Estate Planning & Living Trusts
20. Joint ownership and probate example
Tom and Ann, like most married couples, own their home in both their names.
Tom dies suddenly in an accident. Immediately upon his death, Ann automatically becomes the sole owner of their home. There is no probate.
But what happens when Ann dies? Is there a probate? Yes. That's the only way to get her name OFF the title and put someone else's on. So, you see, joint ownership doesn't AVOID probate-it just POSTPONES it.
Owning assets jointly can cause other problems, too.