Legal Definitions - joint tenancy

Joint tenancy is a way of owning property together with other people. When you own property as joint tenants, each person has an equal share in the property. If one person dies, their share automatically goes to the other owners. This is called the right of survivorship.

For example, let's say that John and Jane own a house as joint tenants. They both have an equal right to use and enjoy the entire property. If John dies, Jane automatically becomes the sole owner of the house.

It's important to note that joint tenancies are not always the best way to own property. Courts generally prefer a different type of ownership called tenancy in common. This is because joint tenancies can create problems if the owners don't get along or if one owner wants to sell their share of the property.