Separate and Joint Possession

Ever been confused about possession because of the various ways that people and companies spell their names?

SEPARATE

To indicate separate possession, add the apostrophe to each individual's name. Examples:

• The winner's and the loser's comments.
• The Vorfelds' and the Kimballs' houses.

If any names are replaced by a possessive pronoun, reword if necessary, e.g., "my and the buyer's signatures" is awkward. Try "the buyer's and my signatures" or "the seller's signature and mine."

JOINT

To indicate joint (or common) ownership, add the apostrophe to the final name only. Examples:

• The Johnsons and the Lintners' property.
• Jack and Judy's business.

Tip: Always follow a company's preference, even if it differs from the rules