In this report the Commission recommends that the law be changed to permit unilateral severance of a joint tenancy in Torrens Title land by the simple device of registering a declaration of severance. The Commission further recommends that unilateral severance by declaration be available to joint tenants of personal property.

Joint tenancies are an extremely common form of property co-ownership in New South Wales. The most distinguishing feature of this form of co-ownership is the right of survivorship. The practical significance of the right of survivorship is that upon the death of one joint tenant the property does not devolve according to that person’s will, but “survives” to the other joint tenant. The right of survivorship overcomes any testamentary provision to the contrary.

This consequence of a joint tenancy is entirely suitable in the context of harmonious co-ownership. However, when the relationship between co-owners deteriorates the right of survivorship may become inappropriate.

The only way to destroy the right of survivorship is by severing the joint tenancy. There are a number of existing methods for severing a joint tenancy. However, in practice these methods do not always operate satisfactorily: they can be lengthy, complex, costly and sometimes uncertain.

It is often only in a life threatening situation that people are forced to organise their affairs and confront the issue of what is to happen to their property after death, and to consider the details of property devolution.

With the delays involved in the current methods of severance, this consideration might occur too late; and intentions of arranging for the property, the subject of the joint tenancy, to be left to other parties may be defeated.

A need exists for a simple, cheap and quick method of unilaterally severing joint tenancies.

There is some opposition to this move. Though never explicitly stated, at the base of the opposition appears to be the view that since a joint tenancy is deliberately created, generally following consultation and by mutual decision of all parties, it is therefore wrong to facilitate the severance of that joint tenancy by one party alone. People holding this view are under the misconception that there is some security or permanence in a joint tenancy. This is wrong. Not only is severance possible at present but furthermore the process of severance itself is not inherently difficult or problematic. It is the procedures which have been established that make the process complex.

An assignment of Old System land, and thus a severance, can be effected relatively quickly and simply. For this reason the Commission does not recommend the extension of severance by declaration to Old System land.

Under the Commission’s proposal a severance of a joint tenancy in Torrens Title land into a tenancy in common in equal shares is effected upon registration of a real property form, to be developed. This procedure meets the essential criteria. It is:

Simple: The declaration of severance is a standard form which is easy to understand and leaves no party in doubt about the current ownership status of the property. The primacy of the Register is maintained in accordance with the Torrens Title system of land registration.

Quick: The process involves completing a form for registration at the Land Titles Office. The involvement of third parties, be it in the form of a purchaser, a trustee or a court is unnecessary. Problems involved in accessing the certificate of title are avoided; the declaration would be registered without the certificate of title being produced.

Affordable: The method involves no court costs, minimal legal fees and nominal stamp duty (at most).

In addition, this method of severance represents an improvement on the existing methods. The Registrar-General is to give notice to the other joint tenants advising that severance has occurred, which ensures that there will be no “secret” severances.

Severance by registered declaration is intended to be available generally to joint tenants. Trustees, executors and other persons who hold property as joint tenants by virtue of their office are specifically excepted, severance not being appropriate action for persons holding in a representative capacity.

The Report also recommends that a variation of this procedure should be implemented to enable joint tenants of personal property to sever unilaterally by written declaration. The variations are designed to take account of an absence of a register, or limited registration facilities.

The Commission’s recommendations do not affect the existing law relating to severance of joint tenancies. Introduction of unilateral severance by registered declaration merely increases the options available to a joint tenant seeking to sever the joint tenancy.