QUESTION
How may I assume ownership of my recently deceased brother's California car?
Asked on Jul 01st, 2025 on Wills and Probate - California
More details to this question:
My brother died intestate, with no wife or children. I am his only Next of Kin. He has less than $10,000 in assets, and no debt. How may I sell his California titled car to reimburse me for paying for his cremation? His CA registration expired a week before he died, so a potential buyer cannot legally drive the car without a temporary registration.
1 ANSWER
In Florida, the tag agency may transfer the car without a Probate Order.
In many cases with the death certificate and a transfer form.
Since there is no will, they should go by the California intestate rules.
I am sure, you want to avoid the Probate (inheritance court) expense.
I am a Florida attorney and not a California attorney, but I would try to transfer the title first with the tag agency/ DMV.
Answered on Jul 07th, 2025 at 12:41 PM