Legal Question in Civil Litigation in District of Columbia

Do I have a Case
About a year ago after an illness (his) in the hospital my boyfriend suggested that I move in with him. This was suggested to me in order to quit my full time job and return to school. He said that he could well take care of me and my minor daughter and the the ovjective was for me to improve my qualifications in the business world. During the time living with him he did help financially and even paid a dental expense. I in turn did kept up the house and advised him of a business deal that saved him over $100,000.00. I had an old car that ran. He insisted on getting me a new car and told me that he would not assist me further if I kept the old car. I was keeping it in case we broke up and I would have a vehicle. I eventually sold the car.
During the duration of the relationship he had promised that in case things did not work out he would help me get back on my feet by paying the deposit and first months rent on an apartment. As he put it he would not leave me high and dry. When it was inevetable that I would have to leave, he not only relinquished on the financial support he took back the car saying that he would give me $300 for the car.
Do I have any recourse? Does this fall under Promissory Estoppel? Please advise.

Asked on 6/21/04, 7:39 am

2 Answers from Attorneys

Tonia Troutwine, Esquire - Troutwine Law Group. LLC

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Re: Do I have a Case

you need support for a case. any type of evidence, a writing or family witnesses that will support your claims. Witnesses that are willing to testify or sign affidavits on your behalf. Also, anything in writing from him or you and dated. Also, you need consideration a reason for him doing all of this for you and your child, he will claim it was all gratuitous and not a deal. You need to show where he induced you to sacrifice and support him in the home in exchange for the promises he made. It is important to show he intended that you have the car, regardless of the status of your relationship. If it is in his name it will be difficult.

In the future, always get a guy to put finanicial promises in writing, I know it is not romantic, but it helps if things do not work out and if the guy is being truthful he usually will not mind or be insulted.

Answered on 6/21/04, 11:07 am

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