Can my home and other things of value be used to satisfy a loan from years ago, if taken to court?

You had cash to buy two cars and and home but NOT pay off past bills?

They may have you on this one.

As you are married, the fact that your wife is not on your original loans is irrelevant.

She married you and that includes your assets and liabilities. It is a family affair.

Now, the question is, when was the last time you made a payment on the 2008 loan?

Were you current in 2011? Have you made ANY payment on those car loans since 2011?

Have you JUST been contacted after a long time or have you been contacted continually since 2011?

There is a statute of limitations on when they can take action against you. It is usually four years after the last payment you made to them. IF you make ANY sort of "good faith payment" now, it resets the clock on the four years and you owe them.

If you were current until 2011 they may still be able to take you to court. You DO owe the money after all.

Whether they can seize your house in a court settlement depends on the state you live in.

You will have to check specific garnishment laws in your state of residence. While this loan company may be able to put court-ordered liens against your personal property, and/or get a judgement allowing garnishment of your wages or bank account, if you file bankruptcy at any time in the future, your home and one vehicle, along with a certain dollar amount of personal property are exempt and yours to keep. Any lien on your home and on one vehicle would be released.

Also, if you and your wife have income, you may wish to consider separate bank accounts. Garnishments from non-government judgement liens against the bank account will not differentiate between your money and her money unless it is consists of specific types of income, generally social security.

No, their only collateral was the car. They can sue you (and garnish your wages) but they can't take property.