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Questions Answered by Peter H. Westby
1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation for Arizona on
Q: I live in AZ and have received a Notice of taking of deposition and request for production from TN. Is this a subpoena?

I live in AZ and have received a Notice of taking of deposition and request for production from TN. Is this a subpoena? If this is, does it have to be domesticated and adhere to the 100 mile rule? I am a defendant in ongoing litigation over an Estate and have recently received a Show Cause Order... View More

Peter H. Westby
Peter H. Westby
answered on Mar 6, 2024

The Notice of Deposition and Request for production are not subpoenas. These are discovery requests. If you are a defendant in pending litigation, your failure to respond to discovery requests or your failure to appropriately respond to the Show Cause Order might jeopardize your legal position.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Arizona on
Q: HOA Directors and Management company's mismanagement is causing huge special assessment fees and loss in equity of home.

I own a single family residence in Mesa and the community association is in financial crisis. After speaking to the management company, who advised me to sell quickly, I found out that we are looking at first a very large special assessment, and then even then still there's a strong... View More

Peter H. Westby
Peter H. Westby
answered on Jan 24, 2024

You and the other homeowners may have a case against the board of directors for their mismanagement and breach of duty. From the information you disclosed, this should be considered. The directors may have purchased a policy of errors and omissions insurance coverage. If so, a claim could be... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Arizona on
Q: We purchased our home 2 years ago as is. Now the house is falling apart and we want them to pay for all damages.

My husband and I purchased our home almost 2 years ago. We have recently found out that they did not disclose everything truthfully. They stated that all piping was replaced, we found out a few months ago that there is a cast iron pipe running from the guest bath almost through the entirety of the... View More

Peter H. Westby
Peter H. Westby
answered on Jan 12, 2024

It appears that you have a non-disclosure claim against your seller and, possibly, against your seller's agent. Both have a duty to disclose. I recommend that you have your home inspected carefully by a licensed contractor. If your seller failed to disclose the items you mentioned, the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Collections for Arizona on
Q: I am being sued by a payday loan company for defaulting on a loan. The registration for my vehicle was used to secure

The loan when I first applied. They continued to allow me to refinance the loan and take more cash after I no longer had the vehicle. They never asked for updated vehicle information and I wasn’t able to update the information since it was an automated process. Can this information be used to... View More

Peter H. Westby
Peter H. Westby
answered on Nov 15, 2023

Based upon the information provided it is my opinion that your no longer having the vehicle at the time additional extensions of credit were made will not help you defend this action. If you got the money, you will need to repay it. The creditor's lawyer might use the fact that you no longer... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Real Estate Law and Construction Law for Arizona on
Q: What recourse do I have with sub-contractors who require a deposit but do not perform in a timely manner?

I am building a single family residence. Currently I have an engineer who took a deposit but is not performing, or responding. Small claims court the only choice? What about other contractors down the road? Maybe need a contract to cover myself.

Peter H. Westby
Peter H. Westby
answered on Oct 3, 2023

This is a complicated matter. There are many things you need to do to protect yourself. Using a good contract with the general contractor is a first step. If you are acting as the general contractor, having good contracts with the contractors you hire is important. As for the engineer you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Business Law for Arizona on
Q: Husband had a company prior to our marriage but then sold it after 12 years of marriage am I entitled to Money in divorc

Am I entitled to any money from his company during our divorce?

Peter H. Westby
Peter H. Westby
answered on Oct 11, 2022

Assuming you and your husband had no valid prenuptial agreement that would dictate otherwise, you might be entitled to be compensated for an interest in this business. From the information you provided it appears that your husband's business started out as his sole and separate property.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Civil Litigation and Probate for Arizona on
Q: Sister got quitclaim deed and mobile title transfer for dads places, specialist determined its forged do I have a case?

My dad had brain surgery, but my sister is claiming he signed a quitclaim deed for his house to her less than 2 months later but the signature doesn't match his. He has since passed away and we didn't find out until over a month later that she did this when we were about to move forward... View More

Peter H. Westby
Peter H. Westby
answered on Aug 1, 2022

From the information you provided it sounds like you may well have a case with merit. I recommend that you consult with an attorney who handles probate litigation matters. Your lawyer will need to know more of the facts and learn more about the handwriting specialist you hired before he or she... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Arizona on
Q: My sister lived and died in New Mexico. She left a will. Do I need probate lawyer from NM? I live in AZ

She left 60,000 for me and my brother. She has a husband we cannot locate so the bank won’t release the money

Peter H. Westby
Peter H. Westby
answered on Jul 18, 2022

You will need to hire a New Mexico lawyer to assist you in administering your sister's estate. Ask your New Mexico lawyer if your sister's estate qualifies for expedited treatment as a small estate or if a probate will be needed.

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Real Estate Law and Construction Law for Arizona on
Q: We brought a Shea home in 2015 we had a flood from upstairs just recently and were told the pipes are brittle and need

To be replace. We were told Shea homes used cheat piping and was aware. We were told we have to repipe our entire home because of the piping material that was used. A few other homes in my area had the same thing happen. Do we have any legal course we can do to have Shea homes fix this issue? This... View More

Peter H. Westby
Peter H. Westby
answered on Jun 27, 2022

I recommend that you speak with a real estate attorney. From the information you provided, you may have recourse under Arizona's Dwelling Action law, ARS 12-1361, et.seq. The statute of limitations concerning such a claim can be up to 8 years from the substantial completion of the dwelling.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law and Landlord - Tenant for Arizona on
Q: Can a land lord lock you out without getting a court order?
Peter H. Westby
Peter H. Westby
answered on Mar 9, 2022

A commercial landlord can lock out a tenant without first obtaining a court order. This option is often specifically reserved in many commercial leases. It is also one of the remedies allowed by ARS 33-361.

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Arizona on
Q: The Board of Directors in my homeowner's association has only Board members from the builder.

The builder has very little input from the community and does what it wants including making the personalizing of ornamentation in owners back yard extremely unfair. This is a 55+ community and no one has complained about that violation notices until now. The development is over over 11 years old... View More

Peter H. Westby
Peter H. Westby
answered on Mar 7, 2022

The answers to many of your questions should be in your Community's recorded Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs). You should have been provided a copy by your title company when you purchased. If not, they can be obtained online from the County Recorder's office. The... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for Arizona on
Q: I’m am a property owner, purchased in the last 6 months and hold deed. I have an individual residing on my property

I’m am a property owner, purchased in the last 6 months and hold deed. I have an individual residing on my property unlawful. I have no knowledge nor did I enter into any agreement with this individual to allow their occupancy of my property. Signs were posted and since removed. I’m inquiring... View More

Peter H. Westby
Peter H. Westby
answered on Feb 16, 2022

This can be complicated. The easiest way to remove this individual is to ask the police to remove him as a trespasser. If this is not successful, you may need to file an eviction action or, depending upon what documents this person has, a quiet title lawsuit may be needed. It is possible that... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Arizona on
Q: Can a mortgage servicer foreclose on my property because my ex refinanced after our divorce?

Divorced in 1991 the (false) quick claim deeds signed in 1996. Not by me.

Peter H. Westby
Peter H. Westby
answered on Feb 14, 2022

It is possible that a foreclosure could happen under the circumstances you mentioned. I recommend consulting a real estate attorney as soon as possible. Your lawyer will need to know all of the facts concerning this property before advising you as to your legal rights and best options. Since you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Arizona on
Q: My ex- is on title but not the mortgage, how can he cash me out using the equity, and put the mortgage in his name?

My ex-business partner/boyfriend pretty much bulldozed me into putting the title of my investment property into a joint LLC, which he later removed me from after not turning in the partnership agreement to AZCC, took the title further by putting it into a corporation, so now the loan is detached... View More

Peter H. Westby
Peter H. Westby
answered on Feb 3, 2022

I strongly recommend that you consult with a real estate attorney as soon as possible. This is not something that you should attempt to handle on your own in my opinion. From the facts you have disclosed it appears that your ex partner has already become the sole owner of this property. If this... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Civil Rights for Arizona on
Q: A friend of my dad's has been living in his house for more than 30 days. He passed recently and she won't move. Options?

My dad had agreed to let a friend of his stay with him short term. This turned into long term at around a year. She has been living rent free under my dads roof. About a month ago she became ill and was transported to a nursing facility where she remains presently. Around the same time my father... View More

Peter H. Westby
Peter H. Westby
answered on Jan 28, 2022

The first step is to contact a probate lawyer. The lawyer will determine if a probate is needed to administer your dad's estate. If so, he will assist you in obtaining the appointment of a personal representative. The personal representative will have the legal authority needed to evict... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Arizona on
Q: Should I have a real estate lawyer for every state i want to buy a property in?

I live out of state from the properties I want to buy.

Peter H. Westby
Peter H. Westby
answered on Dec 23, 2021

Yes, you should consult with a real estate attorney in each state that you plan to purchase property in. You need to be aware of state and local law and contract requirements unique to each state. I recommend having a local real estate attorney assist you with your purchases.

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Real Estate Law for Arizona on
Q: Can property management company be responsible for evictions with my llc being out of state?

My property would be held in an llc in the state its in and that llc held by another one in Wyoming.

Peter H. Westby
Peter H. Westby
answered on Dec 23, 2021

In Arizona your property manager can handle evictions of Arizona tenants. It is not required that the property owner be an Arizona resident.

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for Arizona on
Q: How do I form a llc for out of state investing so I have inside and outside protection?

I live in Arizona and want to buy property in iowa. I need to know what type of llc's to set up in each state for asset protection.

Peter H. Westby
Peter H. Westby
answered on Dec 23, 2021

I recommend that you speak with a real estate attorney in each state in which you plan to invest.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Contracts and Real Estate Law for Arizona on
Q: In Arizona can a leasing office give more than one renewal offer raising price each time. I did accept first offer.

The owner changed management companies if that matters.

Peter H. Westby
Peter H. Westby
answered on Dec 22, 2021

This can be done if handled properly by the landlord or his management company. Your documents should be reviewed by an attorney. They may consist of an offer that is binding upon your acceptance. Or they may contain language that provides the proposal is not binding upon the landlord until... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Arizona on
Q: A bond ordered, I am having problems getting it. Can I start process , pay debts, ext., before get bond? Not sure I can
Peter H. Westby
Peter H. Westby
answered on Oct 16, 2021

I recommend that you consult with a probate attorney before taking any action. Since you have been ordered to post a bond, your appointment to serve as personal representative will not be made until the bond is posted. Any action attempted prior to your court appointment is unwise and will be... View More

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