community property

American  

noun

U.S. Law.

1. (in some states) property acquired by either spouse, or both together, that is considered by law to be jointly owned and equally shared.

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Etymology

Origin of community property

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

“However, community property can be changed to a tenancy in common via divorce proceedings to allow each co-owner the ability to transfer their shares to heirs.”

From MarketWatch • Dec. 6, 2025

Not all real estate purchased during marriage qualifies unambiguously as community property.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 6, 2025

For couples without prenups and divorcing in one of the nine community property states, assets accrued during the marriage may be split 50/50.

From Salon • Dec. 29, 2024

Her petition said they are still ascertaining the assets to be identified as separate and community property.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 27, 2024

“She’ll claim it’s community property, divvy it out to her minions, and there goes our emergency supply.”

From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman