This week, we have been discussing who gets the family car during a Washington divorce. This can be a touchy subject, especially if you and your spouse only have one vehicle or if you and your spouse both feel it is vital to have a car in their everyday lives. If you are considering a divorce or are in the divorce process, you can ask the following questions to get a better idea of who will get possession of the car:
- Who makes the car payments and repairs? It may make a difference if your name is on the registration, if you care for the car, and if you can prove through bank statements that you have paid for the car with money from an individual bank account.
- Who needs the car more? The car may be awarded to the person who is employed and needs the car to commute. However, the car may also be awarded to the person who needs the car to drive to buy necessities or to get children to school and medical appointments.
- Did you have the car before marriage? If you bought and paid for your car before the marriage, it may be considered separate property. If your spouse helped with payment, upkeep, or repairs, however, it may be seen as communal property.
- What are you willing to give up for the car? Judges strive to make the division of property fair and balanced during a divorce. If you keep the family car, you will probably need to compensate your spouse with something else, such as money or other property.
Do you want to make sure you get what you rightfully deserve during your divorce? Call a attorney at the Law Offices of Molly B. Kenny: 425-460-0550.
