Where to Find the "Form of Property Ownership"

When helping someone write or revise estate planning documents such as wills and trusts, it's essential to first find out the form of ownership -- sole, joint, tenancy in common -- for each element of his or her property. This is easy, as long as you know where to look. For real estate, check the deed. For bank accounts, check the passbook or the registration card on file with the bank. For brokerage accounts, look at the account statement. For cars, boats, or other vehicles, see the title or registration slip. And for individual stocks or bonds, check the stock certificate or the face of the bond.