Grand Rapids, MI asked in Contracts for Michigan

Q: I’m left my abusive and alcoholic boyfriend. My name is on the car loan. How can I get my name off the loan?

He is driving the car without insurance and I don’t want to be liable for whatever occurs with the vehicle.

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2 Lawyer Answers

A: The most effective way to remove your name from the loan is to pay it off. Short of that there is very little you can do because the bank alone makes that decision. (Note: It would not hurt to notify the bank about this situation, just to get it on record that you are worried.)

Brent T. Geers agrees with this answer

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

A: To the bank, this is a business transaction. It doesn't matter if you're married or not; to the bank, you're jointly responsible for this date. What happens between you are your before is between you two and is not of the bank's concern.

Is your name also on the title? I agree with Mr. Minnick that the best thing you can do is pay off the loan, then go after your boyfriend for his share. If you stop paying, and he does as well, the bank will eventually repossess the car and ruin your credit.

Next best thing you could do is see if your boyfriend is willing to refinance the car into his name alone. Unlikely given what you state, and even if he is willing, he may not qualify to do so (hence why the bank required the two of you).

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