In a non-community property state, does an ex-spouse have a claim to property bought solely in the name of one spouse?

In a non-community property state, the general principle is that property acquired during the marriage is considered marital property, regardless of whose name is on the title. This means that even if property is bought solely in one spouse's name, the other spouse typically has a claim to that property due to their legal marriage. Since both parties contributed to the marriage in various ways—whether financially or otherwise—courts often recognize an equitable interest created by the marital relationship, granting the non-titled spouse a claim to half of the value of the property.

This perspective is rooted in the understanding that marriage creates a shared economic partnership, and property obtained during that time is often viewed as belonging to both spouses, even if one spouse is the only one listed on the title. Thus, the premise that the ex-spouse automatically owns a one-half interest in property purchased solely in one spouse's name accurately reflects the legal framework applied in such cases.

The other available options do not align with the legal realities surrounding marital property and do not accurately represent how property claims are determined in the context of marriage.