Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Pennsylvania
I want to sue my ex boyfriend for money I had lent him that he promised he would pay back. Is that something I can do?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Anyone can sue anyone else for anything at any time. However, having the resources to pursue a case, the legal basis to do so, and whether you will prevail, are always factors to be considered.
What you have described is a contract. For a contract to be enforceable it must have definite terms such as time and method of repayment. If you believe you have definite terms, as opposed to a general agreement hat he would pay you back some time if he had the money, then you can sue. If you are owed $12,000.00 or less, you can file on your own in magisterial district justice court, commonly referred to as small claims court. You don�t have to have a lawyer for that, but the fees are usually much cheaper if you decide you want one.
Please note that even if you are 100% successful at obtaining a judgment, collection is always quite another matter. Simply having a judgment does not in any way guarantee payment. Rather, you must take steps to collect which involve yet more time and money.
I strongly suggest speaking to an attorney and if you are in the Delaware Valley, feel free to call or e-mail me on a free initial basis.
Very truly yours,
Matthew R. Nahrgang, Esquire
35 Evansburg Road
Collegeville, PA 19426
(610) 489-3041 ph
(610) 489-3042 fax
www.mnahrgang.com