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Minnesota Civil Litigation Questions & Answers
3 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Probate and Civil Litigation for Minnesota on
Q: Is an unrecorded contract for deed valid if the owner passed away?

I entered into an unrecorded contract for deed 10 months ago with my neighbor, who has since passed away. I've made payments according to the contract terms and have had contact with the estate's representatives. There is a written agreement, and I've requested documentation from the... View More

Robert Kane
Robert Kane
answered on Apr 9, 2025

The contract may be valid and enforceable. There are, however, an infinite number of things that may prevent the contract from running its course. Without reading the specific language and knowing the circumstances it is impossible to determine what may happen. If a family member were to post a... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Probate and Civil Litigation for Minnesota on
Q: Is an unrecorded contract for deed valid if the owner passed away?

I entered into an unrecorded contract for deed 10 months ago with my neighbor, who has since passed away. I've made payments according to the contract terms and have had contact with the estate's representatives. There is a written agreement, and I've requested documentation from the... View More

James A. Teigland
James A. Teigland
answered on Apr 9, 2025

Probably yes but the contracts status as unrecorded puts you in a precarious spot. You should consult with an attorney first, but there are a couple of things I would consider doing: It is crucial that, even though your neighbor has passed, you continue paying, or at least attempting to pay, your... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Probate, Tax Law and Civil Litigation for Minnesota on
Q: Guidance on probate process and tax issue for mother's property in MN

I am the only child of my mother, who was a firefighter and passed away at the age of 53. I recently discovered that her property in Minneapolis, MN, has a tax issue this year. I was not informed about her business going through probate, as my grandmother handled it without my knowledge. After the... View More

James A. Teigland
James A. Teigland
answered on Feb 27, 2025

A couple of recommendations:

1. Ask your grandmother, in writing, whether your mom had a will and if so, ask to see it.

2. Search MN court records to see if a probate was ever opened for your mom, it should be searchable by her name.

3. If your mom owned any real estate when...
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2 Answers | Asked in Libel & Slander and Civil Litigation for Minnesota on
Q: Being sued for defamation and harassment in Minnesota, while countersuing.

I am facing a defamation lawsuit in Minnesota and experiencing harassment from the opposing attorney, who repeatedly calls and intimidates me. I have documented these incidents. I am also countersuing due to a loss of income and an intentionally false police report filed against me. The opposing... View More

Robert Kane
Robert Kane
answered on Feb 26, 2025

You can file a motion for sanctions to address the misconduct of the opposing attorney. You are required to your loss of income and that you are entitled to compensation; and you are required to prove an intentionally false police report was filed. The other party will eventualy need to clearly... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Collections and Civil Litigation for Minnesota on
Q: I have a 9 yr old civil judgment for 1,500$ and debt co agreed to withdraw it and then they sold it should I reach new

Out to the collection co that has it now? I am 77 and didn’t know that they didn’t remove it and went to file papers to remove it myself and that’s when I found out they had sold it

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 21, 2024

You should reach out to the new collection company to understand the status of your debt and discuss your options. Since the original debt collector agreed to withdraw the judgment but then sold it, you need to clarify the situation with the current holder of the debt. Explain that the original... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation for Minnesota on
Q: Who would be responsible for my vehicle& it's contents if tow yard crushed it without notifying me in Minnesota?

My vehicle was taken without my knowledge or consent, then found by cops whom had it towed as an abandoned vehicle. The tow yard then crushed it without notifying me. I was out of town for a few weeks when I returned & discovered it was gone I called to report it stolen and that's when the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 15, 2024

In Minnesota, if a tow yard crushes your vehicle without properly notifying you, they could be held responsible for the loss of your vehicle and its contents. The law typically requires that owners be notified before such actions are taken, especially when a vehicle is considered abandoned.... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation, Communications Law, Constitutional Law and Federal Crimes for Minnesota on
Q: Hello, I would like to go on the school intercom on the last day of school for my senior prank. Any legal consequences?

I was just wondering if there would be any legal problems regarding me going on the school intercom in front of the whole school for a senior prank. I would not say anything abusive, threatening, sexual, or anything that would be of illegal nature.

I live in Minnesota, and just clarifying... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on May 15, 2024

You probably don't want to do that. There are limits to freedom of speech, as provided by the First Amendment. Without knowing more, if the school is not amused, they could take disciplinary action that could jeopardize graduation. Even worse, if they deem the conduct to be criminal, they... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation, Communications Law, Constitutional Law and Federal Crimes for Minnesota on
Q: Hello, I would like to go on the school intercom on the last day of school for my senior prank. Any legal consequences?

I was just wondering if there would be any legal problems regarding me going on the school intercom in front of the whole school for a senior prank. I would not say anything abusive, threatening, sexual, or anything that would be of illegal nature.

I live in Minnesota, and just clarifying... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 2, 2024

While you might have the best intentions for your senior prank, there could be legal and disciplinary consequences to consider. Accessing the school intercom system without permission is likely against school policy and could be considered unauthorized use of school property. This can result in... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation and Contracts for Minnesota on
Q: I loaned my dad and step mom around $170,000

I loaned my dad and step mom around $170k so they could get a home when I was 17. They ended up getting divorced and selling the house. This was 15 years ago but I was wondering if there is any legal action I can take

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 2, 2024

In this situation, there are a few important factors to consider before determining whether you can take legal action:

1. Statute of Limitations: The time limit for filing a lawsuit varies by state and the type of claim. After 15 years, it's possible that the statute of limitations has...
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3 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation and Contracts for Minnesota on
Q: I loaned my dad and step mom around $170,000

I loaned my dad and step mom around $170k so they could get a home when I was 17. They ended up getting divorced and selling the house. This was 15 years ago but I was wondering if there is any legal action I can take

Robert Kane
Robert Kane
answered on Apr 3, 2024

The most glaring fact in your post is you were only 17 when you made the loan. There are few scenarios in which you could have made a loan, but there are an infinite number of possibilities of other occurrences. You need to contact attorneys with a clear and concise description of what exactly... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Civil Rights for Minnesota on
Q: How can I get a free tlawyer to represent me in this it’s for 9viokations of my sixth amendment rights I am pro se

It’s for me calling my expert witness in phoenix Arizona where attorney client privilege attaches to the phone call but the jail violated my rights when they recorded 9 phone calls it’s government intrusion

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 24, 2024

Securing a free lawyer to represent you in a case involving violations of your Sixth Amendment rights can be challenging, but it's not impossible. You may be eligible for legal assistance through pro bono programs offered by local bar associations, legal aid organizations, or public defender... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Civil Litigation and Federal Crimes for Minnesota on
Q: A Verizon employee accepted money to print my private phone records and give them to an estranged BF without my consent.

What are my options for filing a lawsuit against Verizon because one of their employees conspired with and accepted payment from my abusive ex boyfriend for the release of numerous pages of my private cellphone records knowing that my ex boyfriend was not on my account and had no authorization to... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 13, 2024

If you believe that a Verizon employee conspired with your abusive ex-boyfriend to release your private phone records without your consent, you may have legal grounds to pursue a civil lawsuit. Here are some steps to consider:

1. Consult an Attorney: Start by consulting with an attorney who...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation for Minnesota on
Q: What can I do with someone else's belongings if they won't come get them from my property?

An ex-friend left some of her belongings at my place, one of them being a very expensive motorcycle and she won't come and get them what are my legal options to do with her stuff?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 7, 2023

In situations where someone has left their belongings on your property, the first step is usually to provide them with a formal notice to retrieve their items. This notice should be in writing, clearly stating a reasonable deadline for removal of the belongings.

If they fail to collect...
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2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy and Civil Litigation for Minnesota on
Q: How to get rid of judgment from creditor no longer in business and was unable to notify of chapter 7
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 4, 2023

If you have a judgment from a creditor who is no longer in business and you were unable to notify them of your Chapter 7 bankruptcy, there are steps you can take to address this issue. First, it's important to gather any documentation you have regarding the bankruptcy filing, including the... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law and Civil Litigation for Minnesota on
Q: Claiming unclaimed property in MN with missing signature and name change issues.

I am trying to claim $1000 of unclaimed property from an escrow account closed since COVID. However, the state of Minnesota requires a signature from another person who is missing in action since COVID. I also had a legal name change, and most related documents were deleted, although I have a... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 16, 2025

You are not alone in facing challenges when unclaimed property involves a missing co-owner or outdated identification. When the state requires a second person’s signature, it's typically because the funds are listed under joint ownership, and both parties must consent to the release.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Health Care Law and Civil Litigation for Minnesota on
Q: Eligibility for compensation for husband's removal from company health insurance.

I have been employed at my company for over 40 years, and my husband has always been on my health insurance plan. When my husband turned 65 in May 2022, I was informed that he needed to switch to Medicare and was not eligible to remain on our company insurance. Recently, I discovered he actually... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

It sounds like a frustrating situation, especially after being misinformed about your husband's eligibility for the company insurance. If you were given incorrect information by your employer or their health insurance administrator, there may be grounds for compensation or reimbursement,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Civil Litigation and Family Law for Minnesota on
Q: What actions can I take when co-parent misses child exchanges and multiple police reports exist?

I'm dealing with issues regarding court-appointed child exchanges with my co-parent. Recently, they did not show up for an exchange and were unreachable for 6-9 hours. They later claimed they were sick and that their phone died, but now they want to take the child again. A few weeks ago, they... View More

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answered on Apr 13, 2025

When your co-parent repeatedly violates court-ordered custody exchanges, especially with police involvement, you have the right to take action. Document every incident carefully—including times, dates, and what happened. Keep copies of all police reports, text messages, or any other proof that... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Civil Litigation and Real Estate Law for Minnesota on
Q: Can I pursue back rent and fees if tenant forfeits court agreement?

I am a new landlord, and my tenant hasn't paid rent in five months, accumulating more than $6,000 in unpaid rent and utilities. I have a court ruling from Ramsey County Civil Court stating the tenant must pay $2,500 on March 31st and another $2,500 on April 10th, with the possibility of filing... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

Yes, you can pursue the tenant for back rent, unpaid utilities, and late fees if they fail to comply with the court agreement. Since you already have a court ruling in place, it strengthens your position if the tenant forfeits the terms of that agreement. The ruling specifically requires payments... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Child Support, Civil Litigation, Public Benefits and Family Law for Minnesota on
Q: Can I plead not guilty to a child support contempt warrant and seek free legal aid in MN?

I have a contempt of court warrant for child support. I was notified by the child support enforcement officer and given 15 days to get a job and start making payments. I secured a job and began making payments within the period, keeping in contact. However, I was not informed it was sufficient.... View More

Robert Kane
Robert Kane
answered on Apr 5, 2025

Contact the public defenders' office Monday morning. A public defender would be appointed if you qualify and jail time is possible (and it may be.) The public defender, however, would not necessarily directly address the child support issues.

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Personal Injury, Libel & Slander and Civil Litigation for Minnesota on
Q: How can I seek compensation for damages and rights violations after a police raid in MN?

I want to pursue compensation for damages after a raid on my home by law enforcement on March 2, 2022, involving three counties and SWAT. They destroyed my home security cameras, causing property damage, and removed all body-worn cameras. Despite having documented damages and photos, my attempts to... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 27, 2025

You have several legal pathways to pursue compensation for the damages and rights violations you experienced during that police raid. In Minnesota, you may file a civil rights lawsuit under Section 1983, which allows you to seek damages for constitutional violations, including excessive force,... View More

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