MY CAR MY LIFE I'M 18
Hello,
I saw your site when looking for an answer for my question. Maybe you can help me. I am eighteen and live with my parents, but lately we have been fighting a lot. So I decided to move out but they threaten to take my care away from me, that I pay for and she doesn't. Mom co-signed for it so I could get one; they put down $1000 as my graduation present. I need the car to get back and forth to work and school. She told me that I can leave but I have to leave the car there. She is mostly doing this because of the guy I am dating. She doesn't approve of him because he is black, and she told me to get out. She broke up my last relationship and this one I am not allowing her to do that to. She has never approved of anything I have done and never supported anything either. What can she legally do? Can she legally take the car away? Do you have advice for me? The car is in my name; she just cosigned for it. I pay $238 every month for it. I was 18 when I got the car and now she is doing this.
(Unsigned)
Dear Unsigned,
The short answer to your question is: the car belongs to the person on the title. If you are 18 and on the title exclusively, as long as you keep up the
payments – I think you have legal ownership.
Obviously the relationship at home is strained. You confuse emancipation with independence; they still see you as a child.
You said,
“She has never approved of anything I have done and never supported anything either.”
But you also said,
“They put a thousand dollars down as my graduation present.” And, “The only reason she is on the car is because she wanted to help me out.”
It sounds like they supported the purchase of a car. Of course, if “never” is less than a month ago, I will have to rethink my position.
I can’t give you credit for much maturity:
You did not bother to spell check your inquiry (I did it for you).
Your self-contradiction is noted above.
You look at the legal aspect of ownership; what about ethical?
If you needed a co-signer to buy a car; you obviously are in no financial condition to support yourself. Until such time, you should not even dream of
moving out.
Maybe you will gain a car, but you might lose your parents – but you’re 18.
Maybe you think moving in with your boyfriend is a solution – but you’re 18.
Maybe you never considered the infeasibility of leaving home – but you’re 18.
Maybe you never considered the hurt your parents feel when they gift you $1000 and in a month you walk out – but you are 18.
Maybe there is some merit to how they evaluate your boyfriends – but you’re 18.
Maybe they didn’t do everything right, no doubt, you did – but you’re 18.
Maybe you should learn to spell check, before you check out – but you’re 18.
Maybe you need a car; maybe they need a daughter – but you’re 18.
Maybe you don’t realize how selfish and childish you look – but you’re 18.
Maybe I should shut-up; I think I made my point.
Everybody’s Uncle
