Not sure what to do legally..help
Not sure what to do legally..help I bought my car from a "Friend" Its a long story but he basically left me with a $4000 bill from a garage before leaving. He admits to owing the money and has repeatedly stated he would pay it...to date not a dime. Who do I contact to start the legal process? I'm in the military overseas which makes it a little more difficult. I just have no idea where to go.
This is going to be looked at as a civil matter between you and the seller unless criminal laws have been violated. Due to the amount of money involved you may need an attorney. A couple of things you need to look at:
1) Do you have physical possession of the car?
2) Did you get a title to the car when you paid for it:
2a) If yes, does the title have a "lien" (money owed) on it from the place where the $ is owed? You can usually check with your state DMV to see if one has been placed on it (usually called a "Mechanics Lien").
2b) If no lien, the money owed is a civil matter between the prior owner & the business. They will need to file against him for the money owed. You can title the car in your name immediately.
2c) If there is a lien, this must be satisfied (paid) before title can transfer to you. This is where an attorney can help you.
2d) If no title, you really don't own the car & this becomes a civil matter between you & the friend/seller since you paid for a vehicle and he failed to deliver a valid title (may be a crime in some states- title fraud).
1) Do you have physical possession of the car?
2) Did you get a title to the car when you paid for it:
2a) If yes, does the title have a "lien" (money owed) on it from the place where the $ is owed? You can usually check with your state DMV to see if one has been placed on it (usually called a "Mechanics Lien").
2b) If no lien, the money owed is a civil matter between the prior owner & the business. They will need to file against him for the money owed. You can title the car in your name immediately.
2c) If there is a lien, this must be satisfied (paid) before title can transfer to you. This is where an attorney can help you.
2d) If no title, you really don't own the car & this becomes a civil matter between you & the friend/seller since you paid for a vehicle and he failed to deliver a valid title (may be a crime in some states- title fraud).
