what kind of lawyer do you need to have a few car went into repo

by Vidal Rohan 7 min read

Yes, it is important to have a bankruptcy lawyer or an illegal repossession lawyer help with vehicle repossession. As discussed above, there may be available steps to prevent repossession. Additionally, if repossession does occur and debt remains, your other assets may be in jeopardy.

Full Answer

Do I need an attorney for help with vehicle repossession?

Talk to an Attorney. Again, you probably don't need to hire an attorney if you want to redeem the vehicle, reinstate the loan, or buy the car at the auction. But if you think your vehicle was unlawfully repossessed and the lender won't help you, you should consider hiring or at least consulting with a local attorney. An attorney can tell you if the lender's actions were against the …

What are my options if my car is repossessed?

Nov 10, 2021 · Depending on the terms of your loan contract and state law, you likely have two straightforward options for getting the car back: "Redeeming" the vehicle or "reinstating" the loan payments. If you want to do either of these options, you probably don’t need to hire an attorney. Redeeming the Vehicle: Paying Off the Loan

Is it a crime to hide a car from a repossession?

Below, we discuss some of the options available to you for getting your car back. Redeem the Car. Redeeming essentially means buying back the vehicle. You can generally redeem your car if you pay the lender your entire loan balance, including all arrears and repossession costs. But most people usually don't have the money required to redeem a car.

Can a car loan creditor repossess a vehicle without a chain?

Mar 25, 2010 · What kind of attorney do i need to handle an illegal repo in florida? my car was out to be repoed my fiance was in a cvs parking lot sitting in vehicle when repo company came up and blocked him in and attatched car to repo truck with him inside then began to yell and scream at him to get out then got physical i heard it all because i was on the ...

How do you fight a car repossession?

As a result, it's crucial that you understand the different ways you can avoid repossession.Communicate With Your Lender. As soon as you think you might miss a car payment, reach out to your lender to discuss your options. ... Refinance Your Loan. ... Reinstate the Loan. ... Sell the Car Yourself. ... Surrender the Vehicle Voluntarily.Aug 26, 2020

Can you negotiate after repossession?

Ideally, you should start these negotiations before the repossession process. If you negotiate after repossession, however, you may be able to use any questionable actions by the lender during that process to help bolster your bargaining position.Oct 18, 2021

What are the consequences of car repossession?

A car repossession could happen if you fall behind on monthly payments. This can hurt your credit for up to seven years. It could also cost you thousands of dollars. Not only could you lose your car, but if the bank resells the vehicle for less than what you owe, you may be held responsible for paying the difference.Mar 13, 2020

Do you still owe after a repossession?

If your car or other property is repossessed, you might still owe the lender money on the contract. The amount you owe is called the "deficiency" or "deficiency balance."

Should I pay off a repossession?

Paying off a repossession can help your credit score since it reduces debt owed, and you may be able to get the item removed from your credit report. However, the significance of impact on your score depends on your credit history and profile and whether you take a settlement.

When a car is repossessed What is the process?

Often, a bank or repossession company will let you get your car back if you pay back the loan in full, along with all the repossession costs, before it's sold at auction. You can sometimes reinstate the loan and work out a new payment plan, too.

Does a repo affect your car insurance?

Repossession and Future Insurance While it's true that the act of repossession does not affect your insurance company, it will devastate your credit score. Because many auto insurers consider an applicant's credit score when setting their rates, having a bad credit score will mean higher insurance costs.Aug 29, 2019

Is surrendering a car the same as repossession?

Surrendering your vehicle and repossession are very similar in financial terms. You are unable to make the loan payments, so the lender is taking the vehicle back. It will be sold to recoup as much of the debt you owe as possible. The emotional difference between the two can be day and night — literally.Dec 29, 2018

Does a repossession hurt your credit if you get the car back?

Any credit you get after car repossession will come with higher rates and less favorable terms. Repossession typically involves several negative marks on your credit reports that can remain up to 7 years. It's best to begin rebuilding your credit after a car repo immediately.Jan 9, 2018

Can you get another car after a repo?

Securing a loan to buy a new car is possible even with a repossession on your credit report. However, you may have a hard time finding a lender. And if you do get approved, the financing can be expensive.May 26, 2020

Can a repossession be removed from your credit report?

If the lender can't prove that your debt is accurate, fair or substantiated , then the credit bureaus can remove the repossession from your credit reports. Your window to negotiate with your lender may be short or already closed if they've already repossessed your asset.Aug 27, 2021

What are three possible consequences of defaulting on a car loan?

Lenders sell repossessed cars at auction, and if it doesn't recoup the remaining balance of the loan financing it, you'll owe what's called a "deficiency balance." Ultimately, the lender could sue you for the money you owe. Your wages could be garnished; a lien could be put on your home.Oct 26, 2020

Why Is The Lender Allowed to Repossess Your Car?

When you finance or lease a car you normally give the lender a security interest in the vehicle. Every state has its own rules regarding repossessi...

How Do Car Repossessions Work?

In most states, car lenders can seize your vehicle without prior notice if you are in default. However, they cannot breach the peace while they do...

What Will The Lender Do After Repossessing Your Car?

The lender can keep the car or sell it to satisfy your loan obligation. Each state has its own rules regarding sale procedures and notice requireme...

What Is A Deficiency Balance?

Repossession is only one of the remedies available to your lender if you default on your loan. Having your car repossessed doesn’t get you off the...

How Can You Get Your Car back?

You may still be able to get your car back if the lender has not sold it yet. Below, we discuss some of the options available to you for getting yo...

How Can You Avoid Getting Your Car Repossessed?

If you are behind on your loan payments, the best thing to do is to communicate with your lender. Your lender may be able to offer you a solution s...

What happens if a car is repossessed?

Once your car has been repossessed, the lender will most likely sell it at a public or private auction. If the proceeds from the sale don't cover the balance of the loan, the difference between the sale price and the total debt is called a "deficiency."

What is it called when a car is taken from you?

The process of taking the car from you is called " repossession .". Each state has its own rules regarding repossession . If your car lender repossesses your car, van, motorcycle, SUV, or another motor vehicle, you'll need to examine your goals and decide if it's worth paying for an attorney to help you.

How to avoid a deficiency judgment?

If you want to avoid or reduce a deficiency judgment, consider hiring an attorney to raise a defense to the deficiency action. The most common defenses to this type of suit are that the lender: 1 breached the peace when repossessing the vehicle (for example, by using or threatening to use physical force against you to take the car or removing the car from a closed garage without your permission) 2 didn't sell the car in a commercially reasonable manner by following appropriate sale procedures regarding the manner, time, place, and terms of the sale, or 3 the statute of limitations has expired. (If the statute of limitations has expired, you're under no legal obligation to pay the deficiency.)

What is the difference between the sale price and the total debt?

If the proceeds from the sale don't cover the balance of the loan, the difference between the sale price and the total debt is called a "deficiency.". Example. Say you owe $7,000 on the car, but your lender sells it for $5,000. The difference of $2,000 is the deficiency. In most states, your lender can sue you to collect the deficiency.

Can you bid on a repossessed car?

When your lender sells the repossessed car at an auction, you can attend and bid on the vehicle. Keep in mind that you could still be on the hook for any deficiency if you buy the car at the auction.

Can a deficiency judgment be pursued?

The lender could choose not to pursue a deficiency judgment, and some states place limits on deficiency balances after repossession. For example, deficiency judgments sometimes aren't allowed if: the amount still due is less than a few thousand dollars, or. the original price was less than a few thousand dollars.

What happens if you take out a car loan?

If you take out a loan to buy a car or other motor vehicle, you’ll typically sign a contract that states the vehicle acts as collateral for the loan. If you fall behind in payments, the lender may repossess the car. The lender will then usually sell it to pay off the debt, or at least part of the amount owed.

What happens when you redeem a car?

After you redeem, the lender will return the vehicle to you, and you’ll own it outright.

Can a car loan be repossed?

Under the terms of most car loan contracts, the lender can repossess the vehicle if the borrower doesn’t have adequate auto insurance in place. But if your insurance coverage didn’t lapse—maybe you just switched to a different insurance company—then your lender can’t repossess the vehicle.

Do I need a lawyer to reclaim my car?

In some cases, like if you want to catch up on the overdue amounts or pay off the loan, then you probably don’t need an attorney’s help. But if the lender wrongfully repossessed the vehicle, you'll probably need a lawyer to help you get the car back.

What to do if you are behind on your mortgage payments?

If you're behind on your loan payments, the best thing to do is to communicate with your lender. Your lender might be able to offer you a solution such as a reduction in payment amount or interest rate that can help you catch up on your payments and avoid repossession.

Can you sell a car without court permission?

If you file for bankruptcy prior to the sale, the automatic stay will prohibit the lender from selling the car without obtaining court permission. Depending on the type of bankruptcy you file, this can buy you more time to gather the necessary money to get your car back or allow you to cure your arrears through the bankruptcy. (To learn more, see Your Car in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy and Your Car in Chapter 13 Bankruptcy .)

Can you repossess a car without notice?

Every state has its own rules regarding repossession, but having a security interest generally means your lender can repossess the car without notice if you default on the loan.

Can a car lender seize your car?

In most states, car lenders can seize your vehicle without prior notice if you're in default. However, they can't breach the peace while they do it. Breaching the peace usually means using or threatening to use physical force against you to take the car back.

Can you redeem a car?

Redeeming essentially means buying back the vehicle. You can generally redeem your car if you pay the lender your entire loan balance, including all arre ars and repossession costs. But most people usually don't have the money required to redeem a car.

Can a debt collector file a lawsuit?

Some states have temporarily prohibited creditors and debt collectors from taking specific debt collection actions, like filing (or proceeding with) a collection lawsuit, garnishing wages, seizing property, repossessing a vehicle, or freezing a bank account, due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.

1 attorney answer

Any commercial litigator shouls be able to help you. The Florida Bar can refer you to someone: http://www.floridabar.org/tfb/TFBConsum.nsf/48E76203493B82AD852567090070C9B9/EC2322E512B83D1E85256B2F006CC812?OpenDocument#N#Self-help repossessions are generally allowed if there is no breach of the peace.

Clifford M. Miller

Any commercial litigator shouls be able to help you. The Florida Bar can refer you to someone: http://www.floridabar.org/tfb/TFBConsum.nsf/48E76203493B82AD852567090070C9B9/EC2322E512B83D1E85256B2F006CC812?OpenDocument#N#Self-help repossessions are generally allowed if there is no breach of the peace.

What to do if your car is repossessed?

Consumer Action Law Group can help if your car has been repossessed illegally. Regardless of your loan amount, or how far you are behind in car payments, the dealership must provide you with a repossession notice to let you know what has happened with your vehicle after it has been repossessed.

Can you get your car back if you are behind on payments?

Car illegal repossessions are common and usually cause a great amount of stress, as it is typically very difficult to get your car back without legal help.

How to get your car back after bankruptcy?

File Chapter 13 bankruptcy and going to court right away may be the best way to get your car back, but you will have to start making payments on a payment plan for the arrears. You will also have to keep up with the monthly payments or the car could be repossessed again.

What happens when you close in on a vehicle?

When you close in on a vehicle, it is crucial to keep your actions within the bounds of the law in your jurisdiction. A vehicle can only be seized through peaceful means that do not damage property or disrupt the delinquent party. As such, any acts involving intimidation or force are out of the question.

How to repo a car?

The first thing to know about how to repo a car is you need to be aware of how repo laws stand within the jurisdictions where you will conduct business. While some lenders will be knowledgeable about local repossession laws, others won’t know the legal limits. Don’t take jobs that could put yourself on the wrong side of the law. For example, if a lender want to hire you to repossess a vehicle “by any means necessary” and offers to pay you extra depending on the lengths you go to procure the car in question, politely turn the offer down, as you are likely dealing with a rogue lender.

What happens when a car is repossed?

When it comes to vehicle repossession, it is up to the lender to verify the payment and default statuses of each debtor. While a lender can legally initiate repossession proceedings the moment a driver goes into default on a vehicle, most lenders will prioritize a debtor once the person in question has defaulted for the second or third time. A car repossession list will usually feature debtors who are several months behind on payments and who have failed to communicate with the lender since going into default.

How to find an unpaid vehicle?

To find and seize an unpaid vehicle, you will first need to know which places the debtor can be found. In most cases, the lender should be able to provide all the information that you would normally need to locate a vehicle, starting with the debtor’s address. Once the lender has contacted the debtor, and they have exhausted the typical paths to resolve the matter, you will have the legal go-ahead to proceed with the act of repossession.

How to reclaim a vehicle?

The easiest way to reclaim a vehicle is to simply seize it from where it is parked and tow it away to the impound lot. When it comes to towing capabilities, you have two basic options — purchase a vehicle specially designed for towing or attach a towing device to a passenger pickup truck.

How to get your car back after a repossession?

You have a few options — some are less costly than others, but none are particularly easy: 1 Reinstate your loan.#N#Pay the past-due amount, plus any late fees and repossession costs. You get your car back and resume paying your car loan. 2 Redeem your loan.#N#If you had enough money to pay off your loan in the first place, you probably should have done this before the repo company took your car. But if you pay off the loan and all fees, you get your car back free and clear of any loans. 3 Give up your car, then buy it back.#N#The lender will sell the car, typically at auction, to get some of its money back. It’s technically possible for you to buy back your car by bidding on it at auction, but you’ll still be responsible for paying your old loan, plus all those fees.

What happens if you can't get your car back?

If you’re unable to come up with the money to get your car back, the lender will use the proceeds from the sale to pay off what you owe. If the sale price is less than your loan balance plus any fees, the difference is called the deficiency balance. That’s the amount you’ll be responsible for paying. Pro Tip.

Can you roll your old car loan into a new one?

If you can trade in your current set of wheels for a more economical version — think smaller and older — you could roll your old loan into a new, more manageable one. Be sure to get a pre-approved auto loan to give yourself some leverage when negotiating the interest rate. Sell your car.

Can a car be repossed without notice?

Because the repossession process is outlined in your loan agreement, your lender legally can repossess your car without notice or a court order. But most lenders will call, email or send notices (or all of the above) outlining the consequences if you begin missing car payments.

Should I pay off my car before repo?

If you had enough money to pay off your loan in the first place, you probably should have done this before the repo company took your car. But if you pay off the loan and all fees, you get your car back free and clear of any loans.

Can a lender repossess a car?

Pro Tip. State rules vary on how a lender can repossess a vehicle, and some have placed limits on repossessions in response to COVID-19.

What is a will procured by fraud?

A will procured by fraud is one that the testator is tricked into signing. For example, the testator might be presented with a document and told that it's a deed or a power of attorney. She therefore signs it, but it turns out that the document is a will. The will is therefore procured by fraud.

Who must sign a will in Florida?

For example, the will must be signed by the testator—the person who created and is leaving the will—in the presence and hearing of at least two witnesses in Florida . The testator and the witnesses must be in the same room at the same time, and each must sign the will while the others are watching. 1 

Who is Ebony Howard?

She attended Duquesne University School of Law in Pittsburgh and received her J.D. in 1994. Ebony Howard is a certified public accountant and credentialed tax expert. She has been in the accounting, audit and tax profession for 13+ years. You can't challenge or contest a will simply because you don't like its terms.

What does "testamentary capacity" mean?

"Testamentary capacity" means that the testator understands the nature and value of her "bounty" or assets and that she understands the natural objects of that bounty—who should logically inherit her assets. She must understand the legal effect of signing a will.

Is testamentary capacity difficult to prove?

Absent a doctor's visit or an adjudication of incapacity within days of the will signing, lack of testamentary capacity is very difficult to prove.

Can you contest a will?

Ebony J. Howard. Updated July 07, 2020. You can't challenge or contest a will simply because you don't like its terms. There are four legal reasons for a will contest in most states, and it can be very difficult to prove any one of them.