What I said was states often have easy ways to transfer vehicles after death. To which you replied, “(A)nd in CA, it REQUIRED probate” (emphasis added). I was subsequently pointing out that Probate is NOT required in CA to pass a vehicle after death.I literally introduced the TOD option in this thread, and recommended it. It's what we have done with my mother's car, in fact.Not if the vehicle has a TOD registration. As noted states can be very different, but many/most have specific regs to make passing vehicles easier. So you definitely need to know state specifics.And in CA, it required probate. So very much a "know your state law" situation.I will skip the ‘only a will goes thru probate, a car never dies’ discussion.Note that if it's titled in only your name, she'll likely have to go through probate simply to change ownership. My MIL had to go through probate because her mother didn't have a TOD title on her car.
We used AAA to have the title on my mom's car changed to a TOD title. She is the owner, but TOD to me.
If you're in a community property state, I'd think an OR title would work. That's how we plan to re-title our cars, so that either of us can sell if needed.
Many states have specific processes to allow easy transfer of vehicles. My state has processes for this with or wo a will.
BECAUSE MY MIL HAD TO OPEN PROBATE IN CA FOR A CAR THAT DID NOT HAVE A TOD TITLE. Which you quoted.
TLDR…probate is not required to pass a vehicle in CA.
Statistics: Posted by LotsaGray — Thu Aug 08, 2024 11:49 am — Replies 30 — Views 1699