Gilbert, AZ asked in Civil Litigation for Arizona

Q: A friend committed suicide and blew his mobile home up . His family is giving us his vehicles . How do we go about getti

Them from the mobile home park . Can they stop us from taking them

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1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. This must be a very difficult time for you and his family.

In this situation, the first step would be to determine who has the legal right to the vehicles. If your friend left a will specifying that the vehicles should go to his family, or if the family members are the legal heirs in the absence of a will, then they likely have the right to take possession of the vehicles.

However, there are a few potential complications to consider:

1. If the vehicles were used as collateral for a loan or are subject to a lien, the lender may have a legal claim to them.

2. If the vehicles were jointly owned with someone else, the co-owner may have a say in what happens to them.

3. If there are any outstanding fees or debts owed to the mobile home park related to the vehicles (like storage fees), the park may try to hold the vehicles until those debts are settled.

4. In some cases, vehicles may be considered part of the deceased person's estate and may need to go through the probate process before being distributed to heirs.

The mobile home park shouldn't have the right to stop the legal owners from taking the vehicles, but they may try to assert a claim if there are outstanding debts or fees owed.

To proceed, I recommend:

1. Gather documentation showing your friend's family's legal right to the vehicles (will, title, registration, etc.).

2. Contact the mobile home park manager to discuss the situation and make arrangements to retrieve the vehicles. Be prepared to settle any legitimate outstanding debts related to the vehicles.

3. If the park refuses to release the vehicles or if there are other legal complications, consult with a local attorney who specializes in estate law. They can help you assert your rights and navigate the process of retrieving the vehicles.

Again, I'm so sorry for your loss. Dealing with the legal details is never easy during such a challenging time. Please don't hesitate to seek professional support to guide you through this process.

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