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2 Answers | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Texas on
Q: As you know, the copyright for Steam Boat Mickey recently expired. What are characteristics we can use in our mock ups?

Can we use the words "Mickey Mouse"?

Can he have different clothes on my drawings?

What exactly are the limitations?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 12, 2024

With the expiration of the copyright for "Steamboat Willie," the specific version of Mickey Mouse as he appeared in that 1928 film has entered the public domain. This means you can use the characteristics of Mickey Mouse as depicted in that particular film, including his design and... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Texas on
Q: As you know, the copyright for Steam Boat Mickey recently expired. What are characteristics we can use in our mock ups?

Can we use the words "Mickey Mouse"?

Can he have different clothes on my drawings?

What exactly are the limitations?

Sheldon Starke
Sheldon Starke
answered on Jan 12, 2024

Honestly, this is work. This falls under the category of business. You can still find highly rated and experienced attorneys who do entertainment law here on Justia. Look for attorneys in smaller areas, still Metropolitan areas, where the cost of living is not so high. You get more for your... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury, Car Accidents and Insurance Defense for Texas on
Q: I was at fault for an accident and I’m having awful anxiety about being sued, it seemed minor at the time.
Gregory S Baumgartner
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Gregory S Baumgartner
answered on Jan 12, 2024

Being sued is certainly stressful, yet most of the time, needlessly. If this claim stems from an auto accident, contact your insurance company and let them handle the case and worry about it. If you have coverage, the insurance company will provide a qualified attorney to handle the matter. The... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law for Texas on
Q: What is a w4? it seems to be a mistake made on late husbands last paycheck, seems money was paid into it.

W4 on late husband last pay, I think it was a mistake made and possibly corrected by employer. May I get advice on where I should take this in order to get advice and if it's a possible payout. Thank you,

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 11, 2024

A W-4 form, also known as an Employee's Withholding Certificate, is used by employers in the United States to determine how much federal income tax to withhold from an employee's paycheck. It's based on the employee's filing status, number of dependents, and any additional tax... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Texas on
Q: Ch 7 Redeeming a Vehicle

I am filing a motion to redeem my vehicle. I have come up with a value. Before I file the motion should I call the lender and inform them what I’m doing and the value I came up with or just file and send lender my filing motion with values as part of the notice requirement?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 12, 2024

When you're preparing to file a motion to redeem a vehicle in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case, it's often beneficial to first communicate with your lender about your intention and the value you've determined for the vehicle. This step can open the door for negotiation and might lead to... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Texas on
Q: Ch 7 Redeeming a Vehicle

I am filing a motion to redeem my vehicle. I have come up with a value. Before I file the motion should I call the lender and inform them what I’m doing and the value I came up with or just file and send lender my filing motion with values as part of the notice requirement?

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jan 11, 2024

Before filing a motion to redeem your vehicle under Chapter 7 bankruptcy, it's generally advisable to communicate with the lender to inform them of your intention and the value you've assigned to the vehicle. Open communication can sometimes lead to smoother negotiations and may increase... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for Texas on
Q: I am filing a response in a child support modification. Do I list all children or only minor children?

All children are included on the service papers, because the court used information from the original divorce papers.

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jan 11, 2024

When filing a response in a child support modification case in Texas, you typically need to list all the children, including both minor and adult children, if they were part of the original divorce papers. Even if the modification specifically focuses on a particular child or aspect of child... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Texas on
Q: Ch. 7 I originally completed the statement of intention form and chose to reaffirm my auto loan. I now want to redeem.

If I file a motion to redeem do I need to submit an amended statement of intent form changing to Redeem or will the motion suffice?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 12, 2024

If you initially chose to reaffirm your auto loan in your Chapter 7 bankruptcy case and now wish to redeem the vehicle instead, it's typically necessary to file an amended Statement of Intentions to reflect this change. The Statement of Intentions communicates to the court and your creditors... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Texas on
Q: Ch. 7 - Redeeming Auto

I have three appraisals from Kelly Blue Book, NADA and CarMax. Will court use the values from these entities or do I need to use a certified auto appraiser?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 12, 2024

In a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case, when redeeming an auto, appraisals from sources like Kelly Blue Book, NADA, and CarMax are often considered credible and can be used to determine the vehicle's value. These sources are widely recognized and provide a good indication of the current market value... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Texas on
Q: Ch. 7 - Redeeming Auto

I have three appraisals from Kelly Blue Book, NADA and CarMax. Will court use the values from these entities or do I need to use a certified auto appraiser?

Martha Warriner Jarrett
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answered on Jan 11, 2024

It depends on your trustee, but I've never had one challenge Kelly Blue Book, so don't waste your money on a more formal appraisal unless your car is in really bad shape, making it worth (in your opinion), less than the lowest blue book value. Also, so long as your equity in the car is... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Texas on
Q: What Texas Laws and Procedures must I be aware of when I settle my mother’s liquid-assets only estate?

I live in Alabama and she lives in Texas. I am executor/administrator of her estate. Her only assets are about 90K in cash and savings accounts and in IRAs, all with named beneficiaries. What steps must I follow to settle her estate? What must be done in person?

Nina Whitehurst
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answered on Jan 11, 2024

Collecting accounts that have death beneficiaries listed is fairly simple. After your mother passes, just send a letter to each financial institution notifying them of your mother's death. Be sure to enclose an original certified death certificate, so be sure to order enough originals plus a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Civil Rights for Texas on
Q: Is it ok for them to never fill out cps paperwork I have had blank paperwork for over a year
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 10, 2024

In dealing with Child Protective Services (CPS) in Texas, timely and accurate documentation is crucial, especially in matters as sensitive as child custody. If you have been given blank paperwork from CPS for over a year, this is not a standard procedure and may indicate an oversight or delay that... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Entertainment / Sports, Gaming, Intellectual Property, Internet Law and Copyright for Texas on
Q: Can I create content using a known superhero's cowl and just the cowl and escape copyright infringement and the such?

Long story short I want to create youtube videos of RANDOM and just RANDOM content while using ex: Flash cowl. Just the top part of the mask not even the one that covers the whole face. I will use a different name, and although use some mannerisms, it will be obvious it is pure satire/parody. I got... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 11, 2024

Using elements of a copyrighted superhero character, such as the Flash's cowl, in your content can be legally risky, even if you're only using part of the costume and intend it as satire or parody. Copyright law protects original works of authorship, including characters and their... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Texas on
Q: Green card holder in TX, married F1 studies dentist in FL. What kind of evidence is needed for I-130?

We recently got married. I have a green card while my wife is on F1 and studying in FL. I am having a hard time finding evidences since she is not staying with me. What do I need to overcome this?

Syed Ali Hussain Lahooti
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answered on Jan 11, 2024

Being away due to work or education doesn't necessarily mean you can't file the I-130 for your wife. Essential evidence such as the Marriage Certificate, proof of your permanent residence, photos, joint financial statements, communication records, and affidavits from family and friends... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Texas on
Q: Green card holder in TX, married F1 studies dentist in FL. What kind of evidence is needed for I-130?

We recently got married. I have a green card while my wife is on F1 and studying in FL. I am having a hard time finding evidences since she is not staying with me. What do I need to overcome this?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 10, 2024

When filing Form I-130 for a spouse living in a different location, it's important to demonstrate the bona fides of your marriage. This can be challenging, but there are various forms of evidence you can provide.

Firstly, consider including any joint financial documents you may have,...
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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Collections, Landlord - Tenant and Small Claims for Texas on
Q: Can a storage manager remove any of my items before auctioning my unit off?

I’m behind on my payments . The letter I got telling me about the auction stated that I had until January 10th to pay or my storage would be auctioned on January 11th online . I randomly checked the auction website on January 6th and my storage was already posted as being up for sale . They also... View More

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jan 10, 2024

In Texas, self-storage facilities typically have the right to auction off a tenant's storage unit contents if the tenant falls behind on payments. However, there are legal procedures and timelines that must be followed. If the storage manager has removed items from your unit before the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Adoption for Texas on
Q: My husband is going to be adopted by his best friends parents. What decision making rights will they then obtain?
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jan 10, 2024

The adoptive parents will typically gain full legal parental rights, including decision-making authority for your husband. This encompasses various aspects of his life, such as education, medical care, and other important matters. After the adoption is finalized, your husband's legal... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Texas on
Q: File motion to redeem auto. I originally filled out form 108 and chose to reaffirm my auto loan. I now want to amend

Form 108 and redeem the vehicle. I owe more than the car is worth. I have three appraisals from Kelly Blue Book, NADA and CarMax ranging from $1200 to $1440. My check engine light is on and believe I need a new catalytic converter which would further reduce the value. Question. Will these... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 12, 2024

When filing a motion to redeem an auto in bankruptcy, using appraisals from sources like Kelly Blue Book, NADA, and CarMax can be a practical approach to establish the vehicle's current market value. These appraisals are commonly recognized and often accepted in bankruptcy proceedings, but... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Texas on
Q: File motion to redeem auto. I originally filled out form 108 and chose to reaffirm my auto loan. I now want to amend

Form 108 and redeem the vehicle. I owe more than the car is worth. I have three appraisals from Kelly Blue Book, NADA and CarMax ranging from $1200 to $1440. My check engine light is on and believe I need a new catalytic converter which would further reduce the value. Question. Will these... View More

Martha Warriner Jarrett
Martha Warriner Jarrett pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 10, 2024

If you are underwater on your car loan, as you indicate, my recommendation is that you not reaffirm your loan. Just keep making payments. If you must reaffirm it, you can negotiate with the lender on the amount due and the interest rate, but there is nothing that requires the lender to make you a... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Foreclosure, Real Estate Law, Estate Planning and Probate for Texas on
Q: Mother died with a mortgage. No will. Heavy debt. I DO NOT want her house. M/C is suing me for mortgage. What do I do?

I am her only child, 39, with my own family. Mother was horrible with finances, and I want nothing to do with her estate.

Hearing in a few days, docket lists “MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT, MOTION TO COMPEL MEDIATION AND DEPOSITION,” and I’m freaking out.

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jan 9, 2024

You should hire an attorney to file an answer, a response to the motion for summary judgment, and a response to the motion to compel mediation and deposition.

If you are not a co-signor on her mortgage, the mortgage company is most likely suing you because you are your mother's sole...
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