If the $10,000 was a gift, then, no, you do not have to repay the $10,000.00. A "gift" is what the name implies:  a contribution of something with no expectation for repayment.  It does not matter that your husband used the gift for other purposes.   If your mother-in-law would like to make a claim against your husband for mis-using her gift....then that is between him and her.   If you mother-in-aw attempts to withhold the title, then you can petition the divorce courts to order your husband to give you a "Power of Attorney to Transfer Motor Vehicle", which would give you the authority and ability to get a new title in your name alone....without having to deal with your mother-in-law. If the $10k was a loan and she can prove that it was a loan, then your mother-in-law could have a potential claims against the community, which both you and your husband would potentially be liable for.