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LSDefine

Simple English definitions for legal terms

estate by entirety

Read a random definition: donatio inter virum et uxorem

A quick definition of estate by entirety:

An estate by entirety is a type of property ownership that only applies to married couples. When a married couple buys property together, they both own an equal share of it. If one spouse dies, the other automatically gets their share without having to go through a legal process. This type of ownership also protects the property from creditors if only one spouse owes money. However, both spouses have to agree if they want to sell or transfer the property. If the couple gets divorced or both agree, the estate by entirety can be dissolved and the property ownership changes to tenants in common.

A more thorough explanation:

An estate by entirety, also known as tenancy by the entirety, is a type of property ownership that is only available to married couples. When a married couple purchases property together, they each have an equal and undivided interest in the joint property. This means that if one spouse dies, the surviving spouse automatically absorbs their interest without the need for a probate process. Additionally, creditors cannot attach liens on jointly owned property if the debt belongs to only one spouse.

For example, if John and Jane are married and purchase a house together as an estate by entirety, they each own 50% of the property. If John were to pass away, Jane would automatically become the sole owner of the property without having to go through probate.

However, there are some restrictions to estates by entirety. Even if one spouse contributes more money towards the property's purchase, they still own the property equally and undivided. This means that one spouse cannot grant their share in the property to an heir in a will, as the surviving spouse would automatically gain total ownership of the property. Additionally, one spouse cannot transfer their interest in the property without the approval of the other.

While estates by entirety share many features of a joint tenancy, they are dissolved more easily. They can be terminated by one spouse's death, divorce, or by the agreement of both spouses. At this point, the owners become tenants in common.

estate | estate planning

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HopefullyInLawSchool
16:06
it means you will not be rejected today and may be accepted or WL in the future
Just got my Michigan rejection
BookwormBroker
16:10
same
RoaldDahl
16:10
@HopefullyInLawSchool: what if i already got rejected. does it mean anything
HopefullyInLawSchool
16:12
@RoaldDahl: Likely not however it could mean nothing
RoaldDahl
16:15
So if it means nothing does that mean something?
HopefullyInLawSchool
16:17
Possibly
RoaldDahl
16:26
Cool
RoaldDahl
16:26
thank you!!!! i hope it means something
pinkandblue
16:31
fart
IrishDinosaur
16:36
Mich R gang lesgooo
Did anyone else get that random get to know nova email?
HopefullyInLawSchool
17:21
Ya it was sent to all YM applicants
starfishies
17:37
Anyone get the NDLS email inviting you to apply for something even though they haven’t made a decision on your app yet
17:38
Better yet I got the email and I was rejected last month
starfishies
17:38
Wtf
starfishies
17:39
and the deadline is in like a week what is this
any cardozo movement?
BatmanBeyond
18:01
Sent a LOCI via portal, but I'm wondering if email would have gotten me a swifter response
BatmanBeyond
18:02
This whole hold/wait-list/reserve system is a headache
loci already?
BatmanBeyond
18:09
If the odds are like 1-2% I don't think it matters much by the numbers
12:11
I got the same NDLS email
OrangeThing
12:18
I think the user profiles are broken
19:29
Any word out of Notre Dame?
19:29
Only the invitation to apply for LSE
19:29
Anyone received a decision from NDLS?
19:50
when did u guys apply that just heard from umich? they havent even glanced at my app yet
0:30
how am i supposed to spy on people when profile links are broken?
Right. Broken links smh
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