MAŁŻEŃSKIE USTROJE MAJĄTKOWE W STANACH ZJEDNOCZONYCH AMERYKI PÓŁNOCNEJ

Abstract

Two systems of marital property exist in the United States, namely separate property system and community property system. In separate property states each spouse owns property separately. In community property states each spouse is entitled to his or her separate property and both spouses own jointly and equally community property. Each system of marital property has its own rules concerning management, liability for debts or spousal rights at divorce and at death. The separate property system exists in the majority of the states, however in many states it has been altered in ways that make it closer to the community property system. Although there are some similar rules, there are still many differences between the two systems, which become more pronounced in the event of a divorce or death of one of the spouses. Certain problems also appear when spouses travel and change residence between the states.