Divorce & Cars: who gets the keys in the short and long term?

Listen to This Episode If You:

• 💡 Need strategies to protect your car from manipulative tactics.
• 🚗 Are unsure how cars are treated in property settlements in Australia.
• ❓ Have questions about ownership vs. registration during a divorce.
• 🛡 Are navigating financial issues like loans, debts, and repossession.
• 📚 Are dealing with a high-conflict ex who’s using your car as leverage.

What happens to the car during a divorce in the short and long term? Laura and Lynette a Family Law Specialist breaks down the practical and legal considerations for handling your cars during separation in the short term and in property settlement for the long term. From ensuring your safety to avoiding dirty tricks, they offer tips and education to help you stay in control of this often-overlooked asset and issue. Disclaimer: This podcast provides general legal education for Australians and is not a substitute for independent legal advice. Always consult a qualified lawyer for guidance tailored to your situation.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Ownership vs. Registration
• Does the name on the registration determine ownership?
• How the Family Court views cars as part of the property pool
2. Practical Tips for Temporary Arrangements
• Sharing car use before final orders.
• Handling registration, insurance, and repair costs during separation.
3. Safety Measures
• Securing spare keys and checking for tracking devices.
• Protecting toll account privacy and monitoring unusual activity.
4. Dirty Tricks and How to Handle Them
• Preventing your ex from reporting the car as stolen.
• Safeguarding against unpaid loans, canceled insurance, or unauthorized sales.
5. Property Settlement and Cars
• How cars are valued and treated in the division of assets.
• What happens with leased or inherited vehicles.
6. Long-Term Decisions
• Deciding whether to keep, sell, or downgrade your car post-settlement.
• Using cars as leverage in negotiations and mediation.
7. Emotional and Legal Considerations
• Coping with the emotional impact of losing a car.
• Documenting the car’s condition to protect yourself legally.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Episode: Untangling Property Settlement Valueshttps://open.spotify.com/episode/6TsVIfGubFR8lCP7Za9fJL?si=7nqAgGSORRarcVo1cyfMkA
• Episode: Untangling your Finances Property Settlement https://open.spotify.com/episode/1kzPgQeof2iUXhRBivXxOR?si=89dNLNQEQvWPTaVjidN7Bg 19.54
• Episode: Income, Expenditures, and Shared Expenses in Divorce
• https://youtu.be/6i6EA_92_8U?si=dg7o2sTsdP6KGev- 5:54 time slot
• Episode Balancing the unbalanced 
• https://open.spotify.com/episode/1YbIll7Ti69WGd9OpbmjDb?si=HRNnqhH5R22RJOiQn7b3rg 6:57
• Episode: Coercive Control putting your experience in writing https://open.spotify.com/episode/6Ci0M4DqznBf1L1kcZM3vY?si=NHbWlHLaSrunzk2G2xwZ-w 10,01
• I really want to keep the house https://open.spotify.com/episode/6TzW9skKgvO8fjm0gcFPRg?si=9r4e9ar6Rl6QMTCmLKAd0Q 34.57
• Tools to Protect Yourself:
• ARC App - https://www.arc-app.org.au/resources
• Empower You App
• PPSR - https://www.ppsr.gov.au/registering/decide-if-you-should-register-ppsr/why-register-ppsr

Free Resources:

• Word Salad Checklist https://www.thedivorcecourse.com.au/wordsaladchecklist
• Mediation Checklist
• Before You Go Checklist

Emergency Contacts:

• WOMEN'S SHELTER SERVICE: Call 1800 811 811
• LEGAL AID: Visit Legal Aid
• Lifeline: Call 13 11 14 for 24/7 crisis support and counseling.
• Mensline Australia: Call 1300 789 978 for confidential support for men.
• Kids Help Line: Call 1800 551 800 for young people needing help.
• National Domestic Violence Hotline (1800 RESPECT): Call 1800 737 732
• Aboriginal Family Domestic Violence Hotline: 1800 019 123
• DV Connect Women’s Line: 1800 811 811
• National DV Hotline (1800 RESPECT): 1800 737 732

Disclaimer: This podcast provides general legal education and is not a substitute for independent legal advice. Always consult a qualified lawyer for guidance tailored to your situation.