What is joint tenancy?

Joint tenancy is a type of property law in California that involves two or more people owning an equal share of real estate, such as a house or land. When one owner dies, the deceased owner’s share is automatically passed on to the other owner(s) without going through the probate process. This allows for a quick and easy transfer of ownership without the need for time-consuming legal procedures such as probate or a will. All joint tenants must have the same rights and responsibilities, such as the right to use and possess the property, and the responsibility to pay taxes and maintain the property. In a joint tenancy, all tenants have an equal right to the entire property, not just their individual share. This means that one tenant cannot transfer their share of the property without the consent of the other tenants. In California, joint tenancy requires the four unities of joint tenancy, which are time, title, interest, and possession. This means that all tenants must have obtained their interest in the property at the same time, must have the same title to the property, each tenant has an equal right to the property and that each tenant has an equal right to possession of the property.

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