Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in California

My ex and I jointly purchased a car while we were together. When we broke up, my ex kept the car with the understanding he would continue to make the payment.

I’ve been advised last months payment is now 3 weeks late. They report late payments at 4 weeks delinquent to credit reporting agencies.

Am I within my rights to protect my credit history by paying the vehicle off ($700), taking possession of the vehicle (either via tow or making new keys) then selling the vehicle. I would use the money from the sale to reimburse myself any expenses I’ve incurred during this process. The remaining funds would be returned to my ex.

My sole goal is to protect my credit. If there are any other courses of action that would serve to do so I’d love to hear them.

Thanks in advance.

J. Smith


Asked on 12/20/23, 11:32 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

If you're both on the loan and both on title, you should make the payment and you have a right to possession, but so does he. So you can't sell it without him signing off on the transfer of title.

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Answered on 12/21/23, 7:46 am


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