My ex and I had paid for a car privately (cash in hand) when we were together but now that were separated she wants money or the car. There's no paper work to say who's paid what though I had paid a tad bit more and have paid for the servicing and have maintained the car since. The cars under my name and now she's getting full on about who should own it... I'm terrified at what could happen, who has right to the vehicle?

Or is this a private matter?

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Originally Posted by JamesODD12

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Or is this a private matter?

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What do you mean "private"?

It doesn't appear that she has a case, but anybody can sue anyone for anything. If she were to sue you, lawsuits are a matter of public record.

But what are you "terrified" about?

It's a private matter in that your name is on the title but she has put money into it without solid proof, and that means she would have to sue you in small claims. Of course the ETHICAL thing for you to do is give her some money if you have and want to keep the car, RIGHT? Give her the 'tad less' that she paid into it!

The fact that the law leans towards females (sorry I know I can't say that but I see it a lot) and the obvious point you made about suing people for anything is the type of person she is is the reason why I'm terrified plus I know I would'n have the money for court or legal aid.

The vehicle is relied on a lot as my job is a fair travel while her job is a walk down the road. <- I know this is irrelevant to anything sorry. I thought a private matter was just between the people it affected without the public court but I think you've answered that also.

I was never sure if there was something I'd done wrong so hence the post. Cheers for your help on the matter, you've been very helpful.

Would there be any reasons as to why I'd have to pay up $$$ for give up the vehicle? Or anything I should be truly concerned about?

Thanks people for the advice.

Deeply sorry for the "law leans towards females" comment. I know a fair few that purposely go after people knowing that. I'm not trying to discriminate and I hope I haven't offended anyone.

So you 'need' the car more, fine. You keep the car. But she still is owed a refund for what she contributed. RIGHT? Why have you avoided addressing that simple fact?

She would pay a small fee to file in small claims and you get to respond in writing or go to court, no lawyer or fee. If you lose, you owe her what the judge orders plus her filing fee.

I would rather pay back the money as I don't want ill feelings. But in housing and feeding her for the last two years without her paying a cent just felt like a cheap shot on her part but from my point of view <- again irrelevant but relationships do end sourly every time I suppose. But yes, it's about the vehicle.

Cheers again, I know what must be done. I'm not dodging the fact that money must be owed to her. She's just put me in debt and while she's well off I'm not financially ready for anything along these lines atm.

Your time and answers haven't been in vein or wasted. I've taken them in full so thanks for your time and energy plus giving me the time to unload what's a stressing time for me. Much appreciated ^_^

First this is not a criminal issue, so nothing police will do, no criminal charges at all.

She could sue you in small claims court, but the proof will be hers to prove she loaned you the money and at the time that the money was given you promised to pay her back.

This is busienss not love, not emotions, unless you promised to pay it back, you don't have to.. It is not a matter of you paid for all this food, she paid for this. The issue is it is in your name, not hers, it is legally yours, she has no right to the car.

At best she can sue you, for the money she gave you, she will have to prove she gave it to you. But I doubt she could win.

** women are not favored in small claims court or most courts on issues like this."