To address the joint tenancy in realty issue, we are speaking of a future event, that is one's eventual demise, not the "here and now". The joint tenancy with right of survivorship deed is drafted, executed and locked away in your safety deposit box against your demise; it does not have to recorded until you are on the "other side", and of course, in drafting the deed, the real property is subject to outstanding mortgages, liens, etc ad finitum exisiting at the time of your demise; indeed, the joint tenant can be "in secreto" and, An interest in personal property can, of course, be sold or gifted to another party reserving the use of the property for and during your lifetime.