Best Ways to Raise Money for a Lawsuit?

[ghtix]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? NJ

Long story short - I am suing my condo board & association. original complaint has 6 counts, and I am amending the complaint to include several more counts of things that have happened since the first filing.

They have already filed a motion to dismiss, we filed a cross-motion for summary judgment on several of the counts and got it. The judge did not dismiss the case as they wanted, and it is going to trial down the road on the rest of the counts. We have plenty of proof to substantiate our charges. We got a preliminary favorable "read" from the judge and feel confident that we can win and perhaps get some punitive damages.

I have a good attorney, the association has an unethical, lying scumbag for an attorney.

We have offered to mediate several times over the past months, but they have refused, so filing the lawsuit was my last resort. The association attorney doesn't want to mediate because he makes less money that way.

My biggest problem right now is money. I don't know how far I can go before I tell my attorney I can't pay him anymore. My question is - what are some creative (legal) ways to raise funds to pay for the lawsuit? I have been selling off personal items, and taking out a loan won't work because I won't be able to afford the interest.

In spite of the fact that I feel good about the eventual outcome, I'm feeling more & more trapped financially. Whatever advice anyone can offer about ways to raise money for a lawsuit that I haven't thought of would be appreciated.

Thanks for any insight.What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

 

[justalayman]

if it involves or benefits other people under the HOA rule, ask them to pitch in as the outcome would presumably benefit them as well.

Other than that, you are like many other people. They pay until they can't anymore and then either try to negotiate, drop the attorney and continue pro se, or drop the suit altogether.

 

[ghtix]

The only benefit it would be to others in the Association would be if they agreed to mediate to save the money it will cost them, but they are too afraid to say they would want this because the Board & its attorney would turn on them, the way they have turned on us for challenging their lawbreaking ways. This is a small association, with a majority of owners on the board, so that's a big part of the problem.

 

[CLJM]

ghtix,

It has been my experience as both a Board Director and homeowner, that most times, these situations are a "no-win" for anyone, and least of all to cash strapped homeowner. Remember---the Board is using homeowner funds to fund their response to your lawsuit. And, I can assure you----the Board makes the decison of whether the Association Attorney progresses with any legal work. The Attorney can do nothing without the Boards approval and being tasked to proceed. Your best bet is always to deal with the Board---that is your venue, not the Attorney because the Attorney works for the Board.

You do not say what your "issues" are, but do say that that "we" (you and your attorney) are confident that you will win. If that is so, perhaps you might approach your Attorney, that if he is "confident", then he might be willing to take the case on a percentage of the winnings.

As for a longer term and greater benefit for you and the other disgruntled homeowners, why not run for the Board yourself and correct their "lawbreaking ways".

Good luck to you.

 

[HomeGuru]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? NJ

Long story short - I am suing my condo board & association. original complaint has 6 counts, and I am amending the complaint to include several more counts of things that have happened since the first filing.

They have already filed a motion to dismiss, we filed a cross-motion for summary judgment on several of the counts and got it. The judge did not dismiss the case as they wanted, and it is going to trial down the road on the rest of the counts. We have plenty of proof to substantiate our charges. We got a preliminary favorable "read" from the judge and feel confident that we can win and perhaps get some punitive damages.

I have a good attorney, the association has an unethical, lying scumbag for an attorney.

We have offered to mediate several times over the past months, but they have refused, so filing the lawsuit was my last resort. The association attorney doesn't want to mediate because he makes less money that way.

My biggest problem right now is money. I don't know how far I can go before I tell my attorney I can't pay him anymore. My question is - what are some creative (legal) ways to raise funds to pay for the lawsuit? I have been selling off personal items, and taking out a loan won't work because I won't be able to afford the interest.

In spite of the fact that I feel good about the eventual outcome, I'm feeling more & more trapped financially. Whatever advice anyone can offer about ways to raise money for a lawsuit that I haven't thought of would be appreciated.

Thanks for any insight.What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

**A: you did not ask a legal question.

 

[gary edwards]

It would be interesting to know what the specific issues are. Regardless you are effectively suing yourself. In many bylaws if you don't prevail it is possible you can be asked/required to pay for the associations legal costs in the final judgement as well. For your sake I hope that your legal case is strong. This could be an outcome even if you drop the case.