Can I have a legal case?

[Anonymous]

I financed a phone through my carrier, I am currently making payments for said phone. Anyways my girlfriend and I broke up she took the phone but recently her parents destroyed it because they found out she had it and thought “I was trying to manipulate her”. Yet if they truly thought that they could’ve called me and I would’ve picked it up but instead they destroyed it completely. I still have to make payments obviously because now it’s currently destroyed, but I feel as if they should compensate for destroying a phone I made payments (making) on for their outlandish gossip. Can I sue them for compensation of the payment?

[loveslongnails]

Yes, you could sue her for stealing your phone, and you could sue them for destroying it, but what will it cost you to do it, and what are the chances you'll get paid even if you win a judgement in small claims court? It costs anywhere from $50-$100 to file a small claim, depending on the state you live in. If you owe over $1,000, it might be worth it.

You could report the phone as stolen, file a police report, and make a claim on your insurance if you have any. But again, how much do you owe and is it worth having your insurance rate go up?

[Asker]

I owes 700$ still, but honestly it probably isn’t it worth it. Just wish I could give ‘em a taste of karma.

[loveslongnails]

You could have a lawyer send some threatening letters to the parents and ask for the $700 from them for destruction of private and stolen property, etc. The parents are likely to cave because they have more assets to lose, and maybe they'll realize it was the wrong thing to do.

[OlderAndWiser]

Why wouldn't you sue the ex-gf for conversion? If you sue her, will she vountarily pay?

Did you have homeowners or renters insurance?

[ShesRad80]

destruction of property for them, is there anyway to get your parents involved to help you?

[Anonymous]

How much did the phone cost?

[Asker]

1,400$

[Opinion Owner]

You might be able to take it to small claims court in your area, or contact the family directly and ask for compensation. Sounds like small claims court would be your best chance of getting your money less whatever court fees would cost. From the sound of the situation, you might be better off just cutting your loss.

[Dinklex3]

Maybe at least file a police report against them?

[DryGermanGuy]

I would not let them get away with this. Even if it’s just a fight for the principle. 🤬

[Avicenna]

Well, where are you/where did this occur?

[Asker]

State; New Mexico. It’s probably not worth it though given what someone else answered

[Avicenna]

The suggestion to consider small claims court is a good one, IMHO