Community Property & Divorce: Understanding Your Rights

Question
I built my house 6 years before marrying. We have been married for 10 years and want a divorce. Hubby says he is entitle to half of house since he helped pay for for 10 years. Help

Answer
Hi Tina~

Divorce laws will vary from state to state.  If you had the home prior to marriage he's not entitled to the home.  However, he is entitled to 50% of what you incurred during the marriage.  That's anything that is marital property (which is also called community property--that's anything that you purchased together as a couple).  The only thing he might be entitled might be a portion of the current value of the home in the last 10 yrs.  You need to talk to a lawyer and see what your legal rights are.  

Here is a great divorce web site.  It is: www.divorcenet.com click on the state where you reside.  It will give you divorce laws of your state, along with other info you may find helpful.