My former girlfriend has now in her possession items of little market worth but incredible sentimental value. She refuses to return them to me. How do I go about reclaiming these items? Civil or criminal dispute? She left Oregon for Washington months ago. Will this affect the outcome positively or negatively? Thank you so much for your time.

How did she get possession of these items?

I live in Oregon. We lived together in Klamath Falls, OR for about three months. We broke up on friendly terms. I moved most of my things from our apartment. She was due for eviction on a Saturday morning, and the night before I had to leave on a trip. She assured me that anything remaining would be brought to my mother's house. But when I returned and she had moved to Gig Harbor, she informed me that she had stuff of mine with her, and promised to send them to me via mail. That was over 4 months ago, and I have asked her time and again to return my stuff. Now she will not return my emails or answer her phone calls.

I'm not sure if a suit would help in this situation. Can you just go visit and reclaim the stuff?

I can't afford to, and I don't feel that I should have to pay for what she did.

The problem is even if you sue her it still doesn't force her to do anything. You could try accusing her of stealing, but that's kind of extreme.