It is my car right?

Question

Last December, I put a car in my name for my ex boyfriend. I signed all the paperwork and he is not listed on the loan anywhere. He did pay $500 of the downpayment, and gave me a $200/ month (the note was $308) toward the car from February to now. We were living together and other than his $200/month, I paid our other $1200 in monthly living expenses. I would take his cash, use it for groceries, and pay the car note with my debit card. So I have all the payment documentation. We broke up 3 days ago. During the time he was giving me money, he had exclusive driving rights to the car, which I think more than makes up for his meager payments and downpayment. I now want it back, and he is refusing to give it to me without the reimbursement of his $500. He claims he will sue me if I do not. He has no legal basis to demand money from me, right?

Answer 1

Legally, you own the car. Unless his name is on the title, even having his name on the loan give him no legal right to the car. On the other hand, if $500 will convince him to go away, I would consider paying him.

Answer 2

You would have to check with your state but generally if his name does not appear on the paperwork (title/loan documents) and there is no written agreement between the two of you for payment reimbursement then the best he can do is file in small claims court and attempt to get a judgment for the payments made. Because there is no agreements this will be difficult as he has had use of the vehicle and any payments made can be shown to be to his direct benefit. Demand the car back and if you do not get it I would list it as stolen and have the police impound it and return it to you. Good luck with this depending on your ex. this could be nasty.

Answer 3

If the car is in your name call the police and file theft charges. Absent any other item you mentioned all that matters is that the title is in YOUR name and not his. This makes the car yours and he'll be going to jail if he refuses to give it up.