Nevada follows the community property legal doctrine regarding marital assets. This system presumes that all property and income acquired during a marriage belongs equally to both spouses. For example, wages earned by either spouse and assets purchased with those wages are considered jointly owned. Separate property typically includes assets owned before the marriage, inheritances, and gifts received individually.
This system offers several advantages. It provides a clear framework for property division in case of divorce or death, simplifying legal proceedings. It also ensures both spouses have an equal stake in the financial fruits of the marriage, promoting financial partnership and stability. Nevada adopted this system based on historical precedents derived from Spanish and French legal traditions, reflecting the state’s unique history.