What happens to a decedent's share in a joint tenancy after their death?

In a joint tenancy, when one tenant dies, their interest in the property automatically passes to the surviving joint tenant. This principle is based on the right of survivorship, which is a core feature of joint tenancy. Unlike a tenancy in common, where a deceased tenant's share is subject to probate and goes to their heirs or according to their will, a joint tenancy eliminates the need for probate upon the death of one joint tenant. The surviving joint tenant immediately becomes the sole owner of the property without any transfer process. This legal mechanism helps streamline the transition of property ownership after death, avoiding delays and complications that can arise from probate processes. Thus, the surviving joint tenant retains full ownership rights over the deceased tenant's share.