[jmjs]

I moved to a new state with my boyfriend because he had lost his job and told me he had previous experience as an apartment locator in his home state. We had a verbal agreement that I would cover all the bills for the first three months because he had to get a Texas real estate license before he could work and the way apartment locating works there is around a 2 month delay from getting payment once the client moves into the place you find for them.

I kept track and have ALL receipts of not only our mutual expenses but I also made several of HIS car payment and phone bill payments. Once we got to Texas he told me that it made more sense for him to have his own business rather than work for another company because he could make twice as much. He convinced me it would be smartest if he didn't get a job but worked full time on a website, cards, promotionals etc. starting his new business. We then agreed that I would cover the bills until the business was up and running and once it starts making money, he'd use it to pay me back. Well as soon as it was up and running he broke up with me (of course). In hind sight, I can't believe I was dumb enough to trust him but I thought he loved me, blah blah.
Anyway, it's A LOT of money but I can't afford to throw more money at the situation if I'm not going to win in court but many people have told me if I can prove I was helping him start the company and the reason I paid the bills, I do have a case. Are there any attorney's out there to help me figure this out? Is it possible to sue without a signed contract, just a large paper trail and evidence on my computer I helped build the website and cards?
Also, he hired two people to work for him after he left and never paid either of them a dime. They both told me they would be witnesses that he lies and rips people off. Any advise is much appreciated. Thanks

[ScottGem]

First, its not a good idea to piggyback your question on another thread. To avoid confusion, I've moved your post to its own thread.

The first question is how much are we talking about? In TX the small claims court limit is $10K. If that will cover you, then go for Small Claims court. The burden of proof will be less and the need for an attorney less.

Since you have kept good records of your expenditures, and can show these records to a court, I think you stand a good chance. I think the court will look at this as the only reason for keeping such records was to be reimbursed. If you can show any thing else to corroborate that the agreement existed, that would help.

Another resource would be to check local law schools, Many have clinics that can help you prepare paperwork and plan strategy.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[jmjs]

Hi Scott,

Thanks for the reply and sorry about my computer etiquette, I didn't know I was piggy backing so thanks for moving my question.

The total amount was close to $25,000 so small claims won't work but I already know he's going to try to claim it was a "gift". Before I pursue this further, I was wondering if you know anything about actually collecting the money because the last thing I want to do is go to all the trouble and expense of a court case simply to get a judgement he will just ignore. If I did win and he didn't pay, would I then have to hire another lawyer and start a hassle of trying to collect? And if so, do you have any idea how difficult that is to do? Can you simply garnish wages? Thanks in advance for any more info.

[Fr_Chuck]

At 25K, you will need an attorney to do this in court,

And do you have anything, a email, a text message something saying that he was going to pay you back.

This is an issue with boyfriend/girlfriend since a couple often helps each other.

And very little of your bills when to his business, but to living expense.

Also what is your plan to collect the money if you win ? Is he working so you can garnish pay ?

[jmjs]

Well he took the company and I know he's been collecting several checks a week each over $1000.00 But the fact that he's being such a jerk tells me he's the type to try to hide his income if he gets a judgement. He already told me he'd change the dba and LLC name etc.

And yes I have texts and emails stating he's going to pay me back but he would never write any exact amounts. The emails are basically him stating he's not willing to pay me in small incruments and would only pay me large amounts and then threaten to cut off all communication if I emailed or brought up the money to him again and he'd pay me when he could.

[ScottGem]

Well he took the company and I know he's been collecting several checks a week each over $1000.00 But the fact that he's being such a jerk tells me he's the type to try to hide his income if he gets a judgement. He already told me he'd change the dba and LLC name etc.

And yes I have texts and emails stating he's going to pay me back but he would never write any exact amounts. The emails are basically him stating he's not willing to pay me in small incruments and would only pay me large amounts and then threaten to cut off all communication if I emailed or brought up the money to him again and he'd pay me when he could.

As long as you can prove the amounts and have some proof that he agreed to repay, I think you have a good case.

But you will need an attorney. If he tries changing the company names that can be traced.