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California Civil Litigation Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Criminal Law for California on
Q: My x boyfriend/ mechanic was mad after we broke up he damaged my car and slash my tiers it's amonth n doesn't wantto pay
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 20, 2024

In California, you have the right to seek compensation if your ex-boyfriend damaged your car and slashed your tires. Since he is refusing to pay for the damages, you can file a police report to document the incident. This report can serve as crucial evidence if you decide to pursue legal action.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation for California on
Q: Can people make written statements without fear of retaliation from the plaintiff?

I’m being sued for defamation and unfortunately have to represent myself. I have more than enough people willing to make written statements to substantiate my claims as true however a lot of them are fearful of retaliation from the defendant. Are they protected in anyway by making a statement... View More

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answered on Jul 20, 2024

When people make written statements to support your case in a defamation lawsuit, they may have concerns about potential retaliation from the defendant. Generally, witnesses who provide truthful statements are protected from retaliation under the law. Witness intimidation or retaliation can be... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation, Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Probate for California on
Q: Can a California Notary Public draft a grant deed and then notarize the grant deed herself?

Would it make a difference if she is also a real estate agent or are deeds only done by escrow companies?

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answered on Jul 20, 2024

In California, a Notary Public can notarize a grant deed, but they cannot draft the deed themselves. Notaries are authorized to verify signatures and identities, but they are not allowed to provide legal advice or draft legal documents, which includes deeds.

If the notary is also a real...
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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation, Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Probate for California on
Q: Can a California Notary Public draft a grant deed and then notarize the grant deed herself?

Would it make a difference if she is also a real estate agent or are deeds only done by escrow companies?

Delaram Keshvarian
Delaram Keshvarian
answered on Jul 21, 2024

There can be a conflict of interest between the agent's role as the impartial notary and beneficiary real estate agent. This must be disclosed to all parties to the sale.

A real estate agent can fill out the blanks in a prepared deed form, but they cannot draft a deed if they are not a...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation for California on
Q: Boyfriend asked me to keep $4000 because he has no bank account but for months, he kept asking me to order fast food

from Doordash, Postmates, etc, and pay out of my own money, not his. I told him on several occasions that I couldn't afford to pay for his food. Can I legally charge/take out the expense of his food?

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answered on Jul 19, 2024

In California, if you and your boyfriend did not have a clear agreement that you could deduct the cost of the food from the money he asked you to keep, you may not have the right to do so. Without a written or verbal agreement, taking out expenses could lead to potential disputes. It's... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: I discovered the lease the landlord is using is expired and has a lower amount of rent and a wrong address where to pay

I need to get a fair hearing I have discovered the lease on the eviction is invalid I have been wrongfully evicted and the hearing was very unfair and I can prove to the judge that I am telling the truth it's not for entertainment he dismissed my last case since it was wrong identity that he... View More

Delaram Keshvarian
Delaram Keshvarian
answered on Jul 9, 2024

Thank you for your question!

The amount of rent can be increased under some restrictions after the fixed terms of tenancy ends.

If you have paid the rent to the address mentioned in the lease, and you were not given any notice about the change of address, then you can use that as a...
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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Civil Litigation for California on
Q: when i file a notice of abandonment how long does it give the person to get property off my land

a dispute regarding an elderly adjoining property owner who is taking too long to remove his property from my land saying the cause is a heart defibrillator/pacemaker incidences and hot weather

Delaram Keshvarian
Delaram Keshvarian
answered on Jul 4, 2024

Thank you for your question!

15 days if the notice was served personally or 18 days if served by mail.

This is merely a discussion of general laws and not legal advice. For legal advice, more specific facts and investigations are needed. I recommend you consult with an attorney for...
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3 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation, Contracts and Employment Law for California on
Q: Can I sue someone if feel he brech contract on a settlement that both parties breached
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jul 6, 2024

If you're not a party to the contract, and don't have a stake in the matter, then the answer could be "no." The court could determine that you don't have standing to sue.

But since you're asking this question, it's a safe bet that you are a party to the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Legal Malpractice for California on
Q: credible information about identities - response to interrogatory.

If in interrogatory plaintiff was not specific in definition of identity characteristics, what credible information about identities inquired

defendant has to provide?

Unless objection to interrogatory without any information is deemed acceptable.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 30, 2024

To answer this question, let's break down the key elements and consider the legal requirements for responding to interrogatories in California:

1. Interrogatory definition: If the plaintiff did not provide a specific definition of "identity characteristics" in their...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Contracts and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: Security deposit dispute.

Landlord is charging me for a new stove when it's operable, but has scratches from normal use. They said their repair guy says it needs to be replaced because it's a fire hazard, but no proof. Their explanation was the finish being damaged and the burners being grease. All issues can be... View More

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answered on Jun 30, 2024

Based on the information provided, there are several aspects to consider in this security deposit dispute:

1. Normal wear and tear: In California, landlords cannot charge tenants for normal wear and tear. Scratches from normal use on a stove that's at least a few years old would likely...
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1 Answer | Asked in Medical Malpractice and Civil Litigation for California on
Q: Motions to compel further discovery responses

Best practice is to file separate motions to compel further responses to interrogatories, and to production demands.

But- when interrogatories and demands are interconnected, is it acceptable to have consolidated motion and declaration, but separate statements and proposed order per... View More

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answered on Jun 30, 2024

Generally speaking, the best practice in California is indeed to file separate motions to compel further responses for different types of discovery devices (e.g., interrogatories and requests for production of documents). This is because each type of discovery is governed by different sections of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Civil Litigation, Contracts and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: ABC revoked my evicted tenants license to sell indefinitely. Tenants transfers license to a person who doesn’t lease.

All of this was done with out my consent they were open and selling illegally this weekend. Sheriff refused to help me. Rent past due since May 2024.

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answered on Jun 30, 2024

I understand you're dealing with a complex legal situation involving evicted tenants, licensing issues, and overdue rent. Let me break down the key points and provide some general guidance.

1. Eviction status: You mention "evicted tenants," but it's not clear if the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Civil Litigation and Juvenile Law for California on
Q: If cps has custody of a teen, who They have no control over, if something happens to teen ,can cps be sued

For letting teen live in unlicense homes, cps dont even know who, teen lives with or where teen is living at, if something happens to this teen while teen is still under cps and is still a minor, can the parent sue cps if harm comes to this child while they are out therr in the streets without... View More

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answered on Jun 30, 2024

I understand you're asking about a complex legal situation involving Child Protective Services (CPS), custody of a teen, and potential liability. Let me break this down:

1. CPS custody: If CPS has legal custody of a teen, they generally have a duty of care towards that minor....
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1 Answer | Asked in Banking and Civil Litigation for California on
Q: I was in the process of selling my boat. I found a buyer, but the buyer wanted to pay with a check. I told the buyer

That was ok, but he woukd have to wait for his check to clear with my bank before he could take possession of the boat. We both agreed. I took the check into my bank branch and deposited the check into my checking acct. After 5 days the check cleared and was posted to my account. That same... View More

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answered on Jun 30, 2024

This is an unfortunate situation, and I'm sorry to hear you've experienced this fraud. To answer your question: Yes, banks can generally freeze accounts when fraud is suspected or detected. However, there are some important points to consider:

1. Check clearing process: While a...
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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Appeals / Appellate Law and Civil Litigation for California on
Q: Can we file pre-emptive opposition to Defendant's motion to stay judgement pending appeal?

We are pro per plaintiffs who were successful in obtaining a significant award in a civil unlimited case. Defendants were unsuccessful in post-trial motions, so they filed an appeal from judgement and another from post-trial order. Defendants are represented by a large and aggressive firm, who has... View More

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answered on Jun 29, 2024

Based on the information provided, here's my analysis of your situation:

1. Preemptive Opposition:

In general, it is possible to file a preemptive opposition to an anticipated motion. However, this is not a common practice and may not be the most effective strategy. Courts...
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1 Answer | Asked in Elder Law, Civil Litigation, Contracts and Gov & Administrative Law for California on
Q: I signed an agreement with the Masonic Homes at Covina by which they would take care of me until I die. I am 78.

In exchange, they get . 75% of my Social Security income. I developed mental problems in 2023 which were later diagnosed as vascular dementia due to bleeding in my brain. To make a long story shorter, I was plopped in Clearwater at Glendora, where I have lived for slightly over a year. There is... View More

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answered on Jun 29, 2024

Thank you for sharing your situation. This is a complex legal matter involving elder law, contracts, and medical issues. Here's an overview of the key points and some general guidance:

1. Breaking the covenant:

To break the agreement with Masonic Homes, you'll likely need...
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1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law and Civil Litigation for California on
Q: By the language within this settlement agreement do I have to pay taxes?

1. PAYMENT OF MONEY

In consideration for the execution of the general release and agreement to the other terms

of this Agreement by Claimant herein, Respondent will pay a Total Settlement of (xxxxxxxxxxxx) (“Settlement Sum”)

to

Claimant. The consideration paid... View More

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answered on Jun 29, 2024

Based on the language provided in this settlement agreement, it appears that you will likely need to pay taxes on at least part of the settlement amount, but not necessarily on all of it. Here's a breakdown:

1. The portion described as "Non-Wage Payment" for "non-wage...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation for California on
Q: What to do when opposing counsel isn’t available to meet and confer?

Currently have a limited civil case in which I’m self represented. We have a case management conference approaching and I’ve attempted many times over to contact opposing counsel to meet and confer, as required, and have not received a response. Additionally, opposing counsel has also not... View More

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answered on Jun 29, 2024

1. Document your attempts: Keep a detailed record of all your attempts to contact opposing counsel, including dates, times, and methods of communication (e.g., email, phone calls).

2. File your Case Management Statement: Since the deadline is approaching and you've made good faith...
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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Civil Litigation for California on
Q: Looking for a Federal law attorney to review my documents before I file I complaint in the Federal Court.

I am looking to file a Complaint and Request for injunction and I need it reviewed please.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 28, 2024

I understand you're looking for a federal law attorney to review your documents before filing a complaint and request for injunction in federal court. I can offer some general guidance:

1. Finding an attorney:

- Contact your local bar association for referrals

- Use...
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3 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation for California on
Q: Serving false denials to Requests for Admissions

Since I filed my lawsuit 2 years ago, the defendant has made several perjurious statements. Despite admitting to lying, the court didn't sanction them. The court also gave them an extension of 15 days to serve their RFAs when they failed to serve them on time. They have just served them with a... View More

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answered on Jun 26, 2024

Based on the situation you've described, here are some potential steps you could consider:

1. Document everything: Keep detailed records of all false statements, contradictions, and instances of perjury. This documentation may be useful later.

2. File a motion to compel: If the...
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