More details to this question:
I am resubmitting a question that might have been lost. Around six months ago, an acquaintance approached me, asking for a loan. I had this person sign a contract stating that he would pay me back by June 30, 2014. I approached this person on July 1, 2014, asking for him to honor our contract. I was initially ignored, and later was told by him that he had no intention of honoring our contract. I would like to take this to conciliation court, but I live in Minnesota, while this individual lives in Tarrant County in Texas. I would like to know what my options are. If I filed this out of state, and hired a lawyer to represent me, would my chances of winning this case be reduced? I would like to avoid having my legal fees extend past the amount of my claim, which is $1500.
1 ANSWER
It appears to me that, since your suit involves a contract which was to be performed in Minnesota (and also the defendant may have signed and/or negotiated the contract in Minnesota and may have other contacts with Minnesota which are not mentioned in your question), the Minnesota courts would probably have jurisdiction over the defendant. Sue him in Minnesota. Your expenses for hiring a lawyer in Texas and traveling to Texas for trial, and possibly for deposition, would almost certainly exceed the amount of your claim.
Answered on Jul 25th, 2014 at 9:14 AM