Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Oregon

Getting property back from an old boyfriend.

I was going out with my boyfriend for about a year, and I trusted him. We got cell phones (the family plans) under my name. But we broke up not too long after. I asked for the phone back, many times, and he kept making excuses. And I let him keep it because I still felt sure that he would pay me - even though he hasn't paid one cent yet. But I got last months bill and he went totally over the minutes so I got angry and that was the final straw. I called him for 5 days straight constantly trying to get a hold of him, with no luck. So I called the phone company and turned off the service, thinking that he would get a hold of me to find out what was going on. But no word since. Now he owes me close to a $1000 on back charges and for the phone itself. Is there any legal actions that I can take? Since the phone is off, there is no way of getting a hold of him. PLEASE HELP!


Asked on 1/16/02, 1:19 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Anthony DeWitt Bartimus, Frickleton Robertson & Gorny, PC

Re: Getting property back from an old boyfriend.

My aunt once told me that "love is blind, but marriage is a hell of an eye opener." She was certainly correct. Even though you weren't married, you now understand that relationships need to be structured for the time when they come undone, rather than the time when everyone is all euphoric.

I assume you know where this person lives or works. If you do, you can go to Small Claims Court, take along your receipts, and the bills, and the phone records, and sue him for what he owes you.

Good luck, and next time, don't get taken advantage of by a partner like that. Get his agreement in writing to be responsible for half, or better yet, let him get his own phone.

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Answered on 1/22/02, 9:05 pm


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