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Victor and Wendy, a married couple, hold their California home as joint tenants. They later file for divorce. Before the divorce is finalized, Victor dies. Under California law, what happens to Victor's interest?

Correct Answer

B) Victor's interest passes to Wendy by right of survivorship because the joint tenancy was not yet severed

Under California law, merely filing for divorce does not automatically sever a joint tenancy. The four unities of joint tenancy remain intact until an affirmative act of severance occurs (such as a conveyance, a court order, or a written agreement). Since no severance occurred before Victor's death, the right of survivorship still applies, and Wendy receives Victor's interest.

Answer Options
A
Victor's interest passes to his estate because filing for divorce automatically severs a joint tenancy
B
Victor's interest passes to Wendy by right of survivorship because the joint tenancy was not yet severed
C
Victor's interest is divided equally between Wendy and Victor's heirs by the divorce court
D
Victor's interest is held in trust by the court until the divorce proceeding is resolved

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

joint_tenancydivorcesurvivorshipseverance
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