Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Colorado
Promissory note settlement
My ex-girlfriend and I are trying to settle up for money she owes me for a down payment on a loft ($2600), mortgage payments ($1900), and other expenses ($3000). I believe that the limit in small claims in Colorado is $7500. She is claiming that she will counter claim for money she spent for food and bills for us while I was in grad school. Can she recover for money that she spent on us during my grad school? She claims that it was an investment and not a gift. Also, will I need representation for filing in small claims? I appreciate your help.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Promissory note settlement
Attorneys aren't allowed to represent litigants in small claims court, and frankly I don't believe ex-lovers should be allowed either. You've obviously cooked the books to meet the $7500 limit, and further concede that your former girlfriend likewise spent money on you when you were a couple.
Get on with your life, get a job, and get your revenge by making $7500 more than she makes next year.
Re: Promissory note settlement
She can argue you guys had an agreement and that the Court should award her what is fair. You don't need a lawyer in small claims court. Maybe you should suggest mediation to her. Paying a lawyer $200 to $300 an hour is probably not an option on a small case.