lawyer needed

[Medusa]

Originally Posted by las68

I need some legal advice. Anyone know a good attorney that specilizes in cival matters dealing with same sex couples. My ex is still refusing to let me have my things and I want restitution for all of her bills I paid while she wasn't working for 6 months along with emotional distress. Any help is appreciated...

Hey Las,

You are going to have a hard time in Arkansas with this focusing on the relationship since we aren't recognized by the state as such. You can still file a civil suit (even in small claims court) against her but you will have to prove that there was an agreement between the two of you while she wasnt working that she was going to pay you back, otherwise it is considered a "gift" by the courts.

You DO have legal right to sue for the return or value of your personal belongings. In Arkansas, the legal limit for small claims awards is $5000. If you think your property is valued at less than $5000, I would personally encourage you to go the small claims route because it will be much, MUCH cheaper on you to file this. PLUS, you dont need an attorney to represent you in small claims court.

http://courts.state.ar.us/documents/...laims_info.pdf

You can file all of the paperwork yourself. The cost of filing the small claims complaint which will start the lawsuit process is about $25. You will also have to pay a process server to either hand deliver the suit or for them to mail it certified. This can cost anywhere from $80 - $150.

Hope this helps