Service Overview
Focused legal support for survivorship applications
A survivorship application is used to remove the name of a deceased joint tenant from title where property is held in joint tenancy. In that situation, the deceased person’s interest usually passes automatically to the surviving joint tenant or joint tenants, but title still needs to be updated properly.
Our office helps clients review title, confirm the required supporting records, and prepare the application so the property record can be updated correctly. This is often an important step before a refinance, sale, transfer, or any other future dealing with the property.
Steps involved in a survivorship application
Depending on the circumstances, the process may include:
- Obtaining an official death certificate
- Reviewing title to confirm the property is held in joint tenancy
- Preparing the survivorship application documents
- Registering the application on title
- Conducting a follow-up title search to confirm the deceased joint tenant’s name has been removed
Important considerations
A survivorship application is specific to joint tenancy. If the property is held as tenants in common, different legal steps may be required. Although there is not always a strict deadline to file the application, it is generally advisable to deal with it promptly so the land records remain accurate.
Because these matters often arise during a difficult time, we aim to keep the process clear, organized, and practical.