When I filed the initial complaint (after the 3 day notice was posted), there was an amount specified, so I was seeking monetary damages as well as possession. The amount that is due now is obviously different, but I included what was owed at the time. I have asked the forum about seeking a monetary judgement now, in a separate suit perhaps, because as I understood it, the fact that my complaint for possession and money was only posted and never served personally meant that I could not try to collect based on that suit. I've read conflicting posts about collecting now under a new or an amended suit. It appears that filing an amended suit would violate statutes, but that maybe I could file a new suit as I have sought monetary damages from the beginning.

I'm in a steep learning curve in all of this and I thank all of you for your input.

I'd like to seek monetary damages, if possible, but I don't want to chase my tail. So at this point I ask...

If possible, what steps do I need to follow to finally arrive at a money judgement? It may not be worth the while because of the headache involved, but if I can get a personal service and thereby most likely receive a monetary judgement, would I have to go down another rabbit hole to seek the money?

Finally, I don't have possession yet and from my conversation with the Sheriff's dept., we need to formally move things out. After that, for how long does the tenant have this on his/her record? Also, does a name change affect the credit or whatever report? How can I make sure that this/these individuals cannot do this to another landlord-as I would not like this done to me, I prefer to not let this happen to another?

I appreciate all of your help. I've learned too much from the process and the forum and I don't wish this on anyone.

My lesson- give the 3-day notice from the first day possible and don't look back.