How can I get a car’s title transferred from my ex after a divorce?
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If the decree doesn’t award the car to you, your ex remains the titled owner even if you paid for and used it. Gather your proof of payment and continuous use, then file a motion to modify or clarify the divorce judgment (or seek post-judgment relief) to have ownership/title awarded to you. Keep copies of all communications. If he reports the car stolen, present your decree, proof of possession, and records to law enforcement to show this is a civil title dispute—not theft.
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I have a car that was purchased during my previous marriage. I paid it off before the divorce and used it throughout our marriage. After the divorce, I kept using it, but when I tried to renew the registration I couldn’t because the DMV shows it under my ex-husband’s name. I’ve asked him multiple times to transfer the title and he refuses. He’s now threatening to report the car as stolen to get me in trouble. What can I do?
Have you taken any legal action or tried mediation yet?
No, I didn’t realize the title was under his name—otherwise I would’ve addressed it in the divorce.
Do you have written proof of your requests to transfer the title?
Yes.
If the decree doesn’t award the car to you, your ex remains the titled owner even if you paid for and used it. Gather your proof of payment and continuous use, then file a motion to modify or clarify the divorce judgment (or seek post-judgment relief) to have ownership/title awarded to you. Keep copies of all communications. If he reports the car stolen, present your decree, proof of possession, and records to law enforcement to show this is a civil title dispute—not theft.
