Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in California

You would have a case. The success would depend on the various proof, including her testimony and your testimony to the Judge or Jury. If you have emails that evidence the debt or her investing it, it would be helpful.

Having a case and collecting the money are 2 different things. It sounds like you might have enough evidence to convince a judge or jury, but collecting can be difficult if your daughter has spent the money. If this was a verbal agreement, you will not recover your attorney's fees.

Before involving legal counsel, it might be time for a frank discussion with your daughter about where the money went why she cannot or will not turn it over to you. It may be true that the money is invested and why she cannot access it. It might be tied up in a CD or some other asset. However, investments can be liquidated and you are entitled to know where the money is. I presume you didn't want her to just stick it in mattress, so it would make sense that the money would be put in place where it could at least earn interest.

There is also the possibility that she simply blew the money. You might need to speak with a detective in the financial crimes unit of your local police department.