Artwork in house of an Estate has no documentation of ownership. Painter claims it was never bought and wants it back. Who legally owns this item?
This artwork was a dedication to a family member who died 15 years ago and arrive at the Estates house 8 years ago for an unknown reason. The Executor of the Estate can not find any proof of ownership or contract to return to painter.
Important first question: Is the painting worth fighting about? That is, does it have any significant monetary or sentimental value for the beneficiaries? If not, let the painter have it and avoid the fight.
Prima facie the painter was the original owner of the painting by virtue of creating it. At common law there are 6 ways that ownership of personal property can be transferred (and several involuntary ways that are not relevant):
The most relevant to the facts is No 2: Transfer or gift by delivery. For this to have occurred the painting must have been given to the deceased with:
Delivery and acceptance cannot be denied as it has been hanging in the deceased's house for 8 years (unless the painter co-habited with the deceased; delivery has not taken place in that case). The painter has the onus to prove that they did not intend at the time to transfer title. It is difficult to see what evidence they could put forward that would convince a court of this if the facts are as you say.
Case and statute law in your jurisdiction may have changed the common law.
The Estate owns the painting.
