Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in New Jersey
car reposession
I have a 2002 Dodge intrepid I owe $9,000 on. I just found out I am being RIFED from my job and I can no longer afford to pay for the car or the car insurance. I am a single mom my credit is pretty much shot since I am late on my payments all the time. I was wondering if I should just stop paying the payments and let them come take the car or if it is best to take it to the dealer where I bought it or should I just call the credit co and tell them to come and get it because i can't pay it. I know a repo is not going to help my credit but what are my options? IF any?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: car reposession
I have read your question. I do not have any good answers for you. I do know that it is almost always better for you to do whatever you can, to avoid repossession. That causes huge damage to you. Can you sell the car and use the money to pay off the debt? Is a 2002 Dodge Intrepid worth the $9000 owed on it?
If you owe a huge amount of money and have no way to pay it off, then maybe you want to talk to a bankruptcy attorney. I really can not tell whether that is appropriate for you or not, I just do not know. Bankruptcy might give you some relief, but it will always make your credit worse.
Can you, a single mom, do anything to make your child's father pay child support? Would that help you?
Have you tried talking to Legal Aid in your area?
I am in north Jersey, and can not help you.
I wish you success. I hope that you can find a decent job, quickly.
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Re: car reposession
Just wanted to second Mr. Davies response. It can't hurt to call them to see what they say. They will find out sooner or later that you can't pay.