My friend who has CP, was scammed 20 years ago by her sister & family. They wanted to "borrow" $50K from her and pay her back monthly. They had signed a contract but it mysteriously disappeared. They now are financially set and have several assets. My friend does not have money for a lawyer right now. What can I do to help her? Will a lawyer make a deal with her to get her sister to pay the legal fees? Also what can the courts do to get her her money in lump sum? How long do these things usually take to settle? Thanks
2007-09-10 15:47:21 · 5 answers · asked by bb20502002 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
That's exactly what courts were established for. No other way, no shortcuts. If there were, you wouldn't even be here right now. As for affording a lawyer, check in your phone book under Legal Aid. If your friend is disabled, she can probably qualify for pro bono (free)representation or contingency payment (after the case is won).
As for lump sum judgement, it's a matter of what argument the other side claims about ability to make payment. It would be good to have some kind of proof of liquid assets that can be tapped for payment..
And lastly, just getting a lawyer involved will often settle the dispute before going to court. Someone owing $50K will be more likely to pay it back than having to pay it back PLUS legal fees in court.
2007-09-10 16:03:27 · answer #1 · answered by Marc X 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Sorry, but the statue of limitations has long since passed in every State. Had she sued when her sister defaulted on a repayment plan and won a Judgment, even if they did not have the money at the time, she could have renewed the Judgment every 10 years.
After 20 years and no suit or demand for payments in the interim, she will not be able to win anything in a Court of Law.
Only slim chance would be if she could get her sister to admit, in writing (e-mails are admissible in Court) that the debt is actually still owed and that she is willing to make payments installments and how much she is willing to pay, how often and by what date the payments going forward will be paid.
2007-09-11 01:07:09 · answer #2 · answered by bottleblondemama 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I say she disable, and she should get free legal assitant. I have her look into disabilty rights. Lawyers will take her case as long there prove that there is a contract sign by boths party. The problems is if she scammed a disable person she can also be facing prison, and a serious fines.
2007-09-10 23:12:33 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A lawyer will do work for her pro bono because it will help his reputation, and maybe he might like to do somehting nice. contact several different law agencies and ask them if they would like to help her out, im sure one will, good luck
2007-09-10 22:56:02 · answer #4 · answered by alias_47 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well, your sister will have to deal with it. No reason to be a bch over it.
2007-09-10 22:55:37 · answer #5 · answered by LIGER20498 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋