Is Missouri a joint tenancy state?
William Jenkins
Updated on February 09, 2026
In Missouri, almost any type of property-real or personal-may be held as joint tenancy. It is imperative, however, that the owners include the proper language in the deed, or other ownership documents, to create a joint tenancy.
What is the difference between joint tenancy and tenancy by entirety?
For one, if property is held in tenancy by the entirety, neither spouse can transfer his or her half of the property alone, either while alive or by will or trust. It must go to the surviving spouse. This is different from joint tenancy; a joint tenant is free to break the joint tenancy at any time.
Does tenancy by the entirety avoid probate?
Some states give married couples another option to own property jointly and avoid probate, but also have protection from creditors. Tenancy by the entirety has the same right of survivorship as a joint tenancy, but one spouse cannot sell his or her interest without the other spouse’s permission.
What is the main purpose of tenancy by the entirety?
The term tenancy by the entirety refers to a form of shared property ownership that is reserved only for married couples. A tenancy by the entirety permits spouses to jointly own property as a single legal entity. This means that each spouse has an equal and undivided interest in the property.
Is inheritance marital property in Missouri?
Marital property in Missouri is defined as any property acquired by either spouse subsequent to the marriage except: Property that was acquired by gift, bequest (received in a will), devise (received in a will), or descent (inheritance);
Is tenancy by the entirety inheritable?
Since a tenancy by the entirety creates a right of survivorship, a deceased spouse’s heirs cannot inherit their share of the property even if it’s specified in their will.
Why is tenancy by the entireties preferred over joint tenancy with right of survivorship?
When holding title to property as tenants by the entireties, survivorship rights are granted to each spouse. Most importantly, creditors for debts that are solely owned by one spouse cannot put a judgment on real property held by spouses as tenants by the entirety.
Can my wife take my inheritance in a divorce?
Is My Spouse Entitled to My Inheritance in Divorce? In the overwhelming majority states, an inheritance is considered separate property, belonging exclusively to the spouse who received it and it cannot be divided in a divorce. That holds true whether a spouse received the inheritance before or during the marriage.
What does tenancy by entirety mean in Missouri?
A Tenancy by the Entirety (TBE) is a form of property ownership in Missouri, and a few other states, reserved for married couples. Missouri recognizes TBE ownership in both real and personal property. Property owned as tenants by the entirety belongs to the marriage,…
What happens to a joint tenancy in Missouri?
Like other joint tenancy property, upon death of the first spouse, property in tenancy by the entirety is passed on to the surviving spouse. Tenancy by the entirety property cannot be severed without consent of both the husband and wife.
Are there any states that recognize tenancy by entirety?
Tenancy by the entirety for all property is recognized by these states: 1 Arkansas 2 Delaware 3 Florida 4 Hawaii 5 Maryland 6 Massachusetts 7 Mississippi 8 Missouri 9 New Jersey 10 Oklahoma
What are the different types of property ownership in Missouri?
This ownership arrangement acts like a will substitute because the property will automatically belong to the survivors, avoiding probate. A joint tenancy that can be used only by a husband and wife and only with real estate is a tenancy by the entirety with right of survivorship.