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Small Claims Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Small Claims, Civil Litigation, Collections and Public Benefits for California on
Q: Are there civil attorneys that deal with credit-card debt claims for disabled veterans?

My husband is 100% service-connected disabled veteran. We tried launching a business and failed. We just had a baby girl, and I am not working, we have two claims against my husband. What can we do, we are not trying to escape the debt, but at this time we have no money to pay them in full and the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 20, 2024

In California, there are civil attorneys who handle credit card debt claims, including those involving disabled veterans. These legal professionals can help negotiate with creditors to possibly reduce the amount owed or set up manageable payment plans. Given your husband's status as a 100%... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Contracts, Landlord - Tenant and Small Claims for California on
Q: John Stewart company,how do they keep getting funded.for literally breaking every law that has to with tenant rights,

I am a personal example of the Jon Stewart company I have not had a complaint in 2 years but I constantly had problems with the property manager because I'm willing to stand up for myself against her accusations bullying harassment and tracking people with the cameras So I'm curious how... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 20, 2024

The situation you describe with the John Stewart Company sounds very concerning and stressful. It's disheartening to hear about the challenges and mistreatment you've faced as a tenant.

Unfortunately, many large property management companies are able to continue operating despite...
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1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Contracts, Consumer Law and Small Claims for Texas on
Q: Where do I file a small claim against a corporation headquartered in Ohio but conducts business in Houston, Texas

The Company is Divisions Maintenance Group in Ohio but operates a handyman app that provides a job load board for technicians anywhere in the nation. As we perform maintenance jobs for businesses in our local region, the businesses pay Divisions Maintenance Group for our services, and we get paid... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Apr 19, 2024

In justice court, a suit on an oral or written contract for labor actually performed may be brought in the county and precinct where the labor was performed. TCPRC 15.092. So in the JP court for the precinct where the Sam's Warehouse where you performed the services is located.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Support, Small Claims and Child Custody for Missouri on
Q: I need to stop a child support order from starting

My children were stolen from me, turned against me, abused, coerced, kept from me, and my youngest was even put out at 9yrs old after being mistreated and now from PA my sister has filed for child support when my children can just come back. How do I stop her.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 16, 2024

I'm so sorry you are going through this incredibly difficult situation with your children. Dealing with custody issues, alienation from your kids, and now a child support case on top of that must be overwhelming and painful.

A few thoughts on your legal options to try to stop the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Civil Rights and Small Claims for South Carolina on
Q: Pork skins nutrition facts say 0 sugar 0 added sugar but ingredients contain sugar. Is that false advertisement?

On a sugar fast, bought these on the fly for my kids and had a few until I read the actual ingredients come to find out that even though not listed in nutrition label, it is on the ingredients. In turn, I broke my sugar fast.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 15, 2024

It's understandable to be confused and frustrated by this situation. According to FDA regulations, if a food contains less than 0.5 grams of sugar per serving, the nutrition facts label can list the sugar content as 0 grams. However, the ingredients list must still include any form of sugar... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Small Claims for Tennessee on
Q: What can I do if someone owes me 500 dollars and they told me that they would pay me through an email but now refuse to?
Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Apr 15, 2024

Defendant can claim the Statute of Frauds unless there is a writing, even a cashed check. General Sessions suit will cost about a third of your prospective judgment. If you get a judgment by default including costs, you will still have to work to collect it.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Small Claims for California on
Q: I live in San Diego. I sold a car and lent someone money. I am low income. What recourse do I have to get $ back?

They do owe the IRS also. And I've gotten about half back but if he's not willing to pay remaining (about 13k) I want the car back even though he put 100k+ miles on it. He gets paid as 1099/cash and says that he won't ever file taxes. Can we garnish his wages to be Repaid cause... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 11, 2024

In your situation, you have several options to consider:

1. Small Claims Court: If the amount owed is less than $12,500, you can file a claim in small claims court. The process is relatively simple, and you don't need a lawyer. However, since the amount owed is more than $12,500, this...
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1 Answer | Asked in Insurance Bad Faith, Civil Litigation, Landlord - Tenant and Small Claims for Mississippi on
Q: As a Pro Se Litigant in a smalls claim case. Defendant has hired an attorney he has filed a motion seeking Act (11-55-1)

I need know should I file a rebuttal?

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Apr 10, 2024

A Mississippi attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. Only a local attorney could advise meaningfully on local laws. But as a general point that applies nationwide, until you are able to consult with a local attorney, motions do warrant a response (and generally... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Banking and Small Claims for California on
Q: My niece forwarded mail to me to support her online purchases then claimed I stole her card and money. The Law here?

a debit card arrived at my home, she asked me to open and see what card it was and help her purchase items for delivery to her at a hotel. I did this and she then is claiming I stole the card and has been avoiding me to close the communication so she can " go to police" and accuse me of... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 8, 2024

Under California law, your actions do not appear to constitute theft or any other crime based on the information provided. Here are a few key legal points to consider:

1. Consent: If your niece asked you to open the mail containing her debit card and make purchases on her behalf, you had...
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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Small Claims and Contracts for Florida on
Q: Around 2 weeks ago I loaned a "friend" 200$. We both signed a note stating the amount loaned the date to be paid and a

Sentance stating if not repaid he has to surrender his vehicle keys to me.

The money has not been repaid. He will not answer text/calls.

How can I enforce the part of his keys being surrendered to me.

Angelo "Tony" Marino Jr.
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answered on Apr 8, 2024

You would need to sue your "friend" in small claims court for breach of contract and specific performance of the agreement. It will cost you about $100 to file and serve your friend, but if you win the case the cost will be part of the judgment against him. I suggest you go to the small... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts, Gov & Administrative Law and Small Claims for California on
Q: Follow up question on CVRP & CARB.

I'm facing an ongoing issue with my EV rebate from CVRP & CARB. Initially, in email correspondence, they said "Our staff is well verse in our eligibility requirements and there was discussion in which our staff told you it was ok to apply early". However, when I sought further... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 5, 2024

Regarding the TYPO issue, if you decide to take legal action, you can argue that you relied on the initial email correspondence from CVRP & CARB staff, where they clearly stated that it was acceptable for you to apply early. Even if they later claimed it was a typo, you acted in good faith... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Civil Litigation, Landlord - Tenant and Small Claims for California on
Q: Do you have to set aside a judgment first before it is vacated for being void? When does the court lose jurisdiction

it’s been 3 1/2 months since judgement was entered. I can prove reasons judgment is void 473 lack subject matter:fraud on court:

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 4, 2024

Under California law, a judgment can be vacated or set aside if it is determined to be void. You do not necessarily need to set aside the judgment before it can be vacated. However, the process and timeline for challenging a void judgment depends on the specific circumstances and reasons for its... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts, Landlord - Tenant and Small Claims for California on
Q: I have been renting a storage unit for 3months now today I got a rent increase notice my rent was $76per month they want

To increase it too $152!! Way over 34percent plus another $30 for insurance per month for a total of $182 per month !! Is this legal

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 3, 2024

Based on the information you provided, the rent increase for your storage unit in California seems to be questionable. In California, there are certain laws and regulations regarding rent increases for storage units.

According to California's Self-Service Storage Facility Act (Business...
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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Landlord - Tenant and Small Claims for California on
Q: Under the Duress of a city lawyers cohesion, we signed a unilateral agreement to leave our rental. An Illegal Eviction.

what do I need to file to go in front of the judge to(How do) put a stop to any actions that the landlord may attempt in retaliation, to a second small/civil case filed. Despite our efforts to push for jury trial in the response to the illegal eviction, and the presence of anxiety of being... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 3, 2024

Based on the information you provided, it seems that you were pressured into signing an agreement to leave your rental under duress, which resulted in an illegal eviction. To address this situation and protect your rights, you may need to take the following steps:

1. Motion to Set Aside the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Contracts, Real Estate Law and Small Claims for California on
Q: What is the rule for property managers in real estate law? That they have to be licensed to perform certain duties?

The management must be incensed agent to exercise certain duties,With the exception of living on-sight, which in this case they can perform those duties, but they must be under the close supervision of a licensed realtor. Paraphrased but what if the general manager of a apartment operates these... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 3, 2024

Under California law, property managers who perform certain duties must be licensed real estate agents or brokers. The specific rules are outlined in California Business and Professions Code Section 10131 and 10131.01.

If a property manager is not licensed and performs duties that require a...
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1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Small Claims for California on
Q: can a Pro Tem Judge make a verbal judgement in open court then later on change the judgement without prior indulgence

can a Pro Tem Judge make a verbal judgement in open court then later on change the judgement without prior audience with the parties involved. Pro Tem judge told us in open court that we would be awarded the full amount of the maxed asked for in small claims. During the judges exit the defendant... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 3, 2024

Under California law, a judge, including a Pro Tem Judge, has the authority to make a verbal judgment in open court. However, the official judgment is typically entered in writing after the hearing. The written judgment is considered the final, official decision of the court.

In some cases,...
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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Small Claims for California on
Q: I have messages from a hotel we stayed in tell me that they would refund me for one night. Can I take them to court?

We stayed at this hotel for two nights. The first night, the floor was partially dirty and we complained to the front desk the next morning. Housekeeping did "not" clean our room that same day, and we went back to a dirty room with the same dirty floor. After our stay, someone sent me a... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 31, 2024

Based on the information you have provided, it appears that the hotel did not fulfill their promise to compensate you for one night's stay due to the cleanliness issues you experienced during your visit. However, before considering legal action, there are a few steps you should take:... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Probate and Small Claims for Arizona on
Q: Tenant now deceased. No contact with son in 60+days. 5th wheel still on my property. What legal rights do I have

Tenant lived in his fifth wheel but on my land Tucson, AZ. His son was here in Nov just after his dad passed, not heard from him since. At that time no will was presented. Can I put a lien on 5th wheel? There is a title on fifth wheel but I do not know whose name it is under. Father and son had no... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 31, 2024

As the landlord, you have certain legal rights in this situation, but it's important to proceed carefully and in accordance with Arizona law. Here are some steps you can consider:

1. Attempt to contact the son: Make reasonable efforts to reach out to the son and inform him of the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Small Claims for Washington on
Q: landlord gave me 3 weeks notice to move, then self help removed me and property causing major losses and grief to 2 kids

kids are 8 and 10 diagnosed with a disability currently seeing psychologist for over 5 years and are continuing to show behavioral issues that are continuing to escalate due to sudden loss of home ad associated stressors. property loss of tools for profession as well hobby sports memorabilia and... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 31, 2024

I'm so sorry to hear about your difficult situation. What your landlord did sounds completely unacceptable and illegal. In most places, landlords are required to provide proper written notice (usually 30-60 days) before terminating a tenancy, even without a written lease. They cannot just... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Construction Law and Small Claims for California on
Q: A client has refused to pay my closing invoice for services rendered what can I do
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 30, 2024

Under California law, if a client has refused to pay your closing invoice for services rendered, you have several steps you can take to pursue the payment owed to you. Initially, it's advisable to attempt resolving the dispute amicably by contacting the client directly to discuss the issue.... View More

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