personal loan

What is the name of your state? CA

Hello,
I loaned my friend (now ex) over $17,000 because she was out of work and needed to pay her bills and debts. She promised that she would return the loan once her house and car were sold. I have learned from other friends that she has sold both and yet she has not returned the money. When I confronted her, she claimed that she thinks I don't need the money at the moment (which is untrue since I took out a bank loan of my own to help her and she knows this) and she'll repay later. What options do I have? Small claims court? Collection agency? Collection attorney? Is there a statute of limitation? What if she spends all the money that she received from the sale of her house and car? We had a verbal agreement as well as a written one which she signed. Is this strong enough for me to collect? PLEASE HELP! ANY LEGAL ADVICE IS APPRECIATED. THANK YOU.

[Ladynred]

If you've got a written agreement that SHE signed, then you have all the proof you need for court. 17K is too for small claims, you'll have to take it to the next higher level and sue her for it.

You might try an 'intent to sue' letter, send it certified. She signed a promise to pay you back and has not done so. If she doesn't start paying by xx/xx/xx, you'll sue her.