[JudyHelene]

I was involved in a head on collision. The insurance company needs signed documents before they can release the insurance check. At the time of purchase, I was living with (ex-boyfriend now) someone and put the car in his name also. The payment and car insurance has always been deducted from my personal checking account. The car was paid off about six months ago. He has never had any interest in the car. It has been in my possession always. The insurance company requires both our signatures, notarized. I have tried contacting him and he will not return my calls. So, in the meantime I have no car and can't finish business with the insurance company. How can I get him to sign the title? And,
Will he be entitled to 50%, even though he invested nothing at all in the car?
This is a Maine title.

[ebaines]

When you decided to put his name on the title you made him a nice gift - he is 50% owner of the vehicle. So yes, he is entitled to 50% of the value.

I suggest calling the DMV and asking if there is any way to retitle the vehicle in your name only given the circumstance. I suspect they will say no, but it's worth trying. If that doesn't work, perhaps you can try a more direct approach. Can you catch up with him at his current home, or work? If you decide to try that I would suggest bringing a friend along. Perhaps once he realizes that he is entitled to 50% of the proceeds he may be more willing to talk.

[JudyHelene]

He isn't interested in his share; he is nasty and doesn't want me to have my share. I don't know if I could start legal proceedings or not.

[smoothy]

He isn't interested in his share; he is nasty and doesn't want me to have my share. I don't know if I could start legal proceedings or not.

Exactly what kind of legal proceedings would those be? Seriously he IS entitled to half... so it would be wise to curb the attitude towards him (yes it is that apparent in your chosen words) and maybe he might be more cooperative. He's going to be resistive just because he can if you show any bad attitude towards him. You could try what ebaines says... but I seriously believe they would not allow it to be retitled without his signature... the worst they could tell you is no however.

He might not trust you to give him his half. Maybe if the insurance company agreed to send two checks... half to each of you he might be more receptive.

[Fr_Chuck]

He is entitled to 1/2 of the money, in addition, the check from the insurance company will also have his name on it, and you can not cash or deposit it, without him signing the check also.