Hey everyone. I’m trying to figure out how to transfer my late brother’s truck title to his daughter. It wasn’t in his trust, but his will says everything goes to her. I’ve got his death certificate, a copy of the registration, his driver’s license, and her ID, but no title. The truck was last registered in 2019. I’m also the trustee of his trust, but it looks like the truck doesn’t mention the trust at all. Anyone dealt with this before? Kinda stuck here.
Sounds tricky. If the title isn’t in the trust, I think it might have to go through probate. Have you looked into that?
Luca said:
Sounds tricky. If the title isn’t in the trust, I think it might have to go through probate. Have you looked into that?
Yeah, that’s what I’m starting to realize. Probate sounds like a hassle though. Do you know how long it usually takes?
Luca said:
Sounds tricky. If the title isn’t in the trust, I think it might have to go through probate. Have you looked into that?
Depends on the state. In Florida, it can take a few months or even longer if there’s no will. Have you talked to a probate lawyer?
Luca said:
Sounds tricky. If the title isn’t in the trust, I think it might have to go through probate. Have you looked into that?
Not yet. Was hoping to avoid that, but I guess I might not have a choice. Thanks for the info!
If you don’t have the title, the DMV might still be able to help if you bring the will and all those documents.
Milo said:
If you don’t have the title, the DMV might still be able to help if you bring the will and all those documents.
Oh, good to know. I’ve got the registration and her ID too. Do you think that’ll be enough?
Milo said:
If you don’t have the title, the DMV might still be able to help if you bring the will and all those documents.
They’ll probably want the will too, but if you’re missing that, you’ll definitely need to go through probate. Might be faster to locate the will if possible.
If it wasn’t mentioned in the trust, the trust won’t help. You’ll need the will or go through probate for sure.
Kim said:
If it wasn’t mentioned in the trust, the trust won’t help. You’ll need the will or go through probate for sure.
Yeah, someone else said that too. Looks like probate is the only way then. Any idea how expensive it is?
Kim said:
If it wasn’t mentioned in the trust, the trust won’t help. You’ll need the will or go through probate for sure.
It depends, but fees usually come out of the estate. Definitely worth asking a lawyer for a ballpark estimate.
Doesn’t Florida have a way to transfer small estates without full probate? Not sure if this would qualify though.
Shea said:
Doesn’t Florida have a way to transfer small estates without full probate? Not sure if this would qualify though.
Hmm, interesting. I haven’t heard of that. I’ll look into it. Thanks for the tip!
Shea said:
Doesn’t Florida have a way to transfer small estates without full probate? Not sure if this would qualify though.
I think it’s called summary administration. Might work if the truck is the only asset outside the trust.
Shea said:
Doesn’t Florida have a way to transfer small estates without full probate? Not sure if this would qualify though.
Summary admin? Cool, I’ll ask about that. The truck might be the only thing outside the trust, so fingers crossed.
Just curious, when you say ‘trustee,’ does that mean you have any say in the probate process or no?
kevinwilder said:
Just curious, when you say ‘trustee,’ does that mean you have any say in the probate process or no?
Not really, since the truck isn’t in the trust. My role is just with the trust stuff, not probate.
kevinwilder said:
Just curious, when you say ‘trustee,’ does that mean you have any say in the probate process or no?
Got it. Makes sense. Good luck with it all. Probate can be a pain, but it’s manageable!