The dissolution process allows spouses to formally end their marriage. But while that process is pending, and sometimes even before it’s initiated, spouses might separate. Let’s take a closer look at the impact of separation on property rights and fiduciary duties.

 I. End of the Marital Economic Community

Recall that a marital economic community arises when a couple marries, and with it comes a presumption that property acquired by either spouse is community property. That economic...