Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Florida

He left me with a loan and no vehicle.

I am writing on behalf of my sister Eileen--name removed-- Eileen (resides in NYC) took the loan for a friend, Mr. Sean C. Bueford who made a verbal agreement to pay for the entire cost of loan for 1994 Ford Explorer. Mr. Bueford took immediate possession of the vehicle and papers after the loan was made. Except for the title, which He received only after he stating it was needed for insurance purposes. Mr. Bueford never returned the title. Mr. Bueford disappeared sometime in 2002 and defaulted on the loan agreement. We have finally located information on the vehicle at this time.

We now found out that the NYS title that was never returned to Eileen was submitted for a FL title in 2003 issued to a Bueford family member.

Mr. Bueford had made a verbal agreement accepting full responsiblity for the loan payment, insurance and maintenance of the vehicle. I was left with basically the entire loan of $13,000. The remaining balance is almost $3,000. The value now of the vehicle is about $4,000.

I do not know where the vehicle or Mr.Bueford are located.

Thank you for any assistance with this matter, it will be appreciated.

--name removed-- Eileen McGourty


Asked on 4/05/04, 4:53 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Jeffrey Sheldon

Re: He left me with a loan and no vehicle.

I have three suggestions:

1) Speak to your auto insurance agent or company and ask if the situation qualifies as a stolen car since the person took it without paying for it and disappeared. If it does, and it would be worth reporting it - you would get enough money to cover the loan balance without the insurance rates being affected too badly, then consider making the report.

2) Use an investigator to track down Bueford. Then either send a demand letter to him, or hire an attorney in his town to help, or perhaps speak with the police and see if they can help if you report the car as stolen.

One investigation company is Business Research Inc. They are at 800.413.7603, are very inexpensive, and should be able to find the guy if you give them some basic info.

3) If necessary, your sister can consider filing for bankruptcy to get out from under the loan debt. It usually costs around $500, and would absolve her of all or most debt she has. Contact a bankruptcy attorney from the phone book for more info.

Good luck.

Jeff Sheldon

Jeffrey L. Sheldon, Esquire

The Sheldon Law Firm

17804 St. Lucia Isle Drive

Tampa, FL 33647

813.986.7580

(f) 813.986.7489

(Admitted in Fl., MD, D.C., and Pa.)

[email protected]

http://www.SheldonLawFirm.com

Disclaimer: This posting does not and is not intended to constitute legal advice. It is not confidential, nor is it privileged, and it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please consult with an attorney for advice specific to the facts of your case.

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Answered on 4/05/04, 10:53 pm


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