I loaned $1200 to a friend who lives in NY and I live in MI. I wired the money to him and have all the paperwork from it. He keeps saying he will pay me back, but hasn't and I'm tired of waiting. Where do I file in small claims court or could I possibly turn it over to a collection agency?

You would file in NY. A collection agency would charge you probably 75% of what is recovered, if they even would handle it.

You would file in NY. A collection agency would charge you probably 75% of what is recovered, if they even would handle it.


Would I have to physically be in NY to file? Also would I have to attend Small Claims Court or have someone represent me? Thanks!

Would I have to physically be in NY to file? Also would I have to attend Small Claims Court or have someone represent me? Thanks!

You cannot have a lawyer in small claims court (unless you are a company). I am not sure if you need to be there to file, but you do for the hearing itself. Contact the court that has jurisdiction over where the defendant lives for specifics.

You cannot have a lawyer in small claims court (unless you are a company). I am not sure if you need to be there to file, but you do for the hearing itself. Contact the court that has jurisdiction over where the defendant lives for specifics.

Thanks for you help. Guess the good person gets screwed again and the bad one gets off. It would cost almost as much to go there as is owed to me.

The threat of court might motivate your 'friend'