Property Ownership

When a Vermont couple buys a home and take title as 'joint tenants with right of survivorship,' what happens when one spouse dies?

AThe surviving spouse owns only half and must probate the other half
BThe surviving spouse automatically becomes the sole owner of the entire property✓ Correct
CThe property passes under the deceased spouse's will
DThe property reverts to the state

Explanation

In joint tenancy with right of survivorship (JTWROS), when one co-owner dies, their interest automatically passes to the surviving co-owner(s) outside of probate. The survivor becomes the sole owner by operation of law, typically requiring only a death certificate to clear title.

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