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Pennsylvania Small Claims Questions & Answers
3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Appeals / Appellate Law, Civil Litigation and Small Claims for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can I file bankruptcy if I have a judgement against me that I can't afford to pay.
Mr. Chad Van Horn
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Mr. Chad Van Horn
answered on Nov 8, 2022

Absolutely. Judgments are one of the main reasons that individuals chose to file bankruptcy. You may want to move quickly as once the creditor receives the judgment, they can engage in post-judgment activities like garnishment or seizure of assets.

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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Family Law, Collections and Small Claims for Pennsylvania on
Q: I have power of attorney to someone.Who refuses to repay me?

I covered all thr expenses while they wer incarcerated including paying for power of attorney lawyer. They now are working and refuse to repay me

David Kennedy Bifulco Esq.
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David Kennedy Bifulco Esq. PRO label
answered on Jun 16, 2022

Without more information it is not possible to answer your question. You should contact an attorney that is experienced in collections and provide the attorney with all the details to get an answer to your questions.

1 Answer | Asked in Small Claims and Banking for Pennsylvania on
Q: My dad just passed away and he had a loan in his name that nobody knew about. Doe my mother still have to pay it?

Just my dads name is on the loan

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Jun 2, 2022

It is a debt of your dad's estate. Is your dad's estate solvent? Are you gonna go through probate? If so, please contact a probate lawyer to discuss this and how best to proceed.

1 Answer | Asked in Small Claims for Pennsylvania on
Q: My father in law past away and owed a personal loan do the kids have to pay for that loan
Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Apr 14, 2022

If your father's estate has more assets than debts, then it is most likely the responsibility of the estate. Please consult with a probate lawyer to discuss your father's estate and get his affairs in order.

1 Answer | Asked in Small Claims for Pennsylvania on
Q: Customer owes money. How can we collect payment?
Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Jan 13, 2022

Ask. Letter. Then one certified return receipt. Then sue them in the District Justice Court.

1 Answer | Asked in Small Claims, Contracts and Construction Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Im a contractor i installed a washer 18 months ago the washer recently leaked am i responsible i only gave 1yr warranty
Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Jan 13, 2022

I don't see why. Your job was to install the washer. Unless the leak is from a joint you worked on I don't see liability.

1 Answer | Asked in Products Liability and Small Claims for Pennsylvania on
Q: I left my chest freezer and all the meat in it back home and the new owner said it was fine to leave there cause its

Winter so no big deal. Plus I left 2 push mowers. I left the freezer on the porch. However I asked if it’d be in her way that I’d take it to the lean tube shed but she said no it’s ok. So I left it there I moved away couldn’t come back to get it for a few months she texted asked when I’m... Read more »

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on May 25, 2021

You had the duty to get the freezer. Covid would not have prevented you from getting the freezer. I don't see a claim. She isn't required to keep the electric running for you forever. But get a few more answers.

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Probate and Small Claims for Pennsylvania on
Q: My father passed away in early January. We live in Pennsylvania and he passed away without a will.

He was living with his girlfriend at her house at the time of his passing. He has a fairly large gun collection of about sixty or so firearms including some handguns. My brother is the named executor of the estate that he had to file to open. My father's girlfriend is refusing allowing us in... Read more »

Michael Cherewka
Michael Cherewka
answered on Mar 24, 2021

First of all since your brother is named Executor he has the responsibility and the authority to collect and protect all personal property of your father. Since you call your brother the Executor I am assuming there is a Will and the girlfriend is either not named in the Will or was not bequeathed... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Small Claims for Pennsylvania on
Q: customer owes me $. Can I sell their product to make up money that is owed?

My company did work for a client. They refuse to pay their invoice. By accident one of their vendors sent me their merchandise. Can I sell that to recoup my losses?

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Feb 28, 2021

No, that would be conversion, or theft. You can return the product or tell the customer and ask if he would like you to sell it and charge the proceeds against his account to you. And/or you can take him to small claims.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law and Small Claims for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can you be sued for defamation of character if you didnt complete a job for someone and stated why to them?

I have a cleaning company, the client complained that we did mot finish few things, i told her the reason why was my crew saw a bug that they thought to be a roach and did not want to return., i offered to return 3 seperate times myself even though i saw a dead one., she refused and asked for... Read more »

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Feb 25, 2021

It is not defamation or slander if the conversation is between the two of you. Defamation and slander require that there be some public statement. Do not, by the way, discuss this on facebook or any social media--that's where people get into trouble!).

All the best.

1 Answer | Asked in Small Claims for Pennsylvania on
Q: What is the statute of limitation to take somebody to small claims court?

I helped a friend pay for a very expensive cat surgery (3k) by using my credit. I only used my credit because we agreed they would help me in making payments. It's been 3 years and they have not helped me at all. They stopped talking to me and anytime I ask for assistance, I get ignored. My... Read more »

Kent Petry
Kent Petry
answered on Oct 22, 2020

In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations on a contract, oral or verbal, is four years. The same is true for unjust enrichment actions. You would likely bring suit under either or both of those causes of action, so from what you have said it appears you may be within the statutes of limitation... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Products Liability and Small Claims for Pennsylvania on
Q: If I have a defective product resulting into a damage to my car by fire. Can I sue?

It was a product I got from harbor freight to stop welding spark and it failed by a hole being burnt through the blanket and catching the car on fire

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jun 29, 2020

A Pennsylvania attorney could advise best, but your post remains open for two weeks. It sounds like you're talking about a welding blanket. You could contact a Pennsylvania attorney to discuss - it would take investigation and possibly trial to make the determination of defectiveness. It could... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Small Claims for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can I be sued for a chimney (that was fixed before settlement) 2 years after the house was sold?

I sold my house on January 16, 2018. the buyers walked through the house and approved all the requested improvements before settlement which took place that day. I now received a civil order that they are suing me 2 years after for repairs to the chimney which was completed before settlement - I... Read more »

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Feb 12, 2020

you should respond. Find out from the realtor you used if there is any coverage for legal fees for this.Generally, the house is sold as is, and your agreement of sale should say that.

1 Answer | Asked in Small Claims for Pennsylvania on
Q: How many laws are there in Dominican Republic?
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Nov 22, 2019

You would be best off consulting with someone who practices there; it could also be helpful if you narrowed your inquiry to a particular area of law for a meaningful response from an attorney. Good luck

Tim Akpinar

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Real Estate Law, Small Claims and Divorce for Pennsylvania on
Q: I purchased a house and my wife had just her name put on the deed. She refuses to add my name. What do I do

My wife and I purchased a house in mckean county which I paid for. Ahe doesnt work. She contacted the attorney and told them to put only her name on it. They didn't contact me to see if it was ok. However my wife is refusing to put my name on it and now I have a feeling she is going to sell it... Read more »

Cary B. Hall
Cary B. Hall
answered on Nov 21, 2019

I suggest filing a "lis pendens" against the property in McKean Co. in the Prothonotary's Office there. Anyone looking to purchase that property in the future should see that there is a cloud on the title with that filing.

Best of luck to you.

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Small Claims for Pennsylvania on
Q: Gym Fees

My Gym membership was on auto renew but he messed up and did not charge me, once he realized he messed up he sent me an email said welcome for the gift. We fulfilled another year membership but wanted to cancel but he said we owe him for the time he was not charging us. Are we liable for those... Read more »

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Oct 29, 2019

It would depend on the terms of the contract. You could have a Pennsylvania attorney review the contract and all communications between you and the gym to to explore whether there is a possibility of disputing the charges. Good luck

Tim Akpinar

1 Answer | Asked in Small Claims for Pennsylvania on
Q: PA mechanic still has car one year later.

I was told that needed a head gasket one year ago. Was told (verbal only) $1,000 estimate and 2 weeks time frame. That was almost a year ago. Last time I saw the car was 6 months ago and it was still torn apart. At this point, I don’t even want the car (Book value of $3,500) back, I just want to... Read more »

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Aug 26, 2019

Storage fees or labor expended so far could become an issue. But hopefully, that could be something to negotiate if you're contemplating leaving the shop the car (and they are interested in taking it). Good luck

Tim Akpinar

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Traffic Tickets and Small Claims for Pennsylvania on
Q: I was wondering if its harassment when I can't step outside my house without my neighbor calling the cops.?

So my neighbor has been causing me problems for some time now, telling the rest of my neighborhood and my small town that I cook meth and I am a drug addict and how I steal from every where, I believe she has gotten me evicted from my apartment although my landlord is trying to say its for non... Read more »

Elizabeth Tarasi
Elizabeth Tarasi
answered on Aug 14, 2019

You need to report uyour licesne plate stolen and you need to obtain a license plate.

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Landlord - Tenant and Small Claims for Pennsylvania on
Q: I filed a eviction for non-payment of 2 months rent ,damages,and utility bills which were never payed. We go to court.

She reveals she left a few days ago and claims harassment from a third party phone call by a relative of mine. Which was news to me and sounded bad to be honest . The judge decides she doesn’t need to pay us back anything . But now that she has left there are unpaid ullity bills,the house is a... Read more »

Elizabeth Tarasi
Elizabeth Tarasi
answered on Aug 14, 2019

I would file the appeal. Also report her.

1 Answer | Asked in Small Claims for Pennsylvania on
Q: I was sold Counterfeit baseball cards I spent over $5000 on them
Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Jun 19, 2019

You need to notify the police and/or the AG's office. Witnesses are good if anyone heard what was said.

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