Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Massachusetts

Remove deceased persons name on car title

My late girlfriend died suddenly almost two years ago when she fell and hit her head.

My girlfriend and I have been living as husband and wife for several years (--yeah, I know, no common law marriage in MA). In 2004 we purchased a motor vehicle together. For whatever reason at that time, we put the car in her name.

Well, needless to say, now shes dead and I want to get the title out of her name and put it in mine so I can register, insure, and drive the car.

The RMV won't tell me how to do this and I'm getting nowhere!

How can I take my late girlfriends name off the title and have my own put in instead? She never had a will and nothing ever went through the Probate Court.

What can I do? There are no liens on the car and her kids, who live out of state, agree that I should keep the car.

What can be done?

THANKS!


Asked on 4/11/09, 11:50 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Joseph Murray Joseph M. Murray, Esq.

Re: Remove deceased persons name on car title

My condolences on your loss.

If her entire estate consisted of the motor vehicle and less than $15,000 in personalty and no real estate, any of her heirs could file a Voluntary Administration, and once appointed Voluntary Administrator, they could transfer title of the vehicle to you with the written assent of all the heirs. Good Luck!

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Answered on 4/13/09, 3:27 pm


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