Ex owes me money

[LO2218]

Hello,
Has anyone got any experience of an ex
owing them money and taking them to small claims court?
I have written confirmation from him via text that he 'owes' me the money and that he is going to pay me it back. I have clear evidence that it was not a gift. Thank you x

How much?

@Idontjetwashthefucker I don't even want to say 😩 but it is around £10,000

Do they actually have the money/income to be able to pay it back? If not you're on a hiding to nothing unfortunately. Even if you take them to court and win, they'll likely plead poverty and be ordered to pay it back at a rate that'll take forever.

My ex owes about £5k - half of which they helped themselves to from our child's savings account and spent on drugs. I got as far as sending letter before action, but went no further because there was no prospect of them paying it back in our lifetime.