Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Oregon

Re: Abandonment

Boy, tough case, as I imagine you've been told by now. The FIRST question is whether this guy has anything to get! For example, does he have some significant money or assets? Does he own a home, drive a fancy car? If not, it may not be worth bothering, in my opinion; BUT, you should VISIT with a lawyer, and don't just rely on this short online quasi-consult. A lawyer IN PERSON may ask a bunch of other questions that might assist in evaluating this situation for you. IF the guy actually HAS anything, it might be worth looking into a bit further. There is a legal theory called "Detrimental Reliance," which essentially says that if you relied on someone's representations, and if it was REASONABLE to rely on them, and then they pull the rug out from under you, you MIGHT have a claim in equity. Even there, I could be stretching it. Normally, an equitable claim like that requires that HE somehow has been enriched as a result of his deception. Did he get any of YOUR money, too? There are a number of details that any lawyer would want to ask. Your best bet is to spend a FEW bucks to MEET with a lawyer. Probably, it ought to be either a domestic relations lawyer, or possibly a collections lawyer. What city are you in, by the way? I might be able to refer you to someone. If this guy DID end up with something in his pocket out of all this, you MIGHT even talk to a local deputy District Attorney, in case he committed a crime, such as "theft by deception." Good luck! AND, enjoy Oregon anyway. It's a great place, and I'm speaking as a displaced New Yorker here!

-- Sam Hochberg