caravan ownership

hobrover

Purchased a caravan in 2017 in my name (have the bill of sale though it was paid for by both of us and proceeds of the previous caravan) and along with my partner we paid for servicing and insurance etc though it was all in my name.  She unexpectedly passed away and her son is taking legal action to take control of the caravan.  He has never used it or had any connection with it and being a person of means, is not in need of the money.  Has he any legal claim on the caravan?

lisyloo

Were you married.
Did she have a will?

When you say legal action, has this just come out of the blue or is it after discussion?
Does the legal action say the son is the executor of the estate? i.e. does he have authority to act?

To me it looks like a joint asset even though it's in your name.
The son may have proof e.g. bank statements, that she paid for it.
Her half would go to her beneficiaries.

The fact that it's in your name is not that relevant.
The fact that he has other money is totally irrelevant.

Do you live there?
Are you over 65? or disabled?

Sorry for all the questions but the answer depends on various factors.

Grumpelstiltskin

Just tell him you will see him in court then ignore him, don't get involved with any arguments.

lisyloo

You also might want to check if you have free legal cover on your home insurance.
You might be able to talk to a professional solicitor for free.
I would suggest you don't ignore it.

diystarter7

Hi OP

Sorry for your loss.

As it's in your name and you paid, used p/x that was yours towards it, I guess as others said its yours as you p/x old c/va and money.

However, rather than just "ignore" for peace of mind, see if there is a citizen's advice that will take your phone call and discuss and hopefully put your mind at rest.

Btw, and you dont need to share but it may give more insight and better advice, perhaps. Why is son claiming the c/van, have you fallen out, never got on or did mum say to him it was her's or most of her money etc-  again dont bother to answer if you dont want to

As others stated, check your building insurance to see if you have free legal advice
Take care and good luck

lisyloo

diystarter7 said:

Hi OP

Sorry for your loss.

As it's in your name and you paid, used p/x that was yours towards it, I guess as others said its yours as you p/x old c/va and money.

However, rather than just "ignore" for peace of mind, see if there is a citizen's advice that will take your phone call and discuss and hopefully put your mind at rest.

Btw, and you dont need to share but it may give more insight and better advice, perhaps. Why is son claiming the c/van, have you fallen out, never got on or did mum say to him it was her's or most of her money etc-  again dont bother to answer if you dont want to

As others stated, check your building insurance to see if you have free legal advice
Take care and good luck

No, both paid (see post #1) therefore it's a joint asset. This may be provable e.g. bank statement showing part payment for caravan or transfer of large amount to OP.

Son may be claiming as he may be executor and/or beneficiary and the joint asset is now passed onto someone else via the will or intestacy.

it's unusual to just start getting legal out of the blue (unless relationship was previously totally broken down). So it would be helpful to know what comms there has been on the issue up until now.

hobrover

Answers to questions:
No relationship with the son whatsoever - hate from him is putting it mildly.  He is one of 3 next of kin but the other two are happy for me to keep her estate.
No will when my partner died, just verbal which has no legal standing.
No letters from him or anyone else regarding his 'claim', so no legal action as yet.
I am over 65 and disabled.
No free legal cover on house insurance.
Previous caravans were paid for by me; P/X for this one, I paid £12k and the other £5k came from an account in her name that we both paid into over many years.