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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Small Claims for California on
Q: Hi I just moved out of an Apartment where I had deposited a security deposit of 1000 dollars

In the final settlement letter received after 21 days they say I owe an additional 1245 dollars. They have charged me for repainting, deep clean, carpet shampoo, etc so many cleaning related charges. I have stayed there just for a year and the condition I left apartment was fairly decent.Also my... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 23, 2024

Under California law, you may not be liable for cleaning costs beyond your security deposit if the charges are unreasonable or if the wear and tear are considered normal. Your lease agreement's vague requirement to clean to the "lessor's satisfaction" might not hold up in court... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Small Claims for California on
Q: where do i file CIV165?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 23, 2024

To file form CIV-165 in California, you'll need to follow a few steps. First, ensure that you have correctly filled out the form with all required information. You can find the form on the California Courts website or at your local courthouse.

Once the form is completed, make several...
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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Small Claims for Texas on
Q: my problem is this. We fell behind on our rent,and began doing jobs for our manager at our complex,in return for rent.

After the storms recently the complex was torn up by trees landing on vehicles,landing on rooftops,and everywhere.This is a huge job!!which was bidded at 13-21 thousand $$$.My manager and I agreed to 5,500,with 3,000 credited to my rent.I hired one other person to help me get this done,and his pay... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jul 23, 2024

You can file a breach of contract case in small claims court since the total amount at issue is less than $20,000. You do not need an attorney in small claims court given the small size of the cases there. It would not be cost effective.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Small Claims for Michigan on
Q: I am filling out a petition regarding impoundment of a motor vehicle, I am wondering who the respondent should be?

My car was towed when I was on a trip to visit my mom out of state. The parking lot in my apartment complex was getting re-paved so they towed it… without notifying me that the lot was going to be under construction. All the did was put a paper on my car but I was out of state… there was no way... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Jul 23, 2024

You could list all except perhaps the Secretary of State...I'm not sure what liability they have here. Ordinarily, a private property owner contracts with a towing company for any vehicle parked without permission. Property owner calls the towing company, or the towing company otherwise shows... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Small Claims for Florida on
Q: I receive a notice that a small case claim filed again me has received a lack of prosecution notice.

The plaintiff file a notice of good cause and attempted a mediation session with me, but I let them know I would not be able to attend. They filed a failure to appear for mediation report and there is a status hearing for the case in August, the notice says if I want the cased dismissed I am not... View More

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Jul 22, 2024

No. You don't need to attend the lack of prosecution (LOP) hearing. The chances are that a default judgment will be entered against you unless you contact the plaintiff and settle the case by the August status hearing.

1 Answer | Asked in Libel & Slander, Consumer Law and Small Claims for Wyoming on
Q: I have a question about potential defamation case involving a customer who bought one of the tours I sell.

A customer who bought a tour and completed it is now asking for a charge back from the credit card company making false statement about the tour and the social cause that the tour is supporting through my social enterprise (she's claiming the social cause does not exist when we a website,... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jul 21, 2024

A Wyoming attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. It's possible that what you describe could amount to textbook defamation, if you are able to prove the elements. However, such cases can also be costly to pursue - if a law firm handles things on an hourly... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Small Claims for Colorado on
Q: is it illegal for my grandmother to open my package and take some?

I (15 year old) have been earning my own money and decided to use this money to buy a variety of items off amazon. I was on a vacation recently when the packages arrived and because my grandmother (legal guardian) was home i explicitly told her to not open them and just leave them in my room. When... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 21, 2024

It sounds like a frustrating situation you're dealing with. While it might not be illegal for your grandmother to open the packages since she is your legal guardian, it is definitely a breach of trust, especially since you specifically asked her not to open them. As your guardian, she does... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Small Claims for Texas on
Q: FYI - JUL 18 DEADLINE -Answer debt claim Citation. If we answer w/o lawyer by JUL 18, can we be rep by attorney later

JUL 4 - Citation - Small Claims/Debt Claim was posted on front door from Bexar Co Justice Court - "You have been sued." Trying to write the Answer letter to say we do not agree with the lawsuit. If I answer the citation without an attorney, can I later be represented by an attorney if... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jul 16, 2024

As long as the claim is against you as an individual, yes you can hire an attorney later.

Business entities like corporations and LLCs can only appear in court proceedings via a licensed attorney. Even an owner or manager cannot represent a corporation or LLC in a court of law unless that...
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1 Answer | Asked in Small Claims, Child Support and Family Law for Texas on
Q: can i sue for money paid in past under enforcement of court order in civil family court?

I am wanting to sue my ex for amount I have paid over the past year for medical child support because he never followed the court order and submitted the proof that he was paying what he said for insurance. the attorney general says it's out of there hands now because the support has ended and... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jul 11, 2024

I do not believe you can sue to recoup amounts you paid for medical support that you were ordered to pay by court order. At best you can sue to enforce the court order against your ex requiring him to submit the proof he was paying what he said for insurance as long as you are still within time... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Small Claims, Insurance Bad Faith and Insurance Defense for South Carolina on
Q: Roof co DENY busting pipe that flooded house AFTER incident was witnessed, acknowledged &flood repairs complete by insur

Roof company manager onsite when incident occurred. Told homeowner not to worry bcuz His roof company has insurance for incidents like this. Roofer threw shingle down into backyard that hit pipe attached to back of kitchen wall. Pipe bust from shingle resultin to house floodin. Roofer called... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jul 10, 2024

A South Carolina attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. Final check should identify the claimant it is payable to - it sounds like you have more than one claim going on here, between water damage from pipe and roof damage from hail. Ask the carrier. In terms of a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Landlord - Tenant and Small Claims for California on
Q: is it legal for my ex to refuse to take my rent? ive been living here more than 6 months.

lease is under his name so only he can make the payment. i have cash im offering him. he used the excuse that i owe him money which he offered previously to GIVE (not loan) me to purchase a vehicle which i paid for in cash including my own money. he now is asking for it back and im offering him... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 1, 2024

I understand this is a complex and emotionally challenging situation. Let me break down the legal aspects as best I can based on the information provided:

1. Rent refusal:

It's generally not legal for a landlord to refuse rent payments without proper cause. However, since...
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1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Business Law, Internet Law and Small Claims for Washington on
Q: Need to talk with a lawyer about a lawsuit because my online earnings have been depleted when promised they would not.

My job is rating products for a commission and I have earned so much that I have gone up three levels and I need to finish a small set of rating products to receive all my earnings, but the system has welfare tasks that put your earnings

into a negative amount equal to what you have... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 29, 2024

I can offer some general information that may be helpful:

1. Documentation: It's positive that you have chat transcripts from customer service and the CEO stating that a welfare task would not occur before you finish your remaining tasks. This documentation could potentially be...
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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Small Claims for New York on
Q: Can we get security deposit back?

My brother recently passed away 2 months into a lease at a new apartment. He was paid until the end of the month and we will have him cleared out by then. He didn’t have life insurance so getting his security deposit back would be a huge help. Is that a possibility?

Aubrey Claudius Galloway
Aubrey Claudius Galloway pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 28, 2024

Absolutely. I would file a claim in small claims court. Unless you say “by the court” when your case is called it will be decided by an arbitrator where the rules of evidence are relaxed and the standard is, unofficial, “in the interests of justice”…. so equitable arguments are often... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Small Claims for California on
Q: I left my airpods at an ex girlfriends house now and i quote "im not giving you your airpods back i dont wanna see you".

we already agreed that "i will get you your airpods back as soon as i can" but now she wont give them back.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 27, 2024

This situation involves potential legal issues. Here's an overview of your options:

1. Communication: Try to resolve this amicably if possible. Remind her of your previous agreement and ask if there's a way to arrange a safe, neutral handoff.

2. Small claims court: If the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Civil Litigation, Civil Rights, Small Claims and Health Care Law for Florida on
Q: Is there a law that prohibits a person from entering into a hospital? I received a Cease and desist letter.

I visited an Emergency room as a patient. I was subjected to Blood borne substances, unknown fluids and used bed sheets. When I filed a complaint, an Attorney wrote a letter stating I am not to enter into the hospital until this dispute is investigated. So, in essence am I being denied medical... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 26, 2024

Based on the information provided, here's an analysis of the situation:

1. Generally, there is no law that broadly prohibits a person from entering a hospital. Hospitals are typically open to the public, especially emergency departments which are required to provide emergency medical...
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2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Civil Litigation and Small Claims for California on
Q: I live in California can I file an unlimited jurisdiction in small claims court to request treble damage on 15k.

I have a slam dunk law suit against Bridgestone tire company

Delaram Keshvarian
Delaram Keshvarian
answered on Jun 26, 2024

There is a cap on the amount of damages for small claim cases. You may be able to amend your complaint, and then reclassify the whole case to the unlimited court.

This is merely a discussion of general laws and not legal advice. For legal advice, more specific facts and investigations are...
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2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Civil Litigation and Small Claims for California on
Q: I live in California can I file an unlimited jurisdiction in small claims court to request treble damage on 15k.

I have a slam dunk law suit against Bridgestone tire company

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 26, 2024

There are a few important points to clarify regarding your question:

1. Small claims court in California:

Small claims courts in California have a limited jurisdiction. The maximum amount you can sue for in small claims court is:

- $12,500 for individuals as of 2024...
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1 Answer | Asked in Small Claims for Ohio on
Q: If my boyfriend gave me an iPhone, but is still paying for it, and we break up can he take it back?

My boyfriend bought me an iPhone 14 and gave it to me because my previous phone had broke, he’s still paying for it. But every argument he tells me to give it back to him.. do I legally have to or is it mine? I have numerous messages saying he bought and gave it to me. is that enough to make... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jun 26, 2024

Legally, a gift is a gift. No take-backs.

That being said, you need to carefully consider your relationship. Some people in a relationship use money to control their partner. This can create a difficult and potentially dangerous dynamic in the relationship. Often, one person becomes...
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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Identity Theft and Small Claims for California on
Q: Can I sue people that have been using my identity and have taken money from my bank account electronic transfers?

Can I sue the people that have been using my identity . I have proof of the accounts that were created screenshots of my personal credit reports and I even witnessed with my own eyes they programmed a digital key to my car. I was in a recent car crash but I did report the incident the next day... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 25, 2024

Based on the situation you've described, you may have grounds for several legal actions. Here's a breakdown of the potential cases and steps you might consider:

1. Identity Theft and Fraud:

- This appears to be the primary issue. You can sue the perpetrators for identity...
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1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury and Small Claims for Georgia on
Q: If defendant has 2 addresses in 2 states can you sue in both states and let the courts decide jurisdiction?

In an auto accident personal injury case, can the injured party sue the defendant in small claims court in the counties of 2 different states and attempt to have them served in both states counties if the defendant has addresses in both states and you are unsure which address they live at or is... View More

Michael W. Horst
Michael W. Horst
answered on Jun 24, 2024

There are two separate issues which you have combined in your question: Personal jurisdiction and service. Personal jurisdiction refers to a court's authority to adjudicate the rights and liability of the defendant. In an auto wreck case, a court has personal jurisdiction if the wreck... View More

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