Can I file a lawsuit on a debt owed by a friend on a verbal contract but have texts saved saying they will repay the debt?

Q: Can a police arrest you for a dui and after taking a breath test charge you with dwi and then give you a citation for th duionly

See the full attorney answers on the linked page.

Q: Setting myself up as a business

See the full attorney answers on the linked page.

Q: Can I sue Medtronic for defective/dangerous product

See the full attorney answers on the linked page.

Q: Can my brother-in-law sponsor me to become a legal permanent resident?

See the full attorney answers on the linked page.

Q: Am I responsible for paying additional fees outside of a signed contract?

See the full attorney answers on the linked page.

Q: I want to start my own van/transportation service. Should I incorporated or LLC and what type of insurance do I need.

See the full attorney answers on the linked page.

Question

Can I file a lawsuit on a debt owed by a friend on a verbal contract but have texts saved saying they will repay the debt?

Anonymous Dec 27, 2016 Business 2 views 2 answers

I loaned a so called friend over $7000. They repaid part of the debt then stopped. I messaged them multiple times over the course of a year and they kept telling me when they would repay me and how they would i.e. taxes, school loan payments etc. I have text messages confirming this. I filed a civil suit since it was over $5,000 but got the court date mixed up and the case was dismissed by the judge with Pre-Justice. Can I re-file in my county since I filed in the one she lives in or in small claims court and just ask for $5,000? I'd be happy to get some money back if I cant get all my money back. Thanks

M. Todd MillerTax LawyerJefferson City, MO · Accepted Answer · 2026-06-15T17:38:16+00:00

M. Todd MillerTax LawyerJefferson City, MO

M. Todd MillerTax LawyerJefferson City, MO · Jun 15, 2026

Never loan money to friends or family but when you do it better be in writing

0 upvotes

Thomas Callahan · Accepted Answer · 2026-06-15T17:38:16+00:00

If you already filed a lawsuit and it was dismissed "with prejudice", no you cannot sue again. "With prejudice" means it's done. Your only hope is to try to vacate the dismissal and revive that lawsuit. You will have to show both a compelling reason why you missed the date and that your claim has merit. The emails can be evidence of the existence of the debt. If the court does not vacate the dismissal, however, you're done and will have had two lessons: don't lend friends money without a written promissory note and don't miss court dates. Both have consequences.

Can I file a lawsuit on a debt owed by a friend on a verbal contract but have texts saved saying they will repay the debt?

Attorney Answers

People Also Asked

Browse by Practice Area

Browse by State