Abandoned Property

[mdr]

I had a live in boyfriend for 9 months. He has left quite a bit of
personal belongings behind including a massive collection of sports
cards worth a substantial amount of money. He left months ago and
I have made numerous attempts to meet with him. He owes me money
and I am willing to work with him to get this settled. We have made 3
appointments, none of which he has shown up for. I am wondering if I
am now the owner of these cards and other property because of the
amount of time that has lapsed and also because of the numerous
attempts I have made to meet with him. He was never on the lease,
but he continues to recieve mail here. He has never forwarded his mail
to his new address. Also, if I am now the owner of this property, does
the value of the cards suggest payment of the debt he owes me or I
am still free to seek a civil action in small claims court? Thanks!

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by mdr:
I had a live in boyfriend for 9 months. He has left quite a bit of
personal belongings behind including a massive collection of sports
cards worth a substantial amount of money. He left months ago and
I have made numerous attempts to meet with him. He owes me money
and I am willing to work with him to get this settled. We have made 3
appointments, none of which he has shown up for. I am wondering if I
am now the owner of these cards and other property because of the
amount of time that has lapsed and also because of the numerous
attempts I have made to meet with him. He was never on the lease,
but he continues to recieve mail here. He has never forwarded his mail
to his new address. Also, if I am now the owner of this property, does
the value of the cards suggest payment of the debt he owes me or I
am still free to seek a civil action in small claims court? Thanks!<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>


My response:

Since you never told us the name of your State, we can't address the issue of property abandonment and whether the property will ever vest to you. However, on the issue of money owed to you, you are, of course, welcome to sue him in Small Claims Court at any time. Insofar as his mail is concerned, you can do one of two things when next you go to the Post Office:

1. Put in a change of address for him and give all of his mail to the Post Office for forwarding; or,

2. Inform the Post Office manager that all mail addressed to him, including all of the pieces that you have already received and are now turning in, are to be returned to sender.

Good luck.

IAAL

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[mdr]

I live in FL. Thanks for your help.