How do I handle a small estate distribution?
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How do I handle a small estate distribution?
I am a resident of CT and my father, who passed almost 2 years ago, was a resident of LA. He passed intestate and the only property he had was a truck. I am the only heir. I have the small succession form and pretty much understand the process but have a few questions. Can I mail the affidavit with the court? What if I do not have the title to the truck? Do I have need to publish anything in the local paper? The registration expired 6 months ago and I need to get this resolved ASAP.
Asked on May 25, 2011 under Estate Planning, Louisiana
Answers:
MD, Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
You need to first get the title to the truck. The easiest way to do this is to show the death certificate to the Department of Motor Vehicles and see if there is a way you can obtain title by showing the death certificate and succession form. If not, you may simply need to fill out the succession form, include the proper tax form described in the form that is needed, have the form notarized and submit to the Department of Revenue. I don't believe estates like this need to be submitted to the court in the form of a probate opening. I don't believe publication is required herein but again, the Department of Revenue may require you to wait for processing the documentation and may have to wait for a certain statutory time period before it is completed.
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