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Co-signer pays big price for generosity

Dear Terry,
My daughter-in-law convinced my boyfriend to co-sign a loan for her to get a truck. When he co-signed, the bank told them both that if she made the payments on time for six months, she would build up her credit and his name would be taken off the loan and the title.

Not only did she miss three payments in six months, but she also let the insurance lapse. My boyfriend is trying to get the truck back before his credit is damaged any further. However, my daughter-in-law will not give him the keys and has moved about 165 miles away from us.

She cannot afford to catch up the payments and my boyfriend is afraid she will damage the truck before he can get it back. What can we do to get the truck before she does any more damage to his credit?

-- Beverly

Dear Beverly,
If your boyfriend's name is on the title, he's entitled to take possession. But his ability to sell it or change ownership depends on how the truck is titled. If he and your daughter-in-law are list as "OR" on the title, either party can sell the vehicle on their signature alone. If they are listed as "AND," both owners must sign off before the vehicle can be sold.

Unfortunately, the situation you're in is commonplace when co-signers are not related by marriage. It can be a messy circumstance that almost never ends well. Good luck.


Here are this week's reader questions:
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