When couples get married, they usually pool their resources together and start accumulating property. In Texas, all property acquired during the marriage is considered community property, which means that it is owned equally by both spouses. However, some property may be classified as separate property, which is owned by only one spouse. The issue of commingling separate and community property can be complex, and it is important to understand the rules surrounding this issue in Texas.
What is Separate Property?
According to Texas Family Code § 3.001, separate property is property that is owned by a spouse before marriage or that is acquired during the marriage by gift, devise, or descent. In other words, if a spouse owned property before getting married or receives property as a gift or inheritance during the marriage, that property is considered separate property.
What is Community Property?
Community property is all property that is not separate property. This includes property acquired during the marriage by either spouse. Under Texas law, community property is owned equally by both spouses, regardless of who acquired the property.
What is Commingling of Separate and Community Property? Commingling of separate and community property occurs when separate property and community property are mixed together, and it becomes difficult or impossible to distinguish which property is separate and which is community. This can happen in many different ways, such as using community funds to improve separate property or depositing separate funds into a joint bank account.
How Does Commingling Affect Property Division in Divorce?
When it comes to property division in divorce, Texas follows the community property system. This means that all community property is subject to division between the spouses, regardless of who acquired it. Separate property, on the other hand, is not subject to division in a divorce. However, when separate and community property are commingled, the situation becomes more complicated. If the commingled property cannot be separated back into its separate and community components, it will be presumed to be community property. This means that the entire property will be subject to division in a divorce.
How Can You Avoid Commingling Separate and Community Property?
To avoid commingling separate and community property, it is important to keep accurate records of all property acquired during the marriage. This includes keeping separate property separate and not mixing it with community property. If separate property is improved using community funds, it is important to keep records of the amount of community funds used and the value of the separate property before and after the improvements.
Conclusion
Commingling separate and community property can be a complex issue, especially when it comes to property division in divorce. It is important to understand the rules surrounding separate and community property in Texas and to keep accurate records to avoid commingling. If you are facing a divorce and have questions about property division, it is important to consult with an experienced family law attorney who can guide you through the process.
Contact The Blacknall Firm
If you are facing a family law issue and need representation for a final trial or any other legal matter, contact the Blacknall Firm today. Our team of experienced family law attorneys is dedicated to helping our clients achieve the best possible outcome in their cases. Let us put our skills and knowledge to work for you.
