Pensacola, FL asked in Probate for Florida

Q: If someone bought a car from the deceased but the assets are still in probate can they still take the car?

My father's ex-gf I know for a fact bought the car from him.

However they didn't bother going through the process of writing a bill of sale nor did they perform a title transfer.

The car is not worth much in the state it is in so can it be considered a gift?

Will there be trouble for either of us if the ex comes to get the car towed and take it with her?

I know she put plenty of money into trying to fix the car and she had driven it plenty until it stopped working.

Should I write up a bill of sale?

What should be done?

Related Topics:
1 Lawyer Answer
Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
Answered
  • Probate Lawyer
  • Freeeport, FL
  • Licensed in Florida

A: You are the personal representative I assume, and have letters of administration?

Yes, assuming the answer to the above is "yes", you can sign over the title to her in behalf of the estate. You should get a letter from perhaps a car dealer as to the value of the car. You might also write a bill of sale to document the transaction, reciting that the decedent is believed to have sold her the car, and stating the amount paid.

And no, if she paid money for it, it would not be a gift. Why would you want to incorrectly say that?

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.