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Questions Answered by Douglas Lee Bryan
1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Louisiana on
Q: How do I know if a motion to reset a hearing conference was granted or when will the next hearing date be or far

Away from the date I filed for the motion will be the new date ?

Douglas Lee Bryan
Douglas Lee Bryan
answered on Jan 18, 2024

The judge will sign a written order either granting the motion to reset or denying it. If the motion is granted, the order will state the new date. If the hearing officer conference is drawing near and you haven't received the judge's order yet, I'd suggest calling the clerk's... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Adoption and Child Custody for Louisiana on
Q: Do you have to contact birth father if they weren't married to the birth mother and didn't go to court for rights?

My daughters birth father and I weren't married and didn't take me to court for rights to our daughter. Now my fiance and I are looking into adoption, the birth father hasn't made contact in over a year and hasn't seen the child in over a year. So I'm just wondering what do... View More

Douglas Lee Bryan
Douglas Lee Bryan
answered on Nov 19, 2023

The birth father may have to be placed on notice of the intent to adopt; however, his consent may not be required if he failed to communicate or attempt to communicate with the child without just cause for over 6 months. Your fiance would likely need to marry you, however, to be considered for an... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Louisiana on
Q: My husband inherited land in Acadia Parish (4th generation), which he left to his only child in his probated will.

I am the executor of my husband’s will. I am having difficulty getting the land transferred into the legal heirs name. I need advice on how to get this resolved. I have talked to the Acadia Parish Tax Office to no avail.

Douglas Lee Bryan
Douglas Lee Bryan
answered on Jul 5, 2023

If your husband had a will, it will need to be probated to have the land transferred. This can be done by way of a small succession affidavit, if his estate is valued at less than $125,000, or by filing a petition for probate with the court. An attorney experienced in successions law can give you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Louisiana on
Q: Can i move in with my father?

I am almost 17. My mother and my father have joint custody but I was never able to see my dad, along with my sisters and stepmom because of my mom. My dad lives in missouri i live in louisiana. If my dad came and got me and took me in to live with him would I be forced to go back home?

Douglas Lee Bryan
Douglas Lee Bryan
answered on Feb 15, 2023

You didn't say whether there's a judgment determining custody, but your statement that your parents have "joint custody" makes me assume that there is one. Your father would need to file a Rule to Modify Custody in the custody case asking the court to give him domiciliary... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support, Divorce, Family Law and Domestic Violence for Louisiana on
Q: How can I get a lawyer to takea case pro bono? Legal Services where I live says they don't have the resources

Child custody and divorce and there is domestic violence involved on my husband against me. He has a very good attorney and I can't afford one. He refuses to pay child support and I don't have a vehicle to get to a job so I'm struggling. Also, he is trying to get domestic charge... View More

Douglas Lee Bryan
Douglas Lee Bryan
answered on Feb 3, 2023

I'm sorry to hear of the problems you're having. You may be able to find assistance through this website: https://www.lsba.org/public/findlegalhelp/. I would also suggest contacting your local battered women's shelter and/or your parish's District Attorney's Office to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Louisiana on
Q: in louisiana is a notice of deposition a requirement by the courts to go and answer to the other parties attorney.

I do not want to answer to them, and my attorney is not deposing them, and telling me to go to this deposition. It feels to me I'm bringing the bullets to the gun owner. .. It is a custody case with many twist .

Douglas Lee Bryan
Douglas Lee Bryan
answered on Jan 19, 2023

If you were not subpoenaed to appear, then you cannot be punished for refusing to appear, assuming you are not a party to the lawsuit. You mention that your attorney is telling you to go, which makes me think you are a party, however. If that's the case and you fail to appear, then the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Support and Child Custody for Louisiana on
Q: Is it hard to prove that you child’s father has a business (second income) if he don’t file taxes for that business?

He have business cards and a Quickbook account he gives customers receipt from. I have a copy of the business receipt that was given to a customer for him replacing his AC unit.

Douglas Lee Bryan
Douglas Lee Bryan
answered on Dec 1, 2022

Any credible evidence can be used to prove income. It's important, however, to make sure that the evidence you have is admissible under the Louisiana Rules of Evidence. You should consult with an attorney familiar with custody and child support cases to make sure you have what you need.

2 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets and Car Accidents for Louisiana on
Q: I was involved in an accident, a trooper wrote up a ticket and gave me a court date. The other party has an attorney...

I was pulling out of my driveway and didnt see the car coming to my Left due to fog. I tied to gun it but they tried going into the left lane. We collided and totaled both vehicles. No one was injured. About 5 officers were on the scene but supposedly a trooper needed to be there as well. He wrote... View More

Douglas Lee Bryan
Douglas Lee Bryan
answered on Oct 30, 2022

Contact your insurance agent or your insurance company (your insurance ID card or policy has a number to report accidents) and let them know about your accident, if you haven't done so already. Make sure you get the claim number. Let them know of the attorney's name and information if... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Louisiana on
Q: How would my husband and I take over a conservatorship of his mother with early dementia who is being neglected?

Her daughter has become addicted to drugs and is not caring for her. She did not inform him of the conservatorship when she did it. Now we have to make medical decisions and can not.

Douglas Lee Bryan
Douglas Lee Bryan
answered on Oct 20, 2022

In Louisiana, a conservatorship is called an interdiction. When an interdiction is granted, the court appoints a curator (or curatrix if female) and an undercurator. Usually, the undercurator would file something informing the court that the curator is no longer capable of serving; however, any... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce for Louisiana on
Q: In Louisiana divorce, does living in a separate structure on the same property constitute "living separately and apart"?

To make it possible to divorce, can either myself or my spouse live in a separate structure on the same property, or are we required to maintain separate physical addresses?

Douglas Lee Bryan
Douglas Lee Bryan
answered on Oct 21, 2023

Yes, living under a different roof on the same property can constitute living separate and apart.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Louisiana on
Q: A man signed an acknowledgement of paternity in order to help the mother, by allowing the infant to get his SSI

He is now deceased. Can this be revoked since he is not the actual biological father?

Douglas Lee Bryan
Douglas Lee Bryan
answered on Aug 7, 2023

It is possible to do. I have actually been successful in getting this one in a situation where the mother passed away.

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption for Louisiana on
Q: I am wanting to know what forms I need to do an adult adoption with my 27 year old daughter.
Douglas Lee Bryan
Douglas Lee Bryan
answered on Jun 29, 2023

Adult adoptions are usually inexpensive and can be done quickly. An attorney who handles adoptions can explain the process and cost.

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Louisiana on
Q: Do i inherit my fatrhers separate property ?
Douglas Lee Bryan
Douglas Lee Bryan
answered on Jun 21, 2023

Assuming your father did not have a will, his children would inherit 100% interest in his separate property.

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Family Law for Louisiana on
Q: I supposedly inherited 1.7 million from a distant relative. It's in the UK and there is a lot to go thru. I need to know

Scam or worth hiring an attorney

Douglas Lee Bryan
Douglas Lee Bryan
answered on May 10, 2023

Save your money friend. It's likely a scam, especially if you were contacted via email. Ask yourself why a distant relative would leave so much money to someone he/she hasn't met, and how they managed to find your email address.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Louisiana on
Q: Is it still illegal to sell puppies in city limits on private business property with their permission?

I sit by parking lot curb at local tractor supply, facing the highway, and many people tell me it's illegal but non can tell me the law about it.

Douglas Lee Bryan
Douglas Lee Bryan
answered on Apr 19, 2023

Every town/city may have different laws regarding this. I would recommend contacting the local police to see if there are any licensing requirements or limitations you should know about.

2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents and Personal Injury for Louisiana on
Q: i was on a train that crashed into a cement truck. can i sue ?

Cemex cement truck

Douglas Lee Bryan
Douglas Lee Bryan
answered on Feb 21, 2023

It appears your accident happened in California, according to news reports I've found. If so, you would need to speak with an attorney licensed in California. This question board is for Louisiana.

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Louisiana on
Q: My father passed and my stepmom neglected to tell me and my other sister for weeks. He didn’t have a will

My stepmom has never liked me and my older sister. We’re both over 18. My dad passed on December 1st of 2022. We didn’t find out about it until December 14th from a distant friend of the family. She never told us. We found out later from our two little sisters that still lived in the house that... View More

Douglas Lee Bryan
Douglas Lee Bryan
answered on Jan 27, 2023

Yes, you should contact an attorney immediately who handles successions law to discuss your options. You can ask for a protective order to protect your interest in his estate.

1 Answer | Asked in Medical Malpractice for Louisiana on
Q: Medical malpractice: While in the Care of Tioga Community Care ( terrible reputation ) rehab for a fall in my driveway!

While in the Care of Tioga Community Care ( terrible reputation ) rehab for a fall in my driveway resulting in a concussion and a stay in Rapides Hospital after which I was sent to Tioga where I vaguely recall, arguing with nurse Shannon. It seems I fell in my room ending with an Ambulance ride to... View More

Douglas Lee Bryan
Douglas Lee Bryan
answered on Jan 27, 2023

Nursing home negligence falls within the Medical Malpractice Act in Louisiana. You should contact an attorney directly who handles medical malpractice matters. Good luck.

1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents for Louisiana on
Q: Does Louisiana’s no pay no play law exclusion for legally parked cars apply if the driver is not in the car.

I had insurance on 2 of my vehicles, I’m not sure why the 3rd wasn’t on there. I was in the hospital having surgery and someone backed out of the parking space next to my car swiping the back corner, my taillight and scratched my bumper.

Douglas Lee Bryan
Douglas Lee Bryan
answered on Jan 6, 2023

No, if your vehicle was legally parked at the time of the accident, Louisiana's “No Pay, No Play” law does not apply even though you were not carrying insurance.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Family Law and Juvenile Law for Louisiana on
Q: I lived temporarily in New Orleans for 4 months with my minor child and her home state is NY, can I get case transferee?

I was served by her father who is a New Orleans domicile seeking joint custody and to establish paternity also he is not on the birth certificate. I moved my daughter her temporarily (4 months) and her home state is in New York (10 months). Can I have the case transferred or dismissed even though... View More

Douglas Lee Bryan
Douglas Lee Bryan
answered on Oct 10, 2022

You really need to speak with a Louisiana attorney who handles custody matters. There's a lot of additional information the lawyer would need to know to answer the question, such as where the child was born and when the petition was filed.

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