Well, my grandmother passed away last Friday and its been decided that I will keep her car, '92 Park Avenue. Anyone know how that works as far as transfering the title? Is it as simple as going to the DMV with a death certificate? Also what would be the correct order in paperwork? Title, Insurance, Registration? Its been a very emotional few days, so any help or info or advice on this would be greatly appreciated.
Zach, Im sorry to hear of your loss. At least you can think of her every time you drive the park ave, right?
Sorry to hear about grandma. You have my condolences. We both know how difficult it is to deal with the NY DMV. If I were you, I would have your wife forge her name on the title and claim it was a gift. I was in the same perdicament with my late uncle and his 68 Riviera GS. I signed his name and registered the car. It cuts out all the red tape and hassle.
My condolences as well. The title switch varies from state to state but if your Grandmother died in "testate"(no will) you will have to have someone appointed what is called her "personal representative" . Once that person is approved then he or she can distribute the estate as he or she sees fit . That can be according to the family's wishes , the will, or just to pay any debts that are due after her passing . That persal rep signs legal documents as if they were the deceast. They just need to show the letters of administration when doing so. It is better to do it this way as it cuts off any fights or issues down the road. It does not take a lawyer to file the paperwork. It is a short process at your closest courthouse. Again my condolences. George in DC
Zach, my condolences also. Now... who is the executor of her will? This has to be legal. You can't just show up at a Notary with a title and death cert. The title has to be signed by her, or in this case, someone with power of attorney. Who is the attorney handling her will? Start there. They'll want to charge you sales tax so have a receipt from the lawyer stating the sale was for a specified amount. Call it a dollar. Pay your 60 cents tax. Good luck and keep us informed.
Thank you everyone for your kind thoughts. I went onto the NYDMV site last night and got some info from there as well. It says immediete family can drive the car legally until registration or insurance expires so that makes it less rushed. Then it said that for under $15K value and no children under 21 that the executor of will has to sign title of over, which would be my mom and aunt. So I'll probably go to the local DMV where I live upstate with my mom later in the week and take care of the paperwork.
