, clear and convincing evidence as to why property should be considered separate is required to establish separate property designations.

If you need a Texas Family Lawyer, contact Peterson Law Group.