Property OwnershipIntermediateCalifornia Exam

Under California law, when spouses hold title as joint tenants and one spouse dies, the surviving spouse:

AReceives half the property subject to probate
BMust share ownership with the deceased's heirs
CAutomatically receives full ownership by right of survivorshipCorrect
DMust file a new deed within 30 days

Why Automatically receives full ownership by right of survivorship Is Correct

Answer C: Automatically receives full ownership by right of survivorship

Joint tenancy's right of survivorship means that when one joint tenant dies, their interest automatically transfers to the surviving joint tenant(s) by operation of law, avoiding probate entirely.

Exam Tip: Property Ownership

Property ownership questions test the bundle of rights and different forms of ownership. Know the differences between joint tenancy, tenancy in common, and community property, including the right of survivorship.

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