"I signed the car title over, so over why am I receiving tickets and registration"?

  As I opened my mailbox on January 24, 2017, I discovered a document from South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV). I figured it was tax documents for my Honda CR-V vehicle. Instead, it was the registration to a previous vehicle that I owned when I was married. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I started reading the paper and I realized it was a new registration form.

  I didn't understand why I suddenly received a registration for this vehicle. I left my ex-husband on September 15, 2013 on that day I signed the back of the title to him.

  Even more surprising were letters from the Photo Enforcement Program in Chicago, Illinois. It was a ticket for disobeying a traffic control signal. I was furious at this time and didn’t know what to do.

  I Immediately contacted the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV). I explained the situation and asked what steps were necessary to take my name off the title. They informed me that my ex-husband would have to be present with me at the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) and he can switch everything to his name. I explained that I have no contact with him and these issues have persisted for four years. It has been going on four years since I’ve had any contact with him.

  I contacted the Clerk of Courts in the County where my divorce was finalized. They said I would have to file an amendment to my divorce decree and serve him again. I had no idea where he could be.

  Currently I am a student taking Real Estate Classes. My professor teaching the course is a Real Estate Attorney. I turned to him for advice. After class, we researched all pertinent statutes and we came up with nothing. He did however see a form on the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) website. He advised me to take that route. I went home and contacted South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) in our state capital in Columbia, South Carolina as this is the main office. I asked them about the form. They informed me that the form would take all liability to the vehicle off me. I asked them why they didn’t inform me about this form yesterday when I contacted them and asked them what steps I could take. I never got a straight answer.

  When you think all odds are against you, never give up! Where there’s a negative, there’s a positive. I was determined to finding the equation to finding a positive solution! Today January 26, 2017 I filed the form and I am no longer liable for the Hyundai Elantra! I informed a couple of attorneys who can help if you ever find yourself in this situation. Please see their contacts below.

James Burton

Law Practice Attorney

Chicago, Illinois

Email: [email protected]