Two investors own an apartment building as joint tenants. One dies leaving his entire estate to his two children. Which statement best describes what will happen to ownership of the apartment building?

• A. The children do not inherit the land
• B. The children inherit a portion
• C. The land goes to probate
• D. The estate is distributed to all heirs

Answer: (A)

In a joint tenancy there is a right of survivorship, so the moment one owner dies, the deceased’s share automatically passes to the surviving co-owner. The property does not become part of the deceased’s estate or go through probate, and the will cannot grant that land to the heirs.

Here, two investors hold as joint tenants. When one dies, the surviving investor becomes the sole owner of the entire building. The children do not inherit the land because the survivorship feature overrides the decedent’s will. The deceased’s estate can still distribute other assets, but not this property.