Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Texas

Refusal to return personal property

My girl friend and I of 3 years just broke up and she refuses to return all of my personal property. She returned some to my daughters house and had my inventory list signed, even though it was not complete. She now claims she returned everything. The items remaining are worth $2000+.

Can I file criminal charges or do I file civil?


Asked on 11/08/02, 12:27 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Peter Bradie Bradie, Bradie & Bradie

Re: Refusal to return personal property

First of all it's a civil matter. If you can identify the missing property, you can sue for return of the property, or its equivalent value, in Small Claims Court without needing a lawyer. The cap on jurisdiction is $5,000.00. Go one penny over and the court loses jurisdiction and your case is dismissed.

Most JPs have a little brochure on handling matters in Small Claims. Stop by and ask the Civil Clerk for a copy.

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Answered on 11/08/02, 9:29 am


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