Have legal questions? Justia Ask A Lawyer lets you get free answers to your legal questions from experienced attorneys. Whether you need guidance on family law, criminal defense, personal injury, immigration, employment law, real estate, or another legal matter, you can ask your questions anonymously and get the answers you need.
Justia Ask A Lawyer
Free Answers From Lawyers to Your Legal Questions!
View Questions by Practice Area
View Questions by State
Lawyers, Answer Questions & Get Points
Log In
Recent Questions & Answers
Q: How can my mother remove a co-borrower from a house title in California?
My mother co-owns a house with my nephew as a co-borrower on the mortgage, but he doesn’t live there and she pays the mortgage herself. She has a living trust that states the house should be sold when she passes away, with the proceeds split between me and my siblings. However, my nephew intends... View More 
Shenqi Cai
answered on Oct 16, 2026
answered on Oct 16, 2026
In general one co-owner cannot take another off title without his signed deed, a court order, or a sale. What usually matters more here is how the deed vests title.
If the deed says joint tenancy, the surviving joint tenant generally takes the whole property when the other dies, and a trust... View More
Q: Which forms do I need to file for child custody response in California?
I need assistance determining which forms to file in response to a child custody order in California. My response has not yet been submitted. Could you guide me on what specific documents I need to prepare for this purpose?
PREMIUM
Ernest A. Cardona
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 16, 2026
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 16, 2026
Yes, sure, that's easy. Generally, to respond to a Request for Order (Form FL-300), you will need Responsive Declaration, Form FL-320, a Declaration Under UCCJEA, Form FL-105, a proof of service form (Mailing, Form FL-335, Email, Form POS-050, or Personal Service, Form FL-330), and you should... View More
Q: Why is ex-spouse using my last name after divorce?
After my divorce in California was finalized, my ex-spouse's name was restored to their former name as stated in the divorce decree. However, they are still using my last name. Why might they be doing this, and is there anything that can be done legally in this situation?
Chris M. Bradford
answered on Oct 16, 2026
answered on Oct 16, 2026
Even though the court ordered your now ex-spouse's former name to be restored, you can't force them to use it.
The likely reason they never changed it, is that they never got around to it, i.e. life got in the way. Have you asked them what their reason is? Ask. Maybe they just... View More
Q: What is the risk of deportation for filing adjustment of status on ESTA?
I am visiting my U.S. husband in Florida on my ESTA and intend to return to my home country, where I have a job and home. We have not filed for a CR1 visa yet, as we were unsure where to settle. However, facing the prospect of being apart depresses us, and we wish to file for adjustment of status.... View More
Lidice Samper
answered on Oct 16, 2026
answered on Oct 16, 2026
I am sorry you are facing the prospect of time apart from your husband while you decide what to do. As the spouse of a U.S. citizen, you are an immediate relative, and immediate relatives who entered on ESTA can generally apply for adjustment of status, but the key issue is the intent you had at... View More
Q: How to get power of attorney for sister in Iowa long-term care?
I want to obtain a power of attorney in Iowa for my sister, who is in a long-term care home. Her cognitive memory is starting to decline, and she's running out of money. I need the power of attorney to help manage her finances, specifically to access funds from her annuities. How can I proceed... View More
PREMIUM
Eric A. Checketts
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 16, 2026
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 16, 2026
The first question is whether your sister still understands what a power of attorney does and wants to appoint you. Some memory loss does not necessarily prevent her from signing one, but she needs sufficient understanding when she signs. You cannot obtain a power of attorney for her without her... View More
Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask A Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask A Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
