Texas Family Code 7.001 details the way that community property is divided in Texas. It will be divided in a “just and right manner, having due regard for the rights of each party and any children of the marriage.”
Many people assume that because the community property is owned equally, then it will be divided equally upon divorce. However, 7.001 expressly provides that this is not the case. Unequal shares are often awarded by the courts based on factors that have been developed over time by case law.
In 2005, a new section was added to the Texas Family code which provides that in dividing the marital assets the courts can specifically consider the effect taxes will have on the division.
7.008 Consideration of Taxes
In ordering the division of the estate of the parties to a suite for dissolution of a marriage, the court may consider:
(1) whether a specific asset will be subject to taxation; andif the asset will be subject to taxation, when the tax will be required to be paid.
Many people assume that because the community property is owned equally, then it will be divided equally upon divorce. However, 7.001 expressly provides that this is not the case. Unequal shares are often awarded by the courts based on factors that have been developed over time by case law.
In 2005, a new section was added to the Texas Family code which provides that in dividing the marital assets the courts can specifically consider the effect taxes will have on the division.
7.008 Consideration of Taxes
In ordering the division of the estate of the parties to a suite for dissolution of a marriage, the court may consider:
(1) whether a specific asset will be subject to taxation; andif the asset will be subject to taxation, when the tax will be required to be paid.
