Legal Question in Family Law in California
Can i get my ex-wife to purchase my boat after a judgment states I own the boat, she has since stolen it from me, and I just want the value.
2 Answers from Attorneys
You can sue her for an old english cause of action that is still recognized here. It is called "conversion." A claim for conversion requires you to have previously made demand for return of the thing taken. If demand has been made and the thing is not returned, then you can sue and collect the value of the property. Once demand has been made and rejected, you she also cannot get out of it by subsequently returning the thing taken. At that point you have the power over whether to accept it or insist on being paid for it.
Why don't you just go pick up the boat or bring an action in the family law matter rather than suing for conversion. Good Luck, Pat McCrary