These resources are brought to you by the Cooperative Extension System and your Local Institution

Personal Finance Home

Have a question? Try asking one of our Experts

Community Property

Last Updated: November 15, 2006

View as web page


The laws of some states (nine) that most property acquired during the marriage by either spouse is held equally by husband and wife as community property. Currently, community property states are Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin. In addition, Puerto Rico is a community property jurisdiction. Married couples in Alaska can also adopt community property rules, at least for the purposes of that state's law, by signing an agreement to that effect.

Browse related Articles by tag: personal finance, financial security: consumer education, financial security: estate planning, glossary, financial security: home ownership, financial security: legal topics


Have a specific question? Try asking one of our Experts

Unlike most other resources on the web, we have experts from Universities around the country ready to answer your questions.