ADVICE REGARDING DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES

Hi, 

this is my first post. I could really use some advice regarding my current situation. 
I am diagnosed autistic with OCD, Moderate Depression, Anxiety Disorder, GAD7, Agoraphobia and Panic Disorder as well as social phobia. 
my physical health isn’t great and I have a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia and I’m currently seeing an immunologist, Haematologist & a Rheumatologist. 
I have been receiving disability benefits from 2006. I had to quit work due to my mental health and well-being. 
I was living with my mother at the time. My mother insisted that my benefits be paid into her account if I wished to live under her roof. Given that I had nowhere else to go I unwillingly agreed to this, (I was told on many occasions that if I had them changed back into my account I would have to leave home, Being that I am autistic and vulnerable and physically ill I knew this was not possible and this is how my mother maintained control over me, 

In 2012 after my gran passed away my mother asked me if I would like a new car as I have a driving license. I said yes as this would greatly benefit my quality of life as I would be able to attend hospital appointments etc… (as I was and still am unable to use public transport). 

My relationship with my mother has always been turbulent. 
in December 2019 I came to Bewdley to visit my fiancé. His mum and him drove me from Scotland to England. This was supposed to be a visit but then CoVid happened and I was unable to travel home. During my time here I had to start paying for housekeeping/digs but my mum was still receiving my benefit payments into her account. I advised that I would have to have them paid into my account so that I could pay my fiancé’s mother for living here. 

After I took back my benefits my mother ignored me for 3 months. I had a bad argument with my fiancé and contacted my mother who then told me that I was not all to go home. (Bearing in mind that all my belongings, my cat, car etc… are still in Scotland). 

My mother said I could go and collect my car etc.., however I just found out yesterday that she has sold my car. The problem is I do not know who’s name was on the V5 document because my mother dealt with the paperwork due to my autism deficits. 
I am heartbroken and in shock, I am also terrified that she may have started to or has already sold my possessions/belongings. I’m 400 miles away and she will not talk to me and states I cannot go home, I made monthly payments on the car for 5 odd years which she supposedly deducted from my benefits. 
I do not believe that this is fair or legal and I don’t know who to turn to or what to do as I do not have any other family, just my mum. 
Does anyone know whether I have any grounds for taking legal action against my mother. She has essentially extorted and taken advantage of my vulnerability as a person with autism and mental/physical health problems. 

I would be very grateful if someone could perhaps guide or advise as to any action I can take or if there is anything I can do? I’m very distraught and in shock. 

thank you 

Regards Charlotte 

Parents
  • as far as I know,

    if the finance payment contract was in your mothers name, the finance company owns the car, until it is paid off then it becomes hers. It is really a loan which your mother is liable for.  You could talk to  a solicitor but unless you can prove that you where paying for the car,   i think you have very little chance. 

    Your mum may have made a loss after the car was sold.  I dont know. 

    If you contact the police and arrange a time to retrieve your possessions you have ever right to do that. 

    I am no legal expert. 

Reply
  • as far as I know,

    if the finance payment contract was in your mothers name, the finance company owns the car, until it is paid off then it becomes hers. It is really a loan which your mother is liable for.  You could talk to  a solicitor but unless you can prove that you where paying for the car,   i think you have very little chance. 

    Your mum may have made a loss after the car was sold.  I dont know. 

    If you contact the police and arrange a time to retrieve your possessions you have ever right to do that. 

    I am no legal expert. 

Children
  • Thank you very much for your reply. I appreciate it greatly. I will contact Citizens Advice tomorrow and the police. As all my disability benefits were being paid into her account she was deducting the car payments from my benefits. 
    I am just really concerned that she may have sold my belongings too. 

    kind Regards 

    charlotte