Legal Definitions - replevisor

A replevisor is the individual or entity who initiates a specific type of legal action known as a replevin. In a replevin action, the replevisor seeks to recover specific personal property that they believe is being wrongfully withheld or was wrongfully taken from them, rather than simply seeking monetary compensation for its value. Essentially, the replevisor is the plaintiff (the party bringing the lawsuit) in a case focused on getting their physical possessions back.

• Imagine Sarah lent her rare, signed first edition book to a former friend, Mark. When Sarah asked for the book back, Mark refused, claiming it was a gift. Sarah doesn't want money for the book; she wants her specific, irreplaceable book returned. If Sarah files a lawsuit to compel Mark to return the book, she would be the replevisor in that action.

• Consider a small business owner, David, who had his company's delivery van repossessed by a finance company. David believes he was current on his loan payments and that the repossession was unlawful. He needs the van to operate his business and wants the specific vehicle returned, not just its monetary equivalent. If David initiates a lawsuit to get his delivery van back from the finance company, he would be acting as the replevisor.

• Suppose Emily's antique family heirloom watch was stolen from her home. Months later, she discovers it for sale at a local antique shop. Emily can prove the watch is hers, but the shop owner, who bought it from an unknown seller, refuses to give it back without being compensated. Emily's primary goal is to recover her unique family heirloom. If she files a lawsuit to reclaim the watch from the antique shop, Emily would be the replevisor in that legal proceeding.