What is a severance of tenancy?

A severance of tenancy refers to the legal process of changing joint property ownership from Joint Tenants to Tenants in Common. A severance is typically done during a separation or divorce to protect an individuals property interest.

Once a Joint Tenancy is severed, this prevents a spouse or civil partner from automatically receiving the other party’s share of the property if they die before the relationship is legally ended. The deceased’s share will then pass according to their Will or intestacy rules.