In its simplest terms, replevin is a procedure whereby seized goods are restored to their owner (creditor) at the beginning of a lawsuit. If you ever find yourself in the unfortunate position of needing to retrieve vehicles, equipment, or any personal property in California, the replevin is a very useful tool.
Replevin is a legal action to ask for the return of your personal property which is being kept from you by another person without your permission. You must own or have a property interest in the property you want returned. The person who has the property must be wrongfully keeping it at the time you file your action.
A replevin case can be filed either in a Municipal Court, County Court or a Common Pleas Court. If the value of the property claimed is more than $15,000, you should file in the Common Pleas Court. Attached are the forms you need to file to begin an action for replevin.
When filing a replevin suit, the plaintiff must provide evidence that they are the rightful owner of the property in question and that it was taken without justification or consent.
The process of starting a replevin action usually begins with filing a complaint. It also requires filing an affidavit in the county or district court where the property is. The affidavit: States that the plaintiff claims rightful ownership or entitlement to possession of the property.
Alternative Legal Actions Other legal remedies may be more appropriate than a replevin action, depending on why the court denied the replevin action. These might include: An action for monetary damages. A claim for trespass to chattels, based on substantial interference with the use of your personal property.
Replevin is an action seeking return of personal property wrongfully taken or held by the defendant. In exchange for the personal property, the plaintiff in the action pledges a security and is allowed to hold the property until the case is resolved by the court.
The Complaint: The complaint in replevin typically must include: (i) a description of the property to be replevied; (ii) its value; (iii) its location if known; and (iv) the material facts upon which the claim is based – in other words, why the filing party is entitled to seize the property that has been taken.