Which statement best describes how property titled as joint tenants with right of survivorship passes at death?

• A. To the surviving joint tenant by operation of law.
• B. According to the will.
• C. To the state.
• D. It becomes intestate if there is no will.

Answer: (A)

With joint tenants holding property, the right of survivorship means the moment one owner dies, the deceased’s interest automatically passes to the remaining co-owners by operation of law. This transfer happens outside the probate system, so the decedent’s will does not dictate it. The surviving joint tenant(s) become the sole owners immediately, which is why this description best fits how the property passes at death. If there were no surviving joint tenants, different rules would apply (will, intestate succession, or, in rare cases, escheat to the state), but the hallmark of joint tenants with right of survivorship is automatic transfer to the survivors.