Get free answers to your Small Claims legal questions from lawyers in your area.
I provided a personal loan to a private party to cover half the cost of roof repairs on her mother's home, totaling $9,000. Despite a verbal agreement, I've paid the full amount. The other party made partial repayments but has not communicated or paid in 11 months, leaving an outstanding... View More 
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answered on Apr 2, 2025
Your situation involves an oral contract supported by documentary evidence, which generally creates an enforceable debt obligation despite the lack of a formal written agreement. The text messages confirming the repayment arrangement and your printed payment schedule constitute compelling evidence... View More
My father remarried and jointly owned a house in Port Charlotte, Florida. Before his wife's death in August 2023, the deed was changed to co-ownership between me and her son, with no right of survivorship. After her passing, my father lived in the house until his own passing in March 2024. Her... View More
I recently purchased a used car from a private seller in New York State, and I live in New Jersey. After driving the car for 9 days and approximately 300 miles, it broke down and had to be towed. The diagnostic code indicates a problem with the knock sensor, but my mechanic suspects it may be an... View More
I am due in small claims court tomorrow in Maryland, but I have paid my debt and received a notice of dismissal letter from the law firm/collection agency via mail. The letter states that the action will be dismissed without prejudice, and the clerk will dismiss the case. Should I still attend the... View More
I purchased a car in cash and have messages as proof of the transaction, but I lost the title before I could have it changed to my name. The seller now refuses to sign for a new title and is considering taking the car back. If this happens, am I entitled to a refund?
I am dealing with ongoing issues of invasion of privacy, personal injury, trespass, vandalism, and conspiracy on my property since March 2023. Witnesses, including Magalia residents and sheriff deputies, can verify aspects of my experience. Despite contacting local authorities and attorneys in... View More
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answered on Mar 31, 2025
Your situation involving privacy invasion, personal injury, trespass, vandalism, and conspiracy requires a multi-faceted legal approach that addresses both the civil and potentially criminal aspects of your ongoing harassment.
Given the complexity of your case and the unsuccessful Small... View More
I rented a house from February 2019 to November 2024, and then purchased it for $120,000. My purchase option agreement from 2019-2020 stated that if I bought the house, I would receive 5% rent back, along with my deposit and last month's rent. The ex-landlord claims he owes me nothing. I sent... View More
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answered on Mar 28, 2025
In California, you can pursue compensation for your security deposit and other unpaid amounts in small claims court. Under California Civil Code Section 1950.5, landlords must return security deposits within 21 days after a tenant moves out, or provide an itemized statement explaining any... View More
I purchased a trailer from Party A, whose name appears on the title alongside Party B, specified as "OR." Party A sold the trailer to me without any documentation of Party B's consent. Now, Party B is threatening to sue me and Party A in small claims court for their share of the... View More
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answered on Mar 28, 2025
When you buy property with multiple owners listed as "OR" on the title, each party typically has the right to sell their interest without the other's consent. In California, this arrangement usually means both parties have equal ownership rights, and either can transfer their... View More
I was a defendant in a small claims court in California, and the judge ruled in my favor on January 7, 2025, stating that I do not owe the plaintiff any money. I have now received a form SC-108A indicating the plaintiff wants another hearing to change the judgment, arguing that their evidence was... View More
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answered on Mar 28, 2025
Yes, in California small claims court, a plaintiff can request a new hearing by filing a Notice of Motion to Vacate Judgment (form SC-108 or SC-108A), but there are strict rules and deadlines. Since you won the case and the judgment was entered on January 7, 2025, the plaintiff usually has 30 days... View More
I gave a psychic $2,325 for a chakra cleanse and to reverse bad luck energy. It has been 7 months since then, and she keeps saying she will return in two weeks but never does. I paid her in cash, and the only service received was a bath soap, some salt, and one session valued at $175. I have text... View More
I purchased a used car from a private party and was assured verbally that if the car had issues passing smog, the seller would either take it back or help to fix the issue. Two weeks after purchase, the transmission failed. I contacted the seller but have been ignored. I was told the car was in... View More
answered on Mar 27, 2025
Sorry for your issues. Ronny Ray Gun used to say "trust but verify" which is good advice for EVER buying a used car from anyone. Anyhow, IF the seller LIED or HID the truth, that would be actionable. ONE pressure point COULD BE that seller MUST smog, no exceptions, generally. Check the... View More
I am dealing with a situation where my landlords have violated access rules five times after I sent a certified mail notice of non-compliance related to Iowa Code 562A.19(3). I have documented photos and videos of these repeated violations. There are two landlords involved, as well as one of their... View More
I am part of an LLC in Missouri, and we have a dispute with another LLC over a cancelled event. We paid $250, and there was a contract stating that refunds would be issued only if the event was cancelled by the organizer. The event was cancelled due to a lack of participation. Despite attempting to... View More
answered on Mar 29, 2025
Yes, LLCs may be parties to lawsuits in small claims court. Getting and collecting a judgment for only $250 will take a fair bit of time. Most small claims judgements go uncollected.
purchased a 2016 car over two years ago for $24,000, but it's only worth about $4,000. The car has had numerous issues since purchase, including a problem with pulleys that still don't align correctly. The oil pump failed within the first week. I did have a warranty, but the dealership... View More
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answered on Mar 24, 2025
You may have options under California's lemon law, though the two-year timeframe presents challenges. California's lemon law typically covers vehicles within the manufacturer's warranty period when substantial defects persist after reasonable repair attempts. Since your dealership is... View More
Hi on march 21st I took my ex wife to the grey hound station in Chico I am a trans woman and they made me use the bathroom that dose not align with my gender
I co-owned an automated litter robot valued at $700 with my ex-girlfriend. She initially paid the full amount, and I reimbursed her 50% via Venmo shortly after the purchase. While we were breaking up, she asked me to verbally agree to pay her half of the device, and I agreed to avoid further... View More
I took my dog to a vet on a Tuesday, and she was diagnosed with a stomach infection. She stayed at the clinic until Saturday, but didn't improve. A week later, I took her to a different vet for a second opinion, where an x-ray revealed a rock in her stomach. An emergency surgery was performed,... View More
One year ago, I was involved in a car accident in a school parking lot in California where both parties were backing up from angled parking spots and collided. I stopped immediately while the other party did not. Initially, the insurance companies ruled it as a no-fault accident. I paid my... View More
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answered on Mar 21, 2025
Start by organizing all your documentation—photos from the scene, insurance correspondence, repair bills, and any written statements or notes you made after the incident. These will help you show that the accident was mutual and not solely your fault. Since your insurance assessed it as 50/50... View More
My parents and I bought a car together, and we each paid half. However, my dad is listed as the primary owner, and I am listed as the co-owner. Now, they want to take the car from me and possibly sell it, though I have possession of the car. There's no written agreement regarding the... View More
Hi, I’m looking for legal advice regarding a veterinary clinic in Virginia that misled me into authorizing an unnecessary procedure for my pet. They insisted my cat needed an emergency C-section, refused to let me take her home, and pressured me into applying for credit. I later discovered she... View More
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