Texas - Husband refuses to return rental car during divorce. What are our options?
divorce attorney Texas Jul 25, 2026
Location: Texas My stepdaughter lives in Texas and is in the middle of a divorce. She rented a car in her own name for her husband to drive after he totaled his vehicle so he could pick up her son for visitation. The rental was due back on June 25, but he has refused to return it. She has repeatedly demanded that he return the vehicle, and he refuses. She contacted the local police, but they told her they could not take a stolen vehicle report because she voluntarily gave him the keys. The rental company is aware of the situation and has confirmed that he was an authorized driver because in Texas he is her husband and it’s automatic even though she did not put him on the rental agreement. She is still the renter and is financially responsible for the vehicle. My questions are: Is the police response correct, or is there another type of report they should be taking? Does the fact that he was initially an authorized driver prevent this from becoming a criminal matter once he refuses to return the vehicle? Besides continuing to work with the rental company and her divorce attorney, are there any other legal options she should pursue in Texas? She is documenting all communications and has kept records of her demands that he return the vehicle. I’m not looking for moral judgments—just trying to understand what legal remedies may exist under Texas law.
