EstatePass
Property OwnershipOwnership_types_and_tenancy_formsHARD

Harold and Wanda are married and own their Covington home as tenants by the entirety. They later divorce, but neither spouse takes any action to change the title to the property. Under Kentucky law, what form of ownership do Harold and Wanda hold after the divorce is finalized?

Correct Answer

C) They now hold as tenants in common because divorce terminates the marital unity required for tenancy by the entirety.

Tenancy by the entirety requires the parties to be legally married. When a divorce is finalized, the marital unity is destroyed, and the tenancy by the entirety is automatically severed by operation of law. The former spouses then hold the property as tenants in common, each owning an undivided one-half interest, without any right of survivorship. This conversion happens automatically upon divorce without requiring a new deed.

Answer Options
A
They continue to hold as tenants by the entirety because no deed was executed to change the title.
B
They now hold as joint tenants with right of survivorship because divorce severs the entirety but preserves survivorship.
C
They now hold as tenants in common because divorce terminates the marital unity required for tenancy by the entirety.
D
The property automatically vests in the spouse awarded the marital home in the divorce decree.

Why This Is the Correct Answer

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Deep Analysis of This Property Ownership Question

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Background Knowledge for Property Ownership

Sign up free to unlock full analysis
Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Real World Application in Property Ownership

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Common Mistakes to Avoid on Property Ownership Questions

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

tenancy_by_entiretydivorce_effecttenancy_in_commonmarital_unity

Related Concepts

A freehold estate represents ownership of real property with an indefinite duration.

Joint tenancy is a form of co-ownership in which two or more persons hold equal, undivided interests in property with the right of survivorship. When one joint tenant dies, their interest automatically passes to the surviving joint tenants.

A leasehold estate grants the right to possess and use property for a defined period of time, without conferring ownership.

Was this explanation helpful?

More Property Ownership Questions

People Also Study

Related Articles

Practice More Questions

Access 2,000+ practice questions and pass your real estate exam.

Start Practicing