In Texas, separate property includes assets owned before marriage, gifts, and inheritances. Property acquired during marriage is generally considered community property, owned equally by both spouses. However, an inheritance received by one spouse during the marriage remains that spouse’s separate property, even if the couple commingles funds.
Understanding the distinction between separate and community property is crucial in divorce, estate planning, and asset management. This distinction protects individual ownership rights and ensures fair distribution of assets in various legal scenarios. Texas law has maintained this distinction to safeguard individual financial interests within the context of marriage.