If a vehicle is jointly owned by a couple, who has the right to it if they split up?
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If a vehicle is jointly owned by a couple, who has the right to it if they split up?
My girlfriend and I split after many years together. We have a vehicle in both of our names. I have it; she wants it. I have given her the money to make every payment. Of which I will now make it personally. If I leave my truck at my parent’s and ride to work with a co-worker, can she come and take the truck if I am not here?
Asked on September 19, 2011 under Bankruptcy Law, Indiana
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
Good question. Since your former girlfriend and you are on registered title to the same vehicle, you both own it. She and you both have the rights to the vehicle to use and possess.
If she wants the vehicle and you leave it somehwere, she can legally drive it away assuming that she has the key to it. I suggest that you and she reach some written agreement about how you want to resolve the car situation as to who gets to possess and drive it.
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