Keywords
joint property
division of property
property
debts
spouses
How to Cite
Abstract
Marriage is not only a union of two people on the level of emotional and spiritual unity, but also a legal phenomenon that gives rise to joint responsibilities, in particular regarding property rights. In Ukraine, the legal regime of spousal property is governed by the Family Code of Ukraine, which considers property acquired during marriage to be jointly owned. At the same time, disputes over the division of such property constitute a significant part of civil litigation, which necessitates a comprehensive analysis of legislation and case law. The purpose of the study is to examine the peculiarities of the legal regime of marital property, in particular, the conditions for recognizing it as community property, the mechanisms of division, and the criteria allowing for the determination of the personal or community nature of property. Particular attention is paid to the presumption of community of property provided for in Article 60 of the Family Code of Ukraine and its refutation in court practice. The analysis of current legislation and court practice shows that the determining criteria for joint property are the time of its acquisition and the source of funds. If the property was acquired during the marriage with joint funds or as a result of joint work, it belongs to both spouses, even if it is registered in the name of one of them. If it was acquired at the personal expense of one of the spouses, that person must prove it. Court practice confirms the need for proper evidence to overcome the presumption of joint ownership. The law also provides those spousal debts may be recognized as joint debts if they are incurred in the interests of the family. Particular attention is paid to the legal status of property of persons living in the same family without a formal marriage – according to Article 74 of the Family Code of Ukraine, such property may also be recognized as joint. The Supreme Court has repeatedly clarified the conditions and limits of such legal relations. The issue of determining the regime of marital property remains one of the most difficult in the field of family law. The presumption of community of property is an effective tool for protecting the rights of spouses, but it is subject to rebuttal on the basis of convincing evidence. Court practice plays a key role in specifying legal norms and ensuring predictability of decisions in property disputes between spouses.
References
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