money

Also, if you don't have the cancelled check, you should be able to get a copy from the bank. The fee could be as much as $25. Write down a reconstruction of the whole matter. What did he ask for, what did you offer, what was the agreement? Have a nice little typed-up summation when you talk to a lawyer. He or she may tell you that this is tantamount to a 'dowry' rather than a loan. If that's the case, this is a bad debt. Ask about civil suit & the lien. Finally, you may be able to deduct it as a non-business bad debt but you need to get advice from a CPA or the IRS first.

The fact that you moved out could be a critical issue. You can research whether you can file a civil suit against your spouse in your state. If not, look into whether you can file a lien against the house; if so, he won't be able to sell it. Not much cash to you in that, at least right now, but he would have to pay that lien if he ever tried to sell the house. If you can afford a lawyer, get one now. If you can't, check your local listing for legal aid. If there's a law school somewhere near you, you can usually get advice at their legal clinic. Check the lawschools in your area & find out which one has a 'walk-in' clinic. Ask "Do you have a law clinic?"

Probably not very good since nothing was put in writing. You should have followed up with him to make sure your name was added to the house. You also should have realized you had never signed your name to the new Deed to the house. Good Luck

probably low. unless you have some sort of proof of this check and he admits that you had an agreement. but you will have to split assets and you may end up getting some of that back with that.