What happens if a single party buys property and later gets married?

When a single party buys property and later gets married, the property remains separate property unless specified otherwise. In North Carolina, property that one spouse acquires prior to marriage is typically regarded as separate property and does not automatically become marital property just because the person later gets married.

For the property to change classification from separate to marital, both spouses would need to consent to this change, typically documented through a legal process such as a deed or agreement. This means that even after marriage, the spouse who did not own the property before the marriage has no ownership claim unless there is a legal agreement in place that indicates otherwise.

This distinction is important as it affects how assets are treated in terms of divorce, inheritance, and other legal considerations. Thus, proper documentation and understanding of property classification are essential in ensuring that both parties are aware of their rights and responsibilities regarding ownership and claims to property.