Creditors use replevin actions to recover collateral when debtors default on secured loans. For example, a bank might file a replevin action against a borrower to repossess the borrower's car after he missed too many payments.
A writ of replevin is a prejudgment process ordering the seizure or attachment of alleged illegally taken or wrongfully withheld property to be held in the U.S. Marshal's custody or that of another designated official, under order and supervision of the court, until the court determines otherwise.
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.
If the repo company can't repossess the car without breaching the peace, then the lender can go to court and go through the replevin process. The lender is basically taking you to court to make you hand over the car. If you lose the court case, then you have to return the car by the scheduled date.
Replevin can also refer to a writ authorizing the retaking of property by its rightful owner (i.e., the remedy sought by replevin actions). Replevin may be ordered as a final judgment, or in some jurisdictions, as a provisional remedy.
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 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.
File a motion for a writ of replevin. The motion must be accompanied by an affidavit or verified complaint that supports the allegations in your complaint. The affidavit must also state that you will post a replevin bond with the court. The amount of the bond will be set by the court.