WA Car Loan and Registration - Any Way to Transfer the Debt?

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JesseG

Member
25 February 2015
2
0
1
Hi there, I have two car loan debts equating to $160k under my name. Both cars, however, are registered to my ex who has fled the state and completely cut contact. Is there any way to transfer debt to him or at least get my cars back so I can sell them? I'm left paying $160k without any cars in my garage. I have no idea where he is ... I'm stuck. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.
 

Ivy

Well-Known Member
10 February 2015
498
87
789
Hi Jesse,

You refer to the cars as yours- haven't you transferred the vehicles to your ex partner's name? I have been reading through the WA Department of Transport website which is a bit different to the NSW Roads and Maritime Services site but it looks as though by registering the cars in your partner's name, you may not have the right to retrieve them from him.

That said, because there is outstanding debt on the cars, your lender may have the right to reclaim the vehicles. I would be getting in contact with the WA Department of Transport and a solicitor immediately.
 

JesseG

Member
25 February 2015
2
0
1
Hi Jesse,

You refer to the cars as yours- haven't you transferred the vehicles to your ex partner's name? I have been reading through the WA Department of Transport website which is a bit different to the NSW Roads and Maritime Services site but it looks as though by registering the cars in your partner's name, you may not have the right to retrieve them from him.

That said, because there is outstanding debt on the cars, your lender may have the right to reclaim the vehicles. I would be getting in contact with the WA Department of Transport and a solicitor immediately.
Hi Ivy, thabk
ost: 10468, member: 3463"]Hi Jesse,

You refer to the cars as yours- haven't you transferred the vehicles to your ex partner's name? I have been reading through the WA Department of Transport website which is a bit different to the NSW Roads and Maritime Services site but it looks as though by registering the cars in your partner's name, you may not have the right to retrieve them from him.

That said, because there is outstanding debt on the cars, your lender may have the right to reclaim the vehicles. I would be getting in contact with the WA Department of Transport and a solicitor immediately.[/QUOTE]
Hi Ivy, thank you so much for your reply ... tge car loan is under my name as they were a gift, but they are registered under his name. If the lender retreives them back will that mean I default on the loan? This is such a sticky situation ...
 

Ivy

Well-Known Member
10 February 2015
498
87
789
Hi Jesse,

Okay, when you signed the car loan, was the lender aware that the cars would be registered in another person's name?
Yes, it looks as though you may be in a difficult situation here. I would definitely contact a solicitor as soon as possible.
 

Rod

Lawyer
LawConnect (LawTap) Verified
27 May 2014
7,715
1,053
2,894
www.hutchinsonlegal.com.au
Car registration does not automatically confer ownership, at least not in Victoria, check your state road rules.

The biggest issue here is tracking the cars down and getting possession back. Start with his family and friends, social media and employer.

Then a repossession company is your next best choice.

Not sure you need a solicitor just to recover the cars.