Partner died without Will, what happens to car?

Waves_and_Smiles

Could I have some advice please? My partner died 5 days ago, he didn't leave a Will but has no family apart from me and I am the Next of Kin. His car is currently parked in a free carpark (we are in Wales). I do not drive and do not want to keep the car, it is very old and worth little. What are my next steps? I am aware it has to be out of a public space if SORN which I cannot do because I don't drive and I don't know anyone who does. I have no idea where I stand legally and there seems to be quite a few different opions online about what I am supposed to do.

Thank you.

sammyjammy

Sorry for your loss There is legally no such thing as next of kin in the UK.  I assume you weren't married or in a civil partnership?  If thats the situation  you have no legal rights to do anything with regards his affairs.  Was he working?  Did he own property.

With regards the car, I suggest you contact the council that run the car park and let them know the situation.

EssexExile

We gave my Dad's car to charity. They collected it, auctioned it and our nominated charity got any profit. Google will help you find people who do this.

Waves_and_Smiles

Thank you. We weren't married, we just lived together for 32 years. I would be quite happy if the council just took it and recycled it, I have no idea what to do with it. I presume I need to inform the DVLA that he has died? I do have the log book if that is any help. I honestly know so little about cars and driving, so sorry for sounding ignorant.

No he has no property, no savings and was disabled for 10 years before he died.

Keep_pedalling

Really sorry for your loss. Unfortunately the lake of a will leaves you in a difficult position as you don’t inherit any of his assets and you don’t have any responsibility in sorting them out. 

You say he has no family, but most people have some even if they have no contact with them. Are you sure he has no cousins, uncles ect?

Waves_and_Smiles

Thank you. He has one brother in England who is unwell himself and also cannot drive or travel here. I am the one dealing with the funeral and death certificate which I am allowed to do but the car seems a grey area. I would be very happy if someone towed it away really but obviously I do not want a fine because I haven't done something I should have. He was 63 years old from a very small family. for 10 years there has been no family for either of us but each other.

Waves_and_Smiles

EssexExile said:

We gave my Dad's car to charity. They collected it, auctioned it and our nominated charity got any profit. Google will help you find people who do this.

Did you have to SORN it first? There is nowhere off road that it can be parked and I can't drive it anyway. Charity would be a lovely option

jimjames

If it has an MOT and runs then it's likely to be worth at least £500 depending on what model it is. There are various companies that would collect and buy it from you but at that sort of price they'll likely offer a pittance. If you're able to advertise it on Autotrader it's free for cars up to £1000, alternatively Facebook Marketplace but you'll get lots of contact from timewasters and chancers. If the car is registered to your address then shouldn't be an issue selling and you can notify DVLA once sold using the V5. 

sammyjammy

You cannot be fined, it is not your car.  You are not responsible for it.

Waves_and_Smiles

Ok, I am glad I can't be fined at least, the last thing I want is to break the law here. I shall try contacting a charity that sells cars and see if they will take it. Should I hold off on telling the DVLA my partner has died until I do because I know that stops the vehicle tax and it is on public land?

Mildly_Miffed

Condolences...

DVLA have processes for this.
https://www.gov.uk/tell-dvla-about-bereavement/selling-the-vehicle

The car's old and not worth much?
If you don't drive, and don't have a friend that can help, then the easiest solution is probably to phone around local garages for suggestions. They quite often know people looking for a cheap runaround. Ask around local friends, somebody will know who's trustworthy locally.