Can you sue someone and get money?

Asked by: Dr. Christop Pfeffer V  |  Last update: November 22, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (66 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.

Can you get money from suing someone?

You might be able to take additional steps to collect on the judgment. If you know where the defendant works or has a bank account, then it might be possible to garnish the defendant's wages or take (seize) his/her assets. This process can be complicated depending on the rules in your state.

Is it worth suing someone 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.

What happens if you 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 happens if I get sued but have no money?

If the defendant doesn't pay, several actions can be taken: Wage Garnishment: A portion of the defendant's wages can be redirected to satisfy the debt. Bank Levies: Funds can be taken directly from the defendant's bank account.

How Much Money Do You Need To Sue Someone?

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What happens if someone sues you and they lose?

If you are being sued, you are the defendant. Losing your case may mean having to pay for the injuries and damage you caused. The court can impose a money judgment. If you were reckless or acted intentionally, you may be subject to additional costs as punishment for your dangerous behavior.

Is it worth suing for defamation?

The answer is, yes, it is worth suing for defamation. When a true case of defamation exists, there are damages that are caused as a result. Those damages are compensable through a civil lawsuit, in California and beyond.

Can you go to jail for not paying someone who sued you?

While debt collectors can no longer have you jailed or threaten to have you arrested for not paying your debts, there are a few instances in which you can be incarcerated with debt as the underlying cause. For example, a debt collector can sue you and, if you fail to comply with court orders, you could get jail time.

Can I sue my ex for money owed?

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.

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 a poor person?

Suing someone with no money might seem daunting, but the law is on your side. With the right legal support and financial planning, you can pursue your personal injury claims or lawsuit and secure the compensation you deserve, regardless of the defendant's financial situation.

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

What to Do If Someone Owes You Money and Won't Pay Back
  1. Introduction: ...
  2. Open Communication: Establish a Paper Trail. ...
  3. Send a Demand Letter. ...
  4. Small Claims Court. ...
  5. Mediation. ...
  6. Arbitration. ...
  7. File a Lawsuit in Civil Court. ...
  8. Obtaining a Judgment.

What is the lowest amount a person can sue 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 ...

How much money do you need to sue someone?

The Average Cost of a Lawsuit

On average, a lawsuit costs approximately $10,000 for a simple suit. However, numerous factors can influence the cost of your lawsuit.

What to do if someone doesn't pay you?

What to do if a customer doesn't pay
  1. Follow up immediately. ...
  2. Call them or schedule a meeting. ...
  3. Send a debt collection letter. ...
  4. Hire a collection agency. ...
  5. Consider letting it go. ...
  6. Research your new prospects. ...
  7. Be clear with your payment policies. ...
  8. Send invoices immediately and schedule reminders.

Should I settle or go to court?

In a trial, you must accept the decision of the judge or jury. On the other hand, settling could put you at a disadvantage. Accepting a settlement may result in you receiving less money than you would if you went to court. Your lawyer will assist you in determining if going to trial is worth the extra time and money.

What happens if someone sues you and you have no money?

Payment Plan or Settlement: Sometimes, the court may allow the debtor to set up a payment plan. Alternatively, you might negotiate a settlement for a lesser amount that the debtor can afford to pay. Asset Liquidation: The court may order the seizure and sale of the debtor's assets to pay the judgment.

Can I sue my ex for emotional distress?

However, California law recognizes the seriousness of emotional injuries, even if they lack physical symptoms. “You can't prove it.” Despite its intangibility, you can prove emotional distress in court. You can provide evidence through medical records, journal entries, and expert testimonies.

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.

What happens if you sue someone and they refuse to pay?

The defendant must pay their legal debt. If they can't pay immediately, legal mechanisms can help you collect later. This may involve payment plans or monitoring assets. Collecting from someone unable to pay requires patience.

Is owing someone money a crime?

The answer is almost always NO. A judge will not put you in jail for not paying most debts. You can go to jail for not paying child support and for money owed to the IRS if there is criminal fraud involved. Usually, if you owe money, a creditor can take you to court and ask the judge to issue a judgment against you.

Is being sued considered a crime?

Anytime somebody's “sued”, that's civil. Sometimes the same action can have a civil and a criminal dimension. For example, if somebody steals your umbrella, the state can charge the person with theft, while, in a separate proceeding, you sue the person for damages.

What proof do you need for slander?

To prove prima facie defamation, a plaintiff must show four things: 1) a false statement purporting to be fact; 2) publication or communication of that statement to a third person; 3) fault amounting to at least negligence ; and 4) damages , or some harm caused to the reputation of the person or entity who is the ...

Can you sue someone for false accusations?

Can You Sue A Person for Making False Accusations? You can pursue a lawsuit against a person who has made false accusations about you by either suing for defamation or for malicious prosecution.

How does suing for emotional distress work?

In an emotional distress claim, proving that the defendant acted with intent is key. This means showing that they knew or should have known their actions would cause serious distress. Your lawyer will start by gathering evidence such as emails or text messages, which can be crucial in establishing this intentionality.