Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Pennsylvania

Gifts are gifts. They are not generally returnable. What written evidence does the woman have that this was intended to be a loan as opposed to a gift? Did you ever repay any of it? I assume this was not a conditional gift - like an engagement ring where the gift was given in contemplation of a condition - marriage? If the answers are no then you have no legal duty to do anything. She can try to sue you in small claims but she is not likely to succeed if there is no evidence of a loan.

There is legal and then there is moral. The lady was kind enough to give you $5000. That was stupidity on her part but I think its bad karma to return kindness with callousness. Why does she want the money back? Does she need it because she is in a financial bind? Is she trying to get back at you?

You have no legal duty as I have stated. Personally, I think you have a moral duty to return the money. I would come up with the cash some way, drop it in her lap and tell her good bye and to never speak to you again. But if you spent the money, then perhaps offer to repay her over time and sign a promissory note. She has little choice but to accede because her alternative is to get nothing. The problem is, once you sign a promissory note, you really will be obligated to pay her back. So I would pay her back as quickly as possible, save your receipts of payment and demand a written cancellation note when you are done. You know this woman and I don't. She has already proven herself to be an idiot and a vindictive one at that. I would not sign a promissory note but would give her the money back when you have i

Legally, you do nothing. I would never offer moral advice, but I will here simply because the previous attorney answer did and I am stunned that she did. No one gets to tell you what your morals are or should be, especially not a stranger on an Internet posting. If it was a gift, then it was a gift. I don't know anyone who repays a gift. That's not what a gift is.