someone else's debt

FL
I was with my recently ex-boyfriend for about 5 years. During that time I authorized him to make some purchases on my credit cards. In December, with a note from me, I let him use a card to purchase a $2000.00 engagment ring with the agreement that he would pay off the remaining balance. Then, he was an authorized user on another one of my cards which he purchased $1200.00 worth of tires & wheels. (The same agreement applied.) I figured it was no big deal since we were planning on getting married, recently had our first child together, and eventually going to join our finances anyway; however, we are no longer together. He has refused to pay for anything and laughs when I mention the wheels. He claims the ring has been stolen from his house when I asked for possesion of it. What are my legal rights and what am I able to do? What kind of lawyer do I need? Please help!!! I also have a few posessions I purchased for the home out of my checking account for the house, but I no longer living there and would like them back to start out on my own. He refuses to help me with anything. By the way, he says he filed a police report on the ring, does that mean he's not responsible yet I am left with a debt and nothing to show for it? How does that work? I am clueless!!!!! I have no idea what to do and all of the lawyers I try to speak to tell me I have to file at small claims court. (Do I have to get a lawyer for that?) Then the sheriff's tell me that it is a civil matter. What is the difference? What am I to do?

[JETX]

I have read, and re-read, your post several times and, though you have detailed the moneys that you GAVE him during your relationship, you haven't ONCE mentioned that these were loans.

And without them being loans, with an agreement (written preferred, verbal with evidence) you don't appear to have any basis for recovery.

You simply gave him authority to charge to your charge card as a GIFT. And in the absence of any agreement to the contrary, you don't appear to have any basis for a cause of action to recover those gifts.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.... but it gives you a great opportunity to learn an expensive lesson.