What is a distinguishing characteristic of joint tenancy?

A distinguishing characteristic of joint tenancy is the right of survivorship. This means that when one joint tenant passes away, their share of the property automatically transfers to the surviving joint tenants rather than being passed on according to the deceased tenant's will or the laws of inheritance. This feature emphasizes the unity and continuity of ownership among joint tenants, ensuring that the remaining owners have undivided rights to the property without the need for probate proceedings.

While other options address aspects of ownership, such as inheritability, equal shares, and indivisibility, they do not capture the fundamental essence of joint tenancy that sets it apart from other forms of ownership. The right of survivorship is the primary reason individuals often choose joint tenancy for property ownership, especially in situations involving couples or business partners, as it simplifies the process of transferring ownership upon death and helps maintain the unity of ownership among surviving parties.