What characterizes tenancy by entirety?

Tenancy by entirety is a specific legal arrangement characterized by a joint tenancy between married couples. This type of ownership is unique in that it provides each spouse with an equal, undivided interest in the property, which means that both must agree to any actions or decisions regarding that property. One of the primary advantages of tenancy by entirety is that it typically offers protection against claims from creditors of one spouse, as the property cannot be divided or sold without the consent of both parties.

The defining features of tenancy by entirety include the necessity of the owners being married to each other and the principle of survivorship, where if one spouse passes away, the surviving spouse automatically inherits the deceased's interest in the property without the need for probate. This form of ownership is not only a means of property acquisition but also provides legal protections and rights that other forms of ownership may not offer.