On June 30, 1997, Martin Hendrickson and Solveig Hendrickson were married, and on January 3, 1998, a home previously owned by Martin was conveyed to them as joint tenants and not as tenants in common. No part of the consideration for the premises was paid by Mrs. Hendrickson.

On August 3, 2005, Martin Hendrickson duly executed a Declaration of Election to Sever Survivorship of Joint Tenancy by which he endeavored to preserve an interest in the premises for Ruth Halbert, appellant, his daughter by a previous marriage. On the same day, he executed his last will and testament, by the terms of which he directed that his wife, Solveig M. Hendrickson, receive the minimum amount to which she was entitled under the laws of the State of Minnesota. Mr. Hendrickson died testate on October 9, 2005. Has he joint ownership been properly severed? Why?