What must be true for community property states' modified rules regarding joint property?

In community property states, the modified rules regarding joint property often include provisions that allow for survivorship transfer. This characteristic is essential because it enables the surviving spouse to automatically inherit the deceased spouse’s interest in the property without going through probate. This can streamline the process of transferring property ownership upon death, providing a significant advantage for those involved in estate planning.

The focus on survivorship transfer reflects an intention to simplify the management and transfer of jointly owned assets, protecting the surviving spouse and ensuring that property does not become entangled in probate proceedings, which can be time-consuming and costly. This automatic transfer reinforces the central tenet of community property law, which seeks to safeguard the rights of spouses and promote equitable division of jointly held assets.

The other choices do not directly align with the fundamental goals of community property laws. Court approval is generally not a requirement for survivorship transfers under community property laws, and while tax benefits may be a consideration, enhancing them is not a mandated aspect of the modified rules. Similarly, increasing control by the deceased is not a standard requirement; instead, the primary concern is ensuring ease of transfer and protection of the surviving spouse’s interest.