united-states contract-law
Ex-husband &amp; I bought car for daughter
<p>My ex husband &amp; I purchased a car for our 16 year old daughter. We paid 50/50,$7,800 each. Because he owed me money he said he would title it in his name so he would pay insurance. I was reluctant but he said “you still own 1-2 no matter what”. </p>

<p>I just said that all I wanted was to make sure if our daughter ever wanted new car that we both agree to that &amp; all money from selling it go to her for car. He said sure. I also asked that if ever either of us decided we didn’t want her driving (due to bad weather, late at nights ex) or wanted to take the car away for the weekend because she was irresponsible, or whatever the case may be, he agreed we both had that right.</p>

<p>2 weeks later I told her she could not drive because of the weather. He came &amp; picked up the car &amp; said “not up to you...I own it. SUCKER” my friends tell me I’m just that a sucker &amp; have no recourse. I’m thinking if I sue clearly a judge will know I didn’t pay for half my ex’s car!!! So maybe could have it re-titled in both of our names OR request he buy me out? Because here now he has almost 16k car &amp; telling me “thanks” &amp; saying he’s in control. So when she goes to college he get to do with it what he wants. I have the receipt &amp; we had a verbal agreement. Am I screwed? </p>

<p>In principle, a verbal contract is just as binding as a written contract. The catch is that it can be difficult to prove what was said. Unless you have witnesses, it would just be your word against his. As DStanley says in the comments, if you have proof that you paid half -- canceled checks or receipts or whatever -- that would be evidence that there was some sort of agreement.</p>

<p>Whether your daughter is allowed to drive the car on a specific day depends not just on who owns the car but who has legal custody of your daughter. If a friend of hers said that it is okay with him for her to drive his car to a wild party where there will be drugs and an orgy, the fact that he has full title to the car does not mean that her parents have no right to tell her she can't go! You didn't say what the custody arrangements are, but if you have full custody or shared custody, this would give you certain rights to tell her what she is and is not allowed to do. </p>
