Try to get money owed

[melfi]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? NJ

Hi. My cousin owes me money. I have had email conversations with her in regards to the amount. The full amount is documented and the attempts at working out some sort of payment agreement. She did pay me one time.

Is this documentation sufficient to use in small claims court as proof? Also she has left NJ and is currently living in another state. Will this cause an issue in filing at a small claims court in NJ?

Thanks.

 

[retiredCSguy]

You can file in small claims court because you are in the correct jurisdiction. However, given that she is living out of state she can easily make a motion that appearing in court is an undo hardship and will win that 99/100 times. It's small claims court and you're filing over money lent to a family member, these courts tend to be pretty understanding that it's often unrealistic to travel great distances to appear for small claims court.
Seems like the best thing would just be to stop lending money if you are so worried about not getting paid back.