Unsupportive father

barnyfreeman

Hi everyone,

I'm really concerned about a family member and wonder if anyone can offer any advice?

The (simplified) situation is this;
A couple have a child, just started school.
Father convinces mother to get finance on a reasonably expensive car so he can get to work. Also to name herself as the main driver on the insurance, with him named on the policy.
Couple split up - unfaithful father.
Father looks after the child when it suits him. His social life is very important you know.
Father convinces mother he will take the car and keep up payments.
Father wont say where he's living - in the vicinity somewhere.
Father makes irregular payments to the mother for maintenance, and also irregular payments for the car - in the mothers name.

So far, the mother has been to the CAB to try and get some advice. I think she's been to see someone about how to formalise maintenance. CAB also suggested talking to the finance company whose response was "pay the amount owed". Understandable from their point of view, but she doesn't have the car to sell it, nor is she able to find out where it is to get the keys.

I feel really sorry for her, and want to try and help her. Not least as it will reduce the stress level in my home too. She is/was gullible, something he has taken advantage of.

So - plan of action;
1. get a maintenance payment officially organised.
2. lose the debt against her name. The finance company wont take the car and he wont sign for the debt. He could be smashing it up right now?

Does this situation sound familiar to anyone?
Where should she turn now?

I only hear half of the story, however I dont think she's the story telling kind.
I always thought he was an alright guy but I never saw him behind closed doors. I just dont understand why he's so angry, and seems intent on hurting his own child.

Thanks,
Barny

clearingout

who owns the car? in which name is it registered with the DVLA?

barnyfreeman

Yes, it is in her name.

MentalMinnie

If the car is registered in her name, can she sue for it's return? Or even report it stolen to the police?

lindens

report the car as stolen - thats what has happened on paper. then she can sell the car and repay the finance(or at least some of it)

barnyfreeman

But would it be considered stolen if she gave or was convinced to give him the keys? Isn't that like leaving your house unlocked and asking the insurance to pay up?

mandi

She must know where he works, so take the spare set of keys pick car up, change locks ? Oh and cancel his name from the insurance policy .;)

Scorpio33

The car is hers. He has it, and it is hers. Therefore it is stolen. Assuming mother can get in touch with father, I would suggest to her that she gets in touch with him and demands that he pays her (not the finance company) the outstanding finance plus charges up front or hand back the car and if he won't, she should report it stolen.

She can explain to the finance company the situation - she can't pay the amount owed, and can't give the car to them as she doesn't have it. The response of "pay the outstanding amount" is an automatic response - generally if you explain things to them they are understanding - they would rather get something than nothing at all.

Legally the debt is in her name, so she should pay it in the mean time if she doesn't want her credit score affected. But saying that, she may choose not to do so if she doesn't think she will get the car back at all.

Scorpio33

PS: Father sounds like a right Tw** to me, and probably was planning on leaving when he got her to take out the finance. Not all of us men are like that, I promise!

CH27

Cancel the car insurance ASAP.

barnyfreeman

CH27 wrote: »

Cancel the car insurance ASAP.

I bet the insurance is void anyway, if its not living where its meant to be?