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2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: I live in CA & I have 2 storage rental questions

1) My storage lease just increased from $60.50 pm to $75 is this amount considered excessive?

(This economy is killing me)

2)I paid storage rent by email last night but it was processed today and I was charged a $15 late fee. I thought since my agreement is late fee after the 10th... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 11, 2024

Under California law, the increase in your storage lease from $60.50 per month to $75 may not necessarily be considered excessive. The determination of whether a rent increase is excessive depends on various factors, including market rates, the terms of your lease agreement, and local regulations.... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: I live in CA & I have 2 storage rental questions

1) My storage lease just increased from $60.50 pm to $75 is this amount considered excessive?

(This economy is killing me)

2)I paid storage rent by email last night but it was processed today and I was charged a $15 late fee. I thought since my agreement is late fee after the 10th... View More

Leon Bayer
Leon Bayer
answered on Jan 11, 2024

It's a fair question. The increase is not excessive provided they gave you 30 days advance notice. It is worth your consideration that most businesses do not have employees available to process payments outside of normal daytime business hours. Because of that, your payment was late, and you... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Internet Law and Consumer Law for Florida on
Q: What to do when a buyer claims the package they received is empty?

I recently sold an item online. I shipped it USPS priority envelope. It was delivered and the buyer is saying it was empty when received. I put the item in myself. Now they are threatening legal action against me if I don't refund them. What do I do in this situation? Can they do... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 11, 2024

In this situation, it's important to approach the matter calmly and methodically. First, gather all evidence of your shipment, including any documentation or photographs you might have of the item before it was shipped. This can help establish that the item was indeed sent.

Next, check...
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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for New York on
Q: Seeking legal advice with a car loan the dealer make many mistakes on

Car purchased in 9/2023 for months I have called the credit union listed on all my paper work but they don’t know who I am. Dealer says banks are delayed and to be patient. Today my co signer received a bill from a completely different credit union saying he has to make the payment. It is my... View More

Marco Caviglia
Marco Caviglia
answered on Jan 10, 2024

If I understand your facts correctly, you got agreement from someone to cosign for a loan on your vehicle purchase. This makes him liable for payment of the outstanding balance as well as you. You state that somehow there are two creditors demanding payment, not just one. If you had two... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Lemon Law and Arbitration / Mediation Law for New York on
Q: Can I file both a Lemon Law complaint and a Vehicle Safety Complaint in the state of NY?

I purchased a used vehicle from a dealer in early 2023. Immediately it started to present numerous mechanical issues, and in fact was not in my possession for five months as it was shuffled between three separate repair shops. I filed a Lemon Law Complaint through the NYS Attorney General in July... View More

Marco Caviglia
Marco Caviglia
answered on Jan 10, 2024

The key words I notice are "settled out of court" which means there was some sort of payment to you (as you did not have your vehicle replaced by the manufacturer as you may have been entitled) in exchange for some sort of release. The terms of that release are the crux of you civil... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law and Contracts for California on
Q: I had a storage unit in Irvine. I had a mini stroke and my husband had one last weekend and is in ICU. Unit was sold

The sold date was the 9th. I finally was able to go there with full payment this morning but was told the unit was sold. The facility was not able to give us the contact for the purchaser so we could either try to buy back contents or at least buy back the personal family photos and other... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 10, 2024

In situations like these, it's important to first review the contract or agreement you had with the storage facility. This document often outlines the procedures and rights related to the sale of stored items, including any grace periods for payment or retrieval of personal items.

If...
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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Civil Litigation and Gov & Administrative Law for Arkansas on
Q: I had a vehicle stolen . It was recovered yesterday in a church parking lot in saline county, ar. I'm in Pulaski county.

Why do I have to pay 420 dollars for 1 day in impound when the officer told them it was recovered stolen vehicle.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 10, 2024

In cases where a stolen vehicle is recovered and impounded, the impound fees are typically the responsibility of the vehicle owner. This policy might seem unfair, especially when you're already dealing with the stress of having your vehicle stolen, but it's a common practice.

The...
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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for California on
Q: how do I get an estate evaluation for sale of furniture, decorativepictures, misc. from a storage
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answered on Jan 9, 2024

To get an estate evaluation for the sale of furniture, decorative pictures, and miscellaneous items from a storage in La Quinta, CA, you should first consider hiring a professional appraiser. An appraiser can assess the value of the items in your estate, providing you with a clear understanding of... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law and Civil Litigation for California on
Q: I was taken to ER by ambulance car left at store parking manager was notified car towed next day fees too much

I also live in my car this happened in city of industry I need help. Should my car been towed even if management knew I wasn't abandoning it and hospital nurse also called next day to ask about my car and let them know I was still at hospital. My car was there still but towed the next day.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 9, 2024

In California, the towing of vehicles from private property like store parking lots typically follows specific rules. If the store management was notified and aware of your situation, and especially since the hospital nurse called the next day, there might be room to dispute the towing under the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Estate Planning and Family Law for Illinois on
Q: Questions pertaining to an affidavit of heirship. Very confused on paperwork

Help. Please

Bryan R. Bagdady
Bryan R. Bagdady
answered on Jan 9, 2024

The affidavit of heirship is important when opening an estate. Some counties have pdf forms other require original typed word documents. You essentially need to identify the spouse and children. If there is no surviving spouse or child, then make sure there is no survivor of a predeceased child. If... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Consumer Law for Colorado on
Q: My friend pawned his truck in Co and they gave him counterfeit money theyre refusing to deal w it. he called cops

The cops are investigating what else can he do? The pawn contract is binding legal agreement.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 9, 2024

If your friend received counterfeit money from a pawn shop in Colorado, he has already taken a crucial step by involving the police. Their investigation is important for addressing potential criminal activity. In addition to this, there are a few more steps he can take.

He should consider...
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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for California on
Q: Can a lien department hold funds from a client after a settlement?

After settling a case with the law firm, the client disputed the validity of a couple of the medical bills and even hired a third party to dispute the bills in question on their behalf. The lien department has negotiated with those companies to settle the debt without the clients consent. The... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 9, 2024

Under California law, the lien department's actions may be permissible in certain circumstances. When a settlement is reached, funds are typically placed in a trust account, especially when there are outstanding liens or disputed charges. The attorney or lien department handling the settlement... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Banking for California on
Q: How do you handle your bank if they did not set aside automatic funds that are exempt under a Bank Levy under SB 616 and

CCP 704.220

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 8, 2024

If your bank has not set aside funds that are exempt under a bank levy as per SB 616 and CCP 704.220, there are specific steps you can take to address the issue. Firstly, contact your bank directly to discuss the situation. Clearly explain that certain funds are exempt from garnishment under... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Estate Planning and Family Law for Texas on
Q: My mother had an unsecured personal loan at the time of her death. Do I have to pay it off?

I keep getting billing statements addressed to "The Estate of...." from American Express

The only "individual" assets she had were her personal belongings. I was "joint owner" on both her checking and savings accounts. I was the beneficiary on her life... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jan 8, 2024

No. A child is not legally responsible for the debts of a deceased parent in the absence of a contractual agreement signed by the child.

Forward the AmEx bill to the personal representative of your deceased mother's estate. It should be paid by the PR out of any non-exempt assets of her Estate.

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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2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law for New York on
Q: I don't know what practice area my scenario falls under.

I moved into my new apartment October 2022. After I set up a brand new account with my utilities provider, ConEdison, a balance transfer of $2,800 was applied to my account a week later using my social security. I reached out to point out a mistake was made, as this was my first account made with... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 8, 2024

Your situation falls under consumer law, particularly issues related to utility billing and possibly identity theft. Since a balance was incorrectly applied to your account, and you have already taken the initial steps of filing police and FTC reports, further legal action may be necessary to... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for Indiana on
Q: I am a customer of Mr Cooper/Nation Star and receiver of notice from said company ,that my information was breached. Ind

State of residence Indiana

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 6, 2024

If you've received a notice from Mr. Cooper/Nation Star about a breach of your personal information, it's crucial to take immediate action to protect yourself. First, monitor your financial accounts closely for any unusual activity. It's wise to consider placing a fraud alert or a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Banking and Consumer Law for New York on
Q: I had a 17 year old car with 250,000 miles. I offered $3000 to credit union to settle. I voluntarily surrendered car.

They said no. They want $250 a month. I'm on social security. I can't pay. What do I fo

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 6, 2024

In your situation, it's important to communicate your financial limitations clearly to the credit union. Explain that you are on Social Security and cannot afford the $250 monthly payment. It's helpful to provide a detailed account of your income and expenses to show why the payment is... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Small Claims and Civil Litigation for Texas on
Q: Civil suit for car repairs, where do I turn?

Put my car in a repair shop I never used before, They threw unnecessary parts into, just for my car's engine light to turn on 3 mins into getting it home, the car was driving rough and making weird buzzing noise. Tire pressure light was on as well. 3 days of having the car sit until the next... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 6, 2024

In Texas, if you believe a repair shop has performed inadequate or unnecessary repairs on your vehicle, you have the right to seek legal recourse. The first step is often to try and resolve the issue directly with the repair shop. If they are unresponsive or unwilling to rectify the situation, you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Contracts for Florida on
Q: BANK CANCELS CAR LOAN CONTRACT DUE TO LATE FIRST PAYMENT OF 14 DAYS. IS THIS A REPO AND HOW ?? ARTICULE 9?

NOW....THE DEALER EMAILED ME AND WANTS THE CAR BACK DUE TO BANK REQUESTING BUYBACK TO DEALER AS I DEFAULTED ON THE FIRST PAYMENT.

NOW.....

CAR GOES BACK TO DEALER,

DEALER GIVES WESTLAKE BANK THE MONEY BACK,

CUSTOMER LOSES 3K DOWNPAYMENT.

THE CAR PRICE WAS... View More

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Jan 6, 2024

Did you agree to terms that let them take advantage of you as you describe, or not? Read the contract terms on the remedies granted to them when the buyer is in default, and determine if you agreed to whatever those are. If unclear, or you think they are violating the terms or that you did not... View More

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