Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California
Cosignee off vehicle lease
I made the mistake of cosigning on my ex's car lease payment. We have since parted and I want my name off the lease. My ex has missed payments a number of times and I am sick of Ford calling to collect from me. My Ex says he cannot remove my name from the lease and Ford will not without him present. Is there any legal action I can take? Thank you in advance.
3 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Cosignee off vehicle lease
You can't un-sign a contract just because you no longer find it convenient -- or because a risk you took when you originally signed has now materialized. Ford didn't agree that you would only be obligated as long as you and your ex were together, and you can't impose such a condition now.
The reason you're on the lease in the first place is so Ford would be protected in case your husband stopped paying. Given that this has actually happened -- and that you evidently haven't made his payments for him as you agreed to do -- Ford has little incentive to let you off the hook.
Being a cosignor made you legally responsible for the debt once your ex stopped paying. Why would Ford just let you walk away, especially now that your ex has proven unable to pay?
Re: Cosignee off vehicle lease
Not, really. When you signed as a co-signatory on the lease, you were agreeing to make any payments that your Ex failed to make. In reliance upon your agreement, Ford leased the car to your Ex and you are responsible if he does not pay. You can always sue your Ex for any payments you are forced to pay, but there is no way to "remove" you name from the lease. It is never a good idea to co-sign for anyone because only poor credit risks require a co-signer.
Re: Cosignee off vehicle lease
This question should have been rejected, because it uses a company name.