I live in California.
Back in spring 2005, I was living with my niece in Washington state and paying rent. She got into a bad situation and needed a $1000 loan. I had her sign a contract, indicating I was loaning her this money, and that she'd pay me back $75/month.
Well, the first $75 check she sent me bounced. I even have email correspondence btween the 2 of us where she apologizes for it bouncing. After that, she had all kinds of physical problems, so I never pressed her about the money.
Actually for the last 3 or so yrs, whenever I tried to get in touch with her, she blew me off. No email responses or phone call replies. So I was never able to work out a new payment plan with her. Finally, in March of this year, I heard from her that she was visiting California. We had a nice visit, and afterwards, I asked her about the money.
She said in an email she would pay me $50 every 2 weeks until it got paid off.
Well, I never rec'd a single check.
In October, I once again asked her about the money. Around Oct 16th, she said she'd send me a check for $100.
Once again, I got NOTHING.
Now we're arguing over something else, and she is once again putting me off on repaying this debt. I am ready to take her to small claims court, but the problem is, she still lives in Washington state, and I live in California. I think I have a strong case because I have the original agreement in writing; I have many email correspondences we've had about setting up a repayment plan, etc.
I just don't know what to do about jurisdiction. I lent her the money while we were both in Washington, but can I file the small claims case here in California? Or do I need to go up there? thanks. I want to file this quickly before the statute of limitations takes effect, btw.
Back in spring 2005, I was living with my niece in Washington state and paying rent. She got into a bad situation and needed a $1000 loan. I had her sign a contract, indicating I was loaning her this money, and that she'd pay me back $75/month.
Well, the first $75 check she sent me bounced. I even have email correspondence btween the 2 of us where she apologizes for it bouncing. After that, she had all kinds of physical problems, so I never pressed her about the money.
Actually for the last 3 or so yrs, whenever I tried to get in touch with her, she blew me off. No email responses or phone call replies. So I was never able to work out a new payment plan with her. Finally, in March of this year, I heard from her that she was visiting California. We had a nice visit, and afterwards, I asked her about the money.
She said in an email she would pay me $50 every 2 weeks until it got paid off.
Well, I never rec'd a single check.
In October, I once again asked her about the money. Around Oct 16th, she said she'd send me a check for $100.
Once again, I got NOTHING.
Now we're arguing over something else, and she is once again putting me off on repaying this debt. I am ready to take her to small claims court, but the problem is, she still lives in Washington state, and I live in California. I think I have a strong case because I have the original agreement in writing; I have many email correspondences we've had about setting up a repayment plan, etc.
I just don't know what to do about jurisdiction. I lent her the money while we were both in Washington, but can I file the small claims case here in California? Or do I need to go up there? thanks. I want to file this quickly before the statute of limitations takes effect, btw.