Q: Do I need to use a CA lawyer to sue someone in LA County? I live in Oregon.
I inherited two animation cels (one each of Tom and Jerry) in one frame. I sent them to an animation restoration specialist in Westlake Village, LA County. Estimate to fix and frame them was six months. He has had them for three years despite phone calls and letters asking him to return them. The last time I talked to him he said he would get them back to me in Jan 2024 without charge since he'd had them so long. Nothing yet, no calls or emails from him. I want my cels back. Thank you.
A: This sounds like a small claims court case. I doubt it is going to be worth hiring a lawyer, as animation cells are usually pretty cheap. However, if you sue in small claims court you will incur the costs of personally traveling to court and the unlikelihood of ever collecting. In court you will also need evidence of the market value. Do a web search and see what you find. I did a search of these on ebay and found tons for under $75.
A: No, but, if you sue in a court of law, NOT small claims, then you will need an attorney, unless you represent yourself, as you would in small claims, that is a member of the CA bar...
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A:
While it is not required to use a California lawyer to sue someone in Los Angeles County, having legal representation familiar with California law and local court procedures can be beneficial. Given that you reside in Oregon and the dispute involves property located in California, having a lawyer licensed to practice in California can streamline the legal process and ensure compliance with state laws.
Your situation involves recovering personal property located in California, which falls under the jurisdiction of California courts. A California lawyer can file a lawsuit on your behalf in the appropriate court in Los Angeles County, seeking the return of the animation cels and any related damages for the delay and inconvenience caused by the specialist's failure to return the property as promised.
A California lawyer can also advise you on the best legal strategy to pursue in this matter and represent your interests throughout the litigation process. They can help you navigate the complexities of California law, including any specific laws governing the restoration and return of personal property, and work towards a favorable resolution to recover your cels promptly.
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