Community Property
Discover how community property laws in 9 states affect asset ownership and estate planning. Learn which assets are shared and how to protect your inheritance.
How does community property affect what my spouse inherits when I die?
In community property states, your spouse already owns half of all assets acquired during marriage, so they automatically keep their half when you die. You can only distribute your half through your will or trust. However, assets you owned before marriage or received as gifts or inheritance remain your separate property and can be left to anyone. This differs from common law states where spouses don't automatically own half of marital assets.
