Splitting up community property doesn’t mean sawing it in half

Unlike most of the U.S., California is a community property state. That means that, in a divorce, all community property, also known as marital property, typically gets divided evenly between the spouses. Separate property goes to the spouse who owns it.

This differs somewhat from the rule in most states, which is known as equitable distribution. In equitable distribution states, courts determine a fair way to divide the martial property.

Both ways of dividing property do not typically involve literally splitting real estate and other physical objects in half, of course. But one man in Germany seems to have used the idea of splitting up the stuff as a metaphorical way to “get back” at his former wife.

A YouTube video posted by the man shows him cutting furniture, phones, and other objects in half. The video is titled “Thank you for 12 ‘beautiful years’ Laura!”, and refers to his “successor,” apparently his ex’s new partner. Photos of the man’s work can be seen in this article by CNBC. It includes half of a cellphone, sofa, bed — even a car.

The halves depicted are up for sale on eBay, though the man will not ship the items to the U.S.

It seems this divorce was particularly bitter. Hopefully, none of our readers will feel the need to destroy property if they ever get divorced. With the help of an experienced family law attorney, a person going through divorce will be able to get their fair share of the marital assets.