Which type of deed allows surviving joint tenants to inherit a deceased tenant's share?

A survivorship deed is specifically designed to ensure that when one joint tenant passes away, their interest in the property automatically transfers to the surviving joint tenants without the need for probate. This characteristic of transferring ownership rights directly to the surviving joint tenants maintains the continuity of ownership and simplifies the inheritance process. The essential feature of a survivorship deed is the “right of survivorship,” which is explicitly stated in the deed itself, outlining that upon the death of one joint tenant, their share of the property goes directly to the remaining joint tenants.

In contrast, a life estate deed grants an individual the right to use and control a property for the duration of their life, after which the property typically reverts to another party designated in the deed. A probate deed pertains to the transfer of property during the probate process, which is necessary when someone dies without a survivorship arrangement. An involuntary deed typically refers to transfers that occur without the voluntary decision of the property owner, such as through foreclosure or court order. Therefore, the survivorship deed is the only option that directly facilitates the mechanism by which joint tenants inherit property shares upon a tenant's death.