Tenancy by the entirety is a special form of property ownership available to married couples. It protects property from creditors of just one spouse, but only if the state recognizes this form of ownership.

Not all states allow tenancy by the entirety, and some states limit it to real estate only, while others also allow it for personal property like bank accounts.

The chart below outlines which states recognize tenancy by the entirety and what types of property it applies to:

State	Real Property	Personal Property
Alaska	Yes	Yes
Arkansas	Yes	Yes
Delaware	Yes	Yes
District of Columbia	Yes	No
Florida	Yes	Yes
Hawaii	Yes	No
Illinois	Yes	No
Indiana	Yes	No
Kentucky	Yes	No
Maryland	Yes	Yes
Massachusetts	Yes	No
Michigan	Yes	No
Mississippi	Yes	No
Missouri	Yes	No
New Jersey	Yes	No
New York	Yes	No
North Carolina	Yes	No
Oklahoma	Yes	No
Oregon	Yes	No
Pennsylvania	Yes	Yes
Rhode Island	Yes	No
Tennessee	Yes	No
Vermont	Yes	No
Virginia	Yes	No
Wyoming	Yes	Yes

Important Notes About Tenancy by the Entirety

Each state may have its own specific rules about how tenancy by the entirety is created. Some states automatically assume property is owned this way if titled jointly by spouses; others require specific language in the deed or account documents.