V and N are co-owners of a fee simple interest in a small office building. N dies intestate and leaves no estate to be distributed to his heirs. V is neither related to N nor a creditor of N. Which of the following would explain why V acquired the interest of N?

V and N are co-owners of a fee simple interest in a small office building. N dies intestate and leaves no estate to be distributed to his heirs. V is neither related to N nor a creditor of N. Which of the following would explain why V acquired the interest of N?

• A. adverse possession
• B. reversionary rights
• C. joint tenancy
• D. foreclosure

Answer: (C)

V acquired the interest of N through joint tenancy because, under this form of ownership, co-owners have a right of survivorship. When one co-owner dies, their interest automatically passes to the surviving co-owner(s). In this scenario, since N died intestate (without a will) and left no estate for distribution, V, as a co-owner and surviving joint tenant, automatically inherits N's share of the fee simple interest in the office building. This ensures that the property remains consolidated under the surviving owner's name, allowing for seamless ownership transition without the need for probate or the involvement of heirs.

V acquired the interest of N through joint tenancy because, under this form of ownership, co-owners have a right of survivorship. When one co-owner dies, their interest automatically passes to the surviving co-owner(s). In this scenario, since N died intestate (without a will) and left no estate for distribution, V, as a co-owner and surviving joint tenant, automatically inherits N's share of the fee simple interest in the office building. This ensures that the property remains consolidated under the surviving owner's name, allowing for seamless ownership transition without the need for probate or the involvement of heirs.