Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Time unity is a rule that says if people own something together, they all have to start owning it at the same time. For example, if three friends buy a car together, they all have to start owning it on the same day. This is one of four rules that make up joint tenancy, which is a way of owning property together.
Definition: Time unity refers to the requirement that all joint tenants' interests must vest at the same time.
Time unity is one of the four unities required for the creation of a joint tenancy, which is a type of co-ownership of property. The other three unities are interest, possession, and title.
For example, if three people inherit a property and want to hold it as joint tenants, they must all inherit their interests at the same time. If one person inherits their interest a year later than the other two, they cannot hold the property as joint tenants.
Time unity ensures that all joint tenants have an equal and simultaneous interest in the property. This helps to prevent disputes and confusion over ownership rights.