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Robert and Susan are married Wisconsin residents who purchased a home together in 2018. They hold title as 'Robert Johnson and Susan Johnson, husband and wife.' Robert dies in 2024 without a will. Under Wisconsin's Marital Property Act, what most likely happens to the property?

Correct Answer

D) Robert's interest passes through probate to his heirs under intestate succession, leaving Susan as a co-owner with those heirs

Under Wisconsin's Marital Property Act (Chapter 766), marital property held without a survivorship designation does NOT automatically pass to the surviving spouse. Unlike joint tenancy, marital property ownership does not carry an automatic right of survivorship. Robert's interest would pass through his estate according to intestate succession laws, potentially making Susan a co-owner with Robert's other heirs unless the deed specifically included survivorship language.

Answer Options
A
Susan receives the property only if she files a homestead exemption claim within 30 days of Robert's death
B
Susan automatically receives Robert's interest because Wisconsin presumes marital property is held with survivorship rights
C
The property must be sold and the proceeds divided between Susan and Robert's estate
D
Robert's interest passes through probate to his heirs under intestate succession, leaving Susan as a co-owner with those heirs

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

marital_property_actsurvivorshipintestate_successionchapter_766wisconsin_unique

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.

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