Due to the hype about avoiding probate, many couples title their motor vehicles in both of their names. For convenience, some couples title their vehicles in the name of the spouse who purchased them regardless of who regularly drives them. Not paying close attention to how motor vehicles are owned can have devastating effects in Michigan.
Tag: Title
Till Death Do Us Part – But Do Not Drive My Car!
If you are married it is advised that you leave the title to the vehicle you drive solely in your name. Quite often attorneys are asked to defend a husband and wife in a lawsuit over an automobile accident/lawsuit where the married couples’ joint assets are at risk. This is because the husband and wife have placed both of their names on the title to a vehicle which is driven almost exclusively by only one of them. When there is an accident involving personal injury or death both are sued as owners under Michigan’s Owner Liability Statute. MCL 257.401 (1). The joint assets of the married couple would not be at risk in such a situation if the couple did not place both of their names on the title as owners.
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