What is a primary characteristic of joint tenancies in Georgia?

A primary characteristic of joint tenancies in Georgia is that they require all parties to own equal shares of the property. This equal ownership is fundamental to the nature of a joint tenancy, ensuring that each tenant holds an undivided interest in the entire property. This setup not only simplifies management and use of the property but also aligns with the principle of unity of possession, which is essential to the joint tenancy arrangement.

In joint tenancies, the concept of "right of survivorship" is also integral, as it allows for the automatic transfer of a deceased tenant's interest directly to the surviving tenants. This feature distinguishes joint tenancies from tenancies in common, which do not provide such rights of survivorship and may allow for unequal shares.

Creating a joint tenancy generally requires specific formalities, often involving a deed to establish the necessary intent and legal structure. Therefore, statements suggesting that a joint tenancy can be created without a deed would not be accurate. It's important to understand these nuances, as they highlight the distinct attributes of joint tenancies in contrast with other forms of property ownership.