Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Louisiana

Wedding canceled - can I be sued for expenses?

My fiancee and I were having problems and I was about to end the relationship when she threatened to kill herself if I did so. This threat solidified my decision in canceling the wedding and calling off our relationship. Now her parents, who have spent about $2500 on the wedding, are threatening to sue me/bring me to court for half of the cost of the wedding. I may have called it off, but I believe that I had a good reason to (suicide threat on the bride's part). Would I be liable for half of the wedding expenses?


Asked on 12/27/08, 3:58 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Nick Pizzolatto, Jr. Pizzolatto Law Office

Re: Wedding canceled - can I be sued for expenses?

I agree with Mr. Casanave!

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Answered on 12/29/08, 8:32 am
Andrew Casanave Andrew M. Casanave

Re: Wedding canceled - can I be sued for expenses?

Congratulations! You avoided marrying someone who is either manipulative or mentally unbalanced. Try to choose better next time.

Now, to answer your question: You can arguably be sued for anything. This does not mean they will win.

They may try to hire a lawyer. Hopefully the lawyer will tell them that the attorney's fees will exceed the $1250.00 (or even the $2500.00) they hope to recover. This often convinces people not to sue over small matters.

Otherwise you may get sued in a "small claims" court, where nobody has a lawyer. Remember to argue that they chose to spend that money for their daughter. You did not ask them to spend it. Just as you have no right to recover the engagement ring, their money is lost.

Remember that, even if you lose (which I don't expect), $1250.00 is a lot cheaper than the eventual divorce would be. It might actually be a good price for shutting them up.

Good luck!

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Answered on 12/28/08, 9:07 am


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