Why is Joint Tenancy not recommended?

Joint tenancy occurs when two or more individuals hold title to a property, and upon the death of one owner, their interest automatically transfers to the surviving joint tenant(s). Joint tenancy is formally known as Joint Tenancy With Right of Survivorship (JTWROS). The concept of right of survivorship means that the longest-living individual ultimately becomes the sole owner of the entire property.

The transfer of title in joint tenancy happens automatically, disregarding any specific designation in the deceased’s will. This means that even if the deceased has named someone else as the beneficiary of their interest in the property, all ownership rights pass to the surviving joint tenant(s). Consequently, if all property is held in joint tenancy, the person designated as the sole beneficiary in the will may receive no inheritance at all.