If I was co-habiting with my wife prior to our marriage, are various items purchased by my parents for me considered to be separate property?
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If I was co-habiting with my wife prior to our marriage, are various items purchased by my parents for me considered to be separate property?
My parents purchased a TV, coffee table, TV stand, washer/dryer for me when my girlfriend and I moved in together. They also gave me a couch, let me borrow a TV and TV stand. I proposed to her 4 months later and we were married 7 1/2 months later. I just wanted to find out if this would be considered separate or community upon divorce.
Asked on August 22, 2012 under Family Law, Texas
Answers:
S.L,. Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
Community property is property acquired during marriage. Community property also includes income during marriage. Each spouse has a one half interest in the community property.
Separate property is property acquired before marriage or after the marriage ends. Separate property also includes income before marriage or after the marriage ends. A spouse has no claim to the other spouse's separate property.
The items your parents purchased for you or gave you before marriage are your separate property. Since those items are your separate property, your spouse has no claim.
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