Q: My friend signed as a co-signer for his ex girlfriend’s car loan and now she won’t take him off. What can he do?
He did not have a legal agreement with her and blocked him on social media when he continued to ask her about it.
A:
Under California law, if you're a co-signer on a car loan and the primary borrower refuses to remove you, your options are limited but actionable. First, you can request that the primary borrower refinance the loan solely in their name. This would release you from the financial responsibility of the loan. However, if they refuse, this might require legal action or further negotiations.
You can also contact the lender directly to discuss the situation. Sometimes, lenders might have policies or solutions that can help co-signers in difficult situations. However, keep in mind that lenders are generally not obligated to remove co-signers without a refinance or loan payoff.
If the primary borrower defaults, you might end up responsible for the debt, which could affect your credit score. As a last resort, you might consider seeking legal advice to explore other options, such as negotiating a settlement or taking legal action against the primary borrower. It's essential to act quickly to protect your financial interests.
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