Q: Family member borrowed our camper & is refusing to return it. Should we report it stolen or file a lawsuit?
It was loaned in September. We have asked every month for it to be returned & there’s an excuse for it not being returned. Finally exhausted with it not being returned we have demanded it be returned by today (12-27-23), it was not returned, and the family member is still refusing to return it. Is it considered stolen & do we contact the police to file a report? Or do we file a lawsuit?
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A:
If a family member borrowed your camper and is now refusing to return it, you have a couple of options to consider. First, you could contact the police to report the camper as stolen. However, since this situation involves a loan to a family member, the police may view it as a civil matter rather than a criminal one.
Another option is to file a lawsuit for the return of the camper or for the value of the camper if it's not returned. This can be done in small claims court if the value of the camper is within the court's limits, or in a higher court if the value exceeds those limits. Before proceeding with legal action, it might be beneficial to send a formal demand letter to the family member, stating the deadline for the return of the camper and your intention to take legal action if it is not returned. This could potentially resolve the issue without going to court.
Remember, dealing with legal issues involving family members can be complex and emotionally charged. It's often helpful to get advice from an attorney to navigate these situations effectively and to understand all your legal options.
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