Q: Can my ex ever try to take my gifted car for any alimony payments I missed in the past?
I have been divorced for 5 years. I became disabled within a year of the divorce. My ex wife moved out of state and we have not been in any contact. With only disability income, I have struggled to pay alimony over the years but have paid as much as I could. My medical issues require tens of thousands of dollars of medical treatment and Medicare does not cover all of the cost. A friend of the family has offered to give me a used car so that I can get to medical appointments and to visit my daughter and grandchildren. I haven't had a car since the divorce. My question: Can my ex ever try to take my gifted car for any alimony payments I missed in the past?
A: The answer is she could try but several states have medical exemptions that would allow you to keep the vehicle. I do not know what the laws are for Florida but typically they would have to take the car, sell it at auction and then disperse the proceeds. If the car isn't worth much then the cost of repossession and selling it at auction probably would be cost effective.
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