What do I do with a car left on my property in deceased friend’s name?
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What do I do with a car left on my property in deceased friend’s name?
My friend/roommate committed suicide. All of her personal belongings including a free and clear vehicle are left at my property. She was still technically married but the husband says he wants nothing to do with her personal items. She has no other family. Am I able to donate her items or sell them?
Asked on November 21, 2011 under Estate Planning, California
Answers:
Steven Fromm / Steven J Fromm & Associates, P.C.
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
When a person dies no one can act for his or her estate until they are officially named executor where there is a will or administrator where there is no will. You could be named administrator of the estate if the husband renounces and names you. This would allow you to act for the estate. However, the rules of intestate succession would control who gets what and you have various duties as the administrator. For more on the usual duties please see my article entitled Pennsylvania Probate & Estate Administration: Executor Duties at the following link: http://www.sjfpc.com/Pennsylvania_Probate_Estate__Administration_Duties_of_Executor_and_Administrator.html
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