Making payments boosts claim to car

Dear Terry,
About one month ago, my sister left my parents' home and took the vehicle they co-signed on. Since then, we have had no way to contact her. Along with an $18,000 car, she has two credit cards in my parents' names.

If she has defaulted on the payments, are we able to take the car, since it is partially in my father's name? Are there any legal options to go after the person who has defaulted?
-- Robert

Dear Robert,
Your parents should cancel the credit cards and check with the auto lender to see if the account is current. If it's not, I'd suggest bringing it current to avoid damage to their credit score.

Your father has legal rights to the vehicle if his name is on the title, but so does your sister. If the loan is in default, and your parents pick up the payments, it may strengthen their claim to the vehicle. You should consult a lawyer.

Here are this week's reader questions:

• Tough to find dealership reviews online • How can I get rid of a bad interest rate? • Can my parents take my sister's car? • Is "buyer's remorse" grounds for cancellation?

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