A joint tenancy is severed by (a) mortgage or creation of a deed of trust, (b) transfer to a revocable or irrevocable trust, (c) contract to convey the property, or (d) destruction of one or more of the four unities; and the result is the failure of the right of survivorship. In re the Estate of Estelle, 122 Ariz.
Separate property includes assets acquired before the marriage, inheritances, and gifts designated for one spouse during the marriage. Comprehending these classifications forms the foundation for navigating the complex landscape of community property laws in Arizona.
The main difference between joint tenants vs community property with right of survivorship lies in how the property is taxed after the death of a spouse. In joint tenant agreements, the proceeds from the sale of a property (after the death of a spouse) would be subject to the capital gains tax.
Further tenancy in common allows parties to hold unequal shares of property interest. Joint tenancy requires each co-owner to hold equal shares of property. Further, co-owners must transfer the deed at the same time. In this sense, joint tenancy is rigid compared to tenancy in common.
If you prioritize ease of transfer upon death and want to bypass probate, joint tenancy could be the better option. Conversely, if you aim for equal ownership and tax advantages, community property ownership may suit your needs better.
Joint Tenancy Definition Common Use: This form of ownership is popular among married couples or family members, as it ensures that the property passes to the surviving owner(s) without the need for probate. Legal Implications: In Joint Tenancy, each owner has an undivided interest in the entire property.
Introduction. In Arizona, property law is governed by ARS Title 33. Joint tenancy with right of survivorship is covered in ARS 33-431. When real property is owned by multiple people, property law refers to it as a concurrent estate.