car repairs

[amaeri]

My ex-fiance paid for some repairs to my car several months ago (I'd lost my job and had no source of income) for approx $800. Afterward, he coerced me into writing an IOU for $800 and signing it. He is now suing me for $1500, claiming addtional money for various and sundry (all disputable). He filed stating that he believes I am not mentally competent. I have in my possession several signed letters from him threatening me to sign some home-made contract allowing him to retain collateral (some of my personal property) until alleged debt is paid----but I refused. He also threatened to have my wages garnished (I am now employed) assuming he gets his judgment but said he'd follow me to work to learn the identity of my employer. There's more to the story, but that's the gist of it. Suffice to say I am wondering what to do, e.g., retain an attorney, go to court and contest his allegations, et al. Thanks.

 

[Michael Wechsler]

I'm not sure how you were "coerced" into signing an IOU but it sounds like you owe him the $800 whether or not you signed the document. As far as the other items, I can't comment on that point. Unless you can show that your ex-fiancee made it clear that he was giving you a gift, it will likely be found that the $800 was a loan that you will need to repay.