Now that we have gone through some general classification principals, we can look at some specific applications.
Most questions of "is it yours or is it mine" are simple to figure out. Texas marial property can be classified in most cases simply by applying the meaning of Texas Family Code 3.001. The section states that a spouse's property consists of : (1) the property owened or claimed by the spouse before the marriage; and (2) the property acquired by the spouse during the marriage by gift, devise, or decent; and (3) the recovery for personal injuries sustained by the spouse during the marriage, except any recovery for loss of earning capacity during the marriage.
However sometimes classification is a little more complex. What follows are some general principals and likely outcomes of classifing certain property as separate or community. However caution must be used in applying these principals. Certain facts may change how the property is characterized. Remember, as I keep saying in this blog, any person should consult with an attorney prior to making any decisions based on any information obtained in this blog. This blog is for educational (and maybe entertainment) purposes and is NOT LEGAL ADVICE! Ok, enough said. Let's look at some specific assets begining with the next post..
