Retrieving personal items from someone withholding them

[flippet]

My husband left some personal items (a leather motorcycle jacket and a suit valued together at $400-500) at someone's house in Wisconsin (we're in Michigan). She complained about the postage to send them back, so we sent her a $20 check for that purpose. The check was cashed a month ago, and we've not seen the items yet. I also returned a box of her possessions to her at my cost--she claims that they 'could have been damaged' (it's a car stereo), and refuses to return our items (she's effectively holding them hostage) until she checks the stereo out...which I bet she'll never do, because it's just an excuse.

What I believe I want is a 'lawyer's letter' type of thing, to get her to send the things back. Firstly, do I have a case, and secondly, how do I go about getting a letter like this (or simply going to court) for the least cost? I want to know exactly what I'm looking for, and what I'll need as far as documentation, etc. goes, so I don't waste any valuable time with an attorney. Also, if the letter doesn't produce the desired results, what's my next step--court?

Thank you,
flippet

 

[racer72]

You could purchase one of the legal forms from the blue area to the right. Most go for $5 to $15. Or you could pay a lawyer $75 to $100 for a sternly worded letter demaning return of the merchandise. I know a law firm, Dewey, Cheathem and Howe that might do it cheaper. Before suing if it goes that far, I would contact local law enforcement where this person lives and see if they could help. They may consider the merchandise stolen if it is not returned. Also, the Family Law software advertised on this site has an excellent letter for demanding return of merchandise. It cost around $30.