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Angela and her domestic partner Leo purchase a condominium unit in Providence, Rhode Island. They are not legally married. They want to ensure that if one of them dies, the other will automatically inherit the full ownership without going through probate. Which form of ownership should their attorney recommend under Rhode Island law?

Correct Answer

C) Joint tenancy with right of survivorship, because it provides automatic survivorship for any co-owners

Joint tenancy with right of survivorship is the appropriate ownership form for Angela and Leo. Under Rhode Island law, joint tenancy is available to any co-owners — not just married couples — and includes the right of survivorship. Upon the death of one joint tenant, the surviving joint tenant automatically receives full ownership without probate. This achieves their stated goal.

Answer Options
A
Tenancy in common, because it allows each party to designate a beneficiary in their will
B
Tenancy by the entirety, because it provides automatic survivorship for all co-owners
C
Joint tenancy with right of survivorship, because it provides automatic survivorship for any co-owners
D
Sole ownership by one partner, with the other named as a beneficiary in a life insurance policy

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

joint_tenancytenancy_by_entiretysurvivorshipunmarried_partnersownership_types

Related Concepts

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.

A life estate is a freehold estate that grants ownership rights for the duration of someone's life.

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