What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? New Jersey
A friend of mine lived with her boyfriend and she purchased a dog. They remained unmarried. The dog was considered "hers" between the two of them and she took care of the pet. The boyfriend became physically abusive and even punched the dog once breaking his tooth. Her boyfriend is a Police Officer and she came home one day to find he had changed the locks. He met her at the door and told her she was kicked out of the house.
She left and found a place of her own. She has been desparate to get her dog back and he will not return it. She has not divulged her new location to him for fear that he will "come after her" and she does not have a lot of money.
It has been a year since she moved out and when she has consulted lawyers, they claim to need money up front for a consultation.
Does anybody have any advice on if she has any case at all to get her dog back?
A friend of mine lived with her boyfriend and she purchased a dog. They remained unmarried. The dog was considered "hers" between the two of them and she took care of the pet. The boyfriend became physically abusive and even punched the dog once breaking his tooth. Her boyfriend is a Police Officer and she came home one day to find he had changed the locks. He met her at the door and told her she was kicked out of the house.
She left and found a place of her own. She has been desparate to get her dog back and he will not return it. She has not divulged her new location to him for fear that he will "come after her" and she does not have a lot of money.
It has been a year since she moved out and when she has consulted lawyers, they claim to need money up front for a consultation.
Does anybody have any advice on if she has any case at all to get her dog back?