Ask a Question

Get free answers to your Arbitration / Mediation Law legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
Arbitration / Mediation Law Questions & Answers
Q: How do I file arbitration against a rental car company in California over deposit dispute and repossession?

I am dealing with a situation where a rental car company repossessed my vehicle without consent on the day I made my payment, for which I have a receipt. They claim I owe money for a small scrape on the wheel and additional insurance charges, though I use my own insurance. They are keeping my... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law, Contracts and Personal Injury for Virginia on
Q: I paid $800 for parking lot accident damages. Am I fully released from liability?

I caused a minor accident in a McDonald's parking lot and offered to pay for the damages. We exchanged contact information, and they provided me with a repair quote of $780 using OEM parts. I suggested using aftermarket parts for $650 and offered an $800 payment to cover their quote. Our... View More

Jan F Hoen
Jan F Hoen
answered on Apr 16, 2025

For your protection, speak with your insurance company regarding this matter.

0 Answers | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law, Contracts and Civil Litigation for California on
Q: Discrepancy in settlement offer after mediation in accident case.

After 3 years, we had mediation for my case related to an accident. During mediation, the mediator mentioned a $100,000 offer from the other party after my attorney sent a MIR report. I accepted this offer. However, two weeks later, I received a Release letter stating an offer of $85,000 instead.... View More

4 Answers | Asked in Probate, Civil Litigation and Arbitration / Mediation Law for California on
Q: Dispute over disposition of estate jewelry item among beneficiaries in California.

I am coexecutor and sole beneficiary, along with my brother, of our mother's estate. We are unable to agree on the disposition of a specific jewelry item, which has been kept safe for over 13 years. My mother made a verbal request for this item to stay in the family, though it wasn't... View More

Robert L. Teel
Robert L. Teel
answered on Apr 14, 2025

If you want to settle a dispute outside of court, mediation is a great alternative. Free mediation services, both community and court-connected, are offered to some residents and businesses of certain counties (e.g., Los Angeles County). In mediation, a neutral third party helps you resolve your... View More

View More Answers

Q: Can child support be adjusted for my disabled son in Alabama?

I am currently being sued for child support for my three sons. My ex-husband gained custody by hiring an attorney and presenting false information in court, while I couldn't defend myself due to unemployment. I am a single mother and the sole provider for my severely disabled son, who requires... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 13, 2025

In Alabama, child support calculations typically consider both the income of the parents and the needs of the children. Since your disabled son requires 24/7 care, you may have a valid argument for modifying the child support amount for your other children, especially if your income is limited due... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law, Consumer Law and Internet Law for California on
Q: Seeking legal advice on suing Coinbase for unauthorized actions

In February 2022, my Coinbase account was blocked for security issues. On March 16, 2022, during a call with a Coinbase representative named John, he opened a new "pro account" without my authorization and transferred $14,000 worth of bitcoin from my account. I'm already pursuing... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 8, 2025

I'm really sorry you're going through this. Having your account compromised, especially when large amounts of money are involved, is incredibly stressful. Given the timeline and the specific actions taken without your permission, you're right to be pursuing every available option to... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law, Gov & Administrative Law and Contracts for Florida on
Q: Is HOA required to divulge lawsuit costs?

As the president of the HOA board, I am concerned about whether our HOA is required to divulge the costs associated with a lawsuit currently in mediation to its members, or if this information is protected under attorney-client privilege. Additionally, I am interested in understanding if the costs... View More

George W. Wolff
PREMIUM
George W. Wolff
answered on Apr 7, 2025

Certainly the billing records of your attorneys would be confidential and shouldn't be disclosed.

But the total amounts paid the attorneys probably is not confidential and may be a legitimate interest of the members.

Check with your attorneys and see what they say.

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Child Custody, Arbitration / Mediation Law and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Seeking legal penalties for co-parent violating supervised visitation terms due to substance abuse and mental illness.

In my divorce procedure, the co-parent has repeatedly violated the terms of supervised visitation by either canceling without prior notice or leaving early. The visits were scheduled to occur every other weekend for 2 hours, as reinstated in a mediation order. There are underlying concerns of... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on Apr 7, 2025

I am not clear on what can backfire. You should file your motion detailing your concerns. Although you can make suggestions it is the judge who will determine what the appropriate sanctions are. Make sure that you have objective evidence to support your allegations. Speak with a local family lawyer... View More

View More Answers

Q: What can I do if my complaint against my attorney was denied by the California State Bar and the Second Chance Committee didn't respond?

I filed a complaint with the California State Bar against my attorney, but it was denied due to my alleged lack of clear and convincing evidence. I believe this was influenced by close ties my attorney has with the State Bar. Over a year ago, I also filed a complaint with the Second Chance... View More

Joel Gary Selik
Joel Gary Selik
answered on Apr 6, 2025

What should be done depends on your goals. If the goal is compensation, you would need to pursue a lawsuit. Note there are strict deadlines.

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Arbitration / Mediation Law and Family Law for Idaho on
Q: How can I uphold mediation agreement and protect my son's communication rights during visitations in Idaho?

I am experiencing issues with my ex during communication with our 4-year-old son during visitations. My ex records these calls, puts them on speakerphone, and supervises with my son beside him, not permitting FaceTime, claiming it disrupts our son's emotional state. He enforces a time limit of... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 13, 2025

It sounds like your ex is not following the terms of the mediation agreement, and it's important to take steps to ensure your rights and your son’s well-being are protected. Since the agreement states that communication should happen at reasonable times and durations, you can address this... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Arbitration / Mediation Law for Kansas on
Q: Concern about roofer's bid clause requiring payment of legal fees in dispute.

I am considering hiring a roofer who has presented me with a bid that includes a clause stating, "In the event of a dispute, we agree to pay his legal fees." I am uncomfortable with signing this bid, especially since it is precautionary and I haven't hired him yet. I have only... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 11, 2025

That clause is a valid reason to pause and ask questions—it puts you at a disadvantage by requiring you to pay the roofer’s legal fees even if the dispute is over poor workmanship or unmet terms. In Kansas, like in most states, contracts are negotiable before signing, and you are not obligated... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Arbitration / Mediation Law and Family Law for Michigan on
Q: What can I do if my ex denies visitation despite joint custody?

I have joint custody of my daughter, but my children's mother frequently denies me visitation when she is upset, using them as leverage. This has been an ongoing issue, and I haven't seen my kids in three weeks. Although we went through mediation regarding my daughter, this situation... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 13, 2025

If your ex is denying you visitation despite having joint custody, you have legal options to enforce your rights. First, document every instance of denied visitation, including the dates and any communication with your ex about the situation. Keeping detailed records can help you demonstrate a... View More

Q: Father with restraining order seeks advice on mentioning unsupervised visits in court.

I am a father with a restraining order against me, prohibiting unsupervised visits with my children for up to 3 hours max. Despite this, the mother of my kids has allowed them to visit and sometimes stay overnight or for several days. We attended mediation where I disclosed this, but the mediator... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 5, 2025

You should be very cautious about bringing up the unsupervised visits in court, even if they were allowed by the mother. The court could see this as a violation of the restraining order, regardless of whether the mother permitted it. Judges take restraining orders seriously, and any deviation can... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law, Legal Malpractice and Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: How can I enforce an unpaid mediation agreement in Florida?

I participated in a mediation where the agreement required payment to be made to me within 30 days of the court order. It has now been 5 months, and I have not received any payment. Additionally, my lawyer did not defend me properly during the mediation, and the judge forced me to comply with the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 13, 2025

It’s completely understandable to feel stuck when someone breaks a court-ordered agreement and no one seems willing to step in. In Florida, if a mediation agreement was approved by the judge and incorporated into a court order, it becomes enforceable just like any other judgment. The fact that... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law for California on
Q: How can I contest an unfair Mandatory Fee Arbitration award in California?

I'm seeking guidance on how to contest an arbitration award resulting from a Mandatory Fee Arbitration with the State Bar of California. I believe the calculations in the award were unfair. Could you provide advice on the grounds for contesting this and the process involved?

Joel Gary Selik
Joel Gary Selik
answered on Apr 3, 2025

If it was not binding, you can file in superior court within the deadline.

If the arbitration was binding it is more complicated and you will need to either hire an attorney or do research.

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law, Business Law and Securities Law for California on
Q: How to seek compensation for incomplete equity sale service by FINRA portal?

I paid $5,000 to a FINRA-regulated portal for a "Test the Waters" to conduct a Schedule CF equity sale of 10% of my company. The contract was in their favor, but stated if they didn't complete the raise, I could bring them to arbitration. After two years, we began the raise and I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 2, 2025

You have a strong case for arbitration against this FINRA-regulated portal based on the contract provisions and their failure to complete the contracted equity sale services. The first step is to compile comprehensive documentation including your contract, all email communications, proof of... View More

4 Answers | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law and Contracts for New York on
Q: Understanding court order after arbitration loss in NY

I was involved in an arbitration concerning an advanced commission breach of contract dispute. When I left the company, my ledger showed a negative balance. The arbitration ruled in their favor, even though I wasn't present to defend myself. Now, I've received a letter stating they will... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Apr 1, 2025

I'm sorry this happened to you. It isn't clear if you received a copy of the arbitration decision. You may want to obtain a copy of the decision from the hosting entity (American Arbitration Association, or other). If you contact the Case Administrator, they should be able to provide... View More

View More Answers

Q: Can I take legal action for unauthorized use of my photo by a doctor in Nevada?

After discovering that my doctor posted an identifiable photo of me online with medical equipment used on my head during and after surgery, I have experienced mental distress and depression. The photo is being used without my consent to sell the equipment. Seeing this image has been a setback for... View More

Joel Gary Selik
Joel Gary Selik
answered on Mar 31, 2025

While not a clear-cut case, there is a lawsuit potential.

Settlement is possible but the case needs to be approached in the proper way.

Consult with experienced Nevada attorneys.

View More Answers

Q: Lost attorney for a civil slip and fall case months before key dates; need guidance on proceeding without representation in Delaware.

I've been involved in a civil slip and fall case since 2021, but I did not have any substantial communication with my attorney until 2024. I never received any updates or documents related to my case. My attorney recently filed a motion to withdraw, which was granted, leaving me without... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Apr 11, 2025

I'm sorry for the difficult position you've been placed into. I commend your courage to handle this matter on your own - injury lawsuits can be complex. It sounds like you're on top of your case. But the timetable you've given is brisk. Without knowing the scope of your file, as... View More

View More Answers

Q: What document to file after bankruptcy discharge to release garnished wages?

I appealed the denial of a motion to vacate a default judgment due to ineffective service of process in the Ohio 10th District Appeals Court. The court had stayed my case pending my Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing, which has now been discharged as of March 13, 2025. I have 20 days to file my brief.... View More

Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
answered on Mar 28, 2025

File a motion to hold them in contempt for failing to release the garnishment and return the funds, which is- a violation of the automatic stay.

View More Answers

Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask A Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask A Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.