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Suing for money owed - long distance

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mtt5010

Junior Member
What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? District of Columbia

I'm planning to sue someone who is refusing to pay back money I lent them in October - roughly $5,000. The problem is that they live in Los Angeles, I'm in D.C. and I read that you need to file in the county where the party is being sued. But I also read that I can sue where the services were performed. Can I sue in D.C. since that is where I sent the money from? If not, how would I go about submitting a law suit in Los Angeles?

Also, I read that I can sue for up to $10,000 plus court costs. Clearly I'd be suing for $5,000 but if I have to go to LA, would I be able to sue for the additional costs of flying and lodging to get there?

Thanks!!
 


Zigner

Senior Member, Non-Attorney
What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? District of Columbia

I'm planning to sue someone who is refusing to pay back money I lent them in October - roughly $5,000. The problem is that they live in Los Angeles, I'm in D.C. and I read that you need to file in the county where the party is being sued. But I also read that I can sue where the services were performed. Can I sue in D.C. since that is where I sent the money from? If not, how would I go about submitting a law suit in Los Angeles?
No, you will need to sue in L.A.


Also, I read that I can sue for up to $10,000 plus court costs. Clearly I'd be suing for $5,000 but if I have to go to LA, would I be able to sue for the additional costs of flying and lodging to get there?
No, you can't recover those costs

You're welcome.
 

Zigner

Senior Member, Non-Attorney
You're welcome. One thing I didn't give you is the web site for small claims in LA County: http://www.lasuperiorcourt.org/smallclaims/ui/

Also, you can't be represented by an attorney for this in CA. Good luck.
 

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