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Widow's Succession In Common-Law Property State To Husband's Rights In Her Half Of Community Property Is Taxable And Valued At One-Half Of Entire Community--In Re Kessler's Estate, Michigan Law Review

Michigan Law Review

While residing with his wife in California, decedent purchased stock, which under California law became community property. The couple later moved to Ohio, a common-law property state, where decedent died. An Ohio probate court approved the executor's determination that the widow's one-half interest in the stock was not subject to the Ohio succession tax. On appeal by the state tax commissioner to the Ohio Supreme Court, held, reversed, three judges dissenting. A wife's succession to her husband's right to manage and control her half of the community property is subject to the Ohio succession tax on joint and survivorship …

The Martial Deduction And Equalization Under The Federal Estate And Gift Taxes Between Common Law And Community Property States, Paul E. Anderson

Michigan Law Review

In 1948, as the culmination of much dissatisfaction with the treatment of community property under the federal estate and gift tax laws, Congress adopted a new formula for the treatment of gifts and bequests between spouses; this formula was known as the marital deduction. It has remained practically unchanged since its adoption and still stands as an integral part of our federal estate and gift tax structure.

The basic purpose of the deduction was to provide equalization in estate and gift tax treatment between spouses residing in community property states and those residing in common law property states. The plan …

Creation Of Joint Rights Between Husband And Wife In Personal Property: I, R. Bruce Townsend

Michigan Law Review

Joint ownership of personal property in recent years has become a common practice--one to which husband and wife are especially addicted. The topic is worthy of more than academic concern as demonstrated by the public use of joint titles in the acquisition of all kinds of personal assets, particularly investment securities. A casual conversation with almost any banker would disclose that a very high percentage of accounts owned by married people are held jointly with their spouses. The current popularity of dual ownership, for example, is reflected in the marketing policy of the United States Treasury in the sale of …