What characteristic does tenancy by the entirety include?

Tenancy by the entirety is a form of joint property ownership that is specifically designed for married couples. One of the key characteristics of this type of ownership is the right of survivorship. This means that if one spouse passes away, the surviving spouse automatically inherits the deceased spouse's share of the property. This characteristic differentiates tenancy by the entirety from other forms of co-ownership, where the property might be divided or disbursed according to the deceased's will or state law instead.

The right of survivorship offers a smooth transition of ownership without the need for probate, ensuring that the surviving spouse retains full ownership of the property. This feature emphasizes the legal and financial unity created by marriage, effectively protecting the property from being claimed by heirs or creditors of the deceased spouse.