My divorce decree ordered my ex-wife to get the car she kept refinanced and out of my name within 90 days and it has been 7 months and she hasn't done so. Now she is behind more than 30 days on the payment and it put a negative mark on my credit report and caused my credit score to go down. What can i do to either force her to get the car out of my name or return the car?
To address this issue, you may need to take legal action against your ex-wife for violating the terms of the divorce decree. Specifically, you may want to file a motion for contempt with the court that issued the divorce decree. This motion would notify the court that your ex-wife has not complied with the order to refinance the car and remove your name from it, and that she is now behind on payments, which has negatively impacted your credit score. The court could then order your ex-wife to take action to comply with the divorce decree, such as refinancing the car or returning it to you.
It is important to note that the specifics of how to file a motion for contempt can vary by jurisdiction, and the process can be complex. Therefore, it may be beneficial to consult with a family law attorney in your area to guide you through the process and advocate for your rights. They can also advise you on any potential costs associated with filing the motion, such as court fees or legal representation fees.
In addition to taking legal action, it may be worth attempting to communicate with your ex-wife and encouraging her to comply with the divorce decree voluntarily. If she is unresponsive or unwilling to comply, however, seeking legal action may be necessary to protect your credit score and financial well-being.
Overall, navigating the legal process surrounding divorce decrees and enforcement can be complicated and emotional. Consulting with a qualified attorney in your area can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you are able to achieve a satisfactory outcome.
Possible Legal Solutions for Failure to Comply with Divorce Decree
Dealing with a divorce is always challenging, and when one party fails to comply with the court order, it can create significant legal issues. In this particular case, the ex-wife has failed to refinance the car as ordered by the divorce decree, causing the ex-husband's credit score to drop due to missed payments. This situation can be distressing, but there are legal options available.
Filing a Motion for Contempt
One possible legal solution is to file a motion for contempt with the court that issued the divorce decree. A motion for contempt is a request to the court to enforce an existing order. In this case, the ex-husband can file a motion for contempt and request that the court order the ex-wife to refinance the car and remove his name from it or return the vehicle. If the court finds that the ex-wife has violated the divorce decree, they may issue sanctions or fines to encourage compliance.
The specifics of filing a motion for contempt can vary by jurisdiction. Therefore, it may be helpful to consult with a family law attorney who can guide you through the process and ensure that your rights are protected.
Communicating with the Ex-Wife
Another solution is to attempt to communicate with the ex-wife and encourage her to comply with the divorce decree voluntarily. While this approach may not always be successful, it can sometimes lead to a resolution without involving the court system.
Seeking Legal Help
If you are facing similar legal issues, it may be beneficial to consult with a qualified family law attorney in your area. They can advise you on the best legal options for your specific situation and help you navigate the complexities of the legal system.
You can find the best lawyers and compare lawyers in your area through websites such as Explore Lawyers. This website provides a directory of lawyers in different areas of law, along with their areas of expertise, ratings, and reviews from previous clients.
Legal Fees
The cost of legal services can vary depending on the nature and complexity of the case, as well as the location and experience of the attorney. To give you an idea of what to expect, below is a table with the average rates for various legal services in this location:
| Legal Service | Average Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| Family Law | $200-$350 |
| Contempt Motion | $250-$450 |
| Divorce Proceedings | $200-$400 |
| Legal Consultation | $100-$300 |
Please note that these are only average rates and may vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case.
Legal Disclaimer
It is important to note that this answer does not constitute legal advice and is intended for informational purposes only. It does not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader and the author or any law firm. If you are facing legal issues, it is always best to consult with a qualified attorney in your area who can provide you with personalized legal advice tailored to your specific situation.
File contempt charges