Title Question--Buying from Widow Advice Please

[Tom Wesenberg]

I am not sure how they do it where you are but in California could have left the car to his son in a will or trust. When he finds out what happened he could become a problem.

Charlie Stephens

Yes, that's true. I was thinking if the husband died without a will, as what happened with my dad.

BTW, I recently attended a meeting on wills and trusts, and a trust is the way to go. Wills can and will be fought out in court and much of the estate can be lost to court costs, as what happened when my mom passed.

 

[Terry NJ]

In Pa, I'm going crazy with a boat w/o a title! I have all sorts of supporting info, except the title! I even have the letter and REPLY that I sent to the deceased owner's wife. But I still can't get Pa to register and title the boat. It requires a whole bunch of rigamarole including a death certificate.
I'm not sure, but I suspect that the wife must sign a couple of papers involving a lost title and an application for a new one that she could sign over to me. Fat chance when she's an 89 Y.O. widow. So what do I do with an 1966 mirrocraft, 14 'alum rowboat? Well I can scrap it, Duh! I relate this little tale to anyone who's thinking of buying anything without a title, or a questionable pedigree. It can be a nightmare!
Terry

 

[H. L. Chauvin]

Hi Terry,

Glad you replied in No. 19 with an important fact and a WARNING that can occur when trying to obtain a DMV clear, Model A title.

One can always find, "anywhere", one warped minded authoritative DMV official trying to play God, who is usually totally unsuccessful in life, (usually with a double wide behind, bad breath, or something similar) ........... responding in writing, with your particular Model A title number.

Then, this one (1) rejection letter, with your Model A title number on it is in the DMV files where nobody wants to touch it for fear of this irate person acting as God.

As written previously on this Forum, my 1930 Model A Coupe title only took about 20 years.

After this same DMV person either retired or died, it was much easier ..... never give up ......... sometimes ........ it just takes patience to outlive them ...... and I got my title.

 

[Terry NJ]

Henry, What I wrote was about state governments NEW attitude about titles, not about my aluminum rowboat. Years ago they were much more casual about these things, Is it Illinois that sometimes makes you bond ($$$) the titles? Fortunately, I've never heard of that in Pa.....YET! NJ and PA started Titling boats about the same time, about ten years ago. I even went to my local Assemblyman and it's still no dice. So I was going to give the boat to my daughter in Texas and Texas has a title on the hull and a separate title for the motor! Don't try to sell anything or buy anything with no title or a questionable title, Car, boat, airplane, magic carpet, whatever!
Terry

Hi Terry,

Glad you replied in No. 19 with an important fact and a WARNING that can occur when trying to obtain a DMV clear, Model A title.

One can always find, "anywhere", one warped minded authoritative DMV official trying to play God, who is usually totally unsuccessful in life, (usually with a double wide behind, bad breath, or something similar) ........... responding in writing, with your particular Model A title number.

Then, this one (1) rejection letter, with your Model A title number on it is in the DMV files where nobody wants to touch it for fear of this irate person acting as God.

As written previously on this Forum, my 1930 Model A Coupe title only took about 20 years.

After this same DMV person either retired or died, it was much easier ..... never give up ......... sometimes ........ it just takes patience to outlive them ...... and I got my title.

 

[5window]

Henry, What I wrote was about state governments NEW attitude about titles, not about my aluminum rowboat. Years ago they were much more casual about these things, Is it Illinois that sometimes makes you bond ($$$) the titles? Fortunately, I've never heard of that in Pa.....YET! NJ and PA started Titling boats about the same time, about ten years ago. I even went to my local Assemblyman and it's still no dice. So I was going to give the boat to my daughter in Texas and Texas has a title on the hull and a separate title for the motor! Don't try to sell anything or buy anything with no title or a questionable title, Car, boat, airplane, magic carpet, whatever!
Terry

About that boat, I've got a canoe and kayaks, all registered with the fish and boat commission on their serial numbers, but not a title among them. I have/had bills of sale when I bought them new-never got a title-but then I never tried to sell them,either, plus they are all non-motorized water craft.

 

[eagle]

In Pa, I'm going crazy with a boat w/o a title! I have all sorts of supporting info, except the title! I even have the letter and REPLY that I sent to the deceased owner's wife. But I still can't get Pa to register and title the boat. It requires a whole bunch of rigamarole including a death certificate.
I'm not sure, but I suspect that the wife must sign a couple of papers involving a lost title and an application for a new one that she could sign over to me. Fat chance when she's an 89 Y.O. widow. So what do I do with an 1966 mirrocraft, 14 'alum rowboat? Well I can scrap it, Duh! I relate this little tale to anyone who's thinking of buying anything without a title, or a questionable pedigree. It can be a nightmare!
Terry

Here in MN I was given a boat, coming from another state, no registration. I just wrote down the serial number and brought it to the deputy registar, cost me $17 for a license. No questions, no problems. If you have a friend here in MN sell the boat to him, give him the serial number. Have him license it here, then you buy the boat back from him, transfer it to your state. Simple, cheap, and easy. Also, LEGAL. No fraud

 

[C26Pinelake]

I might be able to purchase a basket case car from the widow of the deceased owner. I might be going to see the car later today. I have not seen the title yet but assume it is in the husbands name and is most likely NOT signed by owner as it would be when sold to someone like me. Or it might still be titled in the name of the person he got it from 50 plus years ago...

Any advice would be appreciated..

Can a spouse sign the signature of a deceased husband...??

I live in MI and the Secretary of State only requires the title be signed by the titled party when sold along with the selling price and date filled out on the title. No bill of sale required as long as the title is present.

Thanks

Did you go and see it yet? Wayne

 

[Oldbluoval]

In TN, one can get a title with an Affidavit of Construction, This would be down the road for you as the car has to be driveable (roadworthy), inspected by law enforcement and proof of sales tax paid. You will pay sales tax at the time of registration if unpaid. TN can be a reasonable state compared to some of the more highly-populated states (and those in more dire economic need!). Of course, you will be paying any states sales tax at registration if applicable.

All-in-all best to have a title that can be transferred without the above.