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I cosigned for my father in law last year on a truck. Since then he had defaulted on making the payments, and so as the cosigner I began making the payments for the whole year. It has been a financial burden ever since but I couldn't allow it to get repossed, and go negative on my credit. Since then I allowed him to have the truck in his possession. For the past year he had not had it registered,or insured due to his lack of employment. To top it off I recently witnessed him driving erratically and under the influence. It was then that I had him render the vehicle to me. It was a short time later that I was able to sell the vehicle. Do to us not talking and him against the fact that I reposessed the vehicle he refused to sign off the pink slip. So I signed his name. Am I in any legal trouble for doing so?

Submitted: 75 days and 3 hours ago.
Category: Legal
Value: $18
Status: AWAITING CUSTOMER ACTION
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Optional Information

State/Country relating to Question: California

Already Tried:
my father in law has served me yet, but he is threatning to, unless I give him money.The reason why Im not too eager to give him money is because I feel Ive already done enough for both him and my mom. I send them money on a timely basis, I pay their phone bill, and even pay for their doctor visits. And like I mentioned also their car payment in which I cosigned for. Financially They are ruining me

Posted by Dimitry Alexander Kaplun 75 days and 3 hours ago.

Answer

Yes, you technically forged his name. That is a felony. If, however, you signed it : " FBO, last name", as his agent, it would be legal if you really were the agent of your father.

Otherwise, you are only in legal trouble if either your father-in-law, or the buyer (if he witnessed your signing) decide to call the DA's office and have them bring charges.

Sincerely,

XXXXXXX XXXXXXXXX XXXXXX, Esq.

75 days and 2 hours ago.

Reply

well neither my father in law or the buyer witnessed me sign. should I say I didnt sign it?

Posted by Dimitry Alexander Kaplun 75 days and 2 hours ago.

Answer

I cannot advise you to lie--I am merely giving you information on what you may be charged with if someone decides to press charges you.

Sincerely,

XXXXXXX XXXXXXXXX XXXXXX, Esq.

75 days and 2 hours ago.

Reply

I understand. But Given the circumstances that I had to pay the monthly payment while he carelessly did nothing to help. that included him losing his license,drive with expired registration, and no insurance. and I actually witnessed him driving recklessly and under the influence. wouldnt that help my case, should my father in law attempt to sue me?

Accepted Answer

His behavior does not negate the fact that you committed a criminal felony. I am sorry, but his wrongs do not justify your behavior in the eyes of the law, and do not negate the factors of forgery. Your best defense may be that because you repossessed the vehicle, you believed that you took ownership along with it, but that is a very weak argument.

Sincerely,

XXXXXXX XXXXXXXXX XXXXXX, Esq.

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Expert: Dimitry Alexander Kaplun
Pos. Feedback: 99.0 %
Accepts: 
Answered: 9/9/2009

Attorney

Licensed in PA & NJ, specialize in business/contract disputes, immigration, estate creation & admin

75 days and 2 hours ago.

Reply

Thanks for your help. I appreciate it.

Posted by Dimitry Alexander Kaplun 75 days and 2 hours ago.

Info Request

You are welcome. I really wish I could have given you better news.

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