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Margaret and her brother Dale purchase a vacation cabin in Tucker County, West Virginia as tenants in common, each owning a 50% undivided interest. Dale passes away unexpectedly and leaves his entire estate to his daughter, Chloe. Which of the following correctly describes what happens to Dale's interest in the cabin?

Correct Answer

B) Dale's interest passes to Chloe through his estate as directed by his will.

In a tenancy in common, each co-owner holds a distinct, transferable interest with no right of survivorship. When Dale dies, his 50% undivided interest does not pass automatically to Margaret; instead, it passes through his estate according to his will, making Chloe the new tenant in common alongside Margaret. This is a fundamental distinction between tenancy in common and joint tenancy under West Virginia property law.

Answer Options
A
Dale's interest automatically passes to Margaret by right of survivorship.
B
Dale's interest passes to Chloe through his estate as directed by his will.
C
Dale's interest is extinguished and Margaret becomes the sole owner.
D
Dale's interest reverts to the State of West Virginia by escheat.

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

tenancy_in_commoninheritanceco_ownershipownership_types

Related Concepts

Tenancy by the entirety is a form of co-ownership available only to married couples that includes the right of survivorship and protection from individual creditors. Neither spouse can unilaterally sell or encumber the property.

Tenancy in common is a form of co-ownership in which two or more persons hold separate, undivided interests in property without the right of survivorship. Each owner can hold unequal shares and can independently transfer their interest.

A freehold estate conveys ownership rights, while a leasehold estate grants the right to possess and use property for a specific period without ownership.

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