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Robert and Susan are married Oklahoma residents who purchase a home together and take title as joint tenants. Robert later dies intestate (without a will). Susan believes the home is now entirely hers. Which of the following statements correctly describes the legal outcome under Oklahoma law?

Correct Answer

A) Susan is correct; as the surviving joint tenant, she automatically owns 100% of the property by right of survivorship.

When property is held in joint tenancy, the right of survivorship is the defining characteristic. Upon Robert's death, his interest in the joint tenancy automatically vests in the surviving joint tenant, Susan, by operation of law. Susan becomes the sole owner of 100% of the property without the need for probate. This is true regardless of whether Robert died with or without a will, because joint tenancy survivorship supersedes testamentary disposition.

Answer Options
A
Susan is correct; as the surviving joint tenant, she automatically owns 100% of the property by right of survivorship.
B
Susan owns only her original 50% share; Robert's 50% passes to his heirs under Oklahoma intestate succession laws.
C
The property automatically becomes community property and is divided equally between Susan and Robert's estate.
D
The joint tenancy is severed upon Robert's death, converting the ownership to a tenancy in common between Susan and Robert's heirs.

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Why the Other Options Are Wrong

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Background Knowledge for Property Ownership

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

joint_tenancyright_of_survivorshipintestatemarital_propertyco_ownership

Related Concepts

The bundle of rights describes the rights associated with property ownership, allowing owners to use, control, enjoy, exclude others from, and dispose of the property.

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.

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