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Questions Answered by Randy Bryan Ligh
3 Answers | Asked in Collections and Civil Litigation for Louisiana on
Q: Can I file an answer to a debt collection petition without an attorney in Louisiana?

I have received a citation regarding a debt collection case on July 1, 2025, with a 10-day deadline. This is my first time handling a legal matter without an attorney, and I am wondering if I can file my answer and any exceptions through the civil court on my own. What steps should I take to do... View More

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Jul 8, 2025

Yes, you can-----representing yourself does not change the fact that you are subject to the law and procedure of a Court--including the 10 day deadline--- however you can represent yourself. I suggest that you contact the Clerk of the Court this matter was filed in and ask if they have a help desk... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Louisiana on
Q: How can I locate and access trust funds without specified location?

I have a judge's order to have my funds released from a trust now that I'm no longer a minor, but the order doesn't specify where the funds are held, nor do the court documents. I've contacted the court, but they were unable to provide any information about the location of the... View More

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Jul 8, 2025

You probably should start with your father and see if he can/will provide this information. If he is unable/unwilling to voluntarily do so then I suggest you seek a legal consultation with an attorney in your area to discuss how to proceed which could include filing paperwork to bring your father... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Real Estate Law for Louisiana on
Q: How can I avoid forced move out by July 31 in Louisiana?

I am facing an issue with my landlord, who is attempting to force me to move out. My original lease was a one-year agreement set to end on August 1st. Last month, I paid my rent on the 5th, which was within the lease's terms. Despite this, my landlord took me to court, but agreed to let me... View More

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Jul 1, 2025

More information is needed here and as such I suggest you contact a lawyer in your area to discuss the specifics of your situation. If you lease is 1 year which 1 year ends on August 1 and your landlord wants you out on July 31, I suspect something can be worked out if you are willing to leave on... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Probate and Real Estate Law for Louisiana on
Q: Can siblings legally transfer inherited property without succession in Louisiana?

I have been living in my parents' house in Louisiana for about 8 years and have been paying the property taxes during this time. Both parents are deceased, and there is no will. There are 5 living siblings and 1 deceased sibling. We all agreed to sign the house and property over to me. Are we... View More

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Jul 1, 2025

Maybe---Louisiana has what I call a succession by affidavit process where if there is no will and the value of the deceased's estate is $125,000 or less, then you might be able to avoid probate or a succession through the court. There are various criteria and steps you need to follow to... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Probate and Real Estate Law for Louisiana on
Q: What is needed to sell property after probate judgment in Louisiana?

I received a judgment of recognition and possession through probate court for a vacant property. I've completed all steps in the probate process, and there are no liens or obligations on the property. I've already identified a buyer. What do I need to do to proceed with the sale of the property?

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Jun 23, 2025

Not sure what exactly you are asking but In order to transfer property in Louisiana you have to have an authentic act signed by seller and buyer in front of a notary and 2 witnesses. And for it to be valid as to third parties, the executed authentic ast needs to be recorded in the public records... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets and Criminal Law for Louisiana on
Q: What are the consequences for speeding 115 in a 70 mph zone in LA?

I was recently clocked driving 115 mph in a 70 mph zone on Highway I-10. I'm 36 years old and have one previous ticket for speeding at 70 mph in a 60 mph zone, which I paid without further incident. During the recent stop, the officer was friendly and noted that I wasn’t driving recklessly,... View More

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Jun 18, 2025

If you were not issued a ticket, then most likely none. If you were issued a ticket, then it depends on what infraction you are cited, however, assuming yoour probable exposure includes some (but not likely all) of the following: traffic school, fine, and court costs. Unless you have omitted... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Louisiana on
Q: Missed first court date, possible warrant issued—next steps?

I missed my first court date for a criminal case, and I believe a warrant has been issued. What steps should I take to address this situation?

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Jun 16, 2025

Depending on the underlying charge and your history (or non-history) with missing court and the reason why you missed court, most likely you simply face a fine. That said, you need to answer the warrant to get it recalled---if not you are subject to being picked up whether from a traffic stop and... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Probate and Civil Litigation for Louisiana on
Q: Legal steps for estate management without will, children, or living spouse in Louisiana?

As one of my sister's siblings, I did not participate in any decisions regarding her estate after her passing. She had no will, children, or living husband, but one sibling took control and withdrew the money from her bank account, sold her furniture and car, and is now renting out her house... View More

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

You should consult with a succession/probate attorney to discuss options and how to best proceed at this time. Some background will need to be done to see if a succession (via lawsuit, affidavit or otherwise) has been started/prepared. I will say one thing---that if the house is in your... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Child Custody, Public Benefits and Family Law for Louisiana on
Q: Seeking free or low-cost lawyer for divorce and child custody case in Louisiana.

I have a divorce and child custody case with a court date on June 16, and I'm seeking assistance in finding a free or low-cost lawyer. I receive financial support through SNAP, which affects my ability to afford an attorney. What options are available for me to find legal representation?

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Jun 9, 2025

Other than it being in Louisiana, you do not mention where----my suggestion is sort of the same but there are 3 telephone calls you should make---(1) the organziation which provides legal aid in the parish where this case is located; (2) the local bar association located in the parish where this... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Contracts for Louisiana on
Q: How to address discrepancies with a POA managing a property sale in Louisiana?

I am involved in the sale of undeveloped land in Zachary, Louisiana, which is to be divided among my six siblings and me. We have given a Power of Attorney (POA) to someone to sell the property and manage the finances. However, the financial calculations presented by the POA don't seem... View More

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on May 20, 2025

More information is needed here ---for example, is the POA actually a POA, and if so, did all 6 siblings give the agent the POA --I ask because if this is a simple POA, then the principal can simply revoke the POA. Or is the POA actually your agent under a contact to provide services----if there... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Elder Law, Military Law, Nursing Home Abuse, Estate Planning and Personal Injury for Louisiana on
Q: How to remove POA refusing memory care for elderly veteran with dementia?

I need to remove the medical power of attorney from my elderly veteran family member's wife. The patient, who suffers from dementia, is currently in a nursing facility that can't provide needed memory care treatments, which are covered by the VA. The wife holds the power of attorney and... View More

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on May 9, 2025

If the principal (patient) is considered competent, or has periods where he is lucid, then he can sign a document revoking that power of attorney. Or, assuming he's competent, he can sign another (additional) powers of attorney providing him additional agents/persons to act as his power of... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Foreclosure, Civil Litigation, Contracts and Real Estate Law for Louisiana on
Q: How can I regain my property after a foreclosure and pending court actions?

How can I regain my property after a foreclosure occurred on January 8, 2025, and the sheriff's sale was recorded on February 6, 2025? I filed a motion to rescind the foreclosure sale, a motion to stay/quash the writ of possession, and a claim for damages due to breach of contract as well as a... View More

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Apr 15, 2025

There is not enough information to provide a specific answer, however, if you file the suit with an attorney representing you then I recommend that you speak to your attorney and discuss these concerns. If you file the suit without a lawyer representing you, then I congratulate you on the progress... View More

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4 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, Criminal Law, Consumer Law and Personal Injury for Louisiana on
Q: Could I go to jail for a car accident without insurance in Louisiana?

I was a passenger in my own vehicle when another person who was driving caused an accident. I don't have insurance, but the police allowed me to leave the scene without citing or charging me. No one was hurt, except for a woman who went to the hospital as a precaution. Both vehicles involved... View More

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Mar 25, 2025

Based on your post, I doubt you would go to jail and/or be threatened with jail. As for legal trouble, there is the possibility of traffic citations being issued to you although generally they are issued at the scene. Another possibility is a civil claim being made against you depending on the... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Probate and Estate Planning for Louisiana on
Q: How to transfer vehicle title after mother's death in Louisiana?

My mother recently passed away without leaving a will. Her husband of 30 years has been driving her vehicle, which is solely in her name. How can he transfer the title to his name? My mother was also survived by her three children, of whom he is not the father, and no probate proceedings have been... View More

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Mar 25, 2025

My recommendation is that her husband go to a local Office of Motor Vehicles and ask what is needed. The general rule is as attorney Tournet stated----transfer via succession/probate proceeding. That said, I believe the State and Office of Motor Vehicles has a procedure for transfer without a... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Probate and Civil Litigation for Louisiana on
Q: Can I sue my brother, the estate executor, to sell our mother's house?

I want to sue my brother, who is the executor of our mother's estate, to sell our mother's vacant house. Myself and my other two siblings agree to the sale, but our fourth sibling, who lived in the house, is now using estate funds to pay for utilities and expenses that will be divided... View More

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Mar 24, 2025

I recommend that you (and the siblings in agreement with you) consult with a probate attorney or 2 of your choice to discuss your concerns and desires as to this situation-----after said consult, y'all can then decide the best way to proceed----whether it is to have your brother pay your fair... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Contracts for Louisiana on
Q: Is a video of a money agreement binding in Louisiana?

I have a video recording of someone agreeing to give me money. In the video, the terms of the agreement were clear, and the person acknowledged accepting the transaction. Is this video sufficient to be considered legally binding in Louisiana?

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Mar 24, 2025

More information is needed but I do not think the video, by itself, is enough. It is not self-proving and is hearsay (out of court statement intended for the truth of the matter). As such, at a minimum, context and testimony sufficient to show that the video is authentic and reliable would be... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support and Family Law for Louisiana on
Q: How can I establish visitation rights to see my children despite my ex preventing access?

I have been paying child support, but my ex has continuously prevented me from seeing my children since 2016. There is no formal custody or visitation order in place, although I have raised this issue during child support hearings and was advised to seek a pro bono family law lawyer. Despite... View More

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Mar 20, 2025

You need to file something with the Court asking the Court to set periods of visitation so that your vistiation rights become an order of the Court. If yoou are unable to hire an attorney, then contact the local bar association and see if they have a pro bono program, or if they can provide you... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning for Louisiana on
Q: What does Et Ux by Donation Inter Vivos and Grant First Right of Refusal mean

My husband passed away and a piece of land in his succession has this statement on this piece of property. I am his survivor and inherit his estate do I get this piece of land

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Mar 19, 2025

More information is needed here and specifically, perhaps a review of the document itself because unless someone reviews it, one is really just guessing as to what is actually intended. It may be the donation is to husband and wife but that's simply an uneducated guess if one does not have... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody for Louisiana on
Q: Can a mother force a child to stay overnight against her wishes?

I have visitation with my 9-year-old daughter from 10 am on Saturday to 4 pm on Sunday. She prefers to be at home at night rather than staying over, but her mother insists she must stay. I've tried talking to the mother about our daughter's preferences, but she hasn't agreed to a... View More

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Mar 18, 2025

I assume your custodial arrangement is in writing in the form of a stipulation or judgment which has most likely been signed by a Judge---assuming that is correct, then unless (until) it is changed, that is the rule/law of your case and is to be followed unless the parties agree not to do so. If... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Collections and Contracts for Louisiana on
Q: How can I recover a $5,000 loan from a borrower who hasn't repaid?

I loaned someone $5,000, which is less than what they actually owe me. I have text messages from the borrower confirming they will repay me. They've indicated they will pay me back this week. However, I had to send $150 for the transfer, and I still haven’t received the repayment. Could you... View More

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Mar 18, 2025

Short version is that in general, if you believe someone owes you money and the borrower does not voluntary re-pay, then you will have to sue him in civil court. Now, the specifics and terms of the transaction will determine the strenght of your case---I highly recommend that you contact a... View More

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