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Questions Answered by Randy Bryan Ligh
1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Divorce for Louisiana on
Q: Does a finalized divorce void the communal property law in Louisiana?
Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Jul 17, 2024

No. Once the community property is terminated, income and debt you earn/obtain is solely yours moving forward but the already existing community property is still that. If your community property is terminated, then the community property between spouses remain just that, except that you are now... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury and Civil Litigation for Louisiana on
Q: I am being sued and need to file an answer. Can I hire an attorney to only do this? I live in Alexandria,LA
Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Jul 9, 2024

You can----whatever you do, please know that if once you have been served then you have a short period of time in which to respond to the lawsuit so make sure you are counting your days. Use the Justia Find a Lawyer tab and search for a lawyer in the subject matter of the lawsuit to assist you.... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Louisiana on
Q: can you have established residency at two homes at once?

My ex boyfriends name is the only name on the lease for the rental home i currently live in. he moved out in march, but left the majority of his belongings. he is now living in a different home that has his name on the lease as well. does he still have residency rights here? he will not return his... View More

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Jul 9, 2024

You indicate that the lease is between your ex and the landlord. You need to speak to the landlord about whether or not he is willing to terminate that lease and have you sign a lease. If so, your ex will not have any legal right to return to the property without an invitation. As for his... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Louisiana on
Q: I have tickets in Scott la why are the charges not according to the code ordinance?
Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Jul 8, 2024

Many reasons. A lot of times it dependings on the authority issuing you tickets--Scott police or State police. For example, state highways go through the town of Scott and sometimes Louisiana state police issue tickets on state highways inside the town of Scott----I would this law enforcement... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Real Estate Law for Louisiana on
Q: Can HOA change resolutions without notifying neighborhood members?
Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Jul 8, 2024

My best guess: Resolutions? Probably. Restrictions/covenants? No. The answer is in your HOA's governing documents---please review them or consult with a lawyer for the purpose of have them reviewed to obtain an answer to your question(s). I know you are saying resolutions but resolutions... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Louisiana on
Q: Need to file new judgement of possession on great grandparents trust due to the trustee listed is passed away ??

None of the income benifercaries ever received any of the properties and bank accounts and 219 shares of stocks in ouachita national bank. All accounts are cod accounts and are still open never managed trust correctly. Now there is no body managing trusts can I file new jop naming new trustee and... View More

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

I do not know how much money and/or the value you are discussing but there seems to be some worth here--as such I strongly discourage you proceeding without an attorney--------my advise is that you use the Justia Find a Lawyer at the top and search for a lawyer in the area you are located and the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts for Louisiana on
Q: Do I get a lawyer in the state a contract is signed or state of residence?

I resided in Virginia and moved to Louisiana. The other contract signer resides in Alabama and never has moved. The contract was signed in Virginia. I may be in need of a lawyer for a breach in contract. Which state do I need to seek a lawyer?

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Jun 17, 2024

More information, as well as a review of the contract document itself, is needed. Two pieces of information would be (1) does the contract document identify a jurisdiction if litigation is instituted and (2) what is being transacted---i.e, is there enough happening in Louisiana such that you could... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents for Michigan on
Q: Does the value of a car before an accident matter in a mini tort lawsuit?

I am at fault, and did not have limited liability coverage. The driver I rear ended does not carry collision. He is suing me for the $3000 tort claim. His repairs are over $6000 but the car is only worth $1000 to $2000. Does this factor in at all?

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Jun 13, 2024

Based on your post, the value of the vehicle does not make difference as to the amount of your potential personal liability for his property damage. But you will have to prove that the fair market value of the claimant's vehicle at the time of the accident is such that this should be a total... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Family Law for Louisiana on
Q: Hi. I have a question regarding my MIL being power of attorney over our bank account/ other of my husbands finances?

When me & my husband got married, we got a joint bank account and my mother in law asked to be power of attorney. Not knowing what it all meant I said yes. I am still learning what it all means as of now being that a friend informed me when I bought up the subject, so I was told to ask... View More

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Jun 5, 2024

You have concerns and rightfully so----however, your post is unclear in that you state that your mon asked to be power of attorney and we do not know who has given her power of attorney and to what extent she was given power of attorney. I believe you really should sit down with an attorney to... View More

5 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury and Car Accidents for New York on
Q: t-boned in a car accident ~6 months ago. served with papers last week to go to court. I'm looking for a lawyer.

my car was t-boned about 6 months ago and last week I was served with papers "summons and complaint" the paper states CPLR 1602

The person driving the other car lied to LEO and stated the backseat passenger was driving.

The younger driver was speeding and hit my car after... View More

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on May 30, 2024

Following up on attorney Selik's answer, why do you want an attorney? If it is to defend yourself against allegations that you are at fault and/or responsible, then let your automobile insurer know of the lawsuit----most likely part of what the insurance agreement provides is that if you are... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Louisiana on
Q: How can I obtain a divorce when I don’t know where my husband is and we have been apart for over 30 years?

I have his last known address from 12 years ago.

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on May 28, 2024

If you do not know the whereabouts of your spouse, you can still obtain a divorce but it is more expensive as you have to ask the court to appoint a curator (which would be an attorney) to make reasonable efforts to locate your spouse---it is more expensive because you are responsible to pay the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Foreclosure for Louisiana on
Q: How do I find out where the proceeds from my auctioned off home went?

My home sold for 125,000. at a sheriff's sale on Jan 10th as of Dec 31st my principal balance was 75,000. Bank of America says they only owe me 897.00 How is this possible?

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on May 28, 2024

it is entirely possible----in addition to the principal amount, there's also attorney's fees, costs, interests, the seller's (sheriff's charges), advertising, and others charges/fees so it can get quite expensive. You can contact the Sheriff's office and they should be able... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Foreclosure and Banking for Louisiana on
Q: How can I find out where the proceeds from my house sheriff's sale went?

Principal balance on my house was 75,000. on Dec. 31st it was sold at a sheriff auction on Jan.10th for 125,000. but the bank says there is only 897.00 left after the foreclosure cost. Are foreclosure auction sales that expensive?

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on May 28, 2024

In addition to the principal, there's also attorney's fees, costs, interests, the seller's (sheriff's charges), and others charges/fees so yes, it is quite possible it was that expensive. You can contact the Sheriff's office and they should be able to provide you an itemization.

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Probate for Louisiana on
Q: A widow whose husband had credit card debt is moving to Missouri from Louisiana is she still responsible for his debt

She is not on any accounts, only he signed

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on May 28, 2024

You should consult with a probate/succession attorney to discuss your rights,obligations and the best way to move forward. Presumably the credit card charges occurred before death and no probate or succession has occurred. I do not know the value of the husband's estate so a meeting with a... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in DUI / DWI and Car Accidents for New Hampshire on
Q: Does a DUI case have the right to a speedy trial?

I got arrested for a DUI August 5, 2023 and my trial date has now been pushed back for the third time to June 4, 2024

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

Yes, you are entitled to a speedy trial. That said, why are you asking questions on this forum---instead, you should discuss this with your lawyer and if you do not have a lawyer at this point in time, then you need to get an attorney to represent you, as well as to protect your right to a speedy... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Louisiana on
Q: I am being charged for cruelty to juveniles, do I need a lawyer to represent me? Can I have the charges dropped?

Can I have my charge reduced?

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

If you are charged with a crime in Louisiana, then you should have a lawyer represent you. While the State (prosecution) has the burden of proof, you need a lawyer to represent you to make sure your rights are protected and to make sure that the State (prosecuton) does not attempt to take... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents and Personal Injury for Louisiana on
Q: My 12 year old son was in a motocycle accident two years ago as the passenger. The Ins was to settle for bodly injury.

They keep using the term minor compromise for Louisiana, What is this and how do I figure this out. The Ins company also ntoed they would hire an attorney free to handle to case and present it to the judge, but thye will not allow me to talk to the laywer until we settle onan amount. It this... View More

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Apr 5, 2024

More information is needed here but if whoever is handling this claim on behalf of your son (since your son is legally not a party since he's a minor) is not a lawyer and/or does not have a lawyer, I strongly recommend that you contact an accident/injury lawyer to discuss options and to get a... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Louisiana on
Q: My Grandparents left a will with the house in Monroe La. to their 2 sons, also on the will is my cousin and myself

before my dad passed (my uncle died 1st) he hired a lawyer and paid to have the house put in his name because he wanted to sell the property. my dad passed and the will has my cousin (my uncles oldest and me, my dads oldest) left on the will, I spoke to the lawyer about my dads passing and he said... View More

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Apr 2, 2024

Sounds like you need to have a longer conversation with the lawyer to get a clearer understanding of what's the holdup here. If yoou are unable to have that conversation with the lawyer, then you may want to consult with a different lawyer in the area. Alternatively, if you have a personal... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Louisiana on
Q: Hi! My question is if a child have been living with father for 4yrs can he file for complete custody?

The child is 14yrs old and the mother does not provide anything for the child. The child do visit mother. The mother did loose custody of her oldest child and at one time did not have a permanent address. The father provides shelter, food, clothing and transportation for the child. The mother have... View More

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Apr 2, 2024

What do you mean by "complete custody"---also, what does the current custody order provide---what are the terms? If the child is 14 years old, I think the appropraite thing for you to do is to seek a consult with a family lawyer in your area to discuss the specifics of your current... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Louisiana on
Q: To finalize my divorce, do I have to file a motion for judgment of divorce or just the judgment of divorce?
Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Mar 28, 2024

Courts in Louisiana are not 100% uniform in how they will grant a divorce, especially if you are not represented. My advice is to call the local bar association and see if they can provide any assistance to you, or if they can recommend an attorney who will meet/consult with you at a reduced rate... View More

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