Hello,

I have recently broken up with my girlfriend/fiance of 5 years. There were some financial hardships during the last 3 months, and she believes that I owe her money. She says that before she will give me the items that I own, I must pay a debt that is owed to her and possibly her parents. We lived in the state of Texas and I have relocated to Oklahoma. Some of these items were given as birthday or Christmas gifts, and some were purchased with a joint checking account which we had. She says that she has a lawyer who says that she has legal right to keep these items until the debt is settled.

Is it legal for her to retain my personal affects, and is there any way that I can legally get these items without going to court?

If you live in another state it is best to take the loss and move on. It may cost more to try and pursue your property than replace it.

There are many items which are family related that I can't lose. It will not cost me as much to regain these items as it would to replace them. I refuse to leave this 5 year relationship with nothing but my clothes.

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Originally Posted by Guidostern

There are many items which are family related that I can't lose. It will not cost me as much to regain these items as it would to replace them. I refuse to leave this 5 year relationship with nothing but my clothes.

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The only "legal" way is to have your Attorney write her Attorney (or her), advising her she cannot hold your belongings for ransom on a debt which she - so far - has not proven in Court. It either will or will not work.

Otherwise, no, there is no way - it's going to come down to negotiation or Court.