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1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury for New York on
Q: My lawsuit has been going on for about 5 years. I have a judge already assigned so why am I on the calendar control part

We at the end where we are ready for trial. This is on suffolk county.

Jonathan R. Ratchik
Jonathan R. Ratchik
answered on Apr 30, 2024

When your case comes up for trial is not determined by how old your case is. Rather, it depends on how long you've been on the trial calendar. Once your case is on the trial calendar, you start waiting "in line" for a trial date. The calendar control part might be a part which... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for New York on
Q: I am a Senior Citizen looking to get help to set up a Power of Attorney, Trust, and Medical Proxy.Can you help me?
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Apr 30, 2024

There are attorneys who can set up the things you list in your post. But it might be difficult for attorneys here to respond with offers of their services - the format here is limited to Q & A. You're going to need to reach out to attorneys. You could search attorneys on your own, you use... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Landlord - Tenant for New York on
Q: Will my roommate (leaseholder) get arrested if she puts my things in storage and change the locks? I’m not on lease

My roommate is the leaseholder, I’m not on lease, we had a falling out and I’m trying to leave as soon as I can but I’m delayed, she has given me 6mo already hasn’t asked for rent and I appreciate that, but she’s fed up now and said she’s going to put my stuff in storage and change the... View More

Steven Warren Smollens
Steven Warren Smollens
answered on Apr 29, 2024

Dear Brooklyn Roommate

What more of a deterrent do you want on top of an arrest? A letter from your lawyer to suggest that there is a risk of a civil lawsuit for unlawful eviction?

Of course you don't have to move even if you are not paying rent. Your lawyer could convince...
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2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for New York on
Q: My wife and I applied for her American residency last year January and to this day, it says that it is still pending.

A couple of months ago, we moved to her home country (Spain) because of health issues she was having (4 times checked in to the hospital for week long stays in the span of 12 months). Now, we’re trying to figure out what the next step is to go back to America and continue our residency. So far,... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 29, 2024

Based on the information you provided, it seems that your wife's U.S. residency application is still in process, and the move to Spain hasn't nullified the application. However, it's important to consider a few points:

1. Processing times: U.S. residency applications can take...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for New York on
Q: Can judge issue bench warrant, jail, order pre trial probation then recuse for conflict of interest 1 month later
Michael J Stachowski
Michael J Stachowski pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 28, 2024

This fact pattern is somewhat strange , however the judge in question has the authority to issue a Bench Warrant when a defendant fails to appear for a court appearance. He can revoke recognizance bail or cash/ bond bail and impose release under supervision of the probation department as a form... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Health Care Law for New York on
Q: i need a lawyer who can help me file a lawsuit against a department of social service at nursong facilty, because

the department of social service at facilty refuses to reconize me as my mother health c are proxy. when by law i am. my mother chose me as her new health care agent in nov 19th 2022. all the forms was made out correctly and then notarized according to new york state law. we give the documents to... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Apr 27, 2024

Attorneys here can't respond to your request for legal representation. There is no solicitation here - the format is limited to Q & A. You would need to reach out to attorneys on your own if you're looking to hire one. In addition to your own searches, there is the tab above,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for New York on
Q: Immigration - how can I follow-up on an I-90 form sent on-line 01/16/24 without receiving an I-797 from USCIS?

USCIS says it sent my green card to the office of my attorney in June, 2023. The green was either lost or stolen because my attorney claims it was never received. I submitted an on-line I-90 form in January, 2024 which was accepted, but I never received an I-797 form confirming the I-90 receipt.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 26, 2024

I understand your frustration with not receiving the I-797 notice of action after submitting your I-90 form online to replace your missing green card. Here are a few steps you can take to follow up on your case:

1. Check your USCIS online account: If you submitted your I-90 online, you...
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4 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury, Car Accidents, Civil Litigation and Civil Rights for New York on
Q: Can I refuse to answer question?

In a lawsuit am I protected from refusing to answer personal questions about my self and family members, due to religious reasons, privacy, and self incriminating.

Jonathan R. Ratchik
Jonathan R. Ratchik
answered on Apr 30, 2024

Section 221.2 of the Uniform Rules sets forth the circumstances in which you can refuse to answer a question at deposition.

A deponent shall answer all questions at a deposition, except (i) to preserve a privilege or right of confidentiality, (ii) to enforce a limitation set forth in an...
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4 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury, Car Accidents, Civil Litigation and Civil Rights for New York on
Q: Can I refuse to answer question?

In a lawsuit am I protected from refusing to answer personal questions about my self and family members, due to religious reasons, privacy, and self incriminating.

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Apr 25, 2024

Addendum - a religious basis could be raised if the questions dwell on religious elements that have nothing to do with the accident case. Good luck

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4 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury, Car Accidents, Civil Litigation and Civil Rights for New York on
Q: Can I refuse to answer question?

In a lawsuit am I protected from refusing to answer personal questions about my self and family members, due to religious reasons, privacy, and self incriminating.

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Apr 25, 2024

From the categories you chose, it appears this is a civil case that involves a motor vehicle accident. The concept of refusing to answer questions on self-incrimination grounds is generally associated with criminal matters, in terms of the Fifth Amendment protections. In civil cases where an... View More

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4 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury, Car Accidents, Civil Litigation and Civil Rights for New York on
Q: Can I refuse to answer question?

In a lawsuit am I protected from refusing to answer personal questions about my self and family members, due to religious reasons, privacy, and self incriminating.

Joel Gary Selik
Joel Gary Selik
answered on Apr 25, 2024

The bottom line is for most personal information, no you cannot.

While your 5th Amendment right against self incrimination can be put forth for some issues. But, if you are the Plaintiff, this could harm your case.

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1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for New York on
Q: Old alien number on an application form already submitted to USCIS

I submitted my I-751 form, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, and noticed that I put my old alien number(non-immigrant alien number) from my Employment Authorization Card instead of my current number on my Green Card. I was wondering if it would be an issue to process the application or I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 24, 2024

If you have provided an incorrect alien number on your I-751 form, it's important to address this issue as soon as possible to avoid any potential delays or complications in processing your application. Here's what you can do:

1. Contact USCIS: Reach out to the USCIS Contact...
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2 Answers | Asked in Health Care Law for New York on
Q: Do I have to give my social security number for personal medical records consent forms
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on May 2, 2024

Addendum - keep in mind that even if a claim representative or opposing attorney is willing to accept a redaction or a limited string of digits of a SSN, it's possible the medical provider (or their medical record retrieval vendor) might not make the same accommodation. That's something... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Health Care Law for New York on
Q: Do I have to give my social security number for personal medical records consent forms
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Apr 23, 2024

This looks similar to a question I just answered about HIPAA authorization forms. SSN is an entry box on the forms that are requested from me. I have never omitted SSNs on these forms on my own cases. The opposing attorneys I work with want the forms filled out in their entirety. You could check... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Health Care Law for New York on
Q: Do I have to provide my personal social security number on a medical records consent form upon my request at my doctors
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Apr 23, 2024

On the HIPAA authorizations that opposing attorneys often request from me, there is a box for social security number. It has never been an issue, but if you do not wish to provide, speak with your attorney or the opposing attorney/claim handling entity if there is an alternative for you [redaction,... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for New York on
Q: Hello my name is Shariff I moved into my apartment December 21st of 2023 I found out I had a gas leak April 18th

Me my wife and 1 year old daughter have been inhaling gas fumes for over 4 months and we want to know is my landlord is that fault?

Steven Warren Smollens
Steven Warren Smollens
answered on May 11, 2024

Shariff. When did you first smell gas? Because there is no method to detect a gas leak without smell otherwise. If you first smelled gas on April 18th, you had to leave the apartment and call 911. https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-03185#

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2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Consumer Law, Gov & Administrative Law and Municipal Law for New York on
Q: Can a car leasing company refuse to give you necessary paperwork required to pick up car from impound?

My vehicle was booted and subsequently towed due to parking tickets. When I tried to retrieve the vehicle I was also made aware that I owed tolls and I had a two day insurance lapse. I paid the tolls. The DMV said I could go get a plate letter so that the tow yard could sacrifice the plates for two... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 21, 2024

Based on the information provided, it seems like you're caught in a bureaucratic nightmare with various agencies and companies giving you conflicting information and requirements. The situation is complex, and without knowing the specific laws and regulations in your jurisdiction, it's... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Divorce and Family Law for New York on
Q: Is the divorce not finalized and is the permanent custody order not in place?

We went to court to finalize the divorce 3 months ago. My lawyer called me 11/2 months ago and said there was an error in the document and we have to resign. Both parties need to resign. So I did, my exhusband has not yet. I have to get the custody order to register my children in school. I need to... View More

Howard E. Knispel
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Howard E. Knispel
answered on Apr 18, 2024

If there is a temporary order giving you custody, that should be sufficient to register the children in school. There is no final order as there is no divorce. You will need to file a motion to get the case in front of a Judge to get your divorce and final order if your husband will not sign the... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Child Custody and Family Law for New York on
Q: If the noncustodial parent doesn't visit their children in an extended period of time, is this considered abandonment?

I know visits are voluntary, however is it considered abandonment to not participate in parental visits and ignore all communication. Not participate in any decision making? Will this be ground to refile for decision making in the future? How long would I wait to refile for full decision making... View More

David P. Badanes
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David P. Badanes
answered on Apr 18, 2024

Depending on how many visits have been missed and the reason the non-custodial parent has missed them, you might have a good case to file for a modification of your prior agreement. There are a lot of factors that go into whether or not your modification petition will be successful. I highly... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Child Custody and Family Law for New York on
Q: If the noncustodial parent doesn't visit their children in an extended period of time, is this considered abandonment?

I know visits are voluntary, however is it considered abandonment to not participate in parental visits and ignore all communication. Not participate in any decision making? Will this be ground to refile for decision making in the future? How long would I wait to refile for full decision making... View More

Howard E. Knispel
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Howard E. Knispel
answered on Apr 18, 2024

If the noncustodial parent does not abide by the court order of visitation, you can file to modify the visitation schedule. This must be substantial, however. Missing a few visits, especially if there is an valid excuse, might not be considered substantial enough to end visitations. This is very... View More

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