Legal Question in Consumer Law in Alabama

Does Ex-Friend Have a Right to Property

Almost a year ago, a friend of ours moved most of her beauty shop items over in to our garage which was supposed to be for a short period of time. Well, a short period of time has turned into a year. They left town without even notifying us and we didn't find out until weeks later that they had left...and that was only when they tried to rent a u-haul and the credit card was denied and they were unable to acquire their belongings. They left no forwarding address or phone number so we had no way of getting in contact with them. Well, we didn't hear from them until about 4 months later stating that they were still planning on getting their items. Four months turned into another 4 months and they just called saying that they were planning on getting their items ''some time'' this month. They have only called us twice in almost a year.

Well, my husband and I were fed up and we felt that if their stuff was that important that they would have notifed us more than twice in almost a year's time. We have since then sold their items and now they are saying they are going to contact a lawyer.

My question is, do they have a case? Any advice would be helpful and very much appreciated.


Asked on 4/23/02, 2:15 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Jon Lewis Lewis, Feldman, & Lehane, LLC

Re: Does Ex-Friend Have a Right to Property

I believe that they may have a case for conversion unless you gave them notice that you would sell the items if they didn't pick them up before a certain date. However, you could argue that they had abandoned the items, but given their calls, such an argument would be difficult. I might try to work it out with them by telling them that you received $__________ for the items, and you will agree to give them 75%, charging them a 25% storage fee.

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Answered on 4/23/02, 3:25 pm


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