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Arizona Civil Litigation Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Civil Litigation for Arizona on
Q: so if a case is 12k and the attorney wins under ars 12-341.01 what will the award possibly be? if the case was lost.
Sean Woods
Sean Woods
answered on Apr 29, 2022

Unfortunately, there are no easy answers here. I assume you are stating that the opposing party won. ARS 12-341.01 applies to attorneys fees in Breach of Contract cases.

If your case was a breach of contract case, you lost, and the opposing party is ordered as the prevailing party, then...
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1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Civil Litigation and Landlord - Tenant for Arizona on
Q: I received a civil lawsuit complaint &waiver of service summons form & not sure if I should sign it. I need assistance.

I am not sure if I should sign the waiver because I haven't had time or money to get legal advice. I already filed an answer denying the complaint saying I went to court for this incident.

Sean Woods
Sean Woods
answered on Apr 28, 2022

While all cases are different, the waiver is a standard procedure in Arizona if the parties are in communication. It provides an additional time period beyond the normal Answer deadline for a party to file an answer.

Waiving service saves costs and gives the person answering 60 to respond...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Family Law and Probate for Arizona on
Q: My mother died on the 26th of feb. And her new husband is refusing to tell me any information at all

My mom was in proccess of doing a will but she only got a few things writen down and it wasnt signed or anything. And she was filling for a disoulution of marriage at time of deqth too

Stephen M Vincent
Stephen M Vincent
answered on Mar 15, 2022

Those are a lot of things that almost happened.

If the will isn't completed and signed, it's not valid.

If the divorce isn't finalized, she died a married woman.

Unless there was a prior will, it looks like her case will go through probate and the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Animal / Dog Law and Civil Litigation for Arizona on
Q: Can a judge force a person to return a pet to it's owner if the owner can prove ownership?

my cat went missing and he was recovered by my neighbor. My neighbor did not know the cat was mine and posted an add for my cat. A lady who has a similar cat found the ad before I did and went and picked up my cat. She refuses to give him back and told me to take her to court. I know it's my... View More

Juliet Piccone
Juliet Piccone
answered on Feb 16, 2022

You can sue her in a replevin action and if the court agrees you’ve proved ownership the court absolutely can order her to return your cat and even issue a writ to law enforcement directing them to go seize the cat to return to you.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Personal Injury for Arizona on
Q: My mom wants 20k because I "ruined her life" by existing and injured her 7 years ago (conflict resolved). Am I liable?

I am currently in the process of moving out (getting kicked out, choosing not to go through eviction) and my mother is demanding 20k. I am 24, COVID hit hard. Mom has cited that it's because I injured her when I was 17/18. I had hit her with an ipad during a time when I was mentally unstable... View More

Stephen M Vincent
Stephen M Vincent
answered on Jan 23, 2022

There's a two-year statute of limitations for her to bring a lawsuit over you hitting her with an iPad. Since she didn't file within those two years, she is past the deadline. If she file, you should file a Motion to Dismiss.

As for all other issues you raise, the two of you...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Legal Malpractice for Arizona on
Q: State of AZ failed to use UCCJEA, for temp emergency custody minor kids, CA case. Had jurisdiction, what case law help?

We are victims of abuse, DV. I left CA 2018 moved to AZ to seek asylum and safety from abusive sociopath (NPD) ex husband and bio dad of our 2 minor children. Asked for move away orders in CA family court, citing DV and asked for temp emergency orders there, allow me to bring kids to AZ. Denied.... View More

Stephen M Vincent
Stephen M Vincent
answered on Jan 20, 2022

My heart goes out to you. It sounds like you're in a very difficult position.

The law for temporary emergency jurisdiction is ARS 25-1034. The best case on your side is probably Arturo D. v. Dep't of Child Safety, 249 Ariz. 20 (App. 2020) where Arizona did exercise emergency...
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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Civil Litigation for Arizona on
Q: Can I take my friends car if she doesn't want to give me my car I paid for?

So I just got out of prison and a girl that I thought was my friend let me stay at her daughter's house "paid rent" "food" ect.. about a couple days of me being there I started looking for a car... Her boyfriend said that his brother has a couple vehicles for sale... He... View More

Nadine Sameer Deeb
Nadine Sameer Deeb
answered on Nov 11, 2021

Unfortunately some key components are missing from your question in order for an attorney to provide you with an answer. It's important to know who has the money that you gave to the boyfriend. Did he pay it toward his car, did he put it as a deposit on your car, or does he still have it? If... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law and Civil Litigation for Arizona on
Q: I'm the defendant in a civil suit filed by a former auto finance company. If they prevail, could my wages be garnished?

Loan was in default December 2018. Car was totaled in a very bad accident, and had no insurance coverage at the time. Lender charged off debt as "due to natural disaster" according to my credit report. They didn't file until December 21, 2020. We weren't served until June 18, 2021.

Peter H. Westby
Peter H. Westby
answered on Jul 12, 2021

Yes, if the plaintiff prevails and a judgement is entered against you it is possible that your wages will be garnished. I recommend that you consult with an attorney immediately to review this matter and get assistance to defend or settle this claim.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Criminal Law, Civil Litigation and Small Claims for Arizona on
Q: The person we had TEMPORARILY caring 4 our dog as we searched for a place to live, is trying to keep him. What can I do

Someone had been watching our dog as we looked for a place to live. Among other things, the pandemic prolonged the time it took to do so (4 months). Right before we were to contact the guy to get our dog, he randomly texted and said he killed the dog and threw him in the fire. Devistated, we... View More

Mike Branum
Mike Branum
answered on Jul 2, 2021

Unfortunately, it is not as easy as merely requesting a civil standby. I have not filed a case like this personally, but I believe you should be able to file a case in justice court instead of at the superior court level since all you are seeking is possession of the property (dog). The fees will... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Civil Litigation and Probate for Arizona on
Q: As a Executor how long legally can you hold claim to this title?

My sister and brother are executors of my mothers affairs. 9 years later my parents mtg servicing co sends statements to the estate of my parents both named both deceased. The deed is recorded with my name and the 2 executors. While 1 other brother and I are paying pymts taxes insurance and all... View More

Gregory Christopher Poulos
Gregory Christopher Poulos
answered on May 16, 2021

If nothing was filed with the courts, then they are only named as Executors, they have no power as they are not court appointed. I presume you are living in the property, but you need to speak with an attorney sooner rather than later. They are taking advantage of you, not following proper... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Civil Litigation for Arizona on
Q: I am looking to file a partition motion. Can a partition motion be contested or delayed?

No contract between parties. We are siblings. 20,000 mtg bal. My sister vowing to fight it and hold it up for years until the value is ate up with legal and court costs. She does not pay anything towards mtg or property upkeep or repairs or taxes or insurance. For 9 years. I am almost 60 and want... View More

Peter H. Westby
Peter H. Westby
answered on May 12, 2021

A partition action is a lawsuit and is commenced by filing a complaint, not a motion. A lawsuit can be contested and can be delayed. Reaching a negotiated settlement that is fair is a better option. I understand that you have tried this but, once a lawsuit is filed, you will have additional... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Antitrust, Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Military Law for Arizona on
Q: girlfriends mom ran some kind of background check without my consent. Finding out a shoplifting case from 5-6 years ago

It was something I wanted private because the case was dismissed. And from what my girlfriend said, "Her mom knows people" and that really puts me in allot of unease.

I guess a useful piece of information is that her mom is in the military, so I'm not sure I'd... View More

Sabra M. Janko
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Sabra M. Janko pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 8, 2021

Criminal records are publicly available. There is no consent required to obtain publicly available information.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation for Arizona on
Q: Is Rule 60(b) of the Arizona Rules of Civil Procedure applicable to proceedings in the Arizona Court of Appeals?
Peter H. Westby
Peter H. Westby
answered on May 3, 2021

No. The Rules of Civil Appellate Procedure govern proceedings in the Court of Appeals.

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Business Law, Civil Litigation and Libel & Slander for Arizona on
Q: Who do you report bankruptcy fraud/disability fraud to when your ex business assoc. hides assets, guns, cars etc

We lived operated our business and worked at this non profit outreach and the owner trespassed from property to take our belongings and dumped our destroyed items in the neighbors parking lot ending in filing criminal damage to property of him. He also took door of shower room we had to use so him... View More

Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
answered on Apr 20, 2021

Report to the FBI.

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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Civil Litigation, Insurance Bad Faith and Insurance Defense for Arizona on
Q: I need help finding a lawyer to help me file a insurance claim for a apartment fire.
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Feb 5, 2021

An Arizona attorney could advise best, but your post remains open for two weeks. I'm sorry that happened to you. You could use the resources of this site (the Find-a-Lawyer tab above), you could run independent searches on your own, or you could look into whether the State Bar of Arizona has... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Federal Crimes for Arizona on
Q: What if cops took my cell phones & illegally erased videos (evidence) from my phones WITHOUT A warrant
Mike Branum
Mike Branum
answered on Feb 1, 2021

Illegal? Absolutely. Can you prove it? Maybe. It would require a previous backup to show what was there and a forensic examination of your phone to determine what was removed and when. You would need to be able to show that when the file was erased the phone was in police control.

The...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation for Arizona on
Q: I was served a summons for small claims as contracted sale dated January 29th 2015. Doesn't this fall under time barred
Peter H. Westby
Peter H. Westby
answered on Jan 24, 2021

Plaintiff's claim might be time barred depending upon many factors including your contract. If dealing with an oral contract or open account the statute of limitations, ARS 12-543, is three years from the time the cause of action accrues. If you are working with a contract in writing, the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Arbitration / Mediation Law and Probate for Arizona on
Q: Father in law recently passed. Widow not abiding his wishes to give his kids belongings, items prior to marriage. Hers?

Father in law did not have a will. He always told everyone what he wanted to leave to his biological kids. Widow now says he never said those things. She is refusing to give anything to anyone. Can his kids fight for what their dad always promised them? Widow is now giving those items to her... View More

Ilene L McCauley
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Ilene L McCauley
answered on Jul 30, 2020

I am so sorry for your loss.

You will have to hire an attorney to represent your interests. You have rights, but they may only be enforceable by court order.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Intellectual Property and Divorce for Arizona on
Q: Our car was in both of our names. She trade in our car for a car in her name only. Can she do this without my signature.

I'm without a car.Is there anything I can do to get my car back from the dealer.

Peter H. Westby
Peter H. Westby
answered on Jul 29, 2020

She can and did do this without your signature. It sounds like your car title was an "or" title. This type of title would allow either one of you to trade or sell the vehicle without the signature of the other. It is very unlikely that you will be able to get the car back from the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody, Child Support and Civil Litigation for Arizona on
Q: Hello! In Arizona to file a motion for a change of venue what are things I should include and not include?
Jay Hall
Jay Hall
answered on Jul 20, 2020

We can't really offer any specific instruction for document preparation. But you can review A.R.S. § 12-406 for general requirements for motions to change venue. Generally speaking, cases involving child custody should be heard in the county in which the child primarily resides. If there... View More

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