Selling a Car After a Divorce in Florida
Whether you can sell a car after divorce comes down to one thing: how the names are joined on the title. Here's how AND versus OR changes everything.
Who Owns the Car After Divorce?
The title tells you who legally owns the vehicle — not the divorce decree, and not who paid for it. If two names are on the Florida title joined by "AND," both owners must sign to sell. If they're joined by "OR," either one can sign alone.
That single word — AND versus OR — is the difference between a quick sale and a legal mess.
When Both Names Are on the Title (AND)
If the title reads "John AND Jane," both parties must sign the seller section. If your ex won't cooperate, you generally have three options:
- Negotiate a quitclaim. The ex signs a quitclaim deed releasing their interest, then you sell.
- Court order. The divorce decree or a judge's order can direct the sale and, in some cases, authorize one signature.
- Sell through the divorce settlement. The court-appointed process lets one party handle the liquidation.
We can't buy a car when a required owner refuses to sign — no legitimate buyer can. But we can tell you exactly what document would fix it.
When the Title Says OR
If the title reads "John OR Jane," either owner can sign and sell without the other's signature. This is by far the easiest path. Check the title before you assume you need cooperation.
If the Car Was Awarded to You but the Title Wasn't Updated
A divorce decree awarding you the car doesn't automatically change the title. You'll usually need to retitle it in your name first, using the decree and the signed title from your ex. If your ex already signed the title over, even better — just complete the transfer.
Dividing the Proceeds
However you structure it, we pay the seller(s) on the spot. If the proceeds are meant to be split, settle that between yourselves before pickup; we pay the names on the title or whoever the paperwork authorizes.
The Bottom Line
Divorce doesn't change the rule that the title decides. Check whether the names are joined by AND or OR, get every required signature, and the sale is straightforward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell a car if my ex's name is on the title?
If the names are joined by AND, both must sign. If joined by OR, either can sell alone. Check the title — it decides.
What if my ex won't sign?
You'll need a quitclaim releasing their interest or a court order authorizing the sale. No legitimate buyer can purchase without the required signature.
The divorce decree awarded me the car — is that enough?
No. The title still controls. You'll usually need to retitle it in your name using the decree and your ex's signed title before selling.