What happens to the interest of a deceased co-tenant in joint tenancy?

In joint tenancy, when one co-tenant passes away, their interest in the property does not go to their heirs but instead automatically transfers to the surviving co-tenants. This principle is rooted in the right of survivorship that is a defining characteristic of joint tenancy. Essentially, the remaining co-tenants continue to hold the full title to the property without the deceased's share being passed through probate or to any heirs. This ensures a seamless transition of ownership among the surviving co-tenants, maintaining the unity and integrity of the joint tenancy arrangement.

The concept behind this is that joint tenants own a single, indivisible interest in the property. Therefore, when one dies, their share is not passed on but rather absorbed by the surviving co-tenants, reinforcing the continuity of ownership within the joint tenancy. This principle helps avoid complications and delays that can arise if interests were instead inherited, thereby streamlining the transfer process upon the death of a co-tenant.