How long does it take to receive child support payments in texas
Child Support Payments
Expired
Child support and medical support payments should be paid according to your court order in regards to the due date and the place of payment. All child support payments should go to the State Disbursement Unit (SDU). Please send these types of payments to:
Texas State Disbursement Unit
PO Box 659791
San Antonio, Texas 78265-9791
If child support payments are not paid on time they begin to accrue interest.
NEW! Medical Expenses Itemization Sheet
To calculate child support, use one of the following calculators:
- Child Support Payment Calculator
- Attorney General Child Support Payment Calculator
Automatic Child Support Enforcement
To apply for automatic child support enforcement, click here to complete the Record of Support Order Form.
Submit the form:
- In Person - in our office located at 1010 Lavaca Street, Austin, TX 78701.
- Hours of Operation: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday
- By Mail - Mail the completed form to the Domestic Relations Office, P.O. 1495, Austin, TX 78767.
- Email - [email protected]
Receiving Payments
How can I start receiving my child and medical support?
You must have a court order from a divorce, a paternity establishment or other family litigation before you can receive child and medical support. If you have a Travis County court order and you are not receiving your child and/or medical support, and:
- The date on your original order is before 7/1/09, you can apply for Enforcement Services with Domestic Relations.
- The date on your original order is after 7/1/09, your order is automatically being monitored by Domestic Relations. If it goes delinquent it will be automatically enforced by Domestic Relations.
How long does it take to receive a payment from the State Disbursement Unit or Domestic Relations?
All Travis County child and medical support payments are now processed through the State Disbursement Unit (SDU) in San Antonio.
It generally takes 5 to 7 business days for you to receive your payment by mail from the time it is received by the State Disbursement Unit. Direct deposit takes 3 to 5 business days. If you want direct deposit services with the SDU, please use the Direct Deposit form on the Texas Attorney General web site.
If you did not receive a payment that was mailed to you or was supposed to be direct deposited into your bank account, you can call DRO at (512) 854-9696 and we will research the problem for you. You may also call the SDU directly at (800) 252-8014.
When a spousal support or fee payment is received by the Domestic Relations Office, the payment is posted that day or the next business day, and is mailed to the custodial parent or the County Treasurer the following business day.
If your payment was mailed to you and you did not receive it, the bank requires Domestic Relations to wait 10 working days before stopping payment and reissuing the check.
What should I do if I receive a child support check that does not belong to me?
Making Payments
Where should I send my payment?
Spousal support and fees should be sent to the Domestic Relations Office:
Mail:
Travis County Domestic Relations Office
PO Box 1495
Austin, Texas 78767
In Person:
1010 Lavaca
(drive through window or pay in the lobby)
Austin, Texas 78701
Child support and medical support payments must be made to the State Disbursement Unit.
Make sure to include identifying information for prompt processing (this includes OAG number or cause number).
Mail:
Texas State Disbursement Unit
Po Box 659791
San Antonio, Texas 78265-9791
If you are unsure about where to send your payments, call Domestic Relations at (512) 854-9696.
Can I make payments by credit card?
Travis County Domestic Relations Office Payments Only!
What should I do if I am changing jobs and currently have child support withheld from my paycheck?
How can I verify a payment has been posted to my account?
Terminating Payments
How do I close my domestic relations account when my child support obligations have ended?
You need to immediately contact the Domestic Relations Office, (512) 854-9696, to speak to your enforcement officer in order to provide your child’s emancipation information to him/her.
Upon receipt of this information your enforcement officer will contact the payee, by telephone or mail, to verify that your child will be graduating from high school, has turned 18 years of age, etc. Since this process takes approximately 15 days please contact your enforcement officer AT LEAST 30 DAYS BEFORE your child’s graduation date or 18th birthday.
However, if your child support has not been paid in full (i.e. you are in arrears) your account will not be closed until all child support arrears and statutory interest have been paid in full.
Once we have verified the information regarding your child AND you have no child support arrearages, your Domestic Relations Office account will be closed. Also, if your child support is being withheld from your earnings the enforcement officer will contact your employer to stop further child support withholding.
What happens if I write a hot check to the Domestic Relations Office or the SDU?
A friend or a member of my family who pays child support has been arrested on a Travis County Domestic Relations or Texas Attorney General capias (arrest warrant).
How do I get him/her released from jail?
Texas Family Support Payment Center Internet Payment Website • Help / FAQs
Questions About Registering
Can I have child support payments automatically withdrawn from my bank account if I am under an Income Withholding Order?
Yes, but income withholding will remain in effect and not be terminated.
If I elect to have child support payments automatically withdrawn from my bank account, can I pay what I want?
Yes, however, we encourage you to schedule your payments in an amount equal to your current child support obligation(s) to avoid delinquency.
What do I need to do to have child support payments automatically withdrawn from my bank account?
Click Non-Custodial Parent at this web site, register an account, and schedule a payment. You must have a valid e-mail address.
What if I want to use the web site but I don't have an e-mail address?
A valid e-mail address is required in order for us to communicate with you electronically.
If you do not have an e-mail address we cannot send you information such as a confirmation of your transactions. Free e-mail accounts are available on the Internet. To locate one, use any search engine and search for "free e-mail."
What information is required to register an account on the web site?
If you want to register an account for yourself, the following information is required:
- Name and address
- Social security number
- Telephone number
- Case/Cause Number
- Valid e-mail address
- Bank information: bank name, routing number, account number, type of account; checking or savings
If you want to register an account and make a payment for someone else, you will need to provide the following information for yourself:
- Name and address
- Social security number
- Telephone number
- Relation to payor
- Valid e-mail address
- Bank information: bank name, routing number, account number, type of account; checking or savings
- Name, address, social security number, telephone number, case/cause Number of the person for whom you wish to make a payment
Where can I find my Case/Cause Number?
Your Case/Cause number is located on documents related to your child support order.
You may also contact Customer Service at 1-855-853-8286 or your local child support office for this information.
Can I have more than one bank account authorized for a payment?
No, you can only authorize one bank account for a payment.
Questions About Setting Up a Payment
What are my payment options?
You may schedule a one-time
only (non-recurring) payment or you may schedule recurring
payments using one of the following options
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| 1st & 16th | 6th & 21st | 11th & 26th | ||
| 2nd & 17th | 7th & 22nd | 12th & 27th | ||
| 3rd &18th | 8th & 23rd | 13th & 28th | ||
| 4th & 19th | 9th & 24th | 14th & 29th | ||
| 5th & 20th | 10th & 25th | 15th & 30th | ||
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For example, if the 15th and 30th are selected, February's payments would occur on the 15th and 28th (the last day of the month).Can I schedule more than one payment, for example, a payment on the 20th of the month, as well as a payment every two weeks on Friday?
Yes, however, you will need to schedule each payment separately.
What day will the funds be withdrawn from my bank account?
Funds will be withdrawn on the scheduled payment date. If the scheduled draft falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or bank holiday the funds will be withdrawn the next business day.
How long will it take for Child Support Enforcement to receive a child support payment once it is withdrawn from my bank account?
The payment will be processed on the scheduled date unless there are technical difficulties. You will receive credit for the payment within five to six business days from the date that it is scheduled to be withdrawn from your bank account.
What happens if my payment is scheduled for a weekend or a holiday?
If a withdrawal falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or bank holiday, the funds will be withdrawn the next business day. Your child support account will be credited up to three business days from the the day the funds are withdrawn from your bank account.
When may I schedule a payment?
A payment must be scheduled at least two business days prior to its payment date, assuming that your bank account information has been previously verified (prenote).
What is the earliest date that I can select for my first payment date?
Your first payment date must be at least five business days from the date you register your account. This will allow sufficient time for your bank account information to be verified (prenote). If your account has been previously verified then the payment must be scheduled at least two business days prior to its payment date.
Example: If you register your account and establish a payment schedule on Monday the 1st, you must set your first payment date no earlier than Tuesday the 9th.
I entered a start date and the web site calculated a different date for my first payment. What am I doing wrong?
If you entered a start date that is less than five business days from today's date, your date will be automatically adjusted to include the five business day verification (prenote) process.
Example: Today is January 26 (Monday) and a payment frequency of semi-monthly (15th and 30th) is selected. Friday the 30th is entered as the first payment date. The first payment date is set to February 16.
The 16th is determined by calculating five business days (January 27 - February 2), and then determining if the 15th is a business day. Since the 15th is on a Sunday your first payment date is set to the 16th.
Questions About the Verification (Prenote) Period
What happens after I register an account and establish a payment schedule?
If your bank account information has not been previously verified, it will be submitted to your bank for verification (prenote).
If the prenote is successful, your payments will be withdrawn as scheduled. If the prenote is unsuccessful, you will be notified by e-mail and no payment will be processed.
Why would a prenote be returned as unsuccessful?
Most prenotes are returned as unsuccessful when the bank account information was entered incorrectly.
I received an e-mail that the prenote was unsuccessful. What should I do now?
Edit your bank account information through this web site and reschedule your payment. The prenote will be resubmitted. You may want to contact your bank if you need assistance identifying the routing and account numbers.
Questions About Editing or Changing an Account
How do I make a change to my account?
Make your changes through this web site.
I have changed my bank account, what do I need to do?
Edit your bank account information through this web site. A prenote will be sent to verify the new bank account information. In addition, you will need to establish a new payment schedule since any existing payment schedule(s) will be cancelled when you edit your bank account information.
If a child support payment is due before the end of the five business day verification (prenote) period, plus up to three additional days for the payment to post to your case, you will need to mail your payment in order to avoid delinquency.
How do I reactivate a bank draft that I previously cancelled?
Establish another payment schedule through this web site.
I authorized a bank draft and now I want to change it. What do I need to do?
Change or cancel your payment through this web site. You must allow two business days prior to the payment's scheduled date to make your changes.
Questions About Unavailable Funds
What if my bank account does not have sufficient funds to cover a payment?
You must cancel your payment at least two business days prior to its scheduled date. You can cancel your payment at this web site.
What if I fail to cancel the payment two business days prior to its scheduled date and there are insufficient funds in my account?
Your account will be placed on hold and your automatic withdrawal will be cancelled.
You will then be required to remit all future payments by a guaranteed payment instrument such as a money order, cashier's check, certified check, or credit card.
Why is my account on hold?
We attempted to withdraw the funds from your bank account and they were not available. You will be required to remit all future payments by a guaranteed instrument such as a money order, cashier's check, certified check, or credit card.
Credit Card FAQs
What credit cards do you accept?
You may use your MasterCard®, Visa® or Discover®, to make a child support payment.
If you have your credit/ debit card linked to an e-wallet account such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, or Venmo you can make your payment using these alternate payment options.
What browsers do you support for e-wallet payments?
Apple Pay payments must be made with an Apple device. Google Pay and PayPal payments may be made with any browser.
You must use Safari (iOS) or Chrome (Android) when making a payment through Venmo.
What information is required to make a credit card payment?
The following information is required to make a credit card payment:
- Non-custodial parent's first and last name.
- Non-custodial parent's social security number.
- Non-custodial parent's Case/Cause number.
- Credit card holder's name.
- Credit card holder's billing address.
- Credit card holder's telephone number.
- Valid e-mail address.
- MasterCard®, Visa® or Discover® credit card number and expiration date, and CVV2/CVC2 3-digit security code.
What should I do if I don't have an e-mail address?
A valid e-mail address is required in order for us to communicate with you electronically. If you do not have an e-mail address we cannot send you information such as a confirmation of your transactions.
Free e-mail accounts are available on the Internet. To locate one, use any search engine and search for "free e-mail."
Can I make a credit card payment by phone?
Yes, you can make a non-recurring payment by calling 1-855-853-8286.
How can I obtain my Case/Cause number?
Your Case/Cause number is located on your child support court order, and other documents related to your child support order. You may also contact Customer Service at 1-855-853-8286 or your local child support office for this information.
Can I make a credit card payment if I am under an Order for Income Withholding?
Yes, but income withholding will remain in effect and will not be terminated.
Is there a minimum payment requirement?
Yes, there is a minimum payment requirement of $1.00.
What is the maximum payment that I can make?
The maximum payment that you can make in one transaction is 9999.99; assuming that your card has that amount of credit available. Multiple transactions can be made in one day as long as each transaction does not exceed $9999.
99, and the appropriate amount of credit is available.
What is the purpose of the service fee?
The Credit Card service fee is a fee to offset the cost of providing Credit Card service. The service fee for using this service is 2.55% of the amount of the primary child support payment. This fee is separate from and in addition to the primary child support payment.
Will the service fee be applied to my child support obligation?
The service fee is separate from your child support obligation and is not applied to it.
When will my credit card be charged for my child support payment?
Your credit card is charged at the time you submit the transaction, and your credit card company authorizes it.
When will my payment be applied to my child support account?
Your payment will be applied within five to six business days from the day it was made on the web site.
Note: Our quality control procedures may flag certain payments for additional security screening.
If a payment is selected for further review, the payor will be contacted by a phone call or email requesting additional information and/or verification be provided before the payment is applied to the child support case.
Can I make a payment for a non-custodial parent with my credit card?
Yes, you can use your credit card to make a payment for a non-custodial parent; however, you will need their first and last name, social security number, and case number.
What is the CVV2/ CVC2 3-digit security code and where do I find it?
The CVV2/ CVC2 3-digit security code is an added security measure. It is used to establish that you are in possession of the credit card. The code is printed just above the signature panel in reverse italics on the back of your card. Usually your card number precedes it.
My credit card transaction was declined, what should I do?
You will need to contact your credit card company to determine why the payment was not authorized. It could have been declined for one of the following reasons:
- The credit card number and/ or CVV2/ CVC2 security code was incorrectly entered.
- There is a discrepancy between the address you entered and the billing address that is on file with the card-issuing bank. You must enter the billing address that appears on your credit card statement.
- A foreign address (a country other than the US) was entered. The web site is unable to process credit card payments with a foreign address.
- There is insufficient credit available for the payment amount.
How do I obtain a refund on a credit card payment made through this website?
You will need to contact Texas’s Child Support State Disbursement Unit’s customer service unit at 1-855-853-8286.
What payment options are available?
You can choose from numerous payment options: automatic bank draft, credit card, or print a coupon and mail it to the Texas State Disbursement Unit with your check or money order. You can schedule your bank draft or credit card payment at this web site and eliminate the need to mail a check or money order.
Questions About Security
I am having trouble creating a User ID or password.
Your User ID and password must each consist of at least two numbers, six letters, and not exceed 12 characters in length. In addition, they cannot contain any special characters. For example, question marks, number signs, periods.
Can my password be the same as my User ID?
No, it must be different from your User ID.
Does my password ever expire?
No, your password does not expire.
I forgot my password. What do I need to do?
On the login page, click "Forgot your password?", enter the required information, and create a new password.
If I forget my password and change it but remember it later and want to change it back to the original password can I?
Yes, you can.
I tried to register an account on the web site and received the message "user not found." What should I do now?
Contact Customer Service at 1-855-853-8286 and verify that your name, address, and social security number are correct in the child support system.
Questions about Technical Issues
If it appears there is a problem with the web site. What do I need to do?
Contact Customer Service at 1-855-853-8286 to report the problem.
Unauthorized Access of an Account
I believe someone has access to my web site User ID and password. What do I need to do?
Change your user ID and password through this web site.
Money has been withdrawn from my account without my permission. What should I do?
Contact Customer Service at 1-855-853-8286 immediately. You will be asked to submit your claim in writing.
Contact Information
Customer Service telephone
(for bank draft inquiries only)
1-855-853-8286
Customer Service telephone
(for child support case inquiries only)
1-800-252-8014
Email
[email protected]
Address
Texas State Disbursement Unit
P. O. Box 659400
San Antonio, TX 78265-9400
Address for Payments
Texas State Disbursement Unit
P.
O. Box 659791
San Antonio, TX 78265-9791
For what period can alimony be collected?
Alimony for the maintenance of children can be collected both from the moment the plaintiff applied to the court, and for the period that preceded this procedure, but totaling no more than three years.
In such a situation, a legitimate question may arise, for what period does the current legislation allow the collection of alimony. The answer is simple, if the claim for maintenance payments was not filed in a timely manner, then according to the law, you can count on the accrual of payments for last three years .
How to pay child support for the future?
The court orders the defendant to pay future support in the form of: in the form of a fixed amount of money. The court decision also indicates the length of the period in the past for which the payer will have to make payments (up to 3 years). These data form the basis for calculating the debt.
What about child support for the other parent?
If one of the parents of a child evades maintenance, the legislation of the Russian Federation provides for the right of the other parent, who actually raises the child, to enforce the collection of alimony. However, in accordance with Part 2 of Art. 107 of the RF IC, maintenance funds are assigned only from the date of filing a statement of claim with the world court.
In which case can alimony be collected for the past period?
Alimony for the past period may be collected within a three-year period from the date of applying to the court, if the court has established that before applying to the court measures were taken to obtain funds for maintenance, but the alimony was not received due to the evasion of the person obliged pay alimony , from their payment.
Can I apply for child support for the previous 3 years?
If the applicant has previously taken measures to obtain funds for the maintenance of the child, but they have not brought results, the court may recover alimony for the previous three years (clause 2 of article 107 of the Family Code of the Russian Federation).
How to avoid child support after 18?
And the student must attach to the statement of claim a certificate from the university confirming the education, passport, tax identification number, income statement of the parent or guardian with whom he lives. Right to child support ends when the recipient reaches the age of 23 and also when education is completed.
Can I apply for child support for 2 years?
As a general rule, the payment of alimony starts from the date of filing a relevant application with the court.
However, under certain conditions, it is possible to demand the payment of alimony and for the last 3 years that preceded the application to the judicial authority.
How much is the father legally required to pay child support?
The legislation provides for the shared principle of calculating the amount of alimony . The percentage of the salary withheld for the benefit of one child is 25%. For two children, 1/3 of the salary is transferred. For three or more - half of the income received.
Can I apply for child support for previous months?
Collection of alimony is possible for a period not exceeding three years. This rule also applies to the indexation of liabilities. If within three years (or less) alimony was paid without taking into account the increase in the subsistence minimum, then the claimant can apply to the court for payment of the unreceived amounts.
In what cases can alimony be collected in writ proceedings?
In accordance with article 122 of the Code of Civil Procedure of the Russian Federation, a court order is issued if a claim is made for the recovery of alimony for minor children, not related to establishing paternity, contesting paternity (maternity) or the need to involve other interested parties.
When does the alimony debt expire?
According to article 107 of the Family Code, the limitation period for maintenance debts is 3 years.
Is it possible to apply for maintenance for the past time?
Alimony is awarded from the moment of applying to the court. But of them can be recovered and for the past period. That is, alimony actually receive for three past years , but not earlier than the date when they were awarded. And only if, before going to court, measures were taken to get money for maintenance.
How is it legal not to pay child support?
5 ways not to pay child support
- Method 1. Onset of full legal capacity of a minor
- Method 2: Lump sum payment or provision of property
- Method 3. Moving the child to the payer of maintenance
- Method 4: Exclude paternity of a child
- Method 5.
Who can be exempted from paying child support?
These include the entry of a child into a legal marriage, obtaining the status of an individual entrepreneur, official employment.
Alimony for the maintenance of a disabled family member (for example, a disabled child) is terminated in the event of restoration of working capacity. Renunciation of paternity/guardianship. Disputing paternity
What needs to be done in order not to pay child support in Ukraine?
Thus, according to art. 190 of the Family Code of Ukraine , if the parent does not have a permanent job , he lives abroad or just not wants to pay alimony , it is possible to conclude an agreement on the termination of the right to alimony in connection with the transfer of ownership of real estate in favor of the child.
Is it possible to apply for alimony if the child is studying after the age of 18?
According to Russian family law, parents are required to support their own minor children. Accordingly, a parent who does not live with children must pay child support until child turns 18 years old .
After reaching the age of majority, maintenance obligations are removed.
Is it possible to collect maintenance if the child is 18 years old?
If at the time of coming of age a parent has a debt of alimony , it must be paid after the child reaches the age of 18 . The bailiff has no right to close the enforcement proceedings. After 18 anniversaries you can collect debts for alimony .
How to apply for child support for 2 children?
In 2021 child support for two children is 33% of salary and other income. Each child will receive 16.5%. To receive them, you need to file a statement of claim with the Magistrate's Court, and then take the writ of execution to the bailiffs or to the accounting department at the defendant's place of work.
DIVORCE AND DIVISION OF PROPERTY - Our Texas - Russian Newspaper in Houston, Dallas, San-Antonio, Austin, Texas
Let's say that the spouses have come to an agreement on the forthcoming dissolution of the marriage and are fully satisfied with its terms.
However, an agreement alone is not enough: the divorce case must be conducted through the courts. Family law reflects the idea of the sacredness of marriage, in particular, the inadmissibility of frivolous marriages and divorces.
Despite some differences between the laws of different states of the country, the general scheme of divorce is the same everywhere. First of all, the applicant for a divorce is obliged to present good reasons for this and, in his application to the court, provide and explain the facts that would serve as a reason for the dissolution of the marriage. After that, the responding party will receive a notice of the beginning of the divorce proceedings and a summons to court. Difficulties arise if the address of the defendant is unknown, and in this case, the procedure for notification may vary in different states. In Texas, for example, they require you to place an ad in a newspaper.
If the answer is not received by the court within the prescribed time limit, the court automatically concludes from this that the opposing party is not contesting the terms of the divorce.
But even in this case, the other spouse retains the right to counterclaim if he has his own grounds for divorce. A counter-claim is allowed, rather, in order to enable each of the spouses to obtain a divorce on favorable grounds.
The parties may resolve conflict issues peacefully, without the participation of the court. This way is always desirable, because it allows you to avoid additional costs and time. An attempt to peacefully resolve a dispute, for example, on the division of property, is also welcomed by the court itself. If such an agreement is reached, its text is submitted to the court for consideration at a special hearing. The judge will ask the participants a series of questions to make sure that the agreement is voluntary and that the parties accept its terms. By and large, the judge is worried, for example, not that by agreement any real estate is transferred to you (or, conversely, not transferred), but that your decision is not dictated by pressure from the other side.
Very often people ask if they can get alimony in a divorce. First of all, let's find out what is alimony?
These are cash payments from one of the former spouses to the other to maintain his financial condition. Alimony is, as it were, an expression of financial obligations taken upon entering into a marriage union. In the old days, for example, in a divorce, the husband was always required by law to pay maintenance to his wife, since he brought income to the house, while the wife took care of the household. But in recent decades, spousal employment procedures and related legal provisions have changed, and, under the laws of most states, alimony can be awarded to both the wife and the husband. In addition, alimony may not be awarded for the rest of your life, but only for a certain period of time after the divorce. Such alimony, for example, will help the ex-spouse to get a profession, which, in turn, will give him (or her) the opportunity to support himself.
It should be noted that in Texas, the court awards alimony in very rare cases: when the spouses have been married for more than 5 years, if the spouse has a disability that does not allow him to work, or if the spouse is unable to find work for reasons of age and health (when the spouse has not been married for many years worked and is therefore uncompetitive to find a job), or by agreement of the spouses.
The court-ordered support period can be short, such as one year. But it can also be much longer: say, ten years. The length of time will depend on the type of education you will be required to complete, the market demand for your professional skills, your childcare responsibilities, and other factors. If you still haven't found a job by the end of your child support deadline, you can apply to the court to extend the deadline, but you will need to show a good reason why you could not find a livelihood.
If the ex-spouse (ex-spouse) remarries while receiving alimony, the payment of alimony is usually terminated, as it is assumed that it is no longer necessary due to new financial circumstances. In addition, the obligation to pay alimony may be suspended if the recipient spouse lives with another person in an actual, civil, although not documented marriage.
The amount of child support is determined by state law. In general, among the factors affecting the amount, the following are taken into account: the age and state of health of both parties, the length of the marriage, the ability of both spouses to feed themselves, the degree of responsibility to minor children, the income of the head of the family and the lifestyle of the family during the marriage.
Alimony should provide the former spouse with approximately the same standard of living that this party was used to during the marriage.
If the judge is satisfied with the deal reached, he approves it and then issues a divorce decree. In the context of the foregoing, it should be borne in mind that the judge may refuse to grant a divorce, even if both spouses agree, if it comes to the conclusion that there are no good initial grounds for divorce or, for example, if neither spouse is a resident of this state.
If the spouses fail to reach a compromise, then in this case there will be a trial, the outcome of which will be determined by the judge. Jurors are very rarely involved in such hearings.
A lawyer is not required to handle a divorce case, but is always preferable in divorce cases, as he is more aware of the client's rights in this situation. Often people are driven by the desire to complete such a difficult and unpleasant event as a divorce as soon as possible.
But even in this case, you should at least consult a lawyer. Afterwards, when emotions fade into the background, you may regret not doing it, especially if the divorce left you with no funds to claim.
All items of any value constitute property. Property is a house, furniture (including carpets and lamps), household appliances, works of art, means of transportation (such as a car, bicycle or boat), money (in a bank account), stocks, bonds and other securities, pension and retirement accounts, a company (owned by one or both spouses individually or in partnership), etc. In addition, there are some intangible objects of value, such as a patent for an invention or your publicity that can be used for commercial purposes. Usually the most significant part of the property is real estate: land and buildings on it. If you own a home, then your home is real estate, and anything that is separable from real estate is personal property. For example, furniture in a house is personal property.
Most states have an equitable distribution system whereby property acquired by spouses during marriage is jointly owned by both. The concept of justice, however, does not necessarily imply a division exactly in half. Rather, it is based on taking into account all aspects of marriage - such as its duration, the age and state of health of the spouses, their ability to financially secure their future, responsibility towards minor children, etc. The court will take these circumstances into account when deciding on the division of property in a divorce. As for the division of property acquired during the period of marriage, strictly in half, such a system has been adopted in nine states, including California and Texas.
Regardless of the state's system for dividing marital property, premarital property remains in the separate possession of the spouses and is not subject to division in the event of a divorce. In addition, each spouse may retain personal gifts and inheritances received during the marriage, if care is taken to keep them separate.
