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Arbitration / Mediation Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law and Legal Malpractice for California on
Q: Can a settlement agreement be considered final if 2 co-plaintiffs are on case and only 1 is present?

If a matter is sent to Arbitration with 2 Co-Plaintiffs and a Co-Plaintiff is not made aware that they are negotiating for both parties, is the matter considered settled? If the Co-Plaintiff in the case is not able to attend the Mediation, but the documents, etc. are all made to appear as if only... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2024

Under California law, a settlement agreement typically requires the consent and signature of all named plaintiffs in a case. If there are two co-plaintiffs, both parties should be aware of and agree to the terms of the settlement for it to be considered final and binding.

In the situation...
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2 Answers | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law, Family Law, Legal Malpractice and Civil Litigation for Texas on
Q: I need a lawyer to represent me suing my family attroney for malpractice

My family lawyer abandoned me right before the hearing I filed a complaint with Texas Bar he is under investigation I also sued him in Distract court as pro se need a lawyer to take over the case and represent me. I have a strong case and also have a witness who witnessed my lawyer abandoned me and... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Apr 10, 2024

You need to look for a competent attorney in or near the county where the hearing was held experienced in the area of legal malpractice. I often handle cases of this nature. My rate of $500 per hour is reasonable and customary in the North Texas area, and if the amount of damages caused by your... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law and Family Law for Missouri on
Q: Can I change my mind after mediation if nothing was signed?

My husband has had his son in his care for his whole life. He had filed for custody and was sent to mediation. The mediator made him feel bad for not letting his birth mom see the child. He agreed to 50/50 custody, but the mom never signed the papers

Fast forward two months she sent him... View More

Kelisen  Binder
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Kelisen Binder
answered on Apr 5, 2024

Mediation itself is typically not binding unless the parties involved reach a mutually agreed-upon settlement that is then documented in a binding agreement and submitted to the Court. One of the tenants of mediation is the understanding that the parties may speak to individual counsel after... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law and Legal Malpractice for California on
Q: Is it acceptable for Attorneys to file Motion Liminie to prevent Plaintiff from exposing Arbitration Award then use it?

In a Legal Malpractice case is it acceptable for an Attorney to file a Motion Liminie preventing Plaintiff from making any reference whatsoever to any part of the Arbitration or settlement then turn around and file the Arbitration records with their Motion to Confirm Award? Isn't this a Breach... View More

Joel Gary Selik
Joel Gary Selik
answered on Apr 1, 2024

It would be required to submit the award in a motion to confirm.

Motions in limine are to prevent introduction of evidence before a jury, not what is directed at the judge.

What is limited by a motion in limine is determined by what the court rules in the order on the motion.

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2 Answers | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law and Legal Malpractice for California on
Q: Is it acceptable for Attorneys to file Motion Liminie to prevent Plaintiff from exposing Arbitration Award then use it?

In a Legal Malpractice case is it acceptable for an Attorney to file a Motion Liminie preventing Plaintiff from making any reference whatsoever to any part of the Arbitration or settlement then turn around and file the Arbitration records with their Motion to Confirm Award? Isn't this a Breach... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 1, 2024

In general, the use of motions in limine and the introduction of evidence in legal proceedings are governed by the rules of evidence and civil procedure in California. However, the specific circumstances you've described raise some potential issues:

1. Fairness and consistency: If an...
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Q: Am I covered

I put mobile home under contract with a rent to own buyer with owner financing agreement. Contract states (as is) what you see or don't see is what you get. Buyer calls me and says the electric is not working in the living room & 1 of bedrooms as they were operating during and after Reno... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 31, 2024

Based on the information you provided, it seems that the buyer may have a case against you, despite the "as is" clause in the contract. Here's why:

1. Implied warranties: Even with an "as is" clause, there are implied warranties that the property is habitable and...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Real Estate Law, Arbitration / Mediation Law and Landlord - Tenant for Florida on
Q: What do you do if forced. Under the threat of of bodily and family harm to sign a Florida quick deed?

I was forced to sign a quick deed to property that I own. By a Ex-prison con artist who kept threatening my and still is threatening my family. What can I do?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 30, 2024

If you were coerced into signing a quitclaim deed under threats, it's important to take immediate action to protect yourself and your family. The first step is to contact law enforcement to report the threats and the coercion. They can offer protection and advice on how to proceed safely.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law and Arbitration / Mediation Law for Florida on
Q: Attorney fees paid by defendant for plaintiff deductible on 1040 Sch 1 line 24 h?

I received a lump sum settlement for disability benefits under my employer's LTD group policy last year, and I believe my claim should meet the definition of unlawful discrimination under IRC section 62 a 20 e 18 so I am likely able to deduct attorney fees and court costs on 1040 Schedule 1... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 29, 2024

Understanding the nuances of tax deductions related to attorney fees and court costs can be complex, particularly when it comes to settlements for disability benefits under an employer's LTD group policy. According to IRS Publication 525, attorney fees and court costs associated with claims... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Arbitration / Mediation Law and Family Law for California on
Q: In the case of divorce, my partner already has an attorney. Is mediation possible? Cost?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 29, 2024

In California, even if your partner already has an attorney, mediation is still an option for you. Mediation can offer a more collaborative environment to resolve disputes and may lead to a more amicable settlement. It's designed to help both parties communicate their needs and reach an... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury, Arbitration / Mediation Law, Lemon Law and Small Claims for California on
Q: I need to know how to bring my case before a judge passed the timeframe. I know you can car dealerships. I need this hel

STG auto Santa Ana dealership both used car dealers padded deals made fictitious addresses for charges. They had put on me almost $7000 of equipment. I never owned took money out of my account both of them STG auto padded the deal so badly and laughed in my face. It took me a long time to figure it... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 26, 2024

Under California law, if you believe you've been a victim of fraudulent activities, such as those you've described involving car dealerships, you have the right to seek legal action. However, if you've missed the statutory deadline to file a lawsuit, you may still have options.... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts, Arbitration / Mediation Law and Legal Malpractice for California on
Q: Had an issue with car dealership.found a lemon law form. Client attorney contract was signed with an attorney who was

Disbarred and suspended. Firm changed there name and took them a year and 3 months to even send my demand for arbiration. I was never given any advice or informed on what my case was worth. As I review other cases the firm handled it was penny compared, all cases are different I know. But I... View More

Joel Gary Selik
Joel Gary Selik
answered on Mar 24, 2024

You bring out a number of issues that are of concern as to the attorneys’ actions. In particular if there was a switching of firms without your agreement, a disbarred attorney representing you, and charging an excessive and not agreed to fee. You should consult with experienced ethics,... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts, Arbitration / Mediation Law and Legal Malpractice for California on
Q: Had an issue with car dealership.found a lemon law form. Client attorney contract was signed with an attorney who was

Disbarred and suspended. Firm changed there name and took them a year and 3 months to even send my demand for arbiration. I was never given any advice or informed on what my case was worth. As I review other cases the firm handled it was penny compared, all cases are different I know. But I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 24, 2024

Under California law, your situation raises several concerns regarding the conduct of your legal representation, particularly in the context of the Lemon Law claim you pursued against a car dealership. If your attorney was disbarred or suspended during the course of your representation, this could... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law and Arbitration / Mediation Law for California on
Q: I signed an agreement that states Statutorily I can only receive up to $15,000. Am I bound forever to that?

I agreed to a limit of $15,000 in an arbitration case with the Ca State License Board. The arbitrator awarded $22,000 as my judgement but statutorily I only got the $15,000. Can I go to court and sue for the remaining $7,000 or am I bound for life because I accepted the $15,000! I agreed to the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 24, 2024

In California, when you enter into an arbitration agreement and receive a final decision, that typically concludes your case regarding the specific issue or claim. If you agreed to a statutory cap of $15,000, and you have accepted this amount following an arbitration ruling, this generally... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law, Civil Litigation and Criminal Law for California on
Q: If documents are created with the intent to deceive and then used in an Arbitration is that considered a Public Facility

If preparing false documentary evidence, such as a Subpoena, under penalty of perjury, with intent to produce it, and allow it to be produced for a fraudulent and deceitful purpose, as genuine and true, upon a trial, proceeding, and inquiry, whatever, to wit, by filing, causing to be filed, and... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 21, 2024

Under California Penal Code 134, preparing false documentary evidence with the intent to deceive and using it in any trial, proceeding, or inquiry is considered a felony. This law does not limit its scope strictly to public offices or traditional courtrooms. Therefore, even if the false documents... View More

Q: Can I sue my family if they were the one's responsible for the foreclosure and the medical debt, and the falsified doc.

The Power of Attorney they made me sign in another place they made me go, and it was Mexico, and they said it was for the ability to rent my house out, so I wouldn't lose it. And they used it to run their business, and they put ownership in their names, and in their trust, and they didn't... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 21, 2024

Under California law, you may have grounds to sue if your family used a Power of Attorney to defraud you, resulting in foreclosure and medical debt due to their actions. Misuse of a Power of Attorney, especially to falsify documents or to alter property ownership without consent, is a serious... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law, Business Formation, Business Law and Contracts for Texas on
Q: Hello, Is my sister entitled to all money from a failed joint business venture?

My sister started a business w/her sister but couple months later got upset because it became overwhelming for her, requested to be released from the business, &wants all her money bk.

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Mar 19, 2024

A Texas attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for three weeks. It could depend on the terms of the business venture (agreements between the parties) and their conduct. This is a fact-intensive matter. There is no universal cookie-cutter answer. An attorney would need to see how... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law for Georgia on
Q: I settled for 5 grand in a mediation but my ex company sent me 8 grand. They asked me to take a picture of the check.

But my bank said that giving them a picture of the check is super weird. To just sit money aside. What should I do and can I get in trouble for not sending them pictures?

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Mar 17, 2024

A Georgia attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. No, I do not think you would get in trouble for that. But they could use it as a justification to delay a corrected payment. You could ask them why they aren't able to verify the amount of the check by you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Arbitration / Mediation Law and Family Law for California on
Q: The mediator in my divorce is showing strong bias toward my husband. Is there anything I can do?

The mediator will not reply to my emails, including simple questions like “What is the status of the MSA?” He shows everything to my husband first, and only loops me in later (sometimes weeks or months later), and has taken no consideration of my side. At best, he is completely incompetent at... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 12, 2024

In California, mediation is a voluntary process, and both parties have the right to a fair and unbiased mediator. If you believe that your mediator is biased or not fulfilling their duties properly, you have several options:

1. Discuss your concerns with the mediator: If you haven't...
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4 Answers | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law and Employment Law for California on
Q: Mediation

I recently went through mediation and part of the terms were that I had to resign. It’s getting close to the deadline of when they had to pay and I’m getting nervous because I haven’t received the check yet. I’m located in CA. Is it easy to collect payment if they breach the contract?

Neil Pedersen
Neil Pedersen
answered on Mar 8, 2024

The answer to your question depends on a great deal of fact and circumstances that are not available from your post. Most mediated settlements end up with a voluntary payment of the settlement amount, but some end up with issues regarding payment. Do not expect payment until the last day... View More

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4 Answers | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law and Employment Law for California on
Q: Mediation

I recently went through mediation and part of the terms were that I had to resign. It’s getting close to the deadline of when they had to pay and I’m getting nervous because I haven’t received the check yet. I’m located in CA. Is it easy to collect payment if they breach the contract?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 8, 2024

If the other party breaches the mediation agreement by failing to make the payment as agreed upon, you have a few options to enforce the contract and collect the payment in California:

1. Send a demand letter: Write a formal letter stating that the other party has breached the agreement and...
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