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Questions Answered by Randy Bryan Ligh
1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Litigation for Louisiana on
Q: How to file non-domestic restraining order in Louisiana?

I am seeking to file a non-domestic restraining order in Louisiana against my roommate's girlfriend due to incidents of physical assault and battery, as well as threats and verbal altercations. I am currently in the process of pressing charges and have filed a police report. How do I proceed... View More

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Feb 14, 2025

You might be able to find this online on the local Clerk of Court's website of the parish you reside. Or you can call the local bar association and see if they can provide the direct information. Anyway, you need to seek a protective order which is the same as one would seek in a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Civil Litigation for Louisiana on
Q: Concern about power of attorney and home donation.

I am concerned about a situation involving a power of attorney. My mother, who has dementia, signed a power of attorney document that she could not comprehend. Currently, my father holds power of attorney over her. My nephew, who has power of attorney over my father, was donated the family home... View More

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Feb 14, 2025

How should you approach it? I think you and the relatives on your side should immediately consult an attorney to discuss the specifics and determine options and the best way to proceed at this time. While you may decide against formal legal intervention, you at least should have a legal... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Contracts for Louisiana on
Q: Can father donate home if mother has dementia and unclear POA?

My father holds power of attorney for my mother, who is suffering from dementia. My parents jointly own their home in Louisiana. My mother may not have fully understood what she signed regarding the power of attorney. Can my father donate their home under these circumstances, both with or without a... View More

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Feb 14, 2025

Based on your post: (1) father can definitely donate his interest in the home; (2) as to the interest owned by your mother---if the power of attorney signed does not allow for this type donation/transaction, then then father cannot---you have to review the language of the power of attorney... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law and Arbitration / Mediation Law for Louisiana on
Q: I live in Louisiana, and need to file a petition to annul a judgement based on improper service.

I know I could have beaten them in court had I known. Can I file the motion myself, and is there a form online that I can use as a guide or a fillable PDF form I can download?

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Feb 12, 2025

To an extent, all depends on the amount in controversy (or the amount of the judgment), however, something so important as this one should really have an attorney handle this. In addition to the substance (the petition to annul), there's also the procedure and time deadlines out there in... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Louisiana on
Q: What are my options for a Divorce from a spouse who committed infidelity?
Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Feb 10, 2025

There are various ways to obtain a judgment of divorce in Louisiana---most will select the option of having lived separate and apart for the period of time which would allow you to get divorced---depending on one's situation, 180 days or 1 year. You can also obtain a divorce based on... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents for Louisiana on
Q: Is neighbor who backed out of his driveway and crashed into car parked across street liable for all damages?

Morning, Dec. 2024, Metairie, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana,

Car parked in front of resident’s home with passenger side tires abutting curb was struck by neighbor backing out of his double driveway across street. Crasher claims it is illegal to park across street from driveway, and wants... View More

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Feb 4, 2025

Liability/fault is based on a review of all of the factors surrounding the collision, but in this case, it sounds like 1 car was moving and the other car was stopped (parked) and unoccupied. If the driver of the moving vehicle acknowledges that he was aware of the parked vehicle before the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Louisiana on
Q: I have a attachment for failing to appear in court I live in another state and wasn't notified of the court date no rep
Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Jan 28, 2025

You need to get this handled---depending on which court/jurisdiction and the underlying reason you were to be in Court, you might be able to hire an attorney and/or simply pay a fine to resolve this. My recommendation is that you contact a criminal lawyer or a few in the area where the court is... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Louisiana on
Q: I have a attachment for failing to appear in court I live in another state and wasn't notified of the court date
Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Jan 28, 2025

You need to get this handled---depending on which court/jurisdiction and the underlying reason you were to be in Court, you might be able to hire an attorney and/or simply pay a fine to resolve this. My recommendation is that you contact a criminal lawyer or a few in the area where the court is... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Probate for Louisiana on
Q: Wife is living and the husband passed away, they acquired 5 houses together can she sale the houses without a succession

the husband had a previous marriage with one son, whom have passed away. They have 2 children to their union, and 1 child passed away they adopted one son and they have about 10 grandchildren.

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Dec 20, 2024

If the property is only in the name of the wife then she can sell the property without a succession. If the deceased ((his estate) is entitled to any portion of the sale proceeds then it would be settled up in a succssion. If the husband's name is on the property then a succession will have... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Louisiana on
Q: Am I at high risk for facing jail time as my consequence?

I am a 21 year old female, college student, I am a social work major and make straight A's while maintaining 7 classes as well as being Bipolar 1 and managing that. I also am in the national honor society of social workers. This is my first time being arrested, never had a criminal back... View More

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Nov 18, 2024

Everything depends on the facts and circumstances unique to one's own case, however, if you are a first time offender then there are many, many options available to you to greatly mitigate the charges----I highly recommend that you contact a criminal defense lawyer in your area --or a few of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Employment Law, Business Law and Mergers & Acquisitions for Louisiana on
Q: If a lawsuit filed in Texas declares money is owed to plaintif; how does plaintiff collect said money?
Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Oct 21, 2024

Depending on the amount of the judgment should determine whether or not you should consult and hire a lawyer to assist with the collection of the judgment. That said, if the defendant does not voluntarily pay the judgment then you need to collect on it by seizing his property, for example, a bank... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury and Animal / Dog Law for Louisiana on
Q: I'm the one who posted in West Monroe Louisiana about Pitt bull mauling.. Rental house but landlord admitted he knew

The Pitt was on chain in BK yard for years he broke chain and I pulled up . Is landlord responsible also

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Sep 27, 2024

The landlord may be responsible but more information is needed. My recommendation is that what you should do is contact a personal injury lawyer and set up a consult to discuss the specifics of your matter---most personal injury lawyers provide free consults so you should take us up on these... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury, Animal / Dog Law and Landlord - Tenant for Louisiana on
Q: Should I sue the landlord owner of property also

I have already told the whole story on line .. I'm elder . The landlord owner of property knew dog was there for years .. Is it lawful to sue both landlord and owner of dog . Both responsible

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Sep 27, 2024

Should you sue? My answer is that what you should do is contact a personal injury lawyer and set up a consult to discuss the specifics of your matter---most personal injury lawyers provide free consults so you should take us up on these opportunities----discuss whether or not to add the landlord... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Louisiana on
Q: If separate funds was used to purchase a home during marriage is it separate or community

Immediately upon getting married I sold my separate home, then took separate money and purchased a new home while married, my then wife did not and could not contribute she still owned a separate home. Upon sale of her home she moved into the new home i purchased. Is this still considered... View More

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Sep 18, 2024

Arguments can be made that it's separate property or that it's community property. I would suggest you sit down with a community property or family law attorney to specifically discuss this and determine a strategy for what you desire and if it's practical. For example, one needs... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Louisiana on
Q: Why is there a St Conf 11/15 and a Trial 1/27 underneath my name on the court docket?
Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Sep 4, 2024

Without looking at the docket to see all of what is written and in which court it is pending, it's really gonna be a guess. That said, the guess is that this particular matter involving you has future court dates already set, namely a status conference set on November 15 and if the matter is... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents for Georgia on
Q: If a car is parked on a residential street and pulls in front of me when I try to go around, is that improper passing?

The other driver jerked her car to the left as I was going by. This action created a minor collision in which there was a scrap on my cars side bumper. As soon as our cars touched the other driver screamed your fault and then pulled off. I pulled around the corner and tried to talk to the driver,... View More

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Sep 3, 2024

Determination of liability and fault is fact specific-----and a trier of fact will determine the facts and make a liiability ruling, if you get that far. Before getting there, others (you, the other driver, insurance company adjusters, lawyers, etc) will make liability determinations based on the... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Louisiana on
Q: Does a mother have the right to take our kid and move from LA to SC without the fathers consent if they're not married?

My daughter and mother live with me. We're not together anymore and she isn't paying rent. My daughter goes to school here and the mother wants to up and leave to SC where her mother lives. There's no abuse or negligence on my part, she wants to move over there because her mother is... View More

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Aug 29, 2024

If this is an issue and/or might become an issue, then the paperwork between you and the mother regarding custody of the child will be important. What does it say as to relocation? If there is non paperwork currently, then I would immediately contact a family law/custody lawyer in your area to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Animal / Dog Law and Landlord - Tenant for Louisiana on
Q: A Pitt bull mauled me at a rental house that knew tenent had a Pitt bull tied in backyard. No fence only change.

Ok I got a lawsuit on owner of property. They have a 300.000 policy. The owner of dog got evicted and has vanished. Louisiana st . Property owner knew about Pitt and did nothing. Tenant was there 4 years . Severe attack. Anyone else dog broke chain I fought him off of me. With lots of wounds. He... View More

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Aug 26, 2024

It sounds like you believe you have a lawsuit but you need to attorney----if so, please use the Justia Find a Lawyer tab and search for accident/injury lawyers in your area----most lawyers in this area of practice will provide a free first consult so I recommend that you set up meetings with as... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Louisiana on
Q: We heirs suspect the executor is charging too much for administering a very simple estate, but with large value.

My father's LW&T is being probated/Succession process in Natchitoches, Louisiana. The executor claims he may charge the 2.5% [of the estate's value of about $1 million] regardless of how much time spent administering a very simple estate. We heirs have requested he use a reasonable... View More

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Aug 20, 2024

You can file legal paperwork in the succession suit record seeking review of the executor's charge. That said, before you do so, I highly recommend that you consult with 1 or more succession lawyers on this issue and see what, if anything, they have to say after hearing the specifics of your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Louisiana on
Q: If equity from a sale is already deposited, can one party demand the other’s share?

Two unmarried parties buy a house together and split up. Both names are on the deed and all paperwork signed. They split up, but do not refinance to get one name removed. Three years later, the party living in the house starts the sale, completes it, and both sign off on papers saying that they... View More

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Aug 20, 2024

Y'all are co-owners of the property and if one of the co-owners paid monies for the benefit of the property such that the other co-owner owes 1/2 reimbursement then one can seek reimbursement for that amount. As for your question of whether or not one owner may demand the equity share because... View More

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