A conveyance or device to two or more persons is, by statutory presumption, construed to create a tenancy in common unless expressly declared to be in joint tenancy, except in the case of devices or grants made in trust, or made to personal representatives, or to husband or wife, or to mortgagees; MCL 554.44, 554.45, MSA 26.44, 26.45. See Michigan Land Title Standards, Standard 6.1.

A deed or device to two or more grantees other than husband and wife as "joint tenants" or as "joint tenants and not as tenants in common" creates a joint tenancy, since the language used constitutes an express declaration sufficient to overcome the statutory presumption.

A conveyance from an individual or party to itself and another person or party creates a tenancy in common not entitled to claim exemption under MCL 207.526(r) unless words creating a joint tenancy are used; in which case an exemption may be claimed under MCL 207.526(r).

Example A: John Adams, grantor, to John Adams and James Madison--not exempt.

Example B: John Adams, grantor, to John Adams and James Madison as joint tenants--exempt.