Hello,

I saw your site when looking for answers to my question. Maybe you can help. I am 19 going on 20 this year. My father co-signed for me so I could get my first car. They told us that I had no credit record. Well, I am trying to move out. I can well and beyond pay the payments. My father said that I could move out, but that the car has to stay. I have to have that car in order to get from work and school. My question is, what can he do legally to me? My name is on the title, so isn't the car mine? Can he take his name off the co-signer, because I have no credit record yet. (I just got the car about a month ago.) Can he take the car away? Or am I okay as long as I pay my payments like I'm supposed to. Please help me, I don't know who to ask for information.

Thank you for your time.

(unsigned)

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Dear unsigned,

There are two elements to address here.

First, car ownership.
If you are of legal age and are the only name on the title, you are the sole owner. The lien holder has a claim only if you default on payments. The co-signer can not arbitrarily remove his name and obligation. The car is yours and there is not much dad can do about it. That is the part you wanted to hear.

Second, common sense.

You ask, "What can he do legally to me?
Legally, he can lock you out of his house, disown and disinherit you. Legally, he can point out your ingratitude regarding his assistance in getting a car for you. Legally, he can get a restraining order if you visit or call against his orders. Get the picture?

Jimism: "Keep your eye on the bigger picture."

Is this "legal" confrontation with your dad worth it or wise? For all of your life your parents have fed, clothed and sheltered you. And, helped you get a car that you could not have gotten without them. Now, you slap them in the face with your legal rights. Not smart!

Who would you turn to if you lost your job? Who will you expect to contribute to your wedding? Who will baby-sit your children? Legally, parenting ends at age 18. Good parent/child relationships go on for a lifetime. That should be your focus, not car ownership.

Sit down with dad show him this response. Talk it over and look for common ground. You will need your parents many times over the next few decades. They will need you too. There is no gain in breaking or straining the parent/child bond over this issue.

Here if I can help,
Everybody's Uncle