Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Pennsylvania

I was in a relationship several years ago in which we purchased a cabin together. I obtained a $5,000 loan from my credit union and he paid $3,000 for a total purchase price of $8,000. After I found out he cheated on me I broke off our engagement and moved out (the cabin was just a place we went to on weekends.) I found out that my ex sold this property and kept the money for himself. When we purchased it, I specifically wrote my name on the bill of sale along with his name. Do I have any legal right to get back any of the money that I put into this property? I know I shouldn't have trusted him and I ended up defaulting on the loan as well as with a few other things. Thank you so much for any advice you can give me on this. I asked for reimbursement on this but keep getting the runaround or no returned calls at all.

Asked on 10/16/12, 2:05 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Sharmil McKee McKee Law Office

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Yes, you probably own half the property or you at least have an equitable right to reimbursement for the $3000 loan. You can always sue the new buyer to set aside the sale on the grounds that your ex sold the property to avoid a creditor (you). Alternatively, you can sue your ex for half of the sale price or the loan amount (under the theory of fraud or breach of contract). He still has an obligation to satisfy the loan, even if you defaulted. You should hire an attorney if you are going to set aside the sale. Otherwise, you can sue him in small claims court for either the loan or the sale. Of course, ignore my advice, if you have a signed contract between you and your ex-boyfriend that dictate other remedies.

I wish you the best of luck.

Answered on 10/16/12, 2:20 pm

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