Dorothy Cockerham, Petitioners v. E. A. Cockerham, Respondent

Summary

The Texas Supreme Court held that the husband’s one‑half interest in the 320‑acre tract remains his separate property, that the community interest in that tract and the dairy business are under joint management and thus liable for the dress‑shop debts, that those debts are joint liabilities, and that the husband’s separate property is therefore subject to them; the Court also reversed the trial court’s award based on alleged fraudulent gifts and held that bankruptcy creditors have equal priority to community creditors. Justice Reavley dissented, arguing the husband should not be personally liable for his wife’s dress‑shop debts.