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Questions Answered by Thomas A. Grossman
1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Contracts for California on
Q: I purchased a used car from a dealership about a year ago and I still haven't received my registration.

I've contacted the dealer several times and he tells me every time the problem is almost handled. The last time I spoke to him he told me there was a lien that needed to be paid first. I've already paid the registration fee. The car isn't even legal to drive and now I'm missing... View More

Thomas A. Grossman
Thomas A. Grossman
answered on Aug 1, 2018

It may be that the current year registration is still in effect. You can also call the dealership and threaten to take them to small claims court for failure to provide you with the new regisgration.

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for California on
Q: I have a current loan modification on my home and I have questions about it

I have recently work out a new loan modification on my primary residence home I have the 5 page contract and I would like to get some professional advice about what it says

Thomas A. Grossman
Thomas A. Grossman
answered on Jul 31, 2018

I would be happy to give you a 20 minute free consultation, but after that I would have to see the 5-page document regarding your new loan modification. And, I would have to charge you for my time. I cannot quote you a fee now, but a document like that would probably take me one to two hours to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law and Contracts for California on
Q: I heard Husband & Wife LLC can be still treated as a disregarded entity so as sole propertorship. Is that true?

Hello, I am planning to open LLC. Couldn’t find the answer to one of my questions. I know single person owned LLC in tax is treated as a sole proprietorship and also when is owned by Husband and Wife it can be still consider disregarded entity. So when opening should I include my Husband as a... View More

Thomas A. Grossman
Thomas A. Grossman
answered on Jul 31, 2018

Go to the following link on your computer: https://ttcl.intuit.com/questions2133106. They will have an answer for you. It is, however, rather long and complicated. Good Luck.

2 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: Dog bit

I have a question a year ago I was working with this lady cleaning house shes owner of her little cleaning business one day at a me and her were cleaning a clients house that day and I saw when she purposely crabbed the dogs toy and teased the dog and gave the dog a push wit her leg so the dog bit... View More

Thomas A. Grossman
Thomas A. Grossman
answered on Jul 30, 2018

The lady who taunted the dog would be the person at fault. You were only a witness. If the lady files suit, and you are called as a witness, you should tell the truth. You are an innocent victim in this. The chances are slim that this will happen, as mot cases settle long before a suit is filed.

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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for California on
Q: Can I clear title with affidavit of death?

My father and I were joint tenants. He then signed a grant deed but before that was filed a lien was placed for medical bills of his. He has since died. Can I file an affidavit of death for the time period before the grant deed. I wanted to clear title so that I can move my family for a new... View More

Thomas A. Grossman
Thomas A. Grossman
answered on Jul 29, 2018

If the lien was filed before the grant deed was recorded, then the lien would probably transfer to you (i.e. remain on the title) until you had it removed. You could pay off the lien and then record a clear title by way of Affidavit of death of Joint Tenant. Hope that helps.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law for California on
Q: Me and a partner are starting a limousine business. Need help making contract - where do I start?

Me and a partner are starting a limousine business. I have provided all funding for the business, so far at $30,000. He has provided the know how of the business, and will be driving for wage + his %50 stake in business. All funds that go into business once we start getting $, after paying my... View More

Thomas A. Grossman
Thomas A. Grossman
answered on Jul 29, 2018

It sounds like you are on the right track. The first thing you must do is form an entity (e.g. a partnership, LLC or corporation) as the entity to run the business. That entity can contain all of the contract terms, if you form a general partnership. If you choose to form an LLC (a Limited... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation for District of Columbia on
Q: Can I save the SOL on my civil case when I didn't file for a stay pending outcome of the criminal case?Is it automatic

I was the accused in a criminal matter with employer. It got dismissed and then I filed a civil case in Superior court suing for wrongful termination.I did not know to stay the civil proceedings pending criminal trial. Now defendant is trying to time bar all issues. Can parallel cases be... View More

Thomas A. Grossman
Thomas A. Grossman
answered on Jul 28, 2018

Since you filed your civil case after the criminal case had been resolved, the court could not have stayed a case (the civil case) that had not yet been filed. I believe you could have filed the civil case while the pending criminal action was going on, in which case the Court could have stayed... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: I replaced carpet in my boyfriend's rental. We broke up. Is the landlord responsible to pay me back

Landlord knew we were going to replace the carpet. He never said no, Not to. My ex boyfriend lived there for 7 yrs. I only lived there on wknds, with the intent of moving in, and landlord knew, hence replacing carpet . Now we broke up and I replaced a carpet that cost $1500.00 . Who is responsible... View More

Thomas A. Grossman
Thomas A. Grossman
answered on Jul 28, 2018

Not knowing the details of your relationship, or who was on the lease, you may be unable to be reimbursed for the new carpet, as it could be considered a "gift" from you to your ex-boyfriend. Perhaps you can get him or the landlord (or both) to share the cost with you.

3 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury and Health Care Law for California on
Q: If somebody claims that someone else have them a virus what would that be considered?

The reason for this question is because somebody is blaming me for giving them hepatitis c which has not yet been confirmed yet and still are waiting for the results. They say I am one to blame because they found it just recently in my blood but it wasn’t concrete yet because it’s a possibility... View More

Thomas A. Grossman
Thomas A. Grossman
answered on Jul 28, 2018

Blood test results can be very tricky. I had a false positive result for Hep C, which was found to be an error on a re-test. Also, the lady in question could have been carrying the virus before she was tested, or been exposed to it from another person. A person can pick up the virus in many... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for California on
Q: How can I tell if someone had filed an action to terminate my mineral reservations on their land for being dormant?

I own a piece of land in California that our family has owned since the 1800’s. I have a deed from my 3rd great grandfather selling an adjacent property but reserving mineral rights to it. The deed is dated 1895. I do not know how to see if the current or any of the past owners since the date of... View More

Thomas A. Grossman
Thomas A. Grossman
answered on Jul 27, 2018

You will need to review the records of the County Recorder's Office in the County where the two properties are located. Some title companies will allow you free access to view such records, but they might have to charge you for a "preliminary title report." Back in the late 1800s... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury for California on
Q: What is the US Civil Statute to be stated in a Negligence, Negligence Per Se, Complaint for Damages?
Thomas A. Grossman
Thomas A. Grossman
answered on Jul 27, 2018

Negligence in California is covered by Sec. 1714(a) of the California Civil Code, and is usually plead as a cause of action for damages. Negligence per se is also generally brought as a cause of action, but usually requires proof of the violation of a specific statute to apply.

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5 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: My daughter has 2 dogs and a pot belly pig. One dog is new to the home. The new one attacked the pig it has been good

With the pig and played with the pig. The other dog went after the new dog to protect the pig. Animal control was called and both dogs were removed. Now they say they aren't giving her back either dog. What can be done to get the dogs back. The pig was in her fenced area. Kids are devastated... View More

Thomas A. Grossman
Thomas A. Grossman
answered on Jul 27, 2018

From what I have seen and heard, Animal Control does whatever it wants to do, and they usually get away with it. I don't know what advice I can give you. Perhaps there is someone (like a Supervisor) at Animal Control that will discuss this with you.

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Contracts and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: Can landlord charge for time spent or money spent on third party attempting to rerent a unit after I break the lease?

Landlord is asking to have an agreement signed to establish his hourly rate for time spent working to rerent my unit after I communicated I’m breaking the lease. He is typically the person to make efforts to rent unit. He is adamant that his time is included in the costs to rerent the unit as... View More

Thomas A. Grossman
Thomas A. Grossman
answered on Jul 27, 2018

If you break a lease the landlord can collect rent "lost income" from you if he makes a reasonable attempt to re-rent the premises. The battle often depends on what is deemed "reasonable."

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for California on
Q: I currently rent with one other person on a month to month lease. If I give 30 days notice, am I still liable for half

the rent if former roommate does not find replacement for me OR does not agree to pay full rent?

Thomas A. Grossman
Thomas A. Grossman
answered on Jul 27, 2018

It probably depends on whose name(s) are on the rental agreement. If your name is on the agreement, you may have to get the landlord to release you from your obligation.

3 Answers | Asked in Legal Malpractice for California on
Q: Should I sue my former attorney for making a number of serious mistakes, which taken together, have seriously damaged my

personal injury case? I am presently one month from trial.

Thomas A. Grossman
Thomas A. Grossman
answered on Jul 27, 2018

You can sue your attorney, but you should first report his misconduct to the California State Bar, and find a new attorney. Sometimes, that can be difficult. You will also probably have to wait until your case is settled or has gone to judgment before you can file suit against your current... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for California on
Q: I signed a lease in LB, CA and my roommate refuses to sign the lease now as he says he cant afford it do i have to pay?

Am i legally bound to pay rent since i signed? My roommate refused completely both of our names are on the lease

Thomas A. Grossman
Thomas A. Grossman
answered on Jul 26, 2018

Unfortunately it sounds like you are the named tenant, and are therefore responsible for the rent. If it is a month-to-month tenancy, you could give 30 - day notice that you are going to quit the premises, or you can try to find another roommate.

2 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury for California on
Q: Thought of complaint against the law firm with the State Bar of California received no results need help right away

I did not receive money for my car being a total loss I did not receive the proper money for my settlement for the personal injury receive no cancel checks never seen settlement letters the man letters they sent me paperwork with no signatures on it where they say they send out checks for whatever... View More

Thomas A. Grossman
Thomas A. Grossman
answered on Jul 26, 2018

You should contact the State Bar and file a written complaint with them ASAP

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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for California on
Q: Do we have to move out our car to abide by the new rule enforced by HOA?

When we purchased the condo in SF, there is no restriction for weight limits on parking stacker in the CCR's and bylaws documents. This year, we found that there was the weight limit post on the garage wall. HOA board also adds the weight limit restriction into the modified document of the... View More

Thomas A. Grossman
Thomas A. Grossman
answered on Jul 26, 2018

You should demand a copy of the written minutes of the HOA that document the date of the HOA meeting at which the Board made a change in the CCRs. In my opinion, that decision required a vote of the Association.

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts for California on
Q: Do we have to refund the money back to the hotel?

My mom owns a legit cleaning business she has everything you need permits etc. Anyways a hotel called her they needed maids for 4 days last minute they verbally agreed to about 2,450. So the first day the cleaners showed up,they were trained then told to go clean. Long story short the hotel... View More

Thomas A. Grossman
Thomas A. Grossman
answered on Jul 25, 2018

Without a written contract, there may be a problem. Technically, once your mother's staff were kicked out with 3 days remaining on the verbal contract, the Hotel may deem the contract over. However, since the contract was verbal, it is like no contract was made. I would suggest that your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law for Texas on
Q: Is it better to file a claim with my city's labor board and go through mediation if my employer fired me without sending

my final paycheck or should I sue? The amount isn't high but I want what I'm owed.

Thomas A. Grossman
Thomas A. Grossman
answered on Jul 25, 2018

You can try suing your employer in Small Claims Court. It is not very expensive. I don't know the rules for Small Claims Court in Texas, but you can call a local Superior Court and they usually have a section on how to file Small Claims actions.

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