Ohio is not a community property state. Instead, it follows the principle of separate property, meaning assets acquired during marriage generally belong solely to the spouse who acquired them. For instance, if one spouse earns a salary, that income and anything purchased with it is considered that spouse’s separate property. Gifts and inheritances received by one spouse are also considered separate property.
The distinction between community property and separate property becomes significant in situations like divorce or death. In separate property states, courts typically divide marital assets equitably, considering factors like each spouse’s contribution to the marriage, duration of the marriage, and individual economic circumstances. This differs from community property states where assets acquired during the marriage are generally divided equally upon divorce. The separate property system in Ohio provides individuals with greater control and ownership over their earnings and acquisitions.
