Oxford, NY asked in Civil Litigation and Small Claims for New York

Q: Last year we loaned a cousin $2500 and were told we'd get it back in a week, so far we received $100 months ago

We also found out she has done this to many others with the same lines to the tune of over $20,000 and also sent us checks that were not worth the paper they were written on.

2 Lawyer Answers
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: You might consider taking legal action to recover your funds. If the amount loaned is $2,500 and you have only received $100 back, you could potentially file a claim in small claims court, where you can sue for amounts typically up to $5,000 in New York.

Before proceeding, ensure you have all agreements, any communication regarding the loan, and evidence of the checks provided. If your cousin has a pattern of not repaying loans, this information could support your case.

It would also be beneficial to seek the counsel of an attorney who can provide guidance based on the specifics of your situation and the documentation you have. Remember, the court process will require that you prove the loan existed and that there was an agreement for repayment.

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
Answered
  • Little Neck, NY
  • Licensed in New York

A: One option could be using small claims court. There are online resources for the small claims court system under the Unified Court System which answer most questions about its use. Good luck

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