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I contracted Reborn Bath Solutions and Reborn Cabinets for a one-day remodel of two bathrooms, with an upfront deposit as part of a $23,058.75 contract. The engagement was through a TV ad, and many of us mistakenly believed we were dealing with a Jacuzzi remodel company. Unfortunately, no work has... View More
answered on Nov 11, 2025
There are two things I think are possiblities, based upon your broad attempts to date. First, I assume the entity's bankruptcy was a Chapter 11. As such, you are entitled as a creditor to file a formal Claim in the case for the amount you expended. Next, file a complaint with your local... View More
I am a grandmother who has been caring for my grandchild in Oregon for the past three months. His parents have a 50-50 custody agreement established through California court mediation. Recently, the child's father filed a "Declaration Regarding Notice and Service of Request for Temporary... View More
answered on Oct 16, 2025
Since this is an ex parte, it's unlikely there will be a hearing. You can however, submit a declaration. While you don't really have standing, I see no problem with you putting your two-cents into the situation. The court can choose to read your declaration and consider it, or not.... View More
I'm currently dealing with a situation where I don't agree with some clauses in a settlement release, specifically the 1542 clause. My attorney sent a notice of settlement to the court, but I want to revise the agreement to remove a defendant who denied any liability and refused to... View More
answered on Oct 4, 2025
Your attorney might have valid reasons not to pursue the non-paying party. That party might be an employee of a paying party. That party might not have insurance, or be able to pay a settlement. That party might have a minor slice of the percentage of fault such that pursuit of that claim, by... View More
I have been experiencing bad faith handling with my Uninsured Motorist (UIM) coverage. My insurance company continuously tried to get me to waive my UIM Bodily Injury (UIMBI) coverage, creating issues between me and the at-fault adjusters. They have delayed the settlement of my UIMBI coverage even... View More
answered on Oct 17, 2025
I can understand why you’re frustrated; it sounds like you’ve been patient and diligent, yet your insurance company continues to delay your UIM claim without good reason. In California, insurers owe their policyholders a duty of good faith and fair dealing, which means they must handle claims... View More
I initially contracted a solar company in California, which stated that the cost of the solar system including financing would be about $60,000. However, I'm now paying around $89,000. I've tried reaching out online and over the phone, but was given unclear responses and could not have... View More
answered on Jul 30, 2025
AGRRRRH- Solar Installations! Very frustrating to work with. Small Claims Jurisdiction is $12,500.00. Your facts indicate much more is at issue. You could sue in Small Claims but it would mean that was the only case you could bring. You would have to waive any claim over SC jurisdiction. In theory,... View More
I am involved in an Unlimited Civil Case where there is a Motion to Set Aside/Vacate Judgment and a Renewal Motion to Vacate an Arbitration Award pending. No Case Management Conference is scheduled, but there is a hearing set for October. I am hoping to file a Case Management Report as a way to... View More
answered on Jul 24, 2025
James is right in that this appears to be a complex issue. However, based on the limited information in your question, I assume you had an arbitration and prevailed. it also appears that the court confirmed your arbitration award and issued a judgment. Now, the other side wants the court to... View More
I am involved in a personal injury claim in California, but the attorney representing the plaintiff is only licensed in Arizona. They are asserting the use of California Civil Code of Procedure 999 (CCP 999) for pre-mediation. No complaint has been filed yet in either state. Can an Arizona-licensed... View More
answered on Jun 18, 2025
There might be an issue with the attorney's lack of a CA license to practice law in CA, making him ineligible to practice law in CA, and, whether the pre-lawsuit negotiations are the practice of law. If the attorney has associated another lawyer who is licensed in CA, or has an attorney in... View More
My employer is requiring all existing employees to sign an arbitration agreement by August 1st, although it was never part of the hiring process. No information has been provided about the consequences of refusing to sign. I am also a union member. Can they enforce this requirement?
answered on Jun 3, 2025
In California, an employer can legally terminate you for refusing to sign an arbitration agreement as a condition of continued employment. However, certain types of claims are not subject to arbitration as a matter of law, such Private Attorney General Act ("PAGA") claims.
My employer is requiring all existing employees to sign an arbitration agreement by August 1st, although it was never part of the hiring process. No information has been provided about the consequences of refusing to sign. I am also a union member. Can they enforce this requirement?
answered on Jun 3, 2025
Hello. Yes, your employer can require it at any time, unless your union contract prohibits it. What does your union say? If your employer requires it, and your union doesn't prohibit it, it's a condition of employment and not signing could result in termination. Good luck.
I have operated my Etsy shop since 2010, and it was recently suspended due to a handmade piece of jewelry containing Jade from Zinjiang, China. Etsy claimed this conflicted with their policies on sanctioned items. However, their policies do not mention Zinjiang as a prohibited source. Initially,... View More
answered on May 8, 2025
I think the better question is why would you continue to appeal instead of just taking them up on their offer to reinstate for a promise of not breaking the law in the future. Your best case scenario is that, after a lot of time and effort, you win your appeal and your shop gets reinstated.... View More
I recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) related to a settlement from a mediation hearing that all parties agreed upon in a class-action lawsuit concerning unlawful termination. I signed the MOU on April 23rd, and it includes multiple stipulations, including an individual payout to be... View More
answered on Apr 24, 2025
The answer to this question must come from your attorney. Only your attorney knows the specific agreement and the process. Class action settlement is a very slow process and rarely does a court quickly act to approve settlement terms. It would be wise to not expect the money any time soon. Good... View More
I was involved in a car accident in California where I was not at fault. During mediation, the final offer was $100,000, but my attorney advised waiting. Two weeks later, I received a release for $85,000 without prior notice. I requested to see the other party's proposal offer, the total... View More
answered on Apr 21, 2025
There are several red flags that indicate cause for concern, and others do not.
The portion coming from your own insurance company would not be included in the release.
It is unclear why the settlement is no longer $100,000.
Liens can be negotiated, in some situations,... View More
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
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
I am representing myself in arbitration for a medical malpractice case and recently received a report from a medical expert that supports my claim of negligence. Initially, there has been no communication or settlement offers from the opposing party. I have set a monetary figure for the settlement... View More
answered on Mar 14, 2025
Before the conference, you can attempt settlement, but you must be careful not to start too high or end up too low before the conference.
Also, you must have all your legal and factual allegations together. For example, punitive damages are very rare and you should make certain there is a... View More
I am involved in a child support and custody case. The other party has not followed prior court orders and has failed to serve me. There are currently no court dates scheduled, and I would like to know if mediation is mandatory in this situation, or if I can move directly to seeking legal... View More
answered on Mar 10, 2025
mandatory mediation is scheduled once a party files a Request for Order for custody/visitation. If no such motion has been filed, no hearings are pending, and you have not been sent an order from the court regarding mediation, then you are not required to go to mediation or set one up.
I have been working as a supervisor at a health corporate for 9 years. Despite consistently receiving high appraisals (3/3 every year) and effectively managing work with our 50 hospitals, I am being denied promotion. My peers have been promoted to Manager positions, but I have not received a... View More
answered on Feb 28, 2025
Your next steps should be to prepare a chronology of events supported by documentary evidence.
Next, you should review it with a lawyer to confirm you have enough evidence to establish a good faith claim, then you prepare a complaint to HR about the discrimination - hopefully reviewed by a... View More
I am seeking a pro bono family law lawyer to assist me with a child custody case. The father currently has full custody of our children, while I have reasonable visitation rights. However, he has kept the kids from me for almost a year and is now attempting to retain full custody and move out of... View More
answered on Feb 21, 2025
You are not alone. Millions of Californians seek free legal representation. Many in worse situations than yours. There are agencies like Legal Aid, but their funding simply cannot provide legal representation for everyone in need. Attorneys do strive to provide pro bono services more than most... View More
I recently let my lawyer go because I felt she wasn't representing me properly; however, she is still representing my sister. After this, I attended court with my sister, and I found out that my former lawyer had contacted the insurance agent about what was said in court. I feel this may have... View More
answered on Feb 14, 2025
What was said in court was a public record. A "feeling" that communication with an agent/adjuster may have adversely affected your settlement is not nearly enough. You need evidence that you were harmed. What was said in court may have affected your settlement, but the attorney... View More
I'm preparing to attend a mediation session related to my son's death due to a hit-and-run driver in California. There have been no prior legal proceedings, and I'm not currently represented by a lawyer. The driver's insurance company is involved in the case. Do I need to have a... View More
answered on Feb 13, 2025
While not required, it's strongly advisable to hire a lawyer in this situation. I am happy to discuss this matter with you further, in private, if you wish to contact me on the phone. It's probably best not to discuss your case further in a public forum while the case is pending... View More
I'm preparing to attend a mediation session related to my son's death due to a hit-and-run driver in California. There have been no prior legal proceedings, and I'm not currently represented by a lawyer. The driver's insurance company is involved in the case. Do I need to have a... View More
answered on Feb 14, 2025
You don't have to but you really should. Most personal injury attorneys will take your case on a contingency basis, meaning you don't pay them anything and they only get paid if they win. The insurance companies don't want you to get an attorney because they do much better going... View More
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