How far can I go to collect a debt?

April 18, 2017, 06:41 PM

Floyd D. Barber

quote:
Originally posted by mark123:
First of all, it's not a ton of loot, it's $161.12. The problem is it pisses me off because the lady never intended to pay. She has done this to a string of others as well.

I mowed her lawn while she was laid off of work with the promise of catching up.

Can I charge her with theft of services? Can I go to her job with an invoice marked "past due"? Can I beat on her door in the evening until she answers or calls the cops? If I sue her in small claims that's no guarantee that she'll pay but after that can taking her back be contempt of court for not paying in accordance with the judge's order? Anyone know the statute of limitation on such cases in PA?

If I didn't have to mow her neighbor I'd not think about it every week and get so pissed.

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April 20, 2017, 06:43 PM

weekendshooter

quote:
Originally posted by xwesler:
quote:
Originally posted by weekendshooter:
I don't know if theft of services fits. If you go into a restaurant, eat a meal and leave without paying, that is theft of services. You could check with your local magistrate. The civil route, small claims court is expensive, with you outlaying costs until a constable finally orders a sale of her property. Anything with a lien on it would be exempt. Good luck.

I hate to piggy-back off the OP too much, but I'm in a situation where someone owes me $2600. I do have a lien on the title for the property he was sold. Could you elaborate on anything with a lien being exempt? I've been looking at recourse as him not paying has cost me considerably at this point...

To the OP, I tend to agree with the above that the $161 may not be worth what it would take to get it, unfortunately...

In this context, exempt means that the property could not be taken by unsecured creditors. I'm not an attorney.

April 20, 2017, 06:52 PM

cne32507

quote:
Originally posted by sigmonkey:
How far can I go to collect a debt?

To the ends of the earth, but you'll get blisters.

I was arrested for harrassing phone calls once. Arrested! I didn't collect the 6 grand owed either.