In Arizona, what is defined as "community property"?

In Arizona, community property is defined as property that is acquired during the course of a marriage, where both spouses hold equal ownership. This legal framework is established to ensure a fair division of property in the event of a divorce or separation. The key aspect of community property is that it encompasses all assets and income earned or acquired by either spouse while they are married, with the explicit exception of gifts or inheritances.

Thus, the correct answer emphasizes that property acquired during marriage is considered community property, thereby establishing a shared ownership between partners. It is important to note that gifts and inheritances, regardless of when they are received, do not fall under the community property classification, as they are often viewed as solely the property of the recipient spouse.

This understanding helps delineate the boundaries of community property as compared to separate property—assets owned individually either by one spouse before the marriage or received as gifts or inheritances during the marriage.