Replevin (/rɪˈplɛvɪn/) or claim and delivery (sometimes called revendication) is a legal remedy which enables a person to recover personal property taken wrongfully or unlawfully, and to obtain compensation for resulting losses.
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.
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.
A complaint is the pleading that starts a case. Essentially, a document that sets forth a jurisdictional basis for the court's power, the plaintiff's cause of action, and a demand for judicial relief. A plaintiff starts a civil action by filing a pleading called a complaint.
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.
Filing: You will have to give documents to the court that explain what was taken, by whom and when. You will need to show the court proof that these items belong to you. You will also have to tell the other person that you are starting a court case against them.
For example, a bank might file a replevin action against a borrower to repossess the borrower's car after he missed too many payments. Replevin can also refer to a writ authorizing the retaking of property by its rightful owner (i.e., the remedy sought by replevin actions).
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.