Automobile sales laws in Utah (insurance, loan, lawyer)

[Return2Paradise]

I'll try to make a long story short. I live in Texas and I'm trying to help my sister, who live in SLC, with a problem. She is starting divorce procedings with her drug addict, drunk, deadbeat husband. Apparently there is a 90 day "counseling period" required before actual divorce proceedings can start.

My sister is working three jobs to support their children. The deadbeat works only part time and can't keep a job for more than a few months. After his latest DUI, his license was suspended. He got in two accidents on a suspended license, the last one totaling his car. Insurance only paid out $3,000 and he was supposed to find a $3,000 car with the insurance money. Instead, last week he bought an $8,000 car (Blue book value on the car is only $4K) WITHOUT HIS WIFE'S KNOWLEDGE OR CONSENT, taking out a loan at 18% APR. To make matters worse, the car will not pass emmissions due to multiple check engine lights.

Bottom line is my sister is looking for a way out of the deal. Does anyone know Utah state laws regarding auto sales to individuals without spousal consent, to a buyer with a suspended license, with a vehicle that could not pass an emmissions test at the time of sale?

Thanks in advance.

[Chango]

Unfortunately, for her, it's not illegal to buy a car that doesn't work right for twice as much as it's worth. There is nothing that says a spouse has to approve a purchase either.

[Return2Paradise]

After a little digging, I found that she may have some recourse, given that the vehicle will not pass a safety or emissions test:

http://www.dmv.org/ut-utah/buy-sell/...nformation.php

"Safety inspections: The vehicle must pass the Utah safety inspection before you can issue the buyer a temporary license for it. In some counties, an emissions test is also required."

Still trying to determine the details for specific counties.


If anyone can recommend a competent divorce lawyer in the area, please let me know.

Thanks