Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Michigan

Vehicle purchase

I recently had my mother-in-law purchase a $4,000 vehicle for me. We only had a verbal agreement that I would pay her ''What I could afford, when I could afford it''. I signed all the documents when the vehicle was purchased, so the title is in my name. Since I lived with her I never bothered to get reciepts, and I have paid $1,000 towards it. Now she is complaining she doesn't have enough money to pay her bills, and expects me to pay more than I can afford, when I can't afford it. She has also threatened to take me to court, to get her money, and take back the vehicle. I was wondering what I would have to do to get the reciepts and get her to stick to the agreement we had.


Asked on 8/14/07, 10:29 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Audra Arndt Audra A. Arndt & Associates, PLLC

Re: Vehicle purchase

i suggest you draw up an agreement now, incorporating what you have already paid (so she acknowledges it), and set up a payment plan of like $50 a month with a provision that you will pay more if you can. that way you have something in writing.

also prepare a checklist or receipt book so each time you give her money, she can initial it next to the amount.

that way you have something in writing before it gets more sticky.

it's hard when you owe family or friends money like that because they judge you every time you spend money - they think it should be going to them. best to have something in writing and have her acknowledge the payments.

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Answered on 8/14/07, 10:34 pm


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