Alabama · Ala. Code §§35-4-1, 35-4-2, 35-4-6, 35-4-7, 35-4-9Alabama joint tenancy: survivorship only when the deed says so

When an Alabama joint tenant dies before the tenancy is severed, the share doesn't go to the other joint tenants; it descends and vests as if it had been severed – unless the instrument creating the tenancy states that it is with right of survivorship or uses other words showing that intent, in which case the share passes to the surviving joint tenant or tenants as the instrument intends (Ala. Code §35-4-7). That includes a deed in which the grantor conveys to the grantor and one or more others, when it clearly appears the intent is to create survivorship (§35-4-7). Every estate in land is taken as a fee simple even without words of inheritance, unless it clearly appears that a lesser estate was intended (§35-4-2). Anyone 19 or older and not under a legal incapacity may convey land or any interest in it by a written instrument or by will (§35-4-1). No leasehold can run longer than 99 years, and a lease for more than 20 years is void for the excess unless the lease or a memorandum of it is acknowledged or approved like a deed and recorded with the judge of probate of the county within one year after it is signed (§35-4-6). Title instruments that aren't kept in a public office belong to whoever holds the title and pass with it (§35-4-9).