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California Civil Litigation Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Child Support and Civil Litigation for California on
Q: Why are my investment property expenses excluded from child support? How to argue for inclusion?

I had a child support hearing where the judge refused to include certain expenses related to my investment property in the support calculation. These expenses include a maintenance percentage, a vacancy percentage, costs for adding heating and air conditioning, and the HELOC debt on the property.... View More

Tobie B. Waxman
Tobie B. Waxman
answered on Mar 18, 2025

Child support is calculated using the parties' INCOME. If the investment property you are talking about is an income producing property and that income is impacted by the expenses of maintaining that property, that will be reflected in your tax return used as evidence of your income.... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Workers' Compensation, Collections and Civil Litigation for California on
Q: How to collect on a WCAB Finding and Award not paid by employer?

I have been awarded a Finding and Award from the WCAB on August 18th, 2023, but my employer has failed to pay. I filed with the local court, but they said the finding and award are not valid as it is not a judgment. My lawyer will not assist further and has archived my file. How can I collect the... View More

Gary Alan Jackson
Gary Alan Jackson
answered on Mar 15, 2025

Did you join the Uninsured Employers Benefits Trust Fund? If not, that is malpractice by your attorney. Once joined, this fund pays any award that the employer does not pay! You do not have to chase down the employer for payment. The fund pays you, then they try to collect from the employer.

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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Education Law, Employment Law and Civil Litigation for California on
Q: What type of attorney for cyberbullying with physical threats towards a minor?

I am dealing with an incident where my minor child was cyberbullied by another minor, involving threatening posts that included physical harm. The school's district was aware and requested the posts be taken down, but never contacted us directly. Upon reaching out, they mentioned they... View More

Michelle Alissa Ball
Michelle Alissa Ball
answered on Mar 14, 2025

You need a education attorney who represents students. Often schools don't address bullying despite their legal obligations until a parent brings someone in.

They are mandated to address school bullying, but they have discretion on how they will do that.

It is unclear,...
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3 Answers | Asked in Legal Malpractice, Contracts and Civil Litigation for California on
Q: Contingency fee increase and legal dispute with lawyer in CA

I signed a contingency fee contract with my lawyer at 33%, but I found out it may increase up to 80%, plus I'm responsible for all bills. They didn't inform me about these terms. I received a $1,000 loan with interest on my $2 million case, but the check was not valid. After attempting to... View More

Joel Gary Selik
Joel Gary Selik
answered on Mar 14, 2025

The fees are determined by the fee agreement. But the fees must not be unconscionable; what you describe may be unconscionable.

If you hire a new attorney, the former attorney will likely be entitled to a fee but it will be limited.

Consult with and hire another attorney before...
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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Civil Litigation and Personal Injury for California on
Q: What legal actions can I take for a camera pointed at my bedroom window in California?

What legal actions can I take if the homeowner's son has pointed a video camera into my bedroom window, and after asking him to move it, he pointed it back again the same night? I haven't contacted local authorities yet. What are my options?

Joel Gary Selik
Joel Gary Selik
answered on Mar 12, 2025

As a caution, do not threaten to call the police as you do not want to be accused of extortion.

But, you can call the police. They may or may not investigate. But, keep in mind, solving the peeping issue may only lead to more problems if you contact the police. Instead, you may want to...
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Q: How to prevent a US copyright lawsuit after winning in Europe?

I have a copyright and patent related to an apnea device in both Europe and the US. I live in Spain and was previously sued in Europe for copyright infringement, where the opposing party demanded a percentage of my sales. We were able to prove that our device is not the same as theirs, and we won... View More

Alan Harrison
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answered on Mar 12, 2025

You might hope that the doctrine of res judicata would be helpful (https://jusmundi.com/en/document/publication/en-res-judicata). Sadly it is not necessarily recognized or applicable between different countries. Especially where you are dealing with explicitly national rights like patents and... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Employment Law, Personal Injury and Civil Litigation for California on
Q: Legal steps for injury caused by sheriff during incident with witnesses.

I'm seeking legal advice regarding an incident where I was retrieving water for my motor home from my neighbor, during which I was grabbed from behind. My left arm, which has had multiple surgeries and contains a metal implant, was manipulated and contorted, causing it to swell and resulting... View More

Louis George Fazzi
Louis George Fazzi
answered on Mar 11, 2025

Find yourself a good civil rights lawyer. If you need assistance, you can go to the Orange County Bar Association website and visit their lawyers referral service. There are many good lawyers who handle civil rights cases in Orange County, all you need to do is a little searching and you will find... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody and Civil Litigation for California on
Q: What impact does a mother's admission of violating custody have on contempt proceedings and following a mediator’s recommendation?

I currently have a 50/50 custody arrangement with my son's mother, established in 2022 after a previous incident where she took my son to Texas, requiring intervention from the abduction unit. In October 2024, she violated our custody order by taking our son to Sacramento for two months and... View More

Tobie B. Waxman
Tobie B. Waxman
answered on Mar 9, 2025

Of course you have to introduce evidence at the hearing. Further, that evidence should be included in your moving papers with a supporting declaration to lay its foundation. Whatever happens in mediation is confidential. Nothing that is said in mediation is admissible in court. Given the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Civil Litigation and Personal Injury for California on
Q: Discovered hidden tracking device on e-bike; seeking legal action for unauthorized surveillance in CA.

I discovered a hidden tracking device inside my e-bike battery compartment that was used to monitor my location without my consent. I have physical possession of the device, documented evidence, and I know who installed it. I reported the incident to the police, but no significant actions have been... View More

Louis George Fazzi
Louis George Fazzi
answered on Mar 6, 2025

What you are describing is a civil action, so it is not surprising that the police would take no action on your behalf. The police are charged with enforcing the criminal laws, not the civil laws. To protect your rights, you should find a civil rights lawyer in your area. Unlawful surveillance such... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Civil Litigation, Personal Injury and Medical Malpractice for California on
Q: Can I file a lawsuit for a wrongful involuntary psych hold in CA?

I was placed on an involuntary psychiatric hold from 2/27/25 to 3/3/25 due to a psychiatric nurse's falsified statement claiming I attempted an overdose on hypertension medication I don't own and was not suicidal. I was unaware of the hold until the next morning when an ambulance arrived... View More

Louis George Fazzi
Louis George Fazzi
answered on Mar 5, 2025

You may have a claim for false imprisonment and/or other charges. I suggest you contact a lawyer who handles civil rights cases as soon as you can.

Now, you can prepare a chronological summary of everything that happened to you, naming all the witnesses and their knowledge. Also, keep all...
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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation, Personal Injury and Juvenile Law for California on
Q: Tesla damaged by VEO bike; daughter coerced into admitting responsibility. Next steps?

My 17-year-old daughter accidentally knocked over a VEO bike while falling off her bicycle, which subsequently damaged a Tesla. The Tesla owner, who was inside the car, intimidated my daughter into texting him and taking responsibility for the damage, making her feel bullied. After the incident, I... View More

Patrick William Steinfeld
Patrick William Steinfeld
answered on Mar 4, 2025

Didn't directly hit the Tesla? She set it in motion so she is liable... whether she admitted liability or not. I would expect a typical driver to be rude after receiving a call like yours. You're refusing to take responsibility for your daughter's negligence that resulted in... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury, Wrongful Death and Civil Litigation for California on
Q: Can CHP be liable for not conducting blood test in fatal accident?

I tragically lost my husband due to a driver who claimed he fell asleep at the wheel last August. Unfortunately, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) hasn't finalized the accident report even after six months. No charges have been filed against the driver, though he has a prior accident from... View More

Patrick William Steinfeld
Patrick William Steinfeld
answered on Mar 4, 2025

WHY IS THE REPORT TAKING SO LONG?

Accident reports involving injury are often completed by the end of the work shift. But it's common for accident reports involving fatal accidents to take 4-months or more to complete. In fact, some reports (involving unknown drivers) may never be...
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3 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury, Wrongful Death and Civil Litigation for California on
Q: Can CHP be liable for not conducting blood test in fatal accident?

I tragically lost my husband due to a driver who claimed he fell asleep at the wheel last August. Unfortunately, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) hasn't finalized the accident report even after six months. No charges have been filed against the driver, though he has a prior accident from... View More

David W Gammill
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answered on Mar 3, 2025

I’m very sorry for your loss, but No. Generally speaking the police are immune from lawsuits for being bad/lazy/incompetent at their investigative jobs.

Perhaps the driver’s employer could have liability or the state for the condition of the road.

Under no circumstances should...
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2 Answers | Asked in Child Support, Civil Litigation and Consumer Law for California on
Q: Can we pursue fraud charges against bio mom for misusing child support?

I have had legal guardianship over a child for the past four years. During this time, the biological mother received $2,000 a month in child support from the father, as per a court order. However, the child has not lived with her, and she falsely claimed she did not receive support from the father.... View More

Scott Richard Kaufman
Scott Richard Kaufman
answered on Mar 3, 2025

This is PURE speculation but, as described, this person almost assuredly has no money, so, getting it from her is unlikely. That said, stealing child support 'feels' punishable by prison? Again NOT even close to being sure. Perhaps you should speak to family services???

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2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Personal Injury for California on
Q: Can I sue the San Diego police for a faulty accident report blaming us?

I was in a car accident with my parents in San Diego, and the police report, completed 3.5 months later, incorrectly blamed my boyfriend for the accident. The report also failed to list a third person in the car, who I suspect has connections to local authorities. I haven't taken formal steps... View More

Patrick William Steinfeld
Patrick William Steinfeld
answered on Mar 3, 2025

This question is asked all the time on this forum because everyone blames the other driver... so this is a common issue. Police departments are generally immune from lawsuits for writing "faulty reports". No assist from the DA. Case closed. Why did the police blame your bf? You can take... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation for California on
Q: Seeking guidance on proceeding with a pending civil case filed in 2019, confirmed active but not closed.

I have a civil case that was filed in May 2019, which I believed was closed until I recently discovered it's still pending. I don't currently have an attorney and have confirmed the case status with the court. There have been some actions taken, but to my knowledge, no rulings have been... View More

Robert Kane
Robert Kane
answered on Mar 1, 2025

Actually, JA's AI's response isn't total gibberish. Quite simply and in more human terms, you haven't provided near enough specific information to provide any meaningful guidance other than to consult with an attorney. A "pending civil case" could deal with an... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury, Civil Litigation and Domestic Violence for California on
Q: Legal action for contracting STDs from partner aware of risk

I recently resumed a relationship with my partner, during which time he was involved with another woman. She later informed me that she has STDs and intended for him to contract them, knowing he might return to me. I have ordered testing for myself and am experiencing symptoms, suggesting I may... View More

Patrick William Steinfeld
Patrick William Steinfeld
answered on Feb 27, 2025

You may have a claim against the ex... but I don't think the woman has any legal "duty" to you... which is a necessary element for a personal injury claim. Duty can be established by a special relationship... which clearly exists between the ex... and the woman. But your special... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury, Civil Litigation and Domestic Violence for California on
Q: Legal action for contracting STDs from partner aware of risk

I recently resumed a relationship with my partner, during which time he was involved with another woman. She later informed me that she has STDs and intended for him to contract them, knowing he might return to me. I have ordered testing for myself and am experiencing symptoms, suggesting I may... View More

Theodore Allan Greene
Theodore Allan Greene
answered on Feb 27, 2025

You might be able to sue him if he was aware of what he had knowing he might transmit it to you. State laws vary so you should contact a personal injury attorney in your state to discuss. In California we have handled similar type cases but if you are in another state the laws might be different.... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, Contracts and Civil Litigation for California on
Q: Settlement delay after automobile accident case in California.

I won a settlement from my automobile accident injury case, and it's been 6 weeks without receiving my settlement check. My lawyer initially told me over the phone it would take 3 to 4 weeks, but I haven't received any updates. I was informed that the delay is due to the liens department... View More

William John Light
William John Light
answered on Feb 26, 2025

Yes, its normal. The chance that another another will want to take over now is almost 0%, unless you want to pay an hourly fee, which would almost certainly be prohibitively expensive. There are no steps you can take. This is in the hands of the companies asserting the liens and medical billing... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury, Civil Litigation, Landlord - Tenant and Contracts for California on
Q: Seeking guidance on personal injury tort case in California, self-represented.

I am representing myself in a personal injury tort case due to inability to find counsel. My complaint includes causes of action such as harassment, implied warranty of habitability, utility shut offs, malicious prosecution, breach of contract, and conversion of personal property. I've drafted... View More

Patrick William Steinfeld
Patrick William Steinfeld
answered on Feb 25, 2025

Personal Injury (PI) attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if they win your case. Kind of similar to a Realtor who only gets paid if they sell your house. So, if you had a strong PI case, with a $4mil. valuation... AND puni's, against a financially strong... View More

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