New York, NY asked in Civil Litigation for Vermont

Q: My ex and I are both named on the title of a vehicle. Every time he gets mad at me he threatens to take the car from me

Related Topics:
1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered

A: Dealing with a situation where both you and your ex are named on the title of a vehicle can be challenging, especially when threats to take the car are involved. If both names are on the title, legally, you both have equal ownership rights to the vehicle. This means that neither party can unilaterally decide to take the car without the other's consent.

However, if your ex is using the car as a means to threaten or harass you, it's important to address this issue seriously. It's not just a matter of property rights; it could also be a matter of personal safety and wellbeing.

In cases like this, one solution could be to come to a mutual agreement on how to handle the ownership of the car. This might involve one party buying out the other's interest or agreeing to sell the vehicle and split the proceeds. If reaching an amicable agreement is difficult, mediation could be a helpful step.

If the situation escalates or if you feel threatened, it might be necessary to seek legal intervention. Depending on the specifics of your situation, this could involve obtaining a restraining order or other legal protections.

Given the complexity and potential for conflict in situations involving shared property with an ex-partner, consulting with an attorney could be beneficial. They can provide guidance tailored to your specific circumstances, including how to protect your rights and what steps to take if you feel your safety is at risk. Remember, it's important to take threats seriously and seek help when needed.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.