small claims court

[nannon]

how do i go about taking someone to small claims court? My ex owes me �1500, i have proof that i gave it to him for about �900 of it so i know i can only claim for that. How much will it cost me to take him? I've given him a year to pay it back and yesterday he just said no he wont give it back and i think thats really unfair!!!

[Ethel]

You may have proof that you gave him �900 - but can you prove it was a loan to be repaid and not a gift?

Small Claims Court is cheap and easy. The problem is that even if you get judgement (win) you may have to pay to get the debt recovered if he doesn't pay up. That is the hard part.

Is he in a realistic position to repay?

[nannon]

no - he is a cocaine addict and has three kids and doesnt work (i didnt know this at the time!!) He shoudl be qualified social worker which i think he shouldnt be but he covers his issues up quite well. He is manic depressive

[Ethel]

If you can't prove it was a loan, in these circumstances it might be better to forget it. As hard as that may be, that is the realistic option, in my opinion.

If you do 'win' there is little chance of getting the money back, and he may be ordered to repay at a silly amount of �1 or so a week.

[nannon]

oh - ok thank you.
Damn - that taught me a lesson didnt it?! LOL.

thanks