In a joint tenancy, a right of survivorship exists. This means that if one of the joint tenants dies, the property will automatically pass to the surviving joint tenant. On the other hand, tenants in common mean that two or more people co-own a property in defined shares that they can dispose of as they wish.
Here's how it works: Let's say two individuals own a home as joint tenants with rights of survivorship. If one owner passes away, their share of the property doesn't become part of their estate. Instead, it goes directly to the surviving co-owner. This bypasses the often lengthy and expensive probate process.
The second type of joint ownership in Georgia is “Joint Tenants in Common.” This is when two or more parties have an interest in property, although, none of those parties own a specific part of it. When one of the parties dies, the property does not automatically pass to the survivor(s).
Is Georgia A State That Has the Right of Survivorship? Yes, Georgia recognizes Joint Tenancy with the Right of Survivorship (JTWROS) as a common form of joint ownership.
In a joint tenant situation with the right of survivorship, the property goes to the surviving spouse/co-owner. That is not true in the case of tenancy in common. Since the property owners can bequeath their share to whoever they wish, the subsequent heir may choose to sell their share.
If you are a co-owner, then the house cannot be sold without you consenting to the sale.
Joint Tenancy Has Some Disadvantages They include: Control Issues. Since every owner has a co-equal share of the asset, any decision must be mutual. You might not be able to sell or mortgage a home if your co-owner does not agree. Creditor Issues.
The most significant advantage of joint tenancy is the right of survivorship. When one owner dies, their interest in the property automatically passes to the surviving joint tenant(s), bypassing the probate process.
Downsides of Joint Tenancy Having two people own the entire asset is a disadvantage in an unstable relationship, regardless of whether the relationship is personal or professional. If a couple or business partners, disagree, neither party can sell or encumber the asset without the consent of all parties.
Problems With Joint Ownership By jointly owning property, you may find yourself party to a lawsuit if your co-owner is sued or the asset could be lost to a creditor of your co-owner. If your co-owner becomes incapacitated, you could find yourself “owning” the property with the co-owner's guardian or the courts.