Joint tenants vs. tenants in common — BC ownership structures explained.

Joint tenants — right of survivorship

If one joint tenant dies, their interest passes automatically to the surviving joint tenant(s), bypassing the will and probate.

Tenants in common — no survivorship

Each owner holds a separately-transferable share. On death, share passes via the will (or intestacy), through probate.

Spouses — typical default

Most BC spousal couples take title as joint tenants for the survivorship benefit.

Investors — typical default

Co-investors often take title as tenants in common with explicit ownership percentages (50/50, 70/30, etc.) to retain estate flexibility.

Severance

A joint tenancy can be 'severed' (converted to tenants in common) by one party — typically by registering a notice on title. Severance breaks the survivorship right.

Disputes

Both forms can be partitioned by court order if co-owners cannot agree to sell. Joint tenancy disputes are common in family-property situations.

Probate fees in BC

BC Estate Administration Tax: 1.4% on estate value above $50,000. Joint-tenancy structure can reduce probate fees by passing property outside the estate.