Property Ownership

Alabama is NOT a community property state. This means property acquired during marriage is typically owned as:

ACommunity property split 50/50

BSeparate property of the acquiring spouse✓ Correct

CJoint tenancy automatically

DTenancy in common between spouses

Explanation

Alabama follows common law property rules, not community property. Property acquired during marriage belongs to the spouse who earned or purchased it, unless title is held jointly.

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Key Terms to Know

Community Property

In community property states, most property acquired during marriage is owned equally by both spouses, regardless of who paid for it.

Joint Tenancy

Co-ownership where two or more people hold equal, undivided interests with the right of survivorship — when one owner dies, their share passes to the surviving owners.

Tenancy in Common

Co-ownership where two or more people hold undivided interests that need not be equal and pass to each owner's heirs — no right of survivorship.

Deed

A written legal instrument used to transfer ownership of real property from one party (grantor) to another (grantee).