Good point. Yes, the rules are different in community property states and are more complicated (AZ, CA, ID, LA, NV, NM, TX, WA, WI). Money earned by either spouse during marriage and all property bought with those earnings are considered community property that is owned equally by husband and wife. Debts incurred during marriage are generally debts of the couple. At the death of one spouse, half of the community property goes to the surviving spouse unless the one who died left a will that directs otherwise. (Courtesy Nolo).
Best to consult a tax advisor or attorney. Our attorney figured all this out for us and I don’t recall all the details (we live in CA - lucky us!).
Thank you!