When it comes time to divide the profit made from the sale of your home, be sure to consider how your state handles property division. California is a community property state, which means everything purchased or otherwise obtained during the marriage is considered equally owned by each spouse. This means the house you lived in as a married couple belongs to both spouses, regardless of the name on the deed. There are some exceptions, like if the house was appointed to one person in a prenuptial agreement, but, for the most part, the house is a shared asset. As a shared asset, the responsibility during the preparation, sale, and the resulting profit should be split between both parties in an equitable manner.