Q: Does my late mom's vehicle need probate for me to claim it?
My mom passed away in 2022, leaving a paid-off vehicle solely in her name without a will or any probate process initiated. There are four siblings, and there is a conflict because my brother and sister have taken the vehicle, but I have the title. Does it need to go through probate for me to claim it?
A:
In Michigan vehicles below a specific value ($60k) do not HAVE to go through probate, but if there is a disagreement, that is the best way to insure there won't be issues in the future.
Seek local legal representation to make sure you do this in the most economical and appropriate way.
Frankly, you (and your sibs!) can't just 'assume ownership' no matter who holds the title. It needs to be DIVIDED amongst all the heirs (presumably just you and your sibs unless your mother was married at the time she passed, and assuming all her children were alive at that time) so -- get that legal help to insure there won't be issues down the line!
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