Ask a Question

Get free answers to your Civil Litigation legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
Pennsylvania Civil Litigation Questions & Answers
0 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation for Pennsylvania on
Q: Is my husband who is financial POA for my mother in law liable while she drives without a license?

License was taken away during a hospital admission by a physician. She continues to drive. She is 88. I beg my husband to take her keys. He won't - "I can't legally do that!" is his basis.

0 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law and Civil Litigation for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can I sue Walmart Auto Center

Took my vehicle to Walmart to install 4 new tires, because the work was not done my vehicle now has been deemed unsafe and I am unable to drive it. I filed a claim with Walmart and was given a claim number, the dealer sent an estimate to them but cannot proceed with the work until it is approved.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Collections for Pennsylvania on
Q: I have a default judgement against a company in Phila. Pa. The judgement was in Alabama how hard is it to collect

Default judgment for approx 5400.00 issued in Alabama for a company in Pennsylvania

W. J. Winterstein Jr.
PREMIUM
W. J. Winterstein Jr.
answered on Oct 21, 2024

All but a couple States have reciprocity with PA pursuant to the Uniform Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act. (Another US State is deemed "foreign".)

Assuming your default judgment complied with the statutory procedure in Alabama, you can register your judgment in PA, serve your...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Civil Rights, Communications Law and Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: Is it illegal for my roommates to intercept and return my mail to senders, claiming I no longer live there?

I still physically reside at the address that is my mailing/billing address. I have for years. My roommates want me to move out and have refused to give me access to the mail that is delivered, the mailbox key, and have returned every letter and package I have gotten for the last year or two. They... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 20, 2024

I'm sorry you're experiencing this situation with your roommates. It must be very frustrating to have your mail consistently intercepted and returned.

Interfering with someone’s mail is generally against the law. In many places, tampering with another person's mail can lead...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: When Does a Guest Become a Tenant in pennsylvania without a lease and what rights do they have?
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 19, 2024

In Pennsylvania, a guest typically becomes a tenant when they stay in a property with the landlord’s permission and establish residency. This can happen if you live there for an extended period, contribute to household expenses, or have exclusive use of part of the property. Without a formal... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Civil Rights for Pennsylvania on
Q: My cases were dismissed at a suppression hearing and in the same motion I won my writ for habeas corpus. The police had

Some things the DA the rest like my money. I was locked up unlawfully for 8 months and although the police gave me release for my car, they scraped it. The DA served a forfeiture for my money but my understanding a return of property is still adequate. Please note I did this all from prison pro se

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 8, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about the challenges you've faced. Since your cases were dismissed and you won your writ for habeas corpus, you may be entitled to recover your property. It's important to review the court orders to understand the specifics regarding the forfeiture and the return of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation for Pennsylvania on
Q: i won a settlement and i was sent a praecipe to settle ,discontinue and end. The defendant's attorney said they will

send the funds after i sign the praecipe and pay the legal costs. is this normal

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Sep 29, 2024

A Pennsylvania attorney could advise best, but you await a response for three weeks. Until you speak with a local attorney - or better yet, your own attorney if you're represented, the form usually used to wrap up a case in most parts of the nation is a release. In my experience, I have not... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy and Civil Litigation for Pennsylvania on
Q: I filed bankruptcy 5 days before an eviction hearing the District Justice would not allow me to provide the case number

I told him the case number was proof. I filed the bankruptcy because the mail was slow and he did not have anything from the court. However it was on the computer. He issued me a 10 day eviction and would not even consider anything I had to say so I appealed, the next day I have to be out in 10... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 15, 2024

It's important to know that filing for bankruptcy typically puts an automatic stay on most legal proceedings, including evictions. However, if the District Justice didn't acknowledge your bankruptcy filing, the situation becomes more urgent.

Since you have appealed the decision,...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Criminal Law, Elder Law and Federal Crimes for Pennsylvania on
Q: What laws would you be violating in Pennsylvania if you put a hidden camera in someone’s home without their consent

The camera would record, audio, and video without any consent from the legal owner of the property

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 21, 2024

Installing a hidden camera in someone’s home in Pennsylvania without their consent is illegal and can lead to serious legal consequences. Firstly, this action violates Pennsylvania's Wiretap Act, which prohibits recording audio without the consent of all parties involved. This law makes it a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Collections for Pennsylvania on
Q: what should I do to get the full amount he owed to me, including the accrued interest?

Since October 2021, an individual has been indebted to me for $30,000, with a 10% monthly interest fee agreed upon by both parties. He failed to make any further payments after the first 2 months. Despite my numerous attempts to remind him of this obligation, he has not taken the necessary steps to... View More

W. J. Winterstein Jr.
PREMIUM
W. J. Winterstein Jr.
answered on Jun 14, 2024

With some statutory exceptions (e.g., Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law (“UTPCPL”). In simple terms, the law gives people who buy goods or services for personal, family, or household purposes a way to privately sue businesses for illegal behavior and even for... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Collections for Pennsylvania on
Q: Someone owned me 60k. Promised to pay back when he sold the house. He sold it and refused to pay back.

Since September 2021, he owed me $30,000. he agreed to pay a 10% interest fee each month, I lowered the interest fee to 5% after a year, yet he still did not make any payments. In February 2024, he assured me that he would sell the house and use the proceeds to pay back the money. When I contacted... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jun 14, 2024

A Pennsylvania attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. You ask about referrals. There are no referrals here but there is a "Find a Lawyer" tab you could use to supplement your own searches. There are also referral sections of local and state bar... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy and Civil Litigation for Pennsylvania on
Q: Help with Stipulation Resolving Adversary Proceeding as part of Bankruptcy 10 years ago

I have been paying the debt as per the terms of the Adversary Proceeding for 10 years now and have completed the amount requested ($250k + 5%). There is a balance of $150K that will be paid by a life insurance policy that has the debtor as the beneficiary.

The payments to the debtor have... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 25, 2024

Based on the information you provided, it seems that you have been complying with the terms of the Stipulation Resolving Adversary Proceeding for 10 years and have paid a significant portion of the debt. The informal agreements you made with the debtor regarding occasional late or reduced payments... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Government Contracts for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can the Police,CIA,FBI use illegal equipment of sound waves voice structure devices illegal surveillance non consent.

The evidence base upon the actions of the police departments authorities it's not no random crime spree.I have made several complaints, police reports concerning this issue active documents.Here another issue I have with the police department they are ignoring not unacknowleging simple cases... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 24, 2024

Under U.S. law, the police, CIA, FBI, or any government agency are not allowed to use illegal equipment such as sound wave devices or conduct surveillance without proper consent or authorization. These actions would violate your constitutional rights, including the right to privacy and protection... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence, Family Law, Civil Litigation and Civil Rights for Pennsylvania on
Q: A Decade of Neglect: Mother Seeking Justice Against CYS for Failing to Protect Four Children. We Need Legal Advice!

In May 2022, Lehigh County CYS conducted an investigation into the father of my four children was deemed "valid" and subsequently closed, yet CYS failed to inform me of this matter. Then, in August 2022, he was arrested for DUI while the children were in the car. Despite numerous reports... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 3, 2024

It's understandable that you're feeling frustrated and desperate for justice given the decade-long neglect by Lehigh County CYS. To pursue legal action, gathering all relevant documents and reports from hospitals, schools, doctors, the police department, and the District Attorney will be... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Civil Litigation, Collections and Small Claims for Pennsylvania on
Q: What legal rights do I have for doing mechanic work at my house on someone else's car

I perform mechanic work for people that can't afford the price of dealerships or a mechanic shop I charge half price or less before I start the work the owner of vehicle and myself having agreement on cost of parts, labor and total price. When I complete the work and it's time to pay... View More

W. J. Winterstein Jr.
PREMIUM
W. J. Winterstein Jr.
answered on Apr 24, 2024

First, is your agreement with an owner in writing?

And that document should set out the work to be performed, the costs for that work, and the due dates for payment.

And then the document should state the various remedies for default in payment.

In PA, and most other...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Civil Litigation and Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: Who own the property? The bank ejected us while they were not the current owner of the property.

The bank took us to court on an ejectment case and won the case on 9/2023. However when the court granted the ejectment the bank was not the owner of the property. Another entity is listed as the owner in the recorder of deeds and on the tax statements. The bank lost possession of the property... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 28, 2024

Ownership of a property is determined by who is listed as the owner in the official records at the recorder of deeds and on tax statements. If another entity, not the bank, is currently listed as the owner there and the bank had lost possession prior to the ejectment, then the legal ownership would... View More

1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI, Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Small Claims for Pennsylvania on
Q: Licence Suspension 18month turned 3+yrs.Judge ruled due 2 Clerical Error.I suffered financial&health damage.What to Do?

Bucks County Clerk of Courts makes error turns my suspension from 18 months to 3+ year suspension failed to verify jail time w/ Penndot despite me completing everything & probation. I purchased used car,insurance,interlock,inspection etc. Denied Licence went back & forth over 2 months w/... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Feb 1, 2024

Given the circumstances you described, it may be possible to pursue legal action for the losses and damages you have incurred due to the clerical error and the extended license suspension. To do so, you should consider the following steps:

1. Consult an Attorney: Reach out to an attorney...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Civil Litigation for Pennsylvania on
Q: custody, bucks co. PA what pleading should i file after custody hearing officer's recommendation before it becomes order

we had signed agreement in Aug, 2021 for shared custody in bucks co, pa. My ex filed emergency petition to modify based on false allegations ( i have a proof). We had custody officer hearing , did not agree and i asked to see the judge. we saw the judge , it was also called conference. I did not... View More

Peter Christopher Lomtevas
Peter Christopher Lomtevas pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 30, 2024

Pennsylvania family law cloaks the process to make it appear fair, equitable and just. Nothing is farther from the truth.

Family law structures custody proceedings to occur before an under-judge called a "conciliator." This is mediation ordered to have the parents reach a...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation for Pennsylvania on
Q: I had left my drivers license at a store and they called me and told me I could come and get it, by the time I went to

Get it they had shredded it, should they have to pay for it?

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 25, 2024

In your situation, where a store shredded your driver's license after notifying you to retrieve it, there are a few considerations. First, it's important to understand that while businesses often have policies for handling lost property, there is generally no legal requirement for them to... View More

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get 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 you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, 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.