Community property with right of survivorship is usually best for married couples in CA. Provides full step-up in basis for both halves when one spouse dies. Avoids probate. Simplifies estate planning. Talk to an estate attorney to confirm best option for your situation.
Utilizing a revocable trust is the best way for a married couple to take title. Titling property in your trust avoids probate upon the death of both the initial and surviving spouses and preserves the capital gains step up for the entire property on the first death.
Joint tenants (JT), or joint tenants with rights of survivorship (JTWROS), are the forms of ownership most commonly used by married couples.
Joint tenancy is most common among married couples because it helps property owners avoid probate. Without joint tenancy, a spouse would have to wait for their partner's Last Will to go through a legal review process—which can take months or even years.
Transfer Upon Death: In Joint Tenancy, ownership automatically transfers to the surviving owners, while in Tenancy in Common, it passes ing to the deceased owner's will or intestate succession. Ownership Shares: Joint Tenancy involves equal ownership shares, whereas Tenancy in Common allows for unequal shares.
For instance, if you're married, the most common way to title your home is Tenancy by the Entirety (TBE).
A joint tenancy is where two or more persons own the same property together. Together, the joint tenants own the whole asset, sharing undivided ownership. Common examples include real estate, shares and bank accounts.