Smith v. Cutler
South Carolina Supreme Court
623 S.E.2d 644 (2005)
- Written by Sean Carroll, JD
Facts
Ernest Smith (plaintiff) and his wife, Joanne Smith (defendant), held property subject to a deed stating that they owned the property “for and during their joint lives and upon the death of either of them, then to the survivor of them.” The deed thus created rights of survivorship. Ernest filed a petition for partition of the property. The court of appeals ruled in Ernest’s favor. Joanne appealed, arguing that the property was not subject to partition, because the deed created a tenancy in common.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Toal, C.J.)
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