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Understanding Asset Ownership Types

How the Ownership Type field works on assets, including the Community Property option and which states it's available in.

Ownership Type records how legal title to an asset is held — for example, by one person, jointly by multiple owners, or under a marital property arrangement. It appears on the asset form for most asset categories. On vehicles, the same field is labelled Title Information instead.
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Ownership Type is required for Real Estate assets. For other asset categories, it's optional — you can leave it blank and come back to it later.
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​🏷️ The 6 Ownership Types

  1. Sole Ownership

    • The asset is owned by one person or entity, with no co-owner.

  2. Joint Ownership

    • The asset is owned by two or more people or entities. Selecting this option reveals a

      • Joint Ownership Details field. Use it to describe the co-owners and the form of title — for example, joint tenancy, tenancy in common, or a survivorship arrangement.

  3. Community Property

    • The asset is owned under a community property or similar marital property arrangement. Selecting this option reveals a

      • Community Property Details field. Use it to describe the spouse or partner, any applicable agreement, and any survivorship terms.

    • In EstateMin, Community Property is only available as an option when the matter's state is one of the following:

      • Community property states

        • Arizona

        • California

        • Idaho

        • Louisiana

        • Nevada

        • New Mexico

        • Texas

        • Washington

        • Wisconsin

      • Also available in opt-in/elective community property states

        • Alaska

        • Florida

        • Kentucky

        • South Dakota

        • Tennessee

    • If the matter is set to any other state, Community Property is hidden from the Ownership Type list.

  4. Estate

    • The asset is held or titled in the name of the estate.

      Client portal users - you will not see this option as it will be determined by your attorney. You can ignore for now or select I don't know.

  5. Trust

    • The asset is held by or titled in a trust. Selecting this option reveals a

      • Trust Details field. Use it to enter the trust name and any other relevant identifying or ownership information.

  6. I Don't Know

    • Use this option when you do not know the ownership arrangement. The firm can review the asset later and update the selection once the correct ownership type is confirmed.


​⚖️ A Note on Legal Terms
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Ownership terms like joint tenancy, tenancy in common, community property, and trust ownership can carry real legal consequences for how an asset passes at death. This article explains how the Ownership Type field works in EstateMin — it is not legal advice. If you're unsure which ownership type applies to a particular asset, check with the estate's attorney before making a selection.
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💬 Need Help?


Use the chat bubble in the lower-right corner of EstateMin or email [email protected] for support.

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