Which type of ownership arrangement prevents an owner from transferring their share upon death?

• A. Tenancy in Common
• B. Estate in severalty
• C. Joint Tenancy with Right of Survivorship
• D. Undivided Interest

Answer: (C)

In a Joint Tenancy with Right of Survivorship, ownership is characterized by the right of surviving co-owners to inherit the deceased's share automatically. This means that when one co-owner passes away, their interest in the property does not become part of their estate and cannot be transferred or inherited by heirs. Instead, it goes directly to the surviving joint tenants. This ensures that the ownership of the property stays within the remaining joint tenants, effectively preventing the deceased's share from being transferred upon death.

In contrast, in arrangements like Tenancy in Common, each owner can freely transfer their share upon death, meaning their interest can be willed to heirs. Estate in severalty involves sole ownership, which also allows the owner to transfer their interest as they see fit upon death. Undivided interest refers to a form of ownership where multiple owners have rights to use the entire property, but each can also transfer their share independently. Thus, the unique feature of joint tenancy that prevents transfer upon death due to the right of survivorship makes it the correct answer.