Is Pa a common property state?
No, Pennsylvania is not a community property state. Property held jointly by a husband and wife is usually held as tenants by the entireties, meaning it is owned by both as though by one person. However, divorce converts this into a tenancy in common, with each owning one half. If the parties can agree on property division during divorce, all the better. But if they cannot, the court will decide. Separate property, such property owned before marriage or inherited, is retained in full. However a spouse can acquire an equitable interest in property that a court will recognize. For example, if a house was owned by the husband but the wife made the mortgage payments or replaced the roof with her own money, she will be regarded as having an equitable interest in the property.
