Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Pennsylvania

No will, another person says owes money for a vehicle
My son passed away without a will. Now there is a person calling me saying that my son owed him money for a motorcycle that my son bought from him. I do have the motorcycle with a title that just has my son's name on it (no lein holder on it) and a receipt that says my son paid x$ for ''names the motorcycle and serial number'' and signed by this person. There is no mention on the receipt that more money was owed. What recourse does this person have over my family and I? Certainly he would need proof that my son did owe him more money, but he saying my son owed him more than the motorcycle is even valued at, what then? I don't want to pay him more for a vehicle than it is worth but I don't want to lose this vehicle that my son did pay for as my grandchildren should be entitled to it or even get the money back that my son paid that I have the receipt for. So, what can this guy do to my family and what should I do to put an end to the calling for money? Any help in this matter is greatly appreciated.

Asked on 8/09/05, 7:51 am

2 Answers from Attorneys

Walter LeVine Walter D. LeVine, Esq.

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Re: No will, another person says owes money for a vehicle

First, someone needs to be appointed to administer the estate. First entitled to apply is spouse, then adult children, then parents. Once appointed, that person has legal authority to deal with the claim. You can inquire what proof there is of the alleged debt. If nothing is in writing, the title should be proof of full payment. You should also examine you son's bank records to see if any checks were issued to the person making the claim, beyond the original purchase price. If there is no lien on the title, presumtively there is no debt.

Answered on 8/09/05, 12:01 pm

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