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California Arbitration / Mediation Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law and Legal Malpractice for California on
Q: Can a settlement agreement be considered final if 2 co-plaintiffs are on case and only 1 is present?

If a matter is sent to Arbitration with 2 Co-Plaintiffs and a Co-Plaintiff is not made aware that they are negotiating for both parties, is the matter considered settled? If the Co-Plaintiff in the case is not able to attend the Mediation, but the documents, etc. are all made to appear as if only... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2024

Under California law, a settlement agreement typically requires the consent and signature of all named plaintiffs in a case. If there are two co-plaintiffs, both parties should be aware of and agree to the terms of the settlement for it to be considered final and binding.

In the situation...
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2 Answers | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law and Legal Malpractice for California on
Q: Is it acceptable for Attorneys to file Motion Liminie to prevent Plaintiff from exposing Arbitration Award then use it?

In a Legal Malpractice case is it acceptable for an Attorney to file a Motion Liminie preventing Plaintiff from making any reference whatsoever to any part of the Arbitration or settlement then turn around and file the Arbitration records with their Motion to Confirm Award? Isn't this a Breach... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 1, 2024

In general, the use of motions in limine and the introduction of evidence in legal proceedings are governed by the rules of evidence and civil procedure in California. However, the specific circumstances you've described raise some potential issues:

1. Fairness and consistency: If an...
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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Arbitration / Mediation Law and Family Law for California on
Q: In the case of divorce, my partner already has an attorney. Is mediation possible? Cost?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 29, 2024

In California, even if your partner already has an attorney, mediation is still an option for you. Mediation can offer a more collaborative environment to resolve disputes and may lead to a more amicable settlement. It's designed to help both parties communicate their needs and reach an... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury, Arbitration / Mediation Law, Lemon Law and Small Claims for California on
Q: I need to know how to bring my case before a judge passed the timeframe. I know you can car dealerships. I need this hel

STG auto Santa Ana dealership both used car dealers padded deals made fictitious addresses for charges. They had put on me almost $7000 of equipment. I never owned took money out of my account both of them STG auto padded the deal so badly and laughed in my face. It took me a long time to figure it... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 26, 2024

Under California law, if you believe you've been a victim of fraudulent activities, such as those you've described involving car dealerships, you have the right to seek legal action. However, if you've missed the statutory deadline to file a lawsuit, you may still have options.... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts, Arbitration / Mediation Law and Legal Malpractice for California on
Q: Had an issue with car dealership.found a lemon law form. Client attorney contract was signed with an attorney who was

Disbarred and suspended. Firm changed there name and took them a year and 3 months to even send my demand for arbiration. I was never given any advice or informed on what my case was worth. As I review other cases the firm handled it was penny compared, all cases are different I know. But I... View More

Joel Gary Selik
Joel Gary Selik
answered on Mar 24, 2024

You bring out a number of issues that are of concern as to the attorneys’ actions. In particular if there was a switching of firms without your agreement, a disbarred attorney representing you, and charging an excessive and not agreed to fee. You should consult with experienced ethics,... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law and Arbitration / Mediation Law for California on
Q: I signed an agreement that states Statutorily I can only receive up to $15,000. Am I bound forever to that?

I agreed to a limit of $15,000 in an arbitration case with the Ca State License Board. The arbitrator awarded $22,000 as my judgement but statutorily I only got the $15,000. Can I go to court and sue for the remaining $7,000 or am I bound for life because I accepted the $15,000! I agreed to the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 24, 2024

In California, when you enter into an arbitration agreement and receive a final decision, that typically concludes your case regarding the specific issue or claim. If you agreed to a statutory cap of $15,000, and you have accepted this amount following an arbitration ruling, this generally... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law, Civil Litigation and Criminal Law for California on
Q: If documents are created with the intent to deceive and then used in an Arbitration is that considered a Public Facility

If preparing false documentary evidence, such as a Subpoena, under penalty of perjury, with intent to produce it, and allow it to be produced for a fraudulent and deceitful purpose, as genuine and true, upon a trial, proceeding, and inquiry, whatever, to wit, by filing, causing to be filed, and... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 21, 2024

Under California Penal Code 134, preparing false documentary evidence with the intent to deceive and using it in any trial, proceeding, or inquiry is considered a felony. This law does not limit its scope strictly to public offices or traditional courtrooms. Therefore, even if the false documents... View More

Q: Can I sue my family if they were the one's responsible for the foreclosure and the medical debt, and the falsified doc.

The Power of Attorney they made me sign in another place they made me go, and it was Mexico, and they said it was for the ability to rent my house out, so I wouldn't lose it. And they used it to run their business, and they put ownership in their names, and in their trust, and they didn't... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 21, 2024

Under California law, you may have grounds to sue if your family used a Power of Attorney to defraud you, resulting in foreclosure and medical debt due to their actions. Misuse of a Power of Attorney, especially to falsify documents or to alter property ownership without consent, is a serious... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Antitrust and Arbitration / Mediation Law for California on
Q: Is Bucher Law Firm real, and are they actually doing arbitrations against Steam?

I can't tell if it's a scam or not, because it's an actual person and law firm, but some are just confused.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 19, 2024

If you suspect you've encountered a scam, do not engage with the scammer. Instead, report the scam to the appropriate authorities and alert your bank or credit card provider if financial information was compromised.

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Arbitration / Mediation Law and Family Law for California on
Q: The mediator in my divorce is showing strong bias toward my husband. Is there anything I can do?

The mediator will not reply to my emails, including simple questions like “What is the status of the MSA?” He shows everything to my husband first, and only loops me in later (sometimes weeks or months later), and has taken no consideration of my side. At best, he is completely incompetent at... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 12, 2024

In California, mediation is a voluntary process, and both parties have the right to a fair and unbiased mediator. If you believe that your mediator is biased or not fulfilling their duties properly, you have several options:

1. Discuss your concerns with the mediator: If you haven't...
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4 Answers | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law and Employment Law for California on
Q: Mediation

I recently went through mediation and part of the terms were that I had to resign. It’s getting close to the deadline of when they had to pay and I’m getting nervous because I haven’t received the check yet. I’m located in CA. Is it easy to collect payment if they breach the contract?

Neil Pedersen
Neil Pedersen
answered on Mar 8, 2024

The answer to your question depends on a great deal of fact and circumstances that are not available from your post. Most mediated settlements end up with a voluntary payment of the settlement amount, but some end up with issues regarding payment. Do not expect payment until the last day... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Legal Malpractice and Arbitration / Mediation Law for California on
Q: If Subpoenas are being approved by Arbitrator in case can an Attorney who is party to the case issue subpoenas covertly?

If the Arbitrator set the grounds in a legal malpractice case as to how he wished for Subpoenas to be processed, i.e., submitted to him for his approval, is it acceptable practice that an Attorney who had representation, who is party to the case, chose to complete, approve, and issue his own... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 5, 2024

In arbitration, the process and rules for issuing subpoenas can be distinct from those in a court setting. If an arbitrator specifies that subpoenas must be submitted for approval, this procedure is intended to ensure fairness and transparency within the arbitration process. California law and the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Contracts, Arbitration / Mediation Law and Small Claims for California on
Q: am thinking of suing a section 8 employee in small claims court what are some basic questions to ask before starting.

This issue has dragged out for about 10 years and I have a lot of details and specifics. I personally believe that my case has merit, I am asking about the procedure to actually file a small claims case with a section 8 employee as defendant. Is there anything special to take into consideration

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 28, 2024

Before proceeding with a lawsuit against a Section 8 employee in California small claims court, you should first consider whether the individual's actions fall within the scope of their employment duties or if they are personal in nature. If the issue relates to their professional conduct or... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law and Legal Malpractice for California on
Q: If Judgment was entered and you file a Renewed Motion to Vacate, do you also have to file a Motion to Set Aside Judgment

In a Legal Malpractice case that went to Arbitration and then had the Award Confirmed in the trial courts, if you are then able to file a Renewal Motion on Motion to Vacate Arbitration Award for fraud, is it also necessary to file any other type of motion to set aside the Order already in place?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 21, 2024

Yes, if a judgment has already been entered based on an arbitration award, then in addition to filing a renewed motion to vacate the arbitration award, you would also need to file a motion to set aside the judgment that was entered.

The reasoning is that even if you are successful in...
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3 Answers | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law and Legal Malpractice for California on
Q: Why would an Attorney in a legal malpractice file mediation docs from underlying case with Arbitration Exhibits?

What reason would an Attorney who is named a Defendant in a legal malpractice case expose the files from the Mediation by including them with the Arbitration exhibits - while simultaneously serving Plaintiff with a Motion in Liminie barring all mention or reference to the mediation discussions,... View More

Joel Gary Selik
Joel Gary Selik
answered on Feb 20, 2024

What is used in mediation does not necessarily have to be admissible at trial. One can use whatever one thinks may be important to consider at mediation. To the extent the relevance of those documents to mediation goes against your case, you can point that out in mediation.

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1 Answer | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law and Legal Malpractice for California on
Q: If writing a renewal Motion to Vacate Arbitration and new evidence is required does that mean I can do more discovery?

If a Judgement to Confirm an Arbitration Award is entered and you acquired new information worthy of a renewal Motion to Vacate Arbitration Award can you perform further discovery to support the Motion? Considering new evidence is required as a condition of filing the renewal? Thank you for your... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 20, 2024

In California, if you are considering filing a renewal motion to vacate an arbitration award based on new evidence, the rules governing arbitration and court procedures provide some guidance. Generally, discovery in the context of arbitration is more limited than in traditional court litigation.... View More

Q: Do I have to sign an arbitration agreement as a condition of continued employment if I don’t understand the terms? CA
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Feb 14, 2024

A California employment should answer your question, but it remains open for two weeks. Until then, arbitration clauses are commonly used. They can be a take-it-or-leave issue - it may not be relevant that the prospective employee does not fully understand the terms. I have seen this on injury... View More

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4 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law and Arbitration / Mediation Law for California on
Q: I NEED HELP WITH THIS

what are my legal obligations regarding insurance coverage, and what are the consequences if I fail to meet these requirements?

To what extent can the lienholder dictate the specific terms or cost of my insurance coverage? Are there any legal limits to this?

William John Light
William John Light
answered on Feb 6, 2024

Unclear what "legal obligations" to which you refer. By statute, you are required to have automobile insurance. Any other insurance requirements would likely be something to which you agreed by contract. Generally, you have an obligation to comply with your contractual promises,... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Arbitration / Mediation Law and Probate for California on
Q: My parents passed over 10 years ago and my sister let the Family Trust go to the state. How do I get this back.

The amount resting with the State of Ca is about $12-15K. It is a combination of Family Trust, Life insurance and stock dividends. How do I make my sister - the executor-deal with this. I have tried and tried to get her to do something, offered to help etc but she kept saying she "would get to... View More

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answered on Jan 27, 2024

Under California law, if assets from a Family Trust have escheated to the state, you can reclaim them through the State Controller's Office. This process involves filing a claim form, which requires proof of your entitlement to these assets. The form and guidance can be found on the California... View More

Q: Is it normal for a multi million $ company to ask to pay me in 2 payments 12 months apart & ask we drop lawsuit asap?

I was wrongfully terminated from my employment and offered a lot of money which I turned down. I hired an attorney and we filed a lawsuit. The company requested we go to mediation so we did. After a lot of going back-and-forth all day with a mediator, we finally decided on a number however, they... View More

David H. Relkin
David H. Relkin
answered on Jan 26, 2024

If you have stated the facts correctly, I would have a problem with the payout. According to your statement of the case, you have to "drop" the lawsuit after the first payment but "they are not ok with you going through the courts to enforce the payment" --[presumably] the... View More

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