Which of the following can NOT be disposed of through a provision in a decedent's will?

• A. The decedent's final paycheck.
• B. The decedent's portion of joint tenancy property.
• C. The decedent's portion of property held as tenants in common.
• D. Property in which the decedent holds a testamentary general power of appointment

Answer: (B)

The key idea is the right of survivorship in joint tenancy. When property is owned as joint tenants, each owner has a share that automatically passes to the surviving co-owners at death, outside the will. Because of this automatic transfer, a decedent cannot dispose of that joint tenancy share through their will.

By contrast, items like a decedent’s final paycheck become part of the estate and can be distributed by the will. A portion of property held as tenants in common has no right of survivorship, so the decedent’s share can be disposed of by the will. And property over which the decedent holds a testamentary general power of appointment can be directed by the decedent’s will through that power.