Start with the source, then build a record of what you own. RCW 26.16.030 is the statutory starting point for community property; RCW 26.16.010 addresses separate property. This guide helps you prepare questions about those sources without classifying your assets.
Start with a clear record
Use a short inventory that separates facts from estimates. Add a date and a source for each entry. If something is unknown, leave it marked unknown rather than filling the gap with a guess.
- A dated list of major purchases and accounts
- Statements around the marriage date and original purchase records
- Notes identifying gifts, inheritances, and transfers between accounts
Make the meeting useful
Choose the questions below that match what you need to understand. Bring the supporting documents through the professional’s secure process. This website does not need your account numbers, case files, or identifying family details.
Read the original source
The sources below let you inspect the underlying material yourself. A source check confirms the resource was consulted; it is not an attorney review or a certification that every legal development has been covered.
- RCW 26.16.030 — Community property defined; management and controlWashington State Legislature · statute · WashingtonSource checked: 2026-09-07.
- RCW 26.16.010 — Separate propertyWashington State Legislature · statute · WashingtonSource checked: 2026-09-07.
Questions for a qualified professional
- Which dates and source-of-funds records matter for this asset?
- Does the name on an account answer the ownership question?
- What additional records would you need before reaching a conclusion?
Sources
- RCW 26.16.030 — Community property defined; management and controlWashington State Legislature · statute · WashingtonSource checked: 2026-09-07.
- RCW 26.16.010 — Separate propertyWashington State Legislature · statute · WashingtonSource checked: 2026-09-07.
Educational information, not individual legal advice. Read our disclaimer.