How do you file a lawsuit against an ex boyfriend who owes you a substantial amount of money and if you live in different states is the jurisdiction in your state of residence or his?

Answer 1

So you are trying to sue your deadbeat ex-boyfriend??? Well, I am a collection attorney in Texas and here is my 2 cents worth to you. First, you need to decide whether you really want to sue or not. A lawsuit will cost you lots of time and money, esp. if you have to pay an attorney. Its no walk in the park. You sound like you want to sue but just keep in mind one thing: Even if you sue and win and get a judgment against your ex--the judgment is just a piece of paper that says you are owed x dollars. So the lawsuit only results in the judgment. It does not result in you actually getting the money in your pocket. After you get the judgment from the lawsuit (assuming you win), you have to COLLECT on the judgment. This is not an easy thing to do, esp. if your ex has no money to pay or hides his assets. Depending on the state you are in, you may be able to garnish his wages if you know where he works or collect on his bank account if you know where his bank is. You may also be able to collect on his assets that are "non-exempt" under the law of the state you live in. Each state has different laws about which assets are collectible and which assets are not. I do not know which state you are in. Collection can be a long, difficult and expensive process, for example, a bank may make you pay their fees for wage garnishment of you ex's account. So unless this fellow has cash or assets, it really may be more trouble than it is worth to sue him and collect against him. That being said, at least you know now never to trust a guy with your money! Good luck to you. Alicia.