Paperwork and process
What is the difference between community property and separate property?
Short answer
In California, assets acquired during marriage are generally community property — owned equally by both spouses. Separate property is what either spouse owned before marriage or received as an individual gift or inheritance. Community property generally passes to the surviving spouse.
What this usually means
In California, assets acquired during marriage are generally community property — owned equally by both spouses. Separate property is what either spouse owned before marriage or received as an individual gift or inheritance. Community property generally passes to the surviving spouse.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county help for coroner contacts, vital records, cost tools, and paperwork.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.