A more thorough explanation:

The equal-management rule is a legal principle that states that each spouse has the right to manage community property unless the law says otherwise. This means that both spouses have equal authority over property acquired during their marriage.

For example, if a couple buys a house together during their marriage, both spouses have the right to make decisions about the property, such as selling it or making improvements. Neither spouse can make decisions about the property without the other's consent.

Another example is if a couple opens a joint bank account, both spouses have equal access to the funds and can make withdrawals or deposits without the other's permission.

The equal-management rule is different from the head-and-master rule, which gives the husband exclusive control over community property. The equal-management rule recognizes the equal partnership between spouses in a marriage and ensures that both have a say in managing their property.