Just being separated doesn't mean property is separate
Today’s post in Lipman’s State Your Case column highlights an important consideration for spouses who decide to separate and part ways without first seeking divorce or a post-marital property agreement.
Just because a married couple separates does not mean that their finances are also separate. As long as the parties remain married, they accumulate community assets and liabilities.
The lady in today’s column had been separated from her spouse for 22 years. During that period of separation, she purchased a home. Even though her husband’s name is not on the deed, the husband can claim a community property interest in the home. This was probably a huge shock and unintended consequence.