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Income During Marriage
Income during marriage generally refers to all earnings acquired by either spouse while they are married. This income is typically considered marital property, meaning both spouses have equal rights to it regardless of whose name is on the paycheck or bank account.
Key points about income during marriage include:
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Economic Partnership: Marriage is treated as an economic partnership where each spouse has a right to 100% of the other's earnings during the marriage. This means income earned by one spouse is shared with the other.
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Marital Property: Income earned during marriage is usually classified as marital property. Consequently, anything purchased with that income (such as cars, homes, or investments) is also considered marital property, subject to division upon divorce.
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Separate Property Exceptions: To keep income as separate property, spouses must have a clear prenuptial or postnuptial agreement specifying that earnings remain separate.
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Support Obligations: Even if one spouse does not work, they are entitled to support because they contribute indirectly (e.g., managing the home or raising children), which benefits the earning spouse.
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Community Property States: In states with community property laws, income earned during marriage is treated as community income and is equally owned by both spouses.
In summary, income earned during marriage is generally shared between spouses as marital property, reflecting the legal view of marriage as a joint economic endeavor. This shared ownership continues unless legally altered by agreement or specific state laws.