Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California

I don't know what area of law this falls under... I lent a 'friend' money for a plane ticket. Things have since soured, and the original agreement was oral (in california, where I believe oral agreements are legally binding). The only proof I have of this agreement to repay me is in email form. She says in the email that she would like to repay me. Some time later, I tried to contact her again, and her reply was that she did not owe me the debt and she followed up with the threat of blackmail and also the threat of a lawyer. I would like to collect on this debt, but I am unsure how to proceed (which kind of lawyer to contact, and if I can get a lawyer to take his commission out of the debt collected). The original amount is also lost to me (no receipt), but it is to the tune of 900$, as it is a round trip to europe, and I have indirect paper proof of this fact (an itinerary with my name as payer and her name as passenger).


Asked on 2/25/12, 8:51 am

3 Answers from Attorneys
Armen Tashjian Law Offices of Armen M. Tashjian

You won't find a single lawyer to take this case. Your best option is to sue her in a small claims court. Most courts in California have web sites wherein you can find all necessary information. For example in Los Angeles county you can go to www.lasuperiorcourt.org and find the forms to file online. The downside is you have to come here for your trial and it seems like you have a strong case.

By the way, the statute of limitation on oral contracts in CA is 2 years.

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Answered on 2/25/12, 2:21 pm
George Shers Law Offices of Georges H. Shers

You will not get an attorney on a contingency fee basis because 33% would be only $300 and there is no guarantee or great likelihood you will ever collect from her [unless she owns real estate that you can put a lien on].

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Answered on 2/25/12, 4:56 pm


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