Expert: Richard - 9/9/2006

Question
Rich:
A NJ lady friend of mine is in a bind. Her husband moved out as part of a Separation. The car he has registered, titled and insured in her and the insurance expires in 5 days. He will not tell her where he lives or return the car or title. She just wants peacefully turn the title over to him and take her name off the policy. He will not corporate. She is concerned that when insurance is cancelled she will receive a huge fine and also, if he is in an accident, she is liable.

Your thoughts? She has insurance now with another company but the car in question is on a different policy.

Thanks.
Don  

Answer
Hi Don, I can see no way out of this for your friend except to call the police and report that the car has gone missing.  She can mention that the vehicle might be in the possession of her estranged husband.  She should also inform the insurance company for the vehicle in question that it is no longer in her possession and not be shy about telling them the facts of the seperation.  If she had an Attorney for the seperation she should inform him or her of this dilemna.  In short she has to let as many people know about this situation before something dire happens.