community property: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Legal / Technical / Formal
Quick answer
What does “community property” mean?
A legal concept in which all assets acquired during a marriage by either spouse are jointly and equally owned.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A legal concept in which all assets acquired during a marriage by either spouse are jointly and equally owned.
The legal doctrine governing property division upon divorce or death of a spouse. In some jurisdictions, it can extend to registered domestic partnerships.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, the concept is not a nationwide principle; 'community property' is a specific, non-applicable foreign term. The UK uses the concept of 'matrimonial property' subject to the courts' discretionary distribution. In the US, it is a foundational principle of property law in nine states (like California and Texas).
Connotations
In the US: A neutral legal term with precise, high-stakes implications. In the UK: Recognized only as a term describing foreign (especially US) legal systems, with no direct application to domestic law.
Frequency
Very high in US legal contexts and in states with community property laws; very low to non-existent in UK general discourse, appearing only in comparative law.
Grammar
How to Use “community property” in a Sentence
[State] is a community property state.The [assets] are considered community property.[Divide/Distribute] the community property.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “community property” in a Sentence
verb
American English
- The court will community-property the estate upon dissolution.
- They agreed to community-property their business interests.
adjective
British English
- The community-property principle does not apply in English law.
- They sought advice on community-property implications.
American English
- They live in a community-property state.
- The community-property assets must be disclosed.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Relevant in mergers & acquisitions or financial planning involving individuals from community property states.
Academic
Used in law, sociology, and economics papers discussing comparative family law or wealth distribution.
Everyday
Very rare in casual conversation unless discussing a divorce or move to/from a relevant US state.
Technical
Core term in family law, estate planning, and taxation within applicable jurisdictions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “community property”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “community property”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “community property”
- Using it to describe any shared possession (e.g., a flat shared with friends).
- Assuming it applies in all US states or in the UK.
- Confusing it with 'common property' (like a public park).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, only nine states are community property states (e.g., California, Texas). Most states are 'common law' or 'equitable distribution' states.
Yes, in community property states, debts incurred during the marriage are typically also considered community debts, for which both spouses may be liable.
Community property is acquired during the marriage, while separate property is owned before marriage, received as a gift or inheritance during marriage, or agreed upon via a prenuptial contract.
Yes, couples can often opt out of default community property rules through a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement that specifies how assets will be treated.
A legal concept in which all assets acquired during a marriage by either spouse are jointly and equally owned.
Community property is usually legal / technical / formal in register.
Community property: in British English it is pronounced /kəˌmjuːnəti ˈprɒpəti/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəˌmjuːnəti ˈprɑːpərti/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'Community' = 'Communal' for the couple during marriage. Property acquired while part of this marital 'community' is shared.
Conceptual Metaphor
MARRIAGE IS A JOINT ECONOMIC ENTERPRISE (where assets are pooled capital).
Practice
Quiz
Which scenario best illustrates 'community property'?