The division of property is usually a paramount issue during the divorce process. It is helpful for divorcing couples in California to know, understand and be familiar with the rules concerning this process in California so they can anticipate how their property division concerns will be handled and property divided.
California is considered a community property state, which means that marital property is owned jointly by the spouses. This can have a significant impact when property is being divided during a divorce. Marital property includes property and assets acquired during the marriage. This is important because marital property is subject to the division process but separate property is not. Examples of separate property can include worker's compensation benefits or personal injury awards, inheritances and gifts and property one spouse entered the marriage with.