Some advice Please!

[lmoden]

Missouri, Parents divorced years ago, courts elected my father to have me in his home but thru a joint custody. Three yrs ago, courts elected me to my mother's home. My father has my personal items which I obtained thru gifts from relatives. My father bought me a horse as a Xmas gift in '96. He refuses to let me have my personal Items. I just turned 17 and would like to get my personal items, such as my waterbed given to me as a gift from my aunt, the horse he bought for me as a xmas gift, etc. How can I get them?

All I would like is a few suggestions. Maybe I can't get them, but could I have a few suggestions.

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

My response:

One recourse would be to sue him in Small Claims court. Missouri has a $3,000.00 maximum, and the court can only award you the money, and not the items.

If you wanted to see an attorney, you could perhaps, sue him in a higher court for Causes of Action called "Replevin" (the return of things taken) and "Conversion" (the use of someone else's property to one's own benefit), including attorney's fees and costs.

You may wish to consult with a Family Law attorney in your area. Initial consultations are usually free.

IAAL