Car In My Name, Not In My Possession…

Location: New York State.

I was officially divorced in 2023. Part of the divorce decree involved my ex keeping a car that is owned by me and registered to me. He had to pay me for the car, and then my lawyer was supposed to help initiate the transfer of title and registration. He paid me for the car, but never put the car in his name. I call my lawyer weekly about this and I never hear back. I also send emails.

I went to the DMV this week and brought the title. They said that I had to sign it, bring in the plates, and have the ownership transferred. I have no idea where my ex husband is or how to contact him. I have tried contacting him via email, but he will not respond. His phone number has changed. I don’t know where he lives.

They told me at the DMV that the registration and plates have been expired for a year now. They said I can’t just remove my name from the title without him coming in to sign the title and take ownership of the car. I am concerned I would be liable if he got into an accident, got a ticket, or something happened with the car. They suggested I go to the police and tell them I lost my plates and get a form proving that, but NOT to explain the whole situation to the police. That makes me very uncomfortable. I have not seen the car or known its whereabouts for over 4 years, and it is something that causes me constant anxiety.

How can I get this resolved and make it so my name is no longer associated with the car?