Cars are an important asset, and are often the subject of dispute in a divorce—whether the couple owns or leases one car or multiple cars. Because cars are property and often purchased or leased with marital assets (funds), they are subject to the court’s decisions on how to divide the property. If the parties to a divorce are not able to agree on the transfer of ownership (title) and responsibility for payment of any car loans and insurance, the judge or jury may make these decisions for the parties.
In Nebraska, as in many states, cars are considered part of the marital estate and are subject to division during a divorce. Nebraska follows the principle of equitable distribution, which means that the court will divide marital property, including cars, in a way that is fair but not necessarily equal. If a couple cannot agree on how to divide their vehicles, the court will make a determination based on a variety of factors, such as the length of the marriage, the contribution of each spouse to the marital estate, and the economic circumstances of each spouse. The court will also consider the responsibility for any car loans and insurance. The judge's decision will address who will retain ownership and who will be responsible for any associated debts. It's important to note that 'equitable' does not always mean 'equal,' and the division of assets like cars can vary significantly based on the specific circumstances of the divorce case.