Q: How can I recover a $5,000 loan from a borrower who hasn't repaid?

A: Short version is that in general, if you believe someone owes you money and the borrower does not voluntary re-pay, then you will have to sue him in civil court. Now, the specifics and terms of the transaction will determine the strenght of your case---I highly recommend that you contact a collection lawyer or a general practice/litigation lawyer (or 2-3 of them) in your area to specifically discuss your matter and after meeting with 1 or more, you can determine whether or not to hire one to represent your interests and the best way to proceed at this time.

A: Louisiana Debt Recovery Analysis

Your situation involves what Louisiana Civil Code Article 1846 recognizes as a valid oral contract evidenced by text message confirmation, establishing an enforceable debt claim despite the absence of formal documentation. Louisiana's liberative prescription period allows you ten years to pursue this type of personal loan recovery through legal channels, though prompt action typically yields better results. The request for a $150 transfer fee raises significant concerns about potential fraud, as legitimate borrowers rarely require additional payments to facilitate repayment of existing debts.

Under Louisiana law, your first step should involve sending a formal demand letter via certified mail with return receipt requested, clearly outlining the debt amount, agreed-upon terms, and establishing a reasonable deadline for repayment (typically 10-14 days). Should this approach prove unsuccessful, Louisiana's small claims courts handle disputes up to $5,000, making this venue appropriate for your situation without necessitating attorney representation. The filing process involves completing standardized forms available at your parish courthouse and paying nominal filing fees, typically under $200.

We recommend carefully documenting all communications regarding this debt, particularly focusing on text messages acknowledging both the original loan and repayment promises. Louisiana courts give substantial weight to such electronic communications when establishing debt validity. If the borrower requested additional transfer fees beyond the original loan amount, this pattern suggests potential fraudulent intent which might warrant filing a police report alongside your civil recovery efforts. While continuing to pursue repayment through appropriate channels, exercise caution regarding any additional payment requests, as legitimate repayment rarely requires supplementary fees from the original lender.RetryClaude can make mistakes. Please double-check responses.