This is general information.  To determine the proper choice for your particular situation you must consult with your attorney, legal advisor and/or financial advisor(s). Tenancy in Common Joint Tenancy Community Property Community Property W/ Right of Survivorship PARTIES Any number of persons. (can be husband & wife.) Any number of persons. Only husband and wife. Only husband and wife. DIVISION Ownerships can be divided into any number of interests equal or unequal. Ownership interests must be equal. Ownership interests are equal. Ownership and management are equal. TITLE Each co-owner has a separate legal title to his undivided interest. There is only one title to the whole property. Title is in the “community”. Each interest is separate but management is unified. Each interest is separate but management is unified. POSSESSION Equal right of possession. Equal right of possession. Equal right of possession. Husband and wife have equal management and control. CONVEYANCE Each co-owner’s interest may be conveyed separately by its owner. Conveyance by one co-owner without the others breaks the joint tenancy. Both co-owners must join on conveyance of real property. Separate interest cannot be conveyed. Separate interest cannot be conveyed without consent of spouse. Upon death survivor can convey full title with proper affidavit. PURCHASER’S STATUS Purchaser will become a tenant in common with the other co-owners in the property. Purchaser will become a tenant in common with the other co-owners in the property. Purchaser can only acquire whole title of community: cannot cannot acquire a part of it. Can only acquire as husband and wife and must express (in deed) the intent to acquire title with “right of survivorship”. DEATH On co-owner’s death, his interest passes by will to his devisees or heirs. No right of survivorship. On co-owner’s death, his interests end and cannot be disposed of by will. Survivor owns the property by rights of survivorship. On co-owner’s death 1/2 belongs to survivor in severalty 1/2 goes by will to descendant’s devisees or by succession to survivor. By affidavit death of spouse for right of survivorship, spouse gains full title. CREDITOR’S RIGHTS Co-owner’s interest may be sold on execution sale to satisfy his creditor. Creditor becomes a tenant in common Co-owner’s interest may be sold on execution sale to satisfy creditor. Joint tenancy is broken, creditor becomes tenant in common. Co-owner’s interest cannot be seized and sold separately. The whole property may be sold on execution sale to satisfy creditor. Co-owner’s interest cannot be seized and sold separately. The whole property may be sold on execution sale to satisfy creditor.

This material is presented for your information only.  It is not offered as advice or recommendation.  Always check with your financial advisor(s), CPA, and legal advisors before making any decisions.