Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Pennsylvania

Re: Bought a vehicle with a significant other

You asked about getting out of a contract with an ex.

(I hope you appreciate that I have held my tongue and not given the smarmy answer I so want to give.)

This can be a messy situation. As to vehicles the ownership of a vehicle goes to the person who has their name on the title. If two people are named then each has full right to full possession of the vehicle.

If the person is going to be amenable then take the car and remove one name from the loan, title and registration. If they are not going to be amenable then they need to make a decision, either they take the car (buying you out) or you take the car (you buy them out). If you wish to keep the car you can sue to have such and agreement created, but the person will have the opportunity to be heard on that matter.

There is no reason that you can't seize the car and prevent the other person from getting access. That person cannot enter onto private property to get the vehicle (and particularly not into a private locked garage). But if the vehicle is in a public area, that person has as much right to the vehicle as you do.

The most simple way to handle the matter is a voluntary repossession to the lender. This will be a negative mark on your credit record and you may be liable for any deficiency. The negative mark on your credit record is not that severe and may be worth it 1) if you otherwise have good credit, and 2) are concerned about ongoing issues with this person.

Regards,

Roger