lawyer needed
 

I need some legal advice. Anyone know a good attorney that specilizes in cival matters dealing with same sex couples. My ex is still refusing to let me have my things and I want restitution for all of her bills I paid while she wasn't working for 6 months along with emotional distress. Any help is appreciated...

Hey Las,

You are going to have a hard time in Arkansas with this focusing on the relationship since we aren't recognized by the state as such. You can still file a civil suit (even in small claims court) against her but you will have to prove that there was an agreement between the two of you while she wasnt working that she was going to pay you back, otherwise it is considered a "gift" by the courts.

You DO have legal right to sue for the return or value of your personal belongings. In Arkansas, the legal limit for small claims awards is $5000. If you think your property is valued at less than $5000, I would personally encourage you to go the small claims route because it will be much, MUCH cheaper on you to file this. PLUS, you dont need an attorney to represent you in small claims court.

http://courts.state.ar.us/documents/...laims_info.pdf

You can file all of the paperwork yourself. The cost of filing the small claims complaint which will start the lawsuit process is about $25. You will also have to pay a process server to either hand deliver the suit or for them to mail it certified. This can cost anywhere from $80 - $150.

Hope this helps :)

Thanks. Kind of hard to prove it wasn't a gift cuz it will be my word against hers. I'm just out about $4800. Personal property value is less than $5000 but there are some sentimental things at her place, like my deceased mothers recipe box and other personal stuff. Damn I never thought we would be here...

paying someone's bills is more of a life's lesson (invaluable, btw) than anything you'd be able to financially recover just cuz you guys broke up--unless you two had some kind of agreement about who was going to pay what, but good luck with that.

have you asked, specifically for the things that are without question, yours (mother's recipe box)?

unless you were abusive (or lied, cheated, used a lot of meth) most people don't want your stuff.

Las68
 

None of us ever think we will have to face things such as this. I spent an enormous amount of time (think $$$) today with an attorney I am going to have to retain to help me with a real estate transaction that incurred while I was in my 9 year relationship. Based on what I am hearing from you my only advice (coming directly from my attorney) is make sure you document everything you do in reference to any contact with her. Document phone calls, texts, interactions. The primary reason for this task is IF you have to pursue any type of legal action you will appear prepared and that, my friend, is a big part of the battle. I am having to spend everything I had ever saved plus some to simply retain someone I feel will look out for my interests. Never could you have convinced me I would be facing this kind of evil at this point in my life. Life goes on, though. And life is a process that we never, ever stop learning. My best to you for a simple solution to resolve your heartache.