Community Property Laws
Nevada is one of the eleven states that follow community property laws. This means that during a divorce, a judge will divide a couple’s property equally. Our qualified Nevada family attorneys can help explain the community property laws and what property you are entitled to in the event of a divorce.
What is Community Property?
Community property is all income earned and all property attained by either spouse throughout their marriage. Essentially, community property is all property that is not one spouse’s separate property. Some examples of community property include:
- Income
- Debt
- Cars
- Homes
- Stocks purchased during the marriage
Exceptions to Community Property Laws
There are a few exceptions to Nevada’s community property laws. A couple’s property is not equally distributed in a divorce when:
- The property is separate property.
- The property is covered by a prenuptial agreement.
What is Separate Property?
Separate property tends to be a property that a spouse owned before their marriage. It can also be a property that was acquired during the marriage if the property was a gift, an inheritance, or a personal injury award.
How a Judge Divides Property
Even under community property laws, a Reno, Nevada judge will review several factors when distributing property in a divorce, including:
- The income of each spouse
- Child custody
- The age, physical, and mental health of each spouse
- The earning potential of each spouse
One factor that does not influence the judge’s decision on the division of property is a spouse’s fault for the breakup of the marriage.
Contact Our Experienced Attorneys in Reno, NV:
If you have questions about Nevada’s community property laws, contact our top-rated attorneys Carlson & Work of Reno, Nevada at 775-386-2226 for a free consultation. Our knowledgeable divorce attorneys can help you understand your legal rights.
