Which form of co-ownership is commonly used by married couples and provides the right of survivorship?

• A. Life estate
• B. Tenancy in common
• C. Tenancy by the entirety
• D. Joint tenancy

Answer: (C)

The concept being tested is the co-ownership structure that specifically pairs with marriage and includes survivorship. Tenancy by the entirety is designed for married couples and treats the property as owned by the couple as a single unit. When one spouse dies, the surviving spouse automatically receives full ownership of the property. This right of survivorship means the deceased spouse’s interest doesn’t pass to heirs or through probate, but goes to the surviving spouse instead. It also provides protection against unilateral transfers by one spouse and offers certain creditor protections for the family home, within limits. Because it directly ties to marriage and guarantees survivorship, it’s the form most commonly used by married couples for property they own together. Other forms don’t meet both criteria as precisely: life estates involve different future interests, tenancy in common has no survivorship, and joint tenancy does have survivorship but isn’t restricted to married couples.