Sister repossessed car from Mom

Dear Annie: My sister, “Ellen,” bought my mother a car when Mom moved in with her. Ellen promised it would belong to Mom when she paid her back.

Mom has made payments for three years. But she and Ellen had a fight, and not only did my sister kick Mom out of the house, but she has taken the car. Both of their names are on the title, but there is only a verbal agreement about the rest.

Does my mother have any recourse, or should she just cut her losses and move on? – Disgusted with My Sister in Texas

Dear Texas: If Mom’s name is on the title, and there is a record of payments (perhaps in your mother’s checkbook), she is already a part-owner of the car. But in order to resolve this legally, your mother would have to sue Ellen, creating a permanent rift.

Sometimes these arguments get out of hand, but later, when cooler heads prevail, things can be worked out. It’s possible the damage will be repaired and the payments reinstated.

We agree that taking the car is reprehensible behavior after three years of collecting the money, but the recourse is taking Ellen to court, and most parents aren’t willing to take that step.

Still, we urge you not to get in the middle, because you are too angry to be helpful. The two of them could benefit from having someone impartial mediate their differences.