Originally posted by tedrbr
Depends on the particular State's laws. It can be bought during the marriage and thus becomes "joint" property.
So what you’re saying is that it is not illegal in some US states to vandalise property that is jointly owned by two or more people as long as you are one of them? Or perhaps only if you’re female and the other owner is your husband? Over here any such behaviour is criminal.
A buddy of mine had an “enlightening” experience with our property law when he broke up with his former girlfriend. She moved out of town and left some of her belongings in my friend’s apartment. Time went on and he too was moving out of the apartment, and he tried in vain to get her to come pick her stuff up. He even tried to deliver it personally, but she was not at home and didn’t return his calls, so he went to the cops. The police refused to take responsibility for her belongings and told my friend that he was responsible for all belongings that have been left in his apartment or on his property by mistake or intent. He would actually have to reimburse any accidentally lost or damaged property, and if he simply threw it away he could be charged with theft and vandalism.
So over here that wife would have to pay for the damage done to their car, and if the husband wanted to he could press charges for vandalism. While marital problems can be emotionally difficult it is no excuse for vandalism.
