what kind of attorney would i need to sue someone for money owed

You need a commercial or civil litigation attorney. A civil litigation attorney or commercial litigation attorney would typically have the experience necessary to sue the person (litigate) in the necessary court, if settlement or other negotiations can't be worked out prior to filing the suit.

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What kind of attorney do I need to sue someone?

 · This type of debt would be brought in the Special Civil Part because of the amount being sued. The courts have do it yourself forms you can fill out on your own. As far as whether you have a case, you need to speak to a lawyer who handles small claims cases to determine whether you have a case. Even if you did have a case, a lawyer would likely ...

How to sue someone who owes you money?

 · Look for a .gov website with an answer, or call a small claims court attorney with questions. For example, Oregon small claims courts allow any case up to $750. Cases requesting $750 to $10,000 can go to small claims or civil court. Any cases recovering over $10,000 need to go to civil court or a local superior court.

Should I hire a lawyer if a creditor sues me?

 · The maximum amount an individual can sue is $10,000. For businesses, the limit becomes $5,000. You should make a visit to a small claims court and see how it works. Sit in on a hearing. Then, you will know what to expect. Contact the court’s small claims advisor to …

Should I hire a lawyer to defend a lawsuit against my business?

 · 1 attorney answer. If you choose to hire an attorney, you need a general litigation attorney. The question is do you have any proof of contract? If the other party paid in cash and there were no witnesses - then what proof do you have? The burden of proof is …

What can you do if someone won't pay you back?

What to Do When Someone Doesn't Pay You BackGive gentle reminders. People are busy, and sometimes they forget about the money they owe. ... Renegotiate payment terms. ... Have them pay you with something else. ... Get collateral. ... Offer to help with financial planning. ... Ask to use their credit card.

How do I get someone to pay me money they owe?

Tips on getting your money backGive gentle Reminders. When approaching the topic of collecting the payments from your friend or relative, try to be firm, yet straightforward. ... Express Urgency. ... Ask for updates. ... Add deadlines. ... Offer Payment Installments. ... Bartering. ... Drinks on them! ... Taking Legal Action.

Can you sue a friend that owes you money?

Yes, you can sue someone who owes you money. When someone keeps "forgetting" to pay you or flat out refuses to pay up, the situation can quickly become frustrating. You can take the issue to a small claims court and pursue legal action if it meets the minimum and maximum money thresholds.

What are the easiest things to sue for?

The law must support your contention that you were harmed by the illegal actions of another.Bad Debt. A type of contract case. ... Breach of Contract. ... Breach of Warranty. ... Failure to Return a Security Deposit. ... Libel or Slander (Defamation). ... Nuisance. ... Personal Injury. ... Product Liability.More items...

What can I do if someone owes me money and refuses to pay?

If someone owes you money and they refuse to pay you at the agreed time, you may take the matter to the Small Claims Court. If someone has bought goods such as furniture from you and they have failed to pay for it, you can take the matter to the Small Claims Court.

Do I need a lawyer for small claims court?

You do not need a lawyer for small claims court, and some states don't even allow you to have one. Read an overview of your state's small claims court laws first. There are many advantages to seeking legal help from an attorney, but you would likely have to pay attorney's fees.

Can I report to police if someone owes me money?

Unfortunately, you can't go to the police if someone owes you money. Personal loan cases are treated as civil cases instead of criminal cases, so the police will not be able to assist you.

Can I sue someone for not paying me back?

To win a case, you need to have some evidence that your friend owes you money. This doesn't have to be a written legal contract, with witnesses etc. Suing someone for money is a civil case and the judge will decide who wins “on the balance of probabilities”, looking at whose story seems most likely.

What happens if you win in small claims court and they don't pay?

If you have received notice that someone is taking you to court over a small claim and you ignore it, the claimant may be able to get the court to issue a judgment forcing you to pay. Therefore, doing nothing and ignoring the creditor can work against you.

Is suing someone worth it?

Is Going to Court Worth It? Again, it just depends on the specifics of your case. If you have a strong case and a good attorney, suing a person might be worth the costs. But if your case isn't as clear and you don't have a large budget, you may want to think twice before going to court.

What are good reasons to sue?

If you have injured them, broken a contract with them, broken or damaged their property or said something defamatory, they may want to sue you for money or to make you do something. Being involved in a court case can be time consuming, expensive and confusing.

What can you sue for emotional distress?

It may be possible for you to sue for emotional distress, depending on your situation. The main factor that will mean you can make a claim is whether someone's negligence caused the harm you first suffered. This could be because you were hurt in an accident that was someone else's fault.

What to do if a debtor doesn't answer you?

Even if the debtor doesn't answer you, you should ask them multiple times for the exact dollar amount they owe. It is a good idea to tell them you will pursue legal action as a next step.

How much money can you get in Oregon small claims court?

For example, Oregon small claims courts allow any case up to $750. Cases requesting $750 to $10,000 can go to small claims or civil court. Any cases recovering over $10,000 need to go to civil court or a local superior court.

What do you need to show when you are a debt collector?

You will need to show your documents and provide evidence that the other person owes you money and has ignored or refused to pay you. Answer all questions and be polite.

How long does it take to get a small claims court hearing?

Be on time for your court date. You can expect the court hearing to be quick — typically around 15 minutes total. If you are nervous about what goes on during a hearing, you can sit in on small claims court cases in advance.

Can you sue someone for bankruptcy?

Note: If the person you wish to sue filed for bankruptcy, their bankruptcy will trump your case. The " automatic stay " in bankruptcy stops anyone from collecting debt, even lawsuit debt. You may have options to collect the money when their case is decided. The bankruptcy judge may also rule that they must pay you back.

What does it mean to serve a defendant?

The fee you paid may go toward a court official " serving " the case. This means they will find the person who owes money (the "defendant") and give them official notice that they are being sued by you (the "litigant"). You might also be able to serve the defendant yourself through certified mail.

Can you prove a loan you gave them money back?

It can be hard to prove your case if you verbally discussed a loan, gave them cash, and have no record of discussing paying the money back.

How to recover money owed in a lawsuit?

Gather your evidence. To recover the money you're owed through a lawsuit, you must have proof of the debt. If you have a written contract, that part of your proof is relatively straightforward. However, in many cases money is loaned through a handshake deal in which no formal contract is signed.

What to do if someone owes you money and won't pay it?

If someone owes you money and won't pay up, you might consider filing a lawsuit to have a judge order them to pay it. However, you should keep in mind that filing a lawsuit – even in small claims court – can be a lot more complicated than it might appear in daytime television shows such as People's Court. Beyond that, a court's order only gives you ...

How to write a demand letter for money?

In your demand letter, state the amount of money you're owed and why. Give the person a brief period of time after he or she receives your letter to respond or pay the money. Tell him or her that if you don't have a response by that date you will file suit to recover your money.

How long does it take to get a statute of limitations?

Typically you have much longer, as much as 10 years, to file suit regarding a written contract. However, you must sue to enforce an oral contract within one or two years.

What to do if you loan someone money?

If you loaned someone money, be prepared that he or she may try to claim that the money was a gift rather than a loan. Any proof you may have that it was in fact a loan will go a long way. For example, suppose you loaned a friend $1,000 to get repairs done on his car.

What to do if someone refuses to pay you?

If someone owes you money but refuses to pay, you might have to file a lawsuit to have a judge order them to pay . Start by gathering your evidence, including written contracts, any proof of a loan, or receipts for initial payments on monies owed.

How to serve a defendant in a lawsuit?

In most cases, the defendant will be served by having the paperwork sent to him or her using certified mail with returned receipt requested. The return receipt serves as proof that the defendant received the complaint and has notice of the lawsuit.

What happens if you sue the driver and not the owner?

If you sue just the driver and not the owner, it may be hard for you to collect. But if you sue both driver and owner, the insurance company will probably pay for your damages. If work is performed on your house and there is defective plumbing or wiring, you could sue the plumber or electrician.

What to do if someone refuses to pay you?

If someone owes you money and they refuse to pay, you can file a lawsuit with small claims court. But before you do that, you should try to work things out. If you are suing a company, make sure the right people are aware of the debt. Sometimes company communications are slow or disjointed. You can try mediation or some other alternative ...

What to do if witnesses are not present in court?

If the witnesses you want cannot or will not attend, you can fill out a Small Claims Subpoena to order them to go.

What happens if you miss a court appearance?

Mark your calendar for the court appearance and make sure you show up with your papers. Missing the appointment will probably prompt the judge to dismiss your case.

How to get a court date for a small claims hearing?

Bring your forms to the small claims clerk and get your court date. You can ask the clerk for a night hearing and ask for possible evenings and times. If you don’t speak English very well, you can ask the clerk to have an interpreter at your hearing – or you can bring one yourself. If you have a disability, you can ask for some accommodation.

What happens if you file a small claims lawsuit in California?

Since each county in California has a small claims court, you have to figure out which one to use. If you file in the wrong court, your case may be dismissed and you will have to file again in the correct court. There is a statute of limitations on filing, so any wasted effort can cause you to miss that deadline.

How to ask for payment in court?

As mentioned above, before going to court, you have to ask the other side for payment. You can ask in person or by phone or mail. You will need to tell the court how you did this and fill out a court form to that effect. If you use a demand letter, bring a copy of that to court to show the judge.

How to find a good lawyer to sue?

The way to find a good lawyer to sue someone is from personal referrals. Ask people with similar problems to refer you to a good lawyer for your lawsuit It's not likely that your next-door neighbor will know a good lawyer for your needs.

How much do lawyers charge to sue someone?

In private practice, they may work for an hourly fee according to a billable hour structure. Professional fees range from $100 per billable hour to $500 and more , depending on the lawyer and the specialty.

What to ask a paralegal at a preliminary interview?

During the preliminary interview, you'll want to ask if they will sue someone and take the case to court or will they negotiate a settlement out of court. Ask about their legal experience and success. Find out how much of the work will be done by paralegals. A lawyer should also carry liability insurance.

Can you sue someone if you can't afford a lawyer?

Your lawyer's fee might be 30% or more of the award when you sue someone. Personal injury lawyers are most likely to sue someone for you on a contingency fee.

What to do if you can't afford a lawyer?

If you cannot afford a lawyer to sue someone , check the Legal Aid agency in your town. If you quality and your case is not a criminal matter, they will provide you with a lawyer who will handle your case for free.

Can a lawyer quote a lump sum?

If the legal matter is straightforward, such as preparing incorporation papers, the lawyer might quote the fee as a lump sum. Sometimes fees are negotiable. Other times when you sue someone, the lawyer will require a nonrefundable retainer in advance.

Can a support group sue someone for harassment?

For example, a support group for parents with disabled children may know a good lawyer to sue someone regarding disability cases. A women's group can direct members to a good lawyer to sue someone for harassment issues. Referrals from professionals you do business with can be helpful.

How to sue someone in California?

California Courtslists these as the steps for how to sue someone. Keep in mind the actual courts and processes may vary by state, but generally you will need to do these things if you’re pursuing a case by yourself: 1 Figure Out How to Name the Defendant 2 Ask for Payment 3 Find the Right Court to File Your Claim 4 Fill Out Your Court Forms 5 File Your Claim 6 Serve Your Claim 7 Go to Court

Why is being a lawyer so hard?

Being a lawyer is hard; that’s why it takes so much time and money to become one. Lawyers typically do not represent plaintiffs at small claims court because the stakes, shall we say, are too low — but that makes those cases no less complex for a layperson.

Can you file a small claims court action in California?

You can call your own insurance company to find out how to have this accident covered through your uninsured motorist policy. If your policy doesn’t cover the damages, you might wish to consider a claim in small claims court. In California, you can file a small claims court action for damages up to $10,000.

What happens if someone disobeys a court order?

When someone disobeys a court order, you can file a contempt action in an effort to get them to comply. If the court finds that the person did in fact disobey the order, the court may fine the person (or even put them in jail). In addition, the court will take steps to force the person to comply with the order.

Can a case be dismissed if there are no reasonable grounds to bring a lawsuit?

Just because a case was dismissed doesn’t mean there wasn’t reasonable grounds to bring the suit. Generally speaking, it’s very difficult to prove malicious prosecution and usually not worth the expense. But, you really have to meet with an attorney in your area to review your case and make a determination about this.

Do you have to pay for everything in small claims court?

While this likely won’t occur in something like small claims court or collections court, you will still need to pay for everything, down to copies of the judge’s opinion.

Why do personal injury attorneys charge by the hour?

Personal injury attorneys usually work on contingencysimply because it would not be financially possible for a plaintiff to bankroll a lawsuit; criminal attorneys like to charge by the hour. Far too much is required in fees on an up-front basis. For types of cases other than personal injury, ask for the attorney’s estimated fees and weigh whether it would be smarter to settle or pursue a claim pro se.

What to do when a creditor sues you for debt?

When a creditor sues you to collect debt you haven't paid, you have three choices to deal with the lawsuit: allow the creditor to obtain a judgment against you (called a "default judgment") defend the lawsuit yourself, or. hire an attorney to represent you in the lawsuit. Which option is best for you will depend on a number of factors.

What can a debt settlement attorney do?

Even if you don't end up hiring a lawyer, an experienced debt settlement attorney can help you evaluate the creditor's case and your personal circumstances to determine the best course for you.

Can a lawsuit grow if a creditor gets a judgment against you?

But keep in mind that a lawsuit for a relatively small amount can grow if the creditor gets a judgment against you. The creditor will ask the court to include not only the debt balance, but the amount of the creditor's attorneys' fees, court costs, and interest.

Can you get a judgment against a creditor if you win a counterclaim?

It's not a defense to the underlying debt, but a separate claim. If you win on your counterclaim, you might get a money judgment against the creditor. Your filing of the counterclaim might also induce the creditor to withdraw its lawsuit against you.

What is a defense in a lawsuit?

A defense is a reason why you aren't liable for the debt or a reason why the creditor shouldn't be allowed to collect the debt. Here are some common defenses to creditor suits: the statute of limitations (the time period in which the creditor must bring the lawsuit) has run.

Can you hire an attorney to defend a lawsuit?

Even if you have a good defense to the lawsuit, you'll want to consider the amount of the debt before hiring an attorney. Attorneys' fees can add up quickly. If you hire a lawyer to defend a lawsuit over a small debt, you might end up owing more in attorneys' fees than you would if you chose not to defend the suit.

What happens if you don't have a defense in a lawsuit?

If you owe the amount that the creditor is seeking in its lawsuit, hiring a lawyer might be a waste of time and money. If you don't have a defense or counterclaim and the creditor can easily prove its case, then you'll lose. You'll then owe the judgment amount, have to pay your own attorney, and might have pay the creditor's attorneys' fees too. (In some types of cases, the losing party has to pay the other side's attorneys' fees).