Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California

Is my problem even a legal issue?

I'm not sure if this is the right place to ask, but here it is anyway. I have been dating my boyfriend for 5 months. He sold his house and I invited him to move in with me until he bought another. After 1 month I realized this was a bad decision and now have given him 30 days to move. He has threatened to take me to court for all the things he has done for me and around the house. He has not payed anything towards rent or utilities during this 2 month period. Can I be liable for things he has done for me? (ie, gifts, repairs, even breat surgery?) Thanks!


Asked on 5/08/00, 12:13 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Ken Koury Kenneth P. Koury, Esq.

Re: Is my problem even a legal issue?

He cant get anything from you. evict the bum

Read more
Answered on 7/01/00, 11:28 pm
John Hayes The John Hayes Law Offices

Re: Is my problem even a legal issue?

If the things he gave you were in fact gifts than if he sues you he probably won't win. Did you ever tell him you would pay him back for any of the gifts? Did you ever pay him a payment or anything that would look like you were paying him back for gifts? If the answer is no, then he doesn't have a leg to stand on. He could claim that you told him that you would pay him back for the gifts, but unless he can show proof that you didn't see them as gifts he shouldn't win. I say shouldn't because you never know what he is going to say in court and who the judge is going to believe.

As far as helping around the house, this would only have a monetary value if you sued him for rent and utilities. He chose to help around the house. Unless you had him move in so he could be your paid maid, it doesn't matter. In fact, if he does end up suing you, you should countersue for rent, utilities and anything else you can think. If you were both supposed to share the bills until he found a place, the judge would probably order him to reimburse you for half of all of the expenses incurred by the two of you while he resided at your place. In my opinion, the worst that can happen is the he sues you, you countersue, and the judge awards you both nothing. You can at least threaten him with a lawsuit the next time he does the same to you.

Good luck.

Jessica Hayes

Read more
Answered on 6/22/00, 10:29 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More General Civil Litigation questions and answers in California