We planned ahead and listed all our savings and bank accounts as right of survivorship. I thought there wouldn't be any troubles, but when he passed away last year I realized that the car title needed to be put in my name. The clerk told me I'd have to probate my husband's Will or get all of our children to sign some papers. For many people, a car is one of the most expensive purchases ever made, second only to a house and the children's education. It's not surprising that the state's registration process is complex.
Houses are fairly hard to move from place to place, but cars excel at moving around.
The ownership of something so mobile must be clearly defined. Under ordinary circumstances, the certificate of title will be signed by the Seller. An Affidavit of Heirship to a Motor Vehicle. They must sign the Affidavit to give their partial ownership back to you as the surviving spouse. Historically, rights of survivorship could be put onto a car, but it was fairly difficult.