Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Pennsylvania

Can I file a civil suit against my son's father for $300 that I paid towards our son�s dirt bike? The bike is in his possession and he refuses to release it. The relationship between father and son is estranged. The father has not spoken or kept visitation with his son for over three months. I was told that a motion to file for special relief would not work since he contributed 70% and he has legal custody. The bike was purchased last year. I paid him cash and would like my money back to use towards another bike.


Asked on 6/28/16, 9:18 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
John Davidson Law Office of John A. Davidson

Is there a custody order in place? A support order? In what county is the custody order from?

Assuming you could file against dad you would have to pay filing fees this could be low $25 in some counties or high $150 in other counties, The cost for filing a civil suit are similar. However, if it's a civil suit there will be a lot more formalities then in a Family law suit. Which means you'll need a lawyer. Even at the lowest rate available that would be $50/hr even if the lawyer only worked 4 hours (extremely unlikely) and you won the full $300 you'd net $100 assuming dad actually paid the judgment. Hardly worth the effort.

{John}

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Answered on 6/28/16, 10:21 am


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