If a car sits in your yard for over 6 months can you get the title?

Question

My grandma died a little over a year ago. She had a mustang that needed a lot of work. She always said the first person to graduate high school would get it and that would be me, but its not in writing. The car has been sitting outside my house for way more than 6 months. My aunt wants to come and tow it against my grandma's wishes. I wont let her tow it out of my yard. Is there any way that a car sitting in front of you yard for almost a year you can claim the title? Especially if the name on the title is deceased? I'll take anything I can get to get the car back. My grandma meant a lot to me and the car meant a lot to her. She didnt even like my cousin and he won't take care of it like it deserves. Please Help somehow...

Answer 1

Whoever was named executor of Grandmas estate is the only one who could give (or sell) the Mustang to you.  Unless this applies:

  Vehicular Definition of a lien sale

If a person has repaired, furnished supplies or materials, towed or stored a vehicle AND has not been paid for the services rendered, that person has a lien against the vehicle. The lien arises at the time the registered owner is presented with a written statement of charges for completed work or services.

If the vehicle is towed by a public agency or private towing company, the lien arises when the vehicle is towed or transported. The lien may be satisfied by selling the vehicle through the lien sale process.

To conduct a lien sale, the person/lienholder must have possession of the vehicle and have lien sale authorization from DMV. Interested parties, including the registered and legal owners of record will be notified before the sale occurs.

State of California,If the vehicle's value is $4,000 or less, the registered and legal owners of record will be notified by the party conducting the lien. If the vehicle's value is greater than $4,000, DMV notifies all interested parties. You can call (916)-657-7617 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. if you have questions regarding lien sales.

Answer 2

If your aunt is executor of the will, you can't keep the car unless you are entitled to it by way of devolution of the estate.

Answer 3

every town/city has a local low income  law office...i would start with them...too bad someone else wants it because i know a family member when their dad died they just signed his name (oops don't tell anyone!) and just signed his name after it and got it himself that way...of course he didn't go get the title and tell anyone what happened..there was no need he had the title in the glovebox....the Motor Vehicles will make a copy at cost for you...good luck....that's too bad...I don't know why people turn into jerks when someone dies...just give your the car for God sakes!

Answer 4

well if your grandma left you some kind of contract or saying that she wants the car to go to you. then you can. you also can have 2 witnesses that will be willing to tell the people that your grandma left you that car. maybe like your mom and a friend.

Answer 5

You can try a mechanics lien. This states the owner owes for storage/work done to the vehicle. After a certain length of time you can apply for a title. Contact a local impound yard (tow company), they are fimiliar with this process.

Answer 6

The car should have been part of your Grandmothers Estate. Who was the executor of the estate? They have control, over ownership.

Answer 7

sounds like you are really caring for the car.

you need to talk to the administrator of the estate.