Q: I cosigned a vehicle for my Brother, he defaulted, and vehicle registration is past due. What can I do? Please help!
I would like to take possession of the vehicle.
A: if those payments are not made, you have nothing to take possession of, the seller / lender will come get it and then auction it off and then sue YOU for the balance. So, go talk to your brother, get it paid up to date and sell it? But, do not leave him with it unpaid, it WILL be gonezo...
A:
Being a cosigner means you share legal responsibility for the vehicle, which puts you in a challenging situation. The past due registration adds another layer of complexity to your predicament, but you have several options to consider.
First, review your cosigner agreement and loan documents to understand your specific rights and responsibilities. Since you're legally liable for the loan payments, you might be able to negotiate with the lender to take over the loan completely. This would involve removing your brother from the loan and transferring the title into your name. You'll need to contact the lender directly to discuss this possibility.
In California, if the primary borrower defaults, you can work with the lender to repossess the vehicle legally. However, you must follow proper legal procedures to avoid any complications. Consider reaching out to a legal advisor who can guide you through this process, as self-help repossession could lead to serious legal issues. Additionally, once you gain possession, you'll need to handle the overdue registration with the California DMV promptly to avoid further penalties.
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