What do I do if my ex won’t transfer my car title?
I have a car that was purchased in my previous marriage. I paid the car off before the divorce and that is the car that I was using throughout our marriage since we got it originally. We got divorced and I continued to use the car as always. When it came time to renew the registration, I wasn’t able to because it was registered under his name at the DMV.
I have asked him multiple times to transfer it to my name and he has declined every time. He is now threatening to report the car as stolen to get me in trouble. What can I do about the car situation?
28
11
Solved
The short answer: You should act fast to protect yourself legally and stop him from falsely reporting the car as stolen.
Here’s the long answer:
Since the car wasn’t addressed in your divorce, you can go to court and ask for a formal order declaring the car as your property. Your insurance records, loan documents, and messages are solid evidence that can help you make your case.
Here’s what you need to do:
You can file a motion or petition in family court (or the court that handled your divorce) asking the judge to clarify or divide the unaddressed asset — in this case, the car. Even though your divorce judgment didn’t split the cars formally, courts can look at how the property was used and paid for. Your proof of insurance, payments on the personal loan, and messages to him all help show you treated the car as yours and that you should be awarded ownership.
Bonus tip:
You can also talk to your local DMV to see if they can help with a title dispute or flag the title as contested, though they usually require a court order to change an owner when there’s no signed title transfer. Going to court is your most direct and reliable move here.
Stay firm and keep everything documented — this puts you in the best position to keep the car and avoid criminal trouble.
0
Full Conversation
I have a car that was purchased in my previous marriage. I paid the car off before the divorce and that is the car that I was using throughout our marriage since we got it originally. We got divorced and I continued to use the car as always. When it came time to renew the registration, I wasn’t able to because it was registered under his name at the DMV.
I have asked him multiple times to transfer it to my name and he has declined every time. He is now threatening to report the car as stolen to get me in trouble. What can I do about the car situation?
Lexi, Chatbot
I understand how frustrating this situation must be for you. Have you already consulted with a lawyer about the divorce settlement and the ownership of the car?
No, I wasn’t aware it was in his name and didn’t bring it up in the divorce because I had been driving the car and paying for it.
Lexi, Chatbot
Is there any written communication or documentation regarding your requests to have the car transferred to your name?
I have asked him to transfer it and he doesn’t want to.
Lexi, Chatbot
Is there anything else the lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they’ll be able to help with your car situation.
No
Legal Eagle
Hello! My name is Michael, and I'm an attorney ready to help! Your responses matter to me, so I only need a few minutes to review and respond to each of your posts.
Did your divorce judgment or settlement agreement mention the car at all, or list it as your separate property or community property to be divided?
The divorce doesn’t specify any assets being split due to the fact we didn’t have any real assets. We had two cars — one his and one mine. He kept his car and is now threatening to report this car stolen even though I have been the one to pay and insure this car since we got it.
Legal Eagle
Ok, thanks! Just a few more questions. Do you have any proof, like payment records, insurance documents, or messages, showing that you consistently paid for and used this car as your own since the marriage?
Yes, I have insurance records that I have been insuring it myself since the split and I have records of a personal loan that I took out to finish paying the car loan. I have been making payments on that personal loan as well and I’m almost done with it. I don’t have records of the payments being made when we first got the car as I got kicked off that bank account and have no way of getting those anymore.
I also have messages of me asking him to transfer the car over since I’m the one who paid for it and he keeps telling me he’s going to report it stolen to get me in trouble.
Legal Eagle
Understood! So you're just wondering what it is you can do here, correct?
Yes, I obviously don’t want to get in trouble with the law. However, I am not willing to just give him a car that I paid for and insured for multiple years. I want to take it to court but am unaware of how to proceed.
Legal Eagle
Ok! Did you need to tell me anything else? If not, I can start with answering your question.
I believe that’s all the information I currently have.
Legal Eagle
Ok! I just need a little time to draft up a high-quality answer. I'll be with you as soon as possible. It won't be terribly long, ok?
Sounds good, thank you.
Legal Eagle
I'm so sorry about this situation! I want to address your situation with a detailed response, so if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask because this law stuff can get complicated.
Legal Eagle
The short answer: You should act fast to protect yourself legally and stop him from falsely reporting the car as stolen.
Here’s the long answer:
Since the car wasn’t addressed in your divorce, you can go to court and ask for a formal order declaring the car as your property. Your insurance records, loan documents, and messages are solid evidence that can help you make your case.
Here’s what you need to do:
You can file a motion or petition in family court (or the court that handled your divorce) asking the judge to clarify or divide the unaddressed asset — in this case, the car. Even though your divorce judgment didn’t split the cars formally, courts can look at how the property was used and paid for. Your proof of insurance, payments on the personal loan, and messages to him all help show you treated the car as yours and that you should be awarded ownership.
Bonus tip:
You can also talk to your local DMV to see if they can help with a title dispute or flag the title as contested, though they usually require a court order to change an owner when there’s no signed title transfer. Going to court is your most direct and reliable move here.
Stay firm and keep everything documented — this puts you in the best position to keep the car and avoid criminal trouble.
How can I take this up to family court? Is there a form that I have to fill out and submit?
Legal Eagle
You can file a motion or request to reopen your divorce case in family court, asking the judge to divide this unaddressed asset (the car). You’ll usually need to complete a form called a “Request for Order” (sometimes called an RFO), along with a declaration explaining your evidence and why you should be awarded the car.
Where can I get this form from?
Legal Eagle
Sure thing! My recommendation? The local court clerk is going to be the best place.
Thank you so much for your time, I really appreciate the responses.
Legal Eagle
For sure! Did I thoroughly address your question? Did I provide top-tier service to you? If the answer is no to either, please let me know so I can help!
Yes, you did! I feel a lot better and understand what the next steps should look like.
Legal Eagle
Thank you so much for contacting us! We're happy to help whenever you need it.
Legal Eagle
128,690 satisfied customers
5 lawyers online now
Disclaimer
By messaging AskaLawyer.com, you agree to our Terms and have read our Privacy Policy.
The information provided on AskaLawyer.com is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the information presented, we make no guarantees regarding its completeness or applicability to your specific circumstances.
Use of this website does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and AskaLawyer.com or any of its attorneys. Communications through this website, including any responses from attorneys, are not privileged or confidential. For advice tailored to your individual situation, we recommend consulting a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.
AskaLawyer.com disclaims any liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this site. We are not responsible for any third-party content that may be accessed through this website. Reliance on any information provided herein is solely at your own risk.
