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Property OwnershipTenancy_by_the_entiretyMEDIUM

Angela and her husband Brian hold their Murfreesboro, Tennessee home as tenants by the entirety. They decide to refinance and both sign the new mortgage. Brian subsequently defaults on a business debt, and the business creditor obtains a judgment solely against Brian. Which of the following is correct regarding the business creditor's claim against the home?

Correct Answer

C) The business creditor generally cannot force a sale because the judgment is against Brian alone, and the home is protected as tenancy by the entirety property

The fact that both spouses signed the refinance mortgage does not affect the tenancy by the entirety protection against Brian's separate business creditor. The business judgment is against Brian alone, not against both Angela and Brian jointly. Under Tennessee law, the home held in tenancy by the entirety remains protected from this individual judgment. The protection applies specifically when only one spouse is liable for the debt.

Answer Options
A
The business creditor can force a sale because the home is already encumbered by a mortgage signed by both spouses
B
The business creditor can force a sale because Brian's business debt is treated as a joint marital debt in Tennessee
C
The business creditor generally cannot force a sale because the judgment is against Brian alone, and the home is protected as tenancy by the entirety property
D
The business creditor can force a sale because refinancing the property removes the tenancy by the entirety protection

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Background Knowledge for Property Ownership

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

tenancy_by_the_entiretycreditor_protectionbusiness_debtcommon_law_state

Related Concepts

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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.

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