Ohio is not a community property state. Instead, it follows the principle of separate property. This means that assets acquired during marriage are generally owned by the spouse who acquired them, unless specific steps are taken to create joint ownership. For example, if one spouse purchases a car with their earnings, it is considered their separate property. In contrast, community property states generally treat assets acquired during marriage as jointly owned by both spouses.
This distinction has significant implications for estate planning, divorce proceedings, and debt liability. Understanding how Ohio’s separate property system functions is crucial for married couples residing in the state. Historically, separate property systems were more prevalent in common law states, while community property originated in legal systems influenced by Spanish and French civil law. This legal framework affects how property is divided in cases of divorce or death and can influence financial decision-making during marriage.