====== Types of Ownership ====== ===== 1. Sole Ownership ===== Ownership held by one individual or legal entity. * Also called severalty * Owner has full bundle of rights * Common with single buyers or entities (LLCs, corporations) ===== 2. Co-Ownership ===== Ownership shared by two or more persons or entities. ==== a. Tenancy in Common ==== * Separate but undivided interests * Interests may be equal or unequal * Each owner may sell or will their interest * No right of survivorship * Default form of co-ownership in California ==== b. Joint Tenancy ==== * Equal ownership interests * Includes right of survivorship * Requires the four unities: time, title, interest, possession * Upon death, interest passes automatically to surviving joint tenant(s) ==== c. Community Property ==== * Ownership by married spouses or registered domestic partners * Property acquired during marriage or partnership * Equal interests * No right of survivorship unless specified ==== d. Community Property with Right of Survivorship ===== * Equal ownership by spouses or registered domestic partners * Combines community property and survivorship * Avoids probate for the deceased spouse’s interest ===== 3. Ownership in Trust ===== Property held by a trustee for the benefit of beneficiaries. * Trustee holds legal title * Beneficiaries hold equitable title * Common for estate planning and probate avoidance ===== 4. Ownership by Business Entities ===== Property owned by legal entities rather than individuals. * Corporations * Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) * Partnerships Title is held in the name of the entity.