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2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Civil Litigation and Real Estate Law for New York on
Q: Can I sue my landlord for unresolved mold and plumbing issues in my apartment since 2019?

I have been dealing with unresolved issues in my apartment since 2019, including mold, plumbing problems, and rental breakdown. Despite reaching out to my landlord numerous times, these issues remain unresolved. I have also contacted Code Enforcement multiple times and have all the notices... View More

Peter Klose
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answered on May 16, 2025

The answer to this question is tricky. Are you speaking about simply the "conditions" of the space, or personal injuries suffered as a result of those conditions. If you are speaking about personal injuries, you should certainly contact an attorney to investigate the causal connection... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Contracts and Civil Litigation for Oregon on
Q: How to reverse unauthorized house sale by power of attorney sister?

My grandma, who lives in Arkansas, has her sister as her power of attorney. During COVID in 2020, her sister sold my grandma's house in Oregon without her permission or knowledge. The sale was made to the sister's son for their personal gain. My grandma, who is still alive, did not want... View More

Theressa Hollis
Theressa Hollis
answered on May 16, 2025

If the house sale happened five years ago it's unlikely you will be able to undo it. However, your grandmother could 1) revoke her Power of Attorney to her sister (be sure she informs sister of the revocation), 2) ask for Adult Protective Services to start an investigation into possible elder... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Elder Law, Estate Planning, Civil Litigation, White Collar Crime and Criminal Law for California on
Q: Seeking legal guidance to protect elderly parents from financial abuse and undue influence by unstable sister in California.

I'm seeking legal guidance regarding my elderly parents' care and financial safety. My younger sister is attempting to take over their finances and put them in an elderly living facility, despite my parents being fully capable of making their own decisions. They are drafting Powers of... View More

Klaus Gottlieb
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answered on May 16, 2025

You’re right to be concerned. What you’ve described may constitute elder abuse and financial exploitation under California law. The behavior—coercion, verbal and physical abuse, false accusations, and fraudulent changes to financial accounts—raises serious red flags.

You should...
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4 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, Civil Litigation and Personal Injury for Texas on
Q: Can I sue for damages after hitting an unmarked forklift causing truck repairs and income loss?

I’m an independent truck driver, and on April 8, 2025, I was involved in an accident in Geismar where I hit a United Rental forklift that was parked on the shoulder. It wasn't properly marked, lit, or barricaded, creating a safety hazard. My truck was towed for repairs costing $52,535.84,... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on May 15, 2025

Yes, you can sue. But it might not be United Rental that you can sue. United Rental rents forklifts to other companies and people. The dangerous condition may have been created by the renter of the forklift, and not by United Rental. You need to identify who that renter was, if there was one.... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Collections, Civil Litigation and Consumer Law for California on
Q: Served lawsuit by Patenaude & Felix for Synchrony Bank debt; need steps to move forward.

I was served a lawsuit by Patenaude & Felix, A.P.C., regarding a debt owed to Synchrony Bank amounting to $2,927.65. On May 9, I attempted to dispute the charges with Synchrony Bank and sent a letter requesting validation and documentation, but I have not received a response. Synchrony Bank has... View More

Joel Gary Selik
Joel Gary Selik
answered on May 15, 2025

Put up your best defense, including and counter-suit. Then, if the debt is valid, show what has been paid and negotiate a settlement.

Note, You must respond in the legal way and on time with, for example a motion or an answer with affirmative defenses. Failure to do so could result in a...
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5 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Litigation for Massachusetts on
Q: What should I do after receiving a notice for a magistrate's hearing for assault and battery in MA?

I received a notice to appear at a Massachusetts magistrate's hearing, where I am accused of assault and battery. The incident occurred in April, and witnesses were present. I went to the hospital but sustained no lasting injuries. Additionally, the police department has accused my accuser of... View More

Joseph B. Simons
Joseph B. Simons
answered on May 15, 2025

Ideally, you should contact a Criminal Defense Attorney. These hearings are very important and at yours, the magistrate will decide whether you are officially charged with a crime or not. If successful, the case would be dismissed with no record of it on your criminal background. If you are... View More

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5 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Litigation for Massachusetts on
Q: What should I do after receiving a notice for a magistrate's hearing for assault and battery in MA?

I received a notice to appear at a Massachusetts magistrate's hearing, where I am accused of assault and battery. The incident occurred in April, and witnesses were present. I went to the hospital but sustained no lasting injuries. Additionally, the police department has accused my accuser of... View More

Neil F. Faigel
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Neil F. Faigel
answered on May 16, 2025

Your next step should be to consult with an attorney in order to prepare for the clerk magistrate hearing. This is a very important step in the case. If you can convince the clerk magistrate not to issue the complaint against you, then the matter is dismissed and you will never be formally charged... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Civil Litigation for California on
Q: How can I access information about my mother's trust if my brother blocks communication?

My mother recently passed away, and she had a trust where my older brother is named the successor trustee, and I am the second successor trustee. Although I was close to my mother, I know very little about her wishes after her passing, particularly regarding a memorial and her wishes for her and my... View More

Julie King
Julie King
answered on May 14, 2025

Successor Trustees should send a Notification by Trustee telling all immediate family and all beneficiaries that they have a right to receive a copy of the trust. If the Successor Trustee refuses to give someone a copy of the trust, it would be a good idea to demand a copy of the trust in writing.... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Litigation and Employment Law for Nebraska on
Q: Facing charge as a felon in possession with questionable evidence consent in Nebraska. Should case be dismissed?

I am facing a charge of being a felon in possession of firearms. The only evidence is a one-page typed police report stating that I consented to a search, but I did not actually give consent. A gun was found in the center console of a borrowed truck. The officer involved in my case is deceased, and... View More

Julie Fowler
Julie Fowler
answered on May 14, 2025

Generally the witness must be present to testify as to what they saw, said, or heard. Otherwise it is considered hearsay and hearsay is generally excluded from evidence. However, there are many exceptions where hearsay can be submitted into evidence if it meets the criteria for the exception.... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Real Estate Law and Civil Litigation for Ohio on
Q: Can I recover costs from co-owner for unpaid house upkeep in Ohio?

I own a house jointly with someone, but I have been the sole occupant and have covered all maintenance and taxes for the past 20 years. Both names are on the property deed. Initially, we had a verbal agreement to share expenses, but this has not been followed. I've attempted to address the... View More

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on May 14, 2025

Without a written agreement, if you sue the co-owner, it could be difficult to get any reimbursement. You could file a "partition action" asking the court to order the property sold. The court could credit you with the co-owner's unpaid share of the costs in the distribution of... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Civil Litigation and Family Law for New York on
Q: Can my daughter's grandmother's visitation case be dismissed due to her perjury?

I moved out of state in August 2024. My daughter’s grandmother ceased communication in September 2024 after stating she isn’t chasing me over a baby, among other things, essentially abandoning her relationship with my child. She filed for visitation rights in New York State in November 2024. I... View More

Stephen Bilkis
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answered on May 14, 2025

I understand your frustration with this situation, especially when you believe that false statements have been made against you in court. In New York, a grandparent may petition for visitation with their grandchild under Domestic Relations Law § 72, but they must demonstrate that they have... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, Child Support, Civil Litigation, Personal Injury and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Can child support be taken from car accident lawsuit winnings in Florida?

I was involved in a car accident and am currently in a lawsuit related to it. I'm concerned about whether my lawsuit winnings can be used to cover my child support payments, as I have been ordered to pay child support but am behind on payments. Can my child support obligations affect the... View More

Barry W. Kaufman
Barry W. Kaufman
answered on May 14, 2025

Your settlement payment does not flow through the Child Support Depository in your county or in Tallahassee. Nowif there is any sort of lien on the settlement proceeds placed by the State or the other party, then yes, that lien would have to be satisfied before your settlement could be disbursed to... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation, Gov & Administrative Law and Personal Injury for New York on
Q: Can Newark airport crash victims sue due to poor equipment?

In the last month, there have been at least four incidents involving airport crashes in and around Newark. These incidents resulted in deaths and injuries, and ongoing investigations have identified issues with air traffic controllers and outdated or poorly maintained equipment. The FAA is... View More

Stephen Bilkis
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answered on May 14, 2025

Victims of airport crashes at Newark Airport may have the right to pursue legal action if they can show that their injuries resulted from negligence. In New York, and in neighboring New Jersey where Newark Airport is located, negligence occurs when a party breaches a duty of care, and that breach... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Civil Litigation, Landlord - Tenant, Personal Injury and Real Estate Law for Texas on
Q: How can I retrieve my car from a locked shop due to my ex's debt?

I'm seeking advice on retrieving my vehicle, which is locked in a shop that my ex-boyfriend was renting. The shop owner locked the premises due to my ex-boyfriend's debt, but my vehicle, which is registered under my name, is inside. The owner mentioned he might consider giving me the car... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on May 13, 2025

If your car is worth $20,000 or less, you can file a suit for replevin in JP court. The owner's landlord's lien does not apply to motor vehicles not owned by the tenant.

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3 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Landlord - Tenant and Civil Litigation for Tennessee on
Q: Seeking compensation from pipeline company for septic system damage and increased costs.

I own a rental home where pipeline workers damaged the septic system before Easter, leading to sewage flooding. This has occurred twice now. The pipeline company has acknowledged responsibility and is covering cleaning and home repair costs. However, my tenants will need to connect to the sewer,... View More

Mr. Kent Thomas Jones
Mr. Kent Thomas Jones
answered on May 13, 2025

I would get a good local attorney. You are probably sue them for negligence and recklessnes. You may be suing them for an intentional action, depending on whether they saw your sewer and just ignored it. The damages could be extream. Either they need to reconstruct your sewer or put them on the... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Foreclosure, Animal / Dog Law, Civil Rights, Civil Litigation and Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: Animal control took my horses during foreclosure without abuse allegations. How do I retrieve them and hold people accountable?

My house was foreclosed, and we were given ten minutes to leave the premises. Animal control took our valuable horses, claiming it was necessary because we couldn't move them ourselves, despite us having the means to do so with some additional time for arrangements. The sheriff threatened me... View More

Barbara Billiot Stage
Barbara Billiot Stage
answered on May 12, 2025

I'm sorry you had that experience and I understand how difficult it is to relocate horses on short notice.

Technically, the horses were not stolen and were likely considered abandoned just like any other personal property left on the premises. The sheriff has to post a 24-hour notice...
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3 Answers | Asked in Probate, Foreclosure, Civil Litigation and Real Estate Law for Michigan on
Q: Can I sue my brother for theft or wrongdoing in managing my mother's estate without a will in Michigan?

My mother passed away in September 2023, leaving no will. I believed my older brother was managing her affairs, but I recently discovered he took everything from her house and accounts. Now, a foreclosure company has contacted me about my mother's house, which is facing foreclosure. I... View More

David Soble
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David Soble
answered on May 12, 2025

You will need to support your contentions. If there was no will and he was n't appointed as a personal representative by the court, your options are limited. You would need to prove he did not have rights to the property. The best case is to become the personal representative of your... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Probate, Foreclosure, Civil Litigation and Real Estate Law for Michigan on
Q: Can I sue my brother for theft or wrongdoing in managing my mother's estate without a will in Michigan?

My mother passed away in September 2023, leaving no will. I believed my older brother was managing her affairs, but I recently discovered he took everything from her house and accounts. Now, a foreclosure company has contacted me about my mother's house, which is facing foreclosure. I... View More

Kenneth V Zichi
Kenneth V Zichi
answered on May 13, 2025

I agree with Mr Soble but I would add that CAN you sue is a very different question than SHOULD you sue.

People get confused about this a lot, and the short answer is almost always 'yes you can sue, but you probably shouldn't' SOMETIMES you cannot sue, and sometimes it is a...
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2 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Civil Litigation and Personal Injury for Texas on
Q: Neighbor's dog attacked my daughter's dog, causing injuries. Neighbors refuse to pay vet bills despite evidence and prior incidents. What legal actions can be taken in Texas?

My daughter's dog was attacked by my neighbor's dog, which also injured her children. The incident resulted in over $3,000 in vet bills. We have sent letters to the neighbors both by mail and hand delivery, but they refused to pay the expenses. There have been prior incidents of their dog... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on May 12, 2025

You should file a small claims suit in the justice of the peace court for the county and precinct where you and your neighbor live.

You should download, print out, and bring with you any local ordinance for your town or city that requires pet owners to keep their pets fenced or on a leash...
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Q: Cattle guard removed; locked gate installed in Arizona. Legal resources?

A neighboring rancher removed a cattle guard that's been in place for 40 years and installed a locked gate without any notification. This has severely impacted my daily routine, as I lost wages when I was unable to leave for work one morning. The rancher is now threatening me with trespassing... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on May 12, 2025

You will have to hire an AZ attorney to file suit to declare your easement rights. Search both your's and the adjacent owner's titles. An express easement needs to be in his title chain. If nothing else maybe you have an easement by prescription, implication, necessity, etc. Access... View More

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