Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Florida

My mother bought me a car for a graduation present and i paid half, however the bill of sale is in her name but everything for the car is in my name. I have text messages from her stating that i dont have to pay her back for the car, and now she wants me to pay her back. But there is nothing legally stating that i have to pay her back and she wants to take me to court over my car. Is the car legally mine or hers?


Asked on 8/06/10, 9:24 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Richard Kaplan

It sounds like it wasn't a present, and the certificate of title establishes that she owns it.

However, if you went to court and can prove you paid for half of it, the judge could rule you own half the car. Possibly, if you can introduce the text messages, you may be able to prove to the judge it was a gift, but it's close since it doesn't look like she completed what was needed to make the gift final.

Read more
Answered on 8/12/10, 4:47 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Real Estate and Real Property questions and answers in Florida