Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Virginia

Compensation For Buying A Dog
Hello

I helped buy a dog with my ex fiance a year ago. The dog cost $1000 and I paid $300. He paid $700

I then paid for the first vet visit including an exam, shots, and medication. This totaled $180

I then paid for grooming which was $80

When we broke up, he said he was going to keep the dog saying the things he had to pay outweighed my part. But I added up his costs and they don't even out.
He paid $10 to register the dog $30 for a second set of shots, and maybe $100 worth of grooming. This equal $140.

Now my $560 minus his $140= he would owe me $420.

Now, I feel like I should be paid back for these expenses because I feel like I just paid for HIM to have a dog. I can justify the expenses if we we together and shared the dog, but since he blatantly TOOK the dog, shouldn't I be paid back?

Would this hold up in court? What would the outcome be?
Thanks in advanced.

Asked on 12/09/08, 6:20 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Ruth Emily Kochard Ruth Emily Kochard, Counselor at Law

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Re: Compensation For Buying A Dog

You and he appear to be co-owners of the dog, and as such you would have an interest in it that he cannot unilaterally take from you. You could sue in small claims court to recover the value of your interest in the dog. (note: if you were suing him for return of the dog, as opposed to seeking a money judgment, you would not be able to bring the action in small claims and would be in general district court. You could also attempt to have him buy out your interest in the dog, which would be a more simple resolution to this matter.

Answered on 12/10/08, 9:07 am

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