Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California

Re: forging signatures

You are mistaken about the nature of your holding of the vehicle as community property. Community property only may be held between husband and wife. Nevertheless, it sounds like you held the car as "tenants in common", that is, both of you must okay sale of the entire car. You can try to get the car back. Other than that, if you want the money, you will have to take whatever legal steps are necessary to obtain that money. Of course, it will come down to who put the down payment on the car, who paid the loan, etc.

Re: forging signatures

I agree with Mr. Cohen's answer. If your mother actually did what you say, you can sue her for the value of your interest in the car. Not everyone is willing to sue their own mother, but then not every mother would cheat her own child this way.

Depending upon the facts, you might be able to reclaim the car from the buyer. You also might have a case against the DMV for overlooking your interest in the car or against some other parties involved in the transaction.

I have had substantial experience in this area of the law, so please feel free to contact me directly if you want to discuss the matter further.