Community Property Laws Allow Spouses to Give Away No More than Half of the Community Estate, During Life or Upon Death in a Will or Trust

While many spouses have tried, the law does not allow a living or deceased spouse to give away more than half of the community property marital estate, including in their will or trust, absent the consent of the other spouse. This intersection of family law and trust and estate litigation presents an interesting cross-section of laws.

The analysis begins with California Family Code section 760, which provides that: “Except as otherwise provided by statute, all property, real or personal, wherever situated acquired by a married person during the marriage while domiciled in this state is community property.”

Under California Family Code section 1100(b): “A spouse may not make a gift of community personal property…without the written consent of the other spouse.”

As to a “gift made by one spouse in violation of this section” where “action is taken after the donor spouse’s death…., it is voidable only to the extent of one-half.” In re Marriage of Stephenson (1984) 162 Cal.App.3d 1057.

As to the probate element of this issue, another court explained that, “upon the death of a married person, one-half of the community property belongs to the surviving spouse.” Estate of Scott (1987) 197 Cal.App.3d 913, 919–920.

To recover the community assets left by a marital partner under a will or trust, a party might allege conversion. “Conversion is generally described as the wrongful exercise of dominion over the personal property of another.  The basic elements of the tort are (1) the plaintiff’s ownership or right to possession of personal property; (2) the defendant’s disposition of the property in a manner that is inconsistent with the plaintiff’s property rights; and (3) resulting damages.” Fremont Indem. Co. v. Fremont Gen. Corp. (2007) 148 Cal. App. 4th 97, 119.

Contact a Trust & Estate Litigation Attorney in California

Omitted spouses and children should promptly contact a trust litigator or will contest attorney to recover the one-half of the community property. Call Talkov Law today to learn about your rights by calling (844) 4-TALKOV (825568) or contact us online.

Our trust, probate, and estate attorneys serve clients throughout Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Riverside, Palm Springs, San Bernardino, Palo Alto, and San Jose.

The Trusts, Estate, & Probate Litigation Attorneys at Talkov Law practice in the areas of:

Our family law attorneys serve Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Palm Springs, Palo Alto, San Jose, and surrounding areas in California. 

Our knowledgeable attorneys can also help if you have questions about any of the following: