EstatePass
Property OwnershipOwnership_typesMEDIUM

Tom and Susan are married and purchase a home in Great Falls, Montana. They take title as joint tenants. Tom later conveys his interest to his friend Rick without Susan's knowledge. What is the most likely result of this conveyance under Montana law?

Correct Answer

B) The joint tenancy is severed, and Susan and Rick now hold the property as tenants in common.

Under Montana law, a joint tenant may unilaterally convey their interest to a third party, which severs the joint tenancy. When Tom conveys his interest to Rick, the four unities of joint tenancy are broken. Rick and Susan then hold the property as tenants in common — Rick with Tom's former share and Susan with her original share. There is no longer a right of survivorship between them.

Answer Options
A
The conveyance is void because a spouse cannot transfer property without the other spouse's consent in Montana.
B
The joint tenancy is severed, and Susan and Rick now hold the property as tenants in common.
C
Rick acquires Tom's interest as a joint tenant, and the right of survivorship now runs between Rick and Susan.
D
The conveyance is void because joint tenancy interests cannot be transferred without all co-owners' consent.

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:

joint_tenancyseverancetenancy_in_commonunilateral_conveyanceco_ownership

Related Concepts

Community property is a form of ownership recognized in certain states where property acquired during marriage is considered equally owned by both spouses, regardless of who earned the money or whose name is on the title.

Condominium ownership involves owning a unit of airspace within a multi-unit building plus an undivided interest in the common elements shared with other unit owners. Each unit is separately taxed and financed.

In a cooperative (co-op), the building is owned by a corporation, and residents purchase shares of stock in the corporation that entitle them to a proprietary lease on a specific unit. Residents are shareholders, not property owners.

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