Legal Question in Family Law in California

Property gift of Spouse

My husband and I are separating. For the last 5 years

he has received a gift of 2.5% interest in an apartment

building they own. The profits to us total about $25,000

a year. This was not an inheritance, his parents are

both still living. In the deed it states his name and after,

''a married man''. Do I have any claims to that property if

we divorce? Can I use it as an asset that could be the

basis for spousal support?


Asked on 4/15/02, 8:03 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys

Ken Koury Kenneth P. Koury, Esq.

Re: Property gift of Spouse

No, a gift is not community property.

Read more
Answered on 4/16/02, 1:09 am

Re: Property gift of Spouse

Now here is a basic attorney response. It depends. Generally, gifts to either spouse individually are not community property. However, depending on the facts, it is possible to transmute separate property into community property. Even if the "gift" is his separate property, YES, that income can be considered for spousal support.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to call me at 818-346-1013.

Read more
Answered on 4/16/02, 11:22 am
Chris Johnson Christopher B. Johnson, Attorney at Law

Re: Property gift of Spouse

If the property was a gift to your husband only, and you and he haven't agreed that it also belongs to you, then it is his separate property and you do not have rights to it. However, its value and income may be considered in allocating your spousal support.

Read more
Answered on 4/16/02, 6:42 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Family Law, Divorce, Child Custody and Adoption questions and answers in California