Which term best describes assets that pass by operation of law rather than through a will?

Which term best describes assets that pass by operation of law rather than through a will?

• A. Right of survivorship
• B. Operation of law
• C. Four unities
• D. Totten trust

Answer: (B)

Assets that pass at death without relying on a will are transferring by operation of law. This means the law itself dictates the transfer based on how the asset is owned or designated, rather than instructions in a will. A classic example is property held in joint tenancy with the right of survivorship: when one owner dies, the surviving owner automatically gets full ownership, and no will is needed to effect that transfer. The other terms describe specific features or devices related to survivorship or probate avoidance, but they do not name the general mechanism. Thus, the best term for assets passing without a will is operation of law.

Assets that pass at death without relying on a will are transferring by operation of law. This means the law itself dictates the transfer based on how the asset is owned or designated, rather than instructions in a will. A classic example is property held in joint tenancy with the right of survivorship: when one owner dies, the surviving owner automatically gets full ownership, and no will is needed to effect that transfer. The other terms describe specific features or devices related to survivorship or probate avoidance, but they do not name the general mechanism. Thus, the best term for assets passing without a will is operation of law.