When you get married, you and your spouse agree to support each other both emotionally and financially. While there are no laws dictating what constitutes emotional support, there are plenty of regulations dictating spouses’ obligations to financially care for each other, such as California’s community property laws. 

These laws impact your finances as long as you’re married and even after one of you passes on. In fact, they have significant implications for estate planning, affecting how property is classified and divided upon death. Here’s what you should know about how California’s community property laws may affect your estate plan. 

What Is Community Property?

In California, community property is any asset acquired or income earned by a married individual during the marriage. This does not include gifts, inheritances, or assets acquired before the marriage, which are considered separately owned. Community property laws dictate that each spouse owns an equal share of the marital assets.

These regulations are in contrast to those in “equitable division” states. In an equitable division state, spouses share ownership of the marital estate, but they are not necessarily owed exactly half its value. This can pose problems during probate, since the surviving spouse may face disputes over their right to the joint assets. While community property states are in the minority, they provide the strongest protections to lower-earning spouses both during marriage and after a death or divorce. 

Implications for Estate Plans

Most people associate joint property regulations with divorce, but they also have substantial implications for the estate planning and inheritance process. Some of the most important effects of these laws include:

1. Handling Equal Division of Assets

The requirement to divide the value of joint assets equally is not restricted to divorce. In California, when one spouse dies, half of the joint assets are automatically considered the surviving partner’s separate possessions. The other half is considered part of the decedent’s estate. It is subject to distribution according to their will or California’s intestate succession laws if no will exists. While this often means the surviving partner receives the majority of the joint assets they may have already been using, this is not guaranteed. 

2. Classifying Property Accurately

It’s necessary to divide the joint assets before addressing the rest of the estate, and accuracy is critical. Incorrect classification of assets can lead to disputes and unintended distribution. Couples should clearly document the nature of their assets for planning purposes.

3. Interpreting Wills and Trusts

Accurate property classification is fundamental to interpreting wills and trusts in accordance with the writer’s wishes. This is particularly true if you want to use trusts to minimize the impact of joint property laws on your plan.

Estate Planning Strategies in a Community Property State

California’s laws can complicate estate planning, but there are many options to address the potential issues. An experienced estate planning attorney can help better prepare for the future with strategies like:

• Creating a Will or Trust: A will or trust should clearly define which assets are jointly owned and which are separate. This clarity helps in the smooth execution of your plan.
• Considering the Needs of Blended Families: In cases of remarriage and blended families, communal property requirements can complicate inheritance. It’s essential to update your plans to reflect the current family structure.
• Using Prenuptial/Postnuptial Agreements: Marital agreements can specify how assets are to be classified and distributed, providing clarity and protection for both parties in the event of death or divorce.
• Understanding Tax Implications: Joint property may offer tax advantages in estate planning, particularly with regard to the step-up in basis for appreciated assets. Making use of those advantages in your plan can substantially reduce the tax penalties on high-value estates. 

Protect Each Other’s Financial Future With Strong Estate Plans

While community property can complicate your estate plan, these regulations can also protect your spouse during the probate process. If you live in California, it’s crucial to tailor your estate plan to account for state laws and achieve your goals for your assets and legacy. At The Dayton Law Firm, P.C., we can help you design a plan that fits your family and your preferences. Our qualified estate planning attorneys have decades of experience helping California couples create wills, trusts, and other planning documents that accomplish their goals. Learn more about how we can assist you with estate planning around community property laws by scheduling your consultation today.