The process of getting a divorce involves the division of assets and earnings between the married couple and includes determining community versus sole and separate property in Arizona.

Property settlements are just one issue that has to be resolved in the divorce process.

In Arizona, the property is categorized as either separate or community property and it will be divided accordingly.

If the property is deemed as separate, the owner will keep that property after the marriage, and it will not be split.

Dividing community property, however, is when property settlements can become time-consuming and complicated.

Both spouses equally own this category of assets, so in a divorce, it has to be divided as such.

Determining Community v Sole and Separation Property in AZ | Add It All Up

The property owned by a couple is broken down into categories using these guidelines:

Separate Property:

  • Gifts and inheritance
  • Portions of Awards from personal injury cases
  • Separately owned property purchased outside of joint funds even if bought during the marriage
  • A personal business owned before the marriage (if the business gains value during the marriage the increases in earnings can be considered community property)
  • Property such as land or vehicles owned before marriage

Community Property:

  • All property accumulated during the marriage
  • All wages earned throughout the marriage
  • Any debts incurred in the marriage
  • Benefits, retirement plans, or pensions that accrue interest during the marriage
  • Stock options
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A Mixture of Community and Separate Property

A spouse may have separate funds due to selling property owned before the marriage but may buy a new property with a combination of those separate funds and community resources.

To be partly separate property, proof must be shown that separate funds were used when buying the property.

Determining Community Versus Sole Property in Arizona.

The division of community property can prove to be complicated and overwhelming.

In Arizona, there are many options that the court can take when it comes to property settlements.

The first step is coming up with a net value of the total assets owned together.

After the value is determined, there are several various distribution paths. Some of the standard options include:

  • Cash out distributions
  • Deferred division distribution
  • Reserved jurisdiction distribution
  • “In-kind” distribution
  • Sale and division distribution

If you have questions about determining community versus sole property in Arizona, you should seriously consider contacting the attorneys at Hildebrand Law, PC. Our Arizona community property and family law attorneys have over 100 years of combined experience successfully representing clients in community property and family law cases.

Our family law firm has earned numerous awards such as US News and World Reports Best Arizona Family Law Firm, US News and World Report Best Divorce Attorneys, “Best of the Valley” by Arizona Foothills readers, and “Best Arizona Divorce Law Firms” by North Scottsdale Magazine.

Call us today at (480)305-8300 or reach out to us through our appointment scheduling form to schedule your personalized consultation and turn your community property or family law case around today.

Scottsdale Arizona Divorce, Family Law, and Estate Planning