Recoving a domain that I lost... (not through expiration)

[LexDiamondLS]

My partner and I owned a website, basically I bought a domain/hosting and we both have been working on it for bout an year and over time accumulating large amount of traffic. After some time we had hosting troubles, thats when 3rd person came into the deal and offered to take care of hosting if we transfer the domain into his name. That's exactly what we did, (in reality the 3rd person was made up and played by my partner). After a while, he told me that deal fell through, but later on I found host and was able to host the site months after, never worrying about the domain, since well, we were friends and never thought what would turn out.

Couple months later, the more site grew, it started making real money, and it was time when my partner decided to move to another host, kicking me out of the site, all the profits, and I was basically left for dead.. (or e-dead lol).

Is there anyway I can regain this domain, or is this lost hope for me?

 

[DNQuest.com]

What contracts and/or documents do you have? If you ever go into business, ALWAYS and I mean ALWAYS get everything in writing. IF he defrauded you, then hiring a lawyer is your first move (depending on the amount of money). If you can show fraud on his part, then you may be able to sue and recover the name collect damages (warning, probably would not be cheap).

 

[LexDiamondLS]

we don't really have any contracts like that, like i said i was friends with the person for long time, and really didn't expect what it was gon turn out to. Yeah I know i should of got everything in writing, but I was still newbie at the time and didn't expect this. But yeah I got money, so who should I contact?

 

[labrocca]

Consider it a lesson learned and move on. Friendship and business rarely work well together. Trust is something earned in business not handed over by friendship. Your best friend in the world could be a terrible business partner.

Anyways...sorry to hear it. What was the site? How much money do you feel you are out? Any way to negotiate with him a small settlement without a lawyer? Maybe he is willing to give you something in order to shut you up and make you go away.

 

[Domainate.com]

As sad as this sounds, money can ruin friendships. I was going to buy a 2 bedroom condo and rent one of the bedrooms to my best friend of 14 years whom is practically a blood relative. I would have STILL made up a rental agreement/contract. Bottom line, you do that kind of thing no matter WHO you deal with, even family.

 

[LexDiamondLS]

Yes, I realized all of this now