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Maria and her sister Elena purchased a home in Hoboken, New Jersey, taking title as tenants in common with Maria owning a 60% interest and Elena owning a 40% interest. Maria passes away without a will. What happens to Maria's 60% interest in the property?

Correct Answer

D) It passes to Maria's heirs according to New Jersey intestacy laws.

In a tenancy in common, each co-owner holds a separate, undivided fractional interest with no right of survivorship. When Maria dies, her 60% interest passes through her estate — since she died without a will, New Jersey intestacy statutes (N.J.S.A. 3B:5-1 et seq.) govern who inherits that interest. Elena retains her 40% share and the heirs inherit Maria's 60% as tenants in common with Elena.

Answer Options
A
It passes automatically to Elena by right of survivorship.
B
The property must be sold and proceeds split 60/40 between Elena and Maria's estate.
C
Elena automatically becomes the sole owner because she is the surviving co-tenant.
D
It passes to Maria's heirs according to New Jersey intestacy laws.

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

tenancy_in_commonsurvivorshipintestacyco_ownership

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