What is the default estate acquired by a married couple in Ohio?

In Ohio, the default estate acquired by a married couple is tenancy in common. This means that when a married couple purchases property together without specifying the type of ownership, they own the property as tenants in common. Each spouse holds a separate and distinct share of the property, which can be equal or unequal, and there is no right of survivorship. If one spouse passes away, their share can be passed on according to their will or state intestacy laws rather than automatically going to the surviving spouse.

Other ownership types like community property and joint tenancy have specific legal distinctions that are not applicable as defaults in Ohio. Community property, for instance, is not recognized in Ohio; it is a system used in some other states where property acquired during the marriage is owned equally by both spouses. Joint tenancy, while it provides a right of survivorship, does not serve as the default in Ohio unless specifically stated. Dower refers to a widow's interest in a deceased husband’s property, which is also not a default or prevailing form of property ownership for married couples in Ohio today.