Can a Bridesmaid take you to small claims court?

I think that it would depend on your state's regulations regarding verbal contracts.

Anyone is free to file a small claims suit in any state as long as they pay the filing fee. It would be a lot more trouble than it's worth in this type of case, but if someone is bitter, they may not care and sue anyway just to make your life difficult. I can't see any small claims judge awarding damages in such a case either way

I think that's a question for an attorney licensed in your state.

Wow, that's sad that it came to this!

If she backed out i would imagine the judge would rule in your favor... I think the courts will take anything to trial but whether it holds up is a different story, with her being your BM im sure the dress and stuff theyd see as a "gift" for you in which case you dont have to reimburse for gifts, only loans.

I was wondering because my BM started posting subliminal posts on FB and Twitter after I didnt return her call. A couple weeks later my other BM called her three times and text her regarding the Bridal Shower invitations she volunteered to send out by July 1st. She never responded. I sent her a message about our changing friendship and no response. So, I said forget it. She hasn't called, no text back to me or my cousin so I guess she no longer wants to be in the wedding. After this I don't want her in my wedding anymore. I have just kept it moving. This question came up a couple days ago because everyone knows shes kind of vindictive.

Wow this just reminded me of my ex H threatening to sue me for reimbursement of his cc bills he used to buy car parts for my car during our marriage... I digress... even if u dismiss her, unless a verbal agreement was made between you & her that you'd reimburse her, I don't think you have anything to worry about. You asked her to be bm but she could've refused, which means its on her own dime to accept & buy dress, shoes etc. If she really goes that far, don't sweat it. As the penguin from madagascar says, "just smile & wave boys, smiles & wave"

Wowza.

Ethically speaking, IMO if you dismiss or kick her out, you should absolutely reimburse her for anything she has spent thus far on being a member of your wedding party. You've asked her to purchase these things so she can fulfill a role that you're choosing to no longer give her. Legality aside, paying her back ASAP in that instance is the right thing to do.

If she backs out on her own, I would say that's her responsibility to absorb the cost as it's her choice.

Either way, I think it's ideal if you just pay her whatever she's paid out of pocket so you can just wash your hands of the whole thing.

Yep, I agree with Kris..not sure what the law is; but I would hope if the bride kicked her out, she would give her money back for what was spent on anything she was required by the bride to purchase..I'd hope that could be settled outside of court..court fees I imagine are only going to add to the cost.

Anyone can file a small claims dispute no matter how silly the issue. A judge will however consider the fact that either you asked her to be in the wedding, had her purchase these items, and then told her she was no longer apart of the wedding. If she excused herself from the wedding it is unlikely the judge will have you reimburse her. A simple fix? ask someone new around the same size to take her place and pay her for the things shes already purchased.

If I were nervous about this, it might be worth paying the money just to get her out of your hair and not have to worry about it!

I love Ashley's fix.

I think if you dismiss her and she has already invested her money and time then yes she could make a claim against you. It's teh same with if a guy buys you an engagement ring you take it and then dismiss him. You give it back or risk him suing.

I'd call Judge Judy!

Sure, she could be vindictive about it if you dismiss her. But you could always argue that lack of communication from her brought about the dismissal. Even if she is vindictive though, once she sees the cost of filing the small claims suit, she'll probably decide against it as it will cost her more than she spent most likely.

Anyone can file a small claims suit. Would she win? Who knows. But, win or lose, she would force your to have to defend yourself, which may cost you money.

Not much of a friend, is she.

Krisalicious brought up something that made me take it a step further. If you do reimburse her, make sure to do it in a form (personal check) that she has to sign so you have proof that your reimbursed her. Or pay her in person and have her sign a letter stating that you reimbursed her "x" dollars on such and such a date for "fill in items". Also, make sure the letter (or check) states "paid in full".

I agree with Kris on the ethics, but I don't think that you could be held legally responsible either way... I'm no lawyer though, so take it with a grain of salt.

LMBO..the judge Judy comment has got me cracking up!

Oh wow. I really hope this doesn't happen to you. I cannot imagine someone actually doing this. People are just crazy these days. How ridiculous this would be.

I don't know what it's like in the Sates, but all I do know... is that at least in Canada you don't actually have to go to court to settle a claim...

Let her sue you... if she wants to pay the filing fee that's her issue (courts rarely award "court fees" to the other party), and if you get "served" go from there.... IF she deals you that hand, worry about it then (ps – in Canada you only have two years to file a suit).