Coldwater, MI asked in Small Claims for Michigan

Q: Can I sue ex gf if she stops paying for her car that was bought in my name?

2 and a half years ago my live in girlfriend (at the time) needed a new car for her and her two girls. She had poor credit so we went car shopping and I bought her a car,in my name. we split a few months after and I let her keep it,and she promised to make the payments. For the last 2 years she mostly has,been late alot and I've covered 3 payments,but its been mostly amicable. Now she is upside down on the loan by about 3 grand and the transmission is slipping. She is now saying shes going to drop it off at my house and stop making payments. Do I have any recourse? There is no written contract between us,besides text messages I still have where I tell her I will never come take the car and she promises to make the payments,thatand the fact that I can show she has made the payments for 2 and a half years.What are my options? Thanks!

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1 Lawyer Answer
Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
Answered
  • Grand Rapids, MI
  • Licensed in Michigan

A: You might have a claim against her to recover for her use of the car over these years. However, as to whomever you signed the loan agreement with, this has nothing to do with her. You will be held liable for the loan balance.

Think about this for a moment: this woman had - and likely still has - bad credit. She doesn't even have a car in her name (it's yours). Do you think she would really care - other than the emotion of it all - if you sued her and won a judgement against her? You might be better off cutting your losses and moving.

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