Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California

Ability to Collect Judgment

I have been considering a civil suit against my ex-boyfriend, who moved out of my house 18 months ago. My 17 yr old daughter says he made sexual advances towards her and made inappropriate comments. This happened when she was 15. My ex filed chapter 7 bankruptcy this summer, owns no vehicles or real estate, and makes about $20K a year. I don't have any money to pay a lawyer, and would be looking for someone to take the case on contingency. Would the difficulty of collecting a judgment make it unlikely for an attorney to take my case? Does the solvency of the defendant affect a judge's willingness to hear a case?


Asked on 12/09/02, 1:40 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Mitchell Roth MW Roth, Professional Law Corporation

Re: Ability to Collect Judgment

Yes. It is unlikely a lawyer will bring a civil suit on contingency since there is no money to pay a judgment. But, if he molested or sexually assaulted your daughter, you should have her make a complaint to the local police department.

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Answered on 12/09/02, 2:28 pm


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