A West Virginia Community Property Agreement is a legal document that allows married couples to define their property rights and designate ownership in case of divorce or death. This agreement is particularly beneficial for couples seeking clarity and control over the distribution of their assets. By creating a Community Property Agreement, spouses can effectively override the default rules of property division set forth by West Virginia's marital property laws. In West Virginia, two primary types of Community Property Agreements exist: the Community Property Agreement with Right of Survivorship and the Community Property Agreement without Right of Survivorship. 1. Community Property Agreement with Right of Survivorship: This agreement allows couples to declare that all property acquired during their marriage will be considered community property jointly owned by both spouses. In the event of a spouse's death, the surviving spouse automatically becomes the sole owner of the entire community property. This type of agreement ensures seamless transfer of ownership without going through probate court. 2. Community Property Agreement without Right of Survivorship: Contrary to the previous type, this agreement enables the couple to designate specific shares or percentages of ownership for each spouse in their community property. In case of death, the deceased spouse's share will pass according to their will or through the probate court process. This variation provides more flexibility and allows individuals to distribute their assets according to their wishes. West Virginia Community Property Agreements typically cover a wide range of marital assets, including real estate, financial accounts, investments, vehicles, and personal belongings. It is important to note that debts, liabilities, and inheritances are generally excluded from community property and remain the responsibility of the respective individual. Creating and signing a Community Property Agreement in West Virginia requires the consent and signature of both spouses. It must be notarized and filed with the County Clerk's Office in the county where the couple resides. Once executed, this legally binding agreement provides couples with peace of mind, clearly outlining their property rights and ensuring an organized transition in the event of divorce or the passing of a spouse.