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

Washington state does not provide an elective share for the surviving spouse, so married couples automatically retain their half of the community property.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 12, 2026

In Washington state, community property with right of survivorship avoids probate and has a step-up in basis.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 12, 2026

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