How does Arizona law define "joint tenant" ownership of property?

Arizona law defines "joint tenant" ownership of property as ownership that includes the right of survivorship. This means that when one joint tenant passes away, their interest in the property automatically transfers to the surviving joint tenants, rather than being distributed according to a will or by intestate succession rules. This right of survivorship is a fundamental aspect of joint tenancy that distinguishes it from other forms of property ownership, such as tenancy in common, where there is no automatic transfer of ownership upon death.

In joint tenancy, all tenants hold an equal share of the property, and the unity of ownership creates a necessity for all joint tenants to have acquired their interest at the same time, through the same deed, and with equal rights to enjoyment of the property. This legal structure is effective in ensuring that property passes seamlessly to remaining owners without the need for probate processes, providing clarity and efficiency in property rights and distributions.