Q: My brother recently died. He owned no real estate, just clothing and a car. What do we have to regarding the vehicle?
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A:
I’m really sorry to hear about your loss. Dealing with a vehicle after a loved one’s passing can feel complicated, but the steps are straightforward. You’ll first want to check if your brother’s car had a loan or if it was fully paid off. If there’s a loan, you’ll need to contact the lender to see how they would like to proceed.
Next, look at your brother’s will, if he had one. If the car was mentioned, the transfer will follow those instructions. If not, the vehicle will typically go to the next of kin based on your state’s inheritance laws. You will likely need to contact the DMV for the title transfer and provide a death certificate along with other required documents.
If your brother didn’t have a will or if there’s no clear next of kin, the car may need to go through probate. This legal process can help determine who will inherit the vehicle. Make sure to gather any paperwork related to the car, such as registration, insurance, and the title, before starting the process.
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