Can you sue someone for not returning borrowed money?

Asked by: Soledad Lockman  |  Last update: July 30, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (71 votes)

Yes, if you lent someone money and they never paid you back you can sue for the money they owe you. Additionally, you do not need a contract to sue someone for money owed, however, if there is a contract or some type of written agreement or evidence of an agreement this will be useful in court.

Can you sue someone for not paying back borrowed money?

Yes. You may sue them to attempt to force payment of the debt. Whether or not it's worth it to do this depends a lot on the size of the debt and the person's own financial situation. If you are reasonably certain that this person does not have much in the way of assets, then it's usually pointless to sue.

Is it illegal to borrow money and not pay it back?

Borrowing money and failing to repay is not a crime, UNLESS there was some deception or fraud in your part that led your friend to give you the money.

What can I do if someone borrows money and doesn't pay back?

Depending on the amount, you can file in small claims court, where you represent yourself. If you don't have a written agreement, or gave a cheque to the borrower, you do have other options. If there were text messages regarding the loan, they are admissable as evidence.

What can you do if someone doesn't return your money?

One way or the other you can have a lawyer first send her a demand letter. That would put her on official notice that she has an obligation to return your funds and give her a deadline by which you would expect to see some money.

Stop lending people money ( friends and family )

39 related questions found

Is it a crime to not pay someone back?

A long time ago, it was legal for people to go to jail over unpaid debts. Fortunately, debtors' prisons were outlawed by Congress in 1833. As a result, you can't go to jail for owing unpaid debts anymore.

What to do if someone borrows something and doesn t return it?

Be bold and come out with your request. Even if they've had it a long time, just assume they have intended to return it, and say, "I'd like to get my copy of X-Men back when we meet next." With that direct approach, embarrassment or common courtesy will likely cause them to return your item.

Can you go to the police if someone owes you money?

Can I call the police if someone owes me money? You can, but they won't do anything about it. Debt collection is a civil matter. You'd need to sue in small claims court.

What to do if someone keeps borrowing money from you?

Say, “I'm sorry, but I can't give you a loan.” When the person asks, “Why not?” just repeat your statement. Eventually, your friend or family member will stop asking. OFFER OTHER AID.

How do I get money back from someone who refuses to pay?

You can:
  1. File a civil case to get your money or property back. The court that hears the case will depend on the amount involved. ...
  2. File a civil case in rent court. ...
  3. File criminal charges. ...
  4. Once a court rules in your favor, you will have a judgment stating that the other person owes you money.

Is borrowing without returning stealing?

Legally speaking, in order to be found guilty of theft, you must have had the specific intention to never return what you borrowed to the owner when you initially borrowed the item in question. If you simply forgot to return the item you borrowed, you do not meet the criteria for specific intent.

Can you sue someone who promised you money?

The short answer is yes, you may have a claim for someone who broke a promise to you.

Is it a sin to borrow money and not pay it back?

Hence, incurring a debt is not a sin. While being in debt is not a sin, Romans 13:8 tells the Christian to avoid being in debt. Sinners borrow from others and never return what they borrowed (Psalm 37:21).

How much does a lawyer cost to sue someone?

Hourly basis: A lawyer who works with you on an hourly basis will charge you for each hour of the time they give you. Hourly rates will vary depending on the layer and your case but can range anywhere from $199 to $295 per hour.

What to do when someone owes you money and ignores you?

Even if the debtor doesn't answer you, you should ask them multiple times for the exact dollar amount they owe. It is a good idea to tell them you will pursue legal action as a next step. You can also consider professional collection agency services that work to retrieve personal loans.

Is it worth suing someone with no money?

Essentially, you might think suing someone with no money is futile, but that's not the case. The law protects your rights and allows you to seek compensation if someone causes you harm or loss, regardless of their financial status.

What happens if someone borrows money and doesn't pay back?

As mentioned previously, however, a collection agency may try to sue you for the unpaid amounts you owe, attempt to garnish your wages, or place a lien on your home through a court order. 5 And, as with a secured loan, you can expect a serious impact on your credit score.

How to ask for money back from family?

Offer to drive them to their bank or the ATM. If they have a payment app like Venmo or Zelle on their phone, ask them to send it through the app. They don't have the money now, but will soon. If a payday is coming up, say you're happy to meet again on that date.

Is it legal to let someone borrow money?

Yes, it is. It is legal to lend money, and when you do, the debt becomes the borrower's legal obligation to repay. For smaller loans, you can take legal action against your borrower if they do not pay by taking them to small claims court. This may seem harsh, but it's important to understand up front.

Can you go to jail for owing someone money?

It's possible to serve jail time if you've failed to pay your federal taxes or make child support payments. You can't go to jail merely for owing credit card, student loan, personal loan or other types of debt, which we'll explain below.

What happens if you sue someone and they can't pay?

The California statute of limitations for filing a judgment is ten years. If the debtor cannot pay or complete payment within this time, you must renew the judgment. The judgment must continue to be renewed to ensure the debtor pays the full amount.

Will a collection agency sue for $5000?

Typically, debt collectors will only pursue legal action when the amount owed is in excess of $5,000, but they can sue for less. “If they do sue, you need to show up at court,” says Lewis-Parks.

Can you sue someone for borrowing something and not returning it?

You are able to sue your friend if there was a clear expectation you lent them money as a loan that had to be paid back within a certain time frame and that time for repayment has passed. If your landlord didn't return your security deposit, you can sue them in small claims.

What to do if someone keeps borrowing money?

You must learn to say 'no' and protect your own finances. By upsetting your budget, you may affect your own goals. Besides, if you are married, it may lead to conflict with your spouse over the frequent borrowings. So, even if it means breaking off with your friend, learn to refuse when he asks for money next.

What to do if someone won't give you back your belongings?

Camila Lopez, Esq.
  1. Make a List of Items Taken.
  2. If Someone Refuses to Return Your Property, is it Theft?
  3. File a Police Report.
  4. Request a Civil Standby.
  5. Ask for Your Property Back by Sending a Demand Letter.
  6. File an Insurance Claim for Your Stolen Stuff.
  7. Sue in Small Claims Court to Get Your Property Back.