Can I sue my ex for money owed?

Asked by: Mrs. Brianne Gerhold Sr.  |  Last update: March 24, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (25 votes)

Yes, you can sue someone who owes you money. When someone keeps "forgetting" to pay you or flat out refuses to pay up, the situation can quickly become frustrating. You can take the issue to small claims court and pursue legal action if it falls between the minimum and maximum money thresholds under court rules.

What to do when your ex owes you money?

Send a formal demand letter to your ex, stating the owed amount, the repayment agreement, and requesting payment within a specific timeframe. Keep records of the letter and its delivery.

Can you sue an ex for money they owe you?

Yes, you can file a lawsuit to get the money owed to you. A verbal promise to pay someone money is just as legally valid as a written contract.

What to do if someone owes you money and hasn't paid?

  • File a court action ( sue them) in either small claims or municipal court.
  • Hire a collections firm or collections attorney to pursue them
  • Keep sending them notices that they owe you money, and demand payment

Can text messages be used in court for money owed?

Yes, text messages are admissible in court, but only if they were legally obtained. This means a person must voluntarily provide the court with the text messages.

I lent my ex-girlfriend money and now she won't pay me back, what should I do?

38 related questions found

What to do when someone owes you money and ignores you?

Even if the debtor doesn't answer you, you should ask them multiple times for the exact dollar amount they owe. It is a good idea to tell them you will pursue legal action as a next step. You can also consider professional collection agency services that work to retrieve personal loans.

Can screenshots of text messages be used in court?

Just like social media posts, screenshots of text messages can be used in court, but face similar challenges regarding authentication. Without the original metadata and context, proving that a screenshot is an accurate and unaltered representation of the original message can be difficult.

Can you go to the police if someone owes you money?

It is a civil matter, not criminal, so the police are not going to get involved. You have to sue and go after her and get a judgment. If she does not pay, you can then enforce it and go after money or assets.

Is it worth suing someone with no money?

Essentially, you might think suing someone with no money is futile, but that's not the case. The law protects your rights and allows you to seek compensation if someone causes you harm or loss, regardless of their financial status.

What to do if someone never pays you back?

File a Lawsuit in Civil Court

If all else fails, and the debt remains unpaid, filing a lawsuit in civil court becomes a viable option. In this scenario, hiring an attorney is strongly recommended to navigate the complexities of the legal system.

Can I sue my ex for emotional distress?

Your first claim may be for intentional infliction of emotional distress. Intentional infliction of emotional distress is a tort, a civil wrong the law provides a remedy for. While the requirements vary from state to state, you typically need to show the following elements: Intentional extreme and outrageous conduct.

Can I sue someone who owes me money without a contract?

Contract in court is not needed. Proof is what is needed. If you can prove they owe you the money then you can sue.

Is it worth going to small claims court for $500?

Conclusion: Going to small claims court may be worth it for $500, but it will determine how you weigh your costs versus benefits. At a minimum, it is worth it to send a demand letter.

Can you sue an ex for debt?

Generally, if debt is not declared/dealt with in the divorce, both sides may be prohibited from later suing for that money unless the divorce decree specifically allows for this to be done in a separate proceeding.

How do you bring up that someone owes you money?

It's best to be direct and polite about it: there's no need to bring up the past (unless there's an important reason), just remind them of what they owe. It's never easy to ask someone for money they owe. Remember that your tone can set the mood, so make it warm and understanding rather than annoyed or frustrated!

Are you responsible for your ex's debt?

In other words, both spouses are usually responsible for debts incurred during the marriage by either party, but not for debts incurred before marriage. In community property states, you and your spouse will be held equally liable for: Any credit card debts in your name (as a sole owner or jointly)

How much money is enough to sue?

In general, claims are limited to disputes up to $5,000. However, natural persons (individuals) can claim up to $10,000. Corporations, partnerships, unincorporated associations, governmental bodies, and other legal entities cannot claim more than $5,000.

What happens if I sue someone and they can't pay?

The California statute of limitations for filing a judgment is ten years. If the debtor cannot pay or complete payment within this time, you must renew the judgment. The judgment must continue to be renewed to ensure the debtor pays the full amount.

What is the least you can sue someone for?

While most courts don't have a strict minimum amount you can sue for, the practical minimum is usually determined by the small claims court filing fee, which can range from around $25 to $50, meaning you would need to be suing for at least that amount to make it worthwhile to file a lawsuit; however, the maximum amount ...

Can I file a police report for someone not paying me back?

The police may be able to go after him and get your money back. If not, then you can file a lawsuit and sue him to recover it. Yes you can, a police report as per above.

Will a collection agency sue for $5000?

Unpaid, credit card balances between $5,000 to $10,000 increase the likelihood of legal action by creditors or collection agencies. While agencies typically pursue the full amount owed, debt buyers may accept reduced payments.

Can you go to jail if you don't pay someone back?

No, you cannot be arrested for defaulting on a payday loan. However, if you are sued or a court judgment has been entered against you and you ignore a court order to appear, a judge may issue a warrant for your arrest. You should never ignore a court order.

Do judges look at text messages?

Under California law, text messages are admissible as evidence in family court proceedings. When presented as evidence, a text message can help support your case or establish accusations of domestic violence, extramarital affairs, child abuse, or financial infidelity.

How strong is video evidence in court?

It is important to note that while video evidence may be only one piece of evidence in a case, it can be extremely powerful. The following are examples of the power of using video evidence in presenting a case to the jury. Video evidence can come from numerous sources, with both benefits and challenges.

Is deleting text messages tampering with evidence?

Destroying evidence is a serious offense. Avoid any actions that could lead to the destruction of relevant items, documents or digital data. This includes deleting text messages emails, or any other electronic records.