I don't own the car that I drive, but I pay all expenses on it and have for the past 3 years. My name isn't on the title, but it's my car. It's paid off and a pretty crappy old car, but it's all I have. Will I be able to list the car related expenses or will it be questioned because I don't have a car in my name? I can't afford to buy a new car, but if I omit the expenses (gas, maintence) it will take me out of consideration for Chpt 7.
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Whether you own or borrow a car, take cabs, trains,etc. you are entitled to list reasonable "transportation expences" on you list of expenses. Everyone pays this in one form or another and the courts will certainly understand. As long as you didn't transfer this car or any other property to anyone for below FMV you should be ok. Just in case the trustee asks, which he may if someone is holding property for you this would probably be a "yes". Is there a reason it's not in your name? I don't care so you don't have to explain, but he may ask. It's possible that the insurance is cheaper under your associates name and that's why you are doing this. I have my girlfriend's son's $8000 car which is paid in full under my name that he uses just for insurance purposes. I have to claim this as a non-exempt asset and file a ch13 so I don't lose his car.
Good luck!
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