SCPLL director Coral Henning's weekly column in the Sacramento Press answers reader's questions about the law. Do you have a question for the law librarian? Email us at sacpress@saclaw.org. Or, as always, stop in or give us a call at 916-874-6012.

Read all our columns in the Sacramento Press at "Ask the County Law Librarian."

Swine License 

Q. I have a male pot belly pig who is almost a year old and weighs about 90lbs. I take Mr. Wiggly out for walks in my midtown neighborhood. Yesterday a City Animal Control officer gave me a ticket for not having a swine license! I know I have to have my dog licensed but I have never heard of a swine license. I was also told Mr. Wiggly needs to be neutered before I can get a license. Do you have information on this? Peter K.  continue reading

Does "no pets" policy apply to service dog?

Q. As a landlord, I have a strict "no pets" policy. A prospective tenant says they have a certified service animal. All other qualifications being met, am I required to accommodate them? Thanks, Frank A continue reading

Statute of Limitations on Co-Signing of a Loan

Q: In 2000, I co-signed for a close friend to get a cell phone (I believe that I also paid three hundred dollar deposit). Apparently, in November 2011, his service was terminated (we are estranged, so this is the most information I could get from AT&T). When I called in March 2012, to add a new AT&T internet service, I was declined and informed of this issue... continue reading

Who gets the Engagement Ring in a Break-up?

Q. I have been with my girlfriend for a long time and we got engaged on Valentine's Day. I saw text messages on her phone I didn't like and asked her about it. Now she says I am jealous and broke off the engagement, but she won't give me the ring back, even though I asked her a bunch of times. How can I make her give me the ring back since she is the one who broke my heart? Dwayne continue reading

Neighbor Troubles

Q: Hi, this is a multiple question question. I recently purchased a house on 2 acres in Citrus Heights, and the entire property needs to be re-fenced and the neighbors don't want to help pay for it. The fencing is at least 40 years old (one neighbor has confirmed this) and it is livestock fencing made of rotted out wood posts reinforced by some metal T posts with rusted wire and barbed wire fencing between the posts. There are 4 neighbors that surround the property, one neighbor (we'll call her neighbor A) has little dogs that come into my yard and continue to poop in several large poo piles at the edge of my property. I have not been able to catch them, but the poop is proof enough.... continue reading

Statute of Limitations for Fraud

Q. I am researching California statute of limitations for Power of Attorney. I became ill in the late Spring of 2008 with a brain tumor and mental health problems and signed a power of attorney to a lawyer and in examining my back statements I believe a significant amount of my funds were taken from my bank account for her personal use and I want to take legal action. Please advise. I never submited a release document. Thank you. Jg continue reading

Space for Our Pool

Q: I wanted to find out how close to our property line we can place a pool or spa. We live in East Sacramento, Sacramento County. I would appreciate any help you could give me. Thank you for your time, Noreen continue reading

 Motion to Continue Trial 

Q. I was sued for $15,000 about a year ago, and the first thing I did was hire an attorney my brother-in-law knew, as I have never been sued before, have never even been inside a court room, don't know anything about the law, etc. Unfortunately, as time went on, it became obvious that the attorney and I did not see eye-to-eye… continue reading

Rate Increases at Self-Service Storage Facilities

Q. How much notice does a storage facility have to give before raising the fees? Is the time period covered by the law? I gave my facility plenty of notice, trying to be nice, and they replied with an increase in my last month's rent.  continue reading

Renters Insurance

Q- I recently moved into an affordable HUD senior building. The very last item presented to me, after I had paid my deposit, in this long 500-page+ process, was a requirement to "obtain $100,000 in rental insurance". My response was, "are you kidding me? The sum total of everything I've owned In My Life wouldn't add up to $100K If you had told me about this at first, I would have moved elsewhere!" I have 30 days to fulfill the requirements of this extortion, or I have to forfeit the apartment and start all over....  continue reading

Is it legal to carry a wooden sword in public in California?

Q. Is it legal to carry a wooden sword in public in California? Also in schools? Sincerely Yours, Daniel  continue reading

Allowing Dogs At Outside Restaurant Patios  

Q. I love dining with my Black Russian Terrier, Eli at the numerous dog friendly restaurant patios in Sacramento. Why do some restaurants allow dogs on their outdoor patios and some don't? Julie S. continue reading

Affirmative Defenses to Fraud

Q. What are some affirmative defenses to fraud? Ayana continue reading

Law Library Closing for Move; Re-opening March 1

Q. What's going on at the Law Library? There is yellow caution tape across the stairs to the second floor, which is closed to the public, and there's a whole lot of banging and clanging going on up there! Ted D. continue reading

Personal Service of Court Papers

Q. I want to sue my tenant for property damage in small claims court. He left no forwarding address, and has abandoned his tenancy. He has no job. He gets his money from alimony and child support. However, I know that he picks up his kids from the school. Can I use my adult son to personally hand deliver a summons to him when he is with his kids at school? What are the rules? -Myrna continue reading 

Recovering Money for Property Damage by Tenant

Q: In July 2011, I contracted a new driveway for my home. The cost was $3300. I paid extra for cement coloring. My tenant parked his car on the new driveway and caused permanent stains on both sides of the driveway due to leaks from his vehicle. In October 2011, he tried cleaning it but was not successful. He gave me a hand written note giving up on cleaning the stains. In November 2011, I hired a professional to clean the stains and not all of the stains were removed. He refuses to pay for the damage on the driveway or claim fault for his negligence. This incident has caused a disharmony between us.... continue reading 

Court-Appointed Attorneys in Civil Cases

Q. I accidentally bumped into the back of a car at a stop sign--I barely even tapped the bumper, I took a picture and you can hardly even see the tiny dent--but now this jerk is suing me for "soft tissue neck trauma," aka whiplash. He is asking for $100,000 for pain and suffering!!! I was laid off about a year ago, before the accident, and still can't afford car insurance, much less an attorney, even if I could find one who would take my case—I looked and looked! What are people in my situation supposed to do? I did nothing wrong, I could lose everything, and no one will help me! Why won't the Court appoint a lawyer to defend me? Sandeep continue reading

Providing For Pets In The Event of Death or Incapacity

Q. I am trying to get my affairs in order and I am concerned about what will happen to my three dogs should I die or become incapacitated. Can I leave money in a will or trust for my dog's care? Suzy continue reading

Recording Telephone Calls

Q. My ex won't pay her child support. Whenever we go to court, she claims she has no income, but she has boasted to me before that she is making money under the table and I'll never get any of it. I bet I can get her to admit it again. Is it legal to record a phone call? Chris continue reading How Registered Sex Offenders can Challenge "Jessica's Law" Residency Restrictions

Q. My brother is going to get out of jail soon, and we were planning on him moving in with me, but his parole officer told him he couldn't because he has to register as a sex offender and I live too close to an elementary school, which is against "Megan's Law" or "Jessica's Law" or something like that. Isn't there anything we can do? I'm afraid if he doesn't live with me he will be homeless. Jerri continue reading

Traffic Tickets for Out-of-State Residents

Q: I'm not a California resident, but while driving home to Oregon last week I received a speeding ticket in California, more than ten hours away from where I live. If I want to contest it, do I have to drive all the way back to the county where I received the ticket? continue reading

Small Claims Defendant Can Postpone Trial for "Good Cause"

Q. I am involved in a Sac small claims action that continues to be postponed by the Defendant. I'm trying to get the matter over with. So now I'm wondering: what does "Form SC-105, SC Order and Answer" do? Is it a way to expedite a case or ask a judge to review my evidence and rule in advance? The small claims advisors don't return calls and don't answer their phone. Any assistance would be appreciated. Thank you, Carol continue reading

Credit Card Surcharges

Q: I stopped at a new convenience store near my house on my way home the other night, and when I went to pay for my purchases I noticed they had a note taped over the debit/credit card machine that said I would be charged an extra 75 cents if I paid with a debit or credit card, unless the total purchase was $10 or more. Well, I had no choice since it's the end of the month, so I used my credit card and paid the extra 75 cents, but I was steamed! Is this legal? -- Cody continue reading

Collecting on a Small Claims Judgment

Q. I am the Judgment Creditor in a small claims case. My judgment was by default. In lieu of a debtor's examination I am planning to use interrogatories. Is my debtor entitled to a witness fee? Also, is a judgment debtor entitled to witness fees for coming to a debtor's exam? Thank you, Grant continue reading

When does a minor have to get parental consent for medical care?

Q. I'm currently working on a project for my ethics class. In this project I play the role of a risk manager who provides information to a 15 year old patient asking for medical emancipation. Do you know of any good resources where I can find more information on medical emancipation because I haven't been successful in my research? Thank you so much for your time, I appreciate it very much. Best Regards, Maria continue reading

Bicycles and Sidewalks

Q. I just moved to Sacramento and have noticed many people riding bicycles around town. Biking to work would be ideal, but I'm worried about dealing with traffic in certain areas and would be tempted to ride part of the way on sidewalks. I have a hunch this is illegal, yet I see cyclists doing this pretty often. Could I be ticketed for riding my bike on a sidewalk? – Dan continue reading

Divorce Nullifies Power of Attorney Between Spouses

Q: Hello I'm e-mailing with a question about the law of Power Of Attorney. My parents have been divorced now since "2006” in "2005" my Dad gave my Mom Power Of Attorney over his personal affairs. My parents have been separated since "1989" but have always maintained a good relationship. Lately my Dad has been showing sing of early Alzheimer’s and we have concerns because it seems that due to their divorce the Power Of Attorney is no longer valid! Is this a fact or is there something we can do to ensure that My Mom remains a vital part of My Dads affairs! I’m not sure and we need to know because there are properties involved and health care issues. continue reading

Past-Due Traffic Tickets

Q: I got a traffic ticket a while back, and missed my court date. I’d totally forgotten about it until I got something in the mail last week, saying I owed money on my outstanding ticket. It’s a huge amount now, with interest and late fees, etc. Can I ask for a payment plan or community service? I don’t have the money to pay the ticket right now. -Tanya continue reading

Renters' Rights in Foreclosures

Q. I have been renting a house for more than a year. I just got a notice that the house will be sold at auction at the end of this month. Do I have to move out then? That’s not nearly enough time to find a new place! And do I have to pay this month’s rent? I will need the money for a deposit on a new place. -Allan continue reading  

Service by Publication

Q. I want to sue this guy who sold me a bill of goods, but he has disappeared off the face of the planet and I can't find him anywhere. I thought I read somewhere that I could just put a notice in the newspaper and that would be ok. How do I do that? continue reading

Dogs in Public Places

Q. I have been seeing an increasing number of people who take their dogs everywhere: cafes, restaurants, flights, bookstores, libraries. At first I thought only service dogs were allowed in these types of situations, but most of the dogs have nothing that identifies them as service animals, and some of them look too small to be of any help to the owners! Is this legal in California? continue reading

Suing the Government

Q- I want to sue the State of California, the County of Sacramento, the City of Sacramento, and any other state or local government entity that was involved in depriving me of my civil rights in an incident last March. I was talking about my plans with my cousin, and she told me the statue of limitations was six months. I thought the statues were longer than that--years, not months. Irregardless, I'd better get started--so how do I sue the State? continue reading

Patenting Recipes

Q: I recently opened a bakery where I use recipes that have been in my family for generations. I'm worried about my competitors getting a hold of these recipes, and using them in their own bakeries. Can I patent my recipes, to keep them from being used elsewhere? continue reading

Digital Afterlife

Q. My 32 year old brother died recently in a motorcycle accident. He doesn't have much in the way of assets but he does have a Facebook account with lots of photos and a Twitter account that reflects all of his musings. Is there a way for me to get access? continue reading

Public Access to Mug Shots

Q. Is it possible to obtain an individual's booking photo using the booking number at a County jail? Thank you, Rebecca continue reading

How to Stop Wage Garnishment

Q. I just got a default judgment against me by a credit card company. I didn't bother answering the summons and complaint because I figured I didn't have any defenses—I spent the money but couldn't pay the bill. A friend told me they could go after my wages, now, though, and take 25% of them until my credit card bill is paid. I don't make that much money; we live paycheck to paycheck and I can barely afford to feed my family and pay my rent and other bills, which is how I got into this problem in the first place. Can they really take a quarter of my paycheck? Is there anything I can do about this now? Jin continue reading

Parole Records in California

Q. How would I find out the parole status of a person in Riverside County? They were recently put on parole after violating probation a number of times. -Barbara continue reading

Serving Legal Documents to a P.O. Box

Q: I am involved in a court case and need to serve legal documents and the only address I have for the other person is a mailbox at a UPS store and someone told me that I can't serve a P.O. Box, is that true? Joseph... continue reading

Calculating Child Support

Q: My ex and I were divorced many years ago, when we were both working at different jobs than we have now. Teenage boys are very expensive, and more child support would really help! I don't know if it's worth the hassle of all the paperwork, though, if the support amount won't change much. Is there any way for me to estimate how much the new order would be? - Rachel... continue reading

Adult Adoption

Q: My stepdaughter just turned 18. We wanted to do a stepparent adoption, but her father wouldn't permit it. She doesn't get along with her father (it's a long story) and now that she's 18, we heard that we can do an adult adoption without his permission. Can we do this? How would we do it? Fred... continue reading

Safe & Sane Fireworks on New Year's Eve?

Q: Hello, I found your website and I have a question about fireworks. I happen to have been born on New Year's Eve and always thought it would be fun (weather permitting) to have some of the Red Devil fountains to light . . . I guess they are called safe and sane now . . . in my day, that meant Red Devils! So, is it legal to set off California legal fireworks any time of year? If not, would I need a permit or something? Also, is it legal to purchase fireworks online, as long as they meet a safe and sane standard? Also, I would most likely be celebrating with friends in Citrus Heights . . . does that make a difference?... continue reading

Swimming Pool Safety Laws

Q: I recently purchased a home in a nice, family-oriented neighborhood. My neighbors to the left of me have a large swimming pool, which their young children and the children's friends frequently play in. I've noticed that the pool doesn't have any sort of barrier around it. Isn't there a law that states pools must have a surrounding fence to protect young children from an accidental drowning? If so, is it my duty to report them? -Rick continue reading

Fireworks Stands

Q: I was surprised recently to come home to a fireworks stand in a parking lot adjacent to my house. I feel that it is too close for safety. What are the laws in the city of Sacramento for fireworks stands? Thank you, Lori ... continue reading

Neglected Homes

Q: My neighbors moved out a couple of months ago because they were facing foreclosure. They left the house a mess! The yard is totally overgrown, there's a pile of junk in the driveway, and I'm afraid the pool is going to start growing mosquitoes now that the weather is warming up. Is there anything I can do? - Karina ... continue reading

Fixing Errors on Your Credit Report

Q. A couple years ago, a collection agency got a judgment against me without my knowledge. After they started garnishing my wages, I filed a motion to vacate the judgment since I was never served. I won, but the judgment is still showing up on my credit report. How do I get it off? Thanks, Anya ... continue reading

Is demanding a receipt a violation of rights?

Q. I was wondering if it is legal in California for retailers like WalMart and Best Buy to ask customers for their receipts as they exit the store. As a paying customer, I resent being treated like a criminal. It is because of practices like this that I shop online whenever possible. I understand that membership stores like Costco and Sam's Club have user agreements that allow them to check receipts against items in your cart, but without such an agreement is WalMart violating my rights? Thank you for your time. Ally ... continue reading

Neighbors and Their Trampolines

Q. I share part of a fence with the neighbor behind me and they put a trampoline up against the fence so when their kids and friends jump they clear the top of the fence by a couple feet and look into my yard and home. Their yard is higher on the hill than mine which makes the trampoline sit even higher at the fence, and my yard is an odd wedge shape, narrowing on the side they have the trampoline so that the distance from my bedroom and living room window directly to where the trampoline sits is only about 10 yards. I've explained and asked them nicely once if they could scooch the trampoline over a bit..... continue reading

Damages for Security Breach of Sony Playstation Network

Q: I saw your column on Sac Press and thought maybe you can help. I am a customer of Sony's PlayStation Network for online gaming, recently they had a security breach and Sony notified me that some of the information released to hackers includes my full name, address, phone number, email address, PlayStation user ID and password, and credit card information, just to name a few. I know this info has gotten into the wrong hands due to the huge amount of spam email I am now getting. My concern is primarily with identity theft as my credit card company has stated they are aware of the issue and I have zero fraud liability, but some of my friends may not be so lucky as they used debit cards... continue reading

Power of Attorney

Q: My wife and I are temporarily moving to southern California to care for her ailing mother. My brother has agreed to take care of things for me while I'm away. I can handle a lot myself online, but just in case, I want him to be able to access my bank accounts, sign documents for me, and handle my personal business while I'm down south. Will a power of attorney do that? -Brian .... continue reading

Fence Dispute & Alternatives to Court

Q. There is a boundary fence between me and my neighbor's side yard. It is leaning and I have propped it up for the last time. I have gotten two estimates from reputable fencing companies. My neighbor is refusing to pay half to replace it. I don't want to go to court. What else can I do? ... continue reading

There Oughta Be a Law

Q: I have a great idea for a new California law. Our kids get nothing but junk food at their school cafeteria for lunch. They should be learning about – and eating – fresh, healthy food. I want to get a law passed that requires every elementary, middle and high school with a school lunch program to also have a school garden to supply students with fresh fruit and vegetables. How do I get this law passed? Paula ... continue reading

Disqualification of Judges

Q. My wife and I are getting a divorce, and the judge is making all her rulings in my soon-to-be-ex's favor for no good reason that I can see, except that the judge doesn't like me—she seems to be biased against men. What can I do to get rid of this judge? Can I report her to the State Bar? .... continue reading

Obtaining Evidence for a Contested Traffic Citation

Q. I've decided to contest a speeding ticket I received recently. How do I obtain all of the police records and evidence against me? ... continue reading

Domestic Violence Restraining Orders

Q- I am afraid of my boyfriend. We just moved in together last month, and ever since then, he has been shouting and cursing at me. He also pushed me down and punched a wall. I want to break up with him, but I am afraid he will hurt me. Can the law help protect me? Anonymous in Midtown .... continue reading

Proper Venue in Small Claims Court

Q: I want to sue a former neighbor in small claims court. She promised to pay half of the cost for a fence we built on the property line last year, but never did. She recently moved down to San Diego County. Do I have to go to San Diego to sue her, or can I do it in the Sacramento court? - Jessica ... continue reading

Collecting on a Small Claims Judgment

Q. I just won my small claims case against my landlord for wrongfully withholding my security deposit. Does the court collect for me? Jenny ... continue reading

The Perils of Co-Signing Loans

Q. I co-signed my sister's car loan. She made payments for the first two years, but now she is unemployed and I'm worried she might not be able to make the payments. What rights do I have? If I have to make the payments, do I at least get the car? Janice... continue reading

Quashing Improper Service of Court Documents

Q. I was handed a summons and complaint for breach of contract, but I didn't sign for it, so I don't think it is legal. I want to challenge this in court. How do I do that? Tom .... continue reading

Property Left Behind in a Rental Unit

Q: Up until two weeks ago, I was renting a room in a house. I had become friends with the owner and moved in last summer to help us both out with costs. It became very unpleasant to live with her, however, and in December I gave her our agreed-upon 30 days' notice that I would be moving out. She didn't take it well, but I managed to move most of my things out (on my own). Due to a family emergency that took me out of the state for a week, I had to leave a few things behind in the garage. When I got back to town and tried to get my stuff, the owner refused! Is she guilty of stealing my things since she won't let me pick them up? How can I get my stuff back? - Jessica ... continue reading

Can I Fire My Attorney?

Q: I hired an attorney for my divorce, but he hasn't done anything! Everytime I call his office, he doesn't answer the phone. I leave messages but he never calls me back, he just keeps asking for more money even though I have already paid him way too much already. How can I get rid of him? Mel ... continue reading

Expunging Criminal Records

Q: Several years ago, I was arrested for shoplifting. I haven't been in trouble since then. Having the conviction on my record is making it hard for me to find a job, though. My friend said I might be able to have the record sealed, since it was a long time ago. Is this possible? Judith ....continue reading

Consumer Pet Protection Act

Q. I purchased a pug at a pet store in the Bay Area ten days ago and now the dog is sick. I took Sparky to the veterinarian and she has hospitalized him. I think he will pull through. What are my options with the pet store?... continue reading

Finding a Will

Q: How can I get a copy of a will? I believe I was named in my mother's will but I can't find a copy. Mom passed away recently and my sister has been transferring Mom's property into her own name. Marge... continue reading

Children's wishes in custody disputes

Q: I'm going through a horrible, messy divorce, and I'm afraid my worst fear may come true—my 13-year-old daughter wants to live with her father instead of me because the cheating bum is cool and I'm just an over-anxious nag. Really he is just lazy so he lets her do whatever she wants and I'm the only one who ever enforces any discipline. A friend told me that there is a new law that says a 14-year-old can choose which parent gets custody. Is this true? ... continue reading

California Statutes of Limitations

Q: About six years ago, I lent a friend $600 to help with her tuition and living expenses while she was enrolled in college. We had an informal, but signed, contract that she would pay the money back within one year. She had to stay in school longer than expected because of tough circumstances, and we agreed that she could take longer to pay the money back (but not in writing). I then moved to another state, and have just recently moved back to California. Since I've been back, I've asked for the repayment several times, but I keep getting excuses. I'm thinking of taking this to court, but a friend says that too much time has passed and that the statute of limitations has run out... continue reading

Heritage Trees in Sacramento

Q- My neighbor has a tree that is encroaching on my property. When I contacted him to complain, he said it was a protected Heritage Tree and that I would have to live with it. What is a Heritage Tree and what can I do about it? Ed ... continue reading

Pet Licenses

Q: We're adopting a dog for our children for Christmas. A friend told me we'd need to get a pet license. Is this true? If so, who do we contact for that? Bridget .... continue reading

Amending a Birth Certificate

Q: I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy in September. We named him James, but from day one we called him Kimo, which is James in Hawaiian. We regret not naming him Kimo and I would like to amend his birth certificate. Is that possible? Lelani ...continue reading

Air Rights

Hello- Recently I was watching the movie Burlesque starring Christina Aguilera and Cher and a legal issue was raised that piqued my curiosity. In the movie (spoiler alert!) Cher and Xtina are able to save the burlesque club from foreclosure by selling a nearby developer the air rights over the club so that the view for the developer's skyscraper will remain unimpeded. Is there such a thing as air rights for the space above a building and can one purchase them, or is this just an example of movie magic? Thanks, Becky ....continue reading

Avoid Probate with Small Estate Affidavit

Q: My mother just lost a long battle with breast cancer. My sister and I were both able to be with her until the very end, which was a good thing, but now my sister is saying we have to probate her estate. My mother didn't own a home or any real estate, only a few items of personal property: an old car, some costume jewelry, nothing anyone but me and my sister would want. All I know about probate is that people try to avoid it for some reason—can you tell me what it is and why I would want to avoid it? Vicky... continue reading

Small Claims Court and Security Deposits

Q: Until about a month ago, I was renting a room in a house from someone I thought was a reasonable lady. We had an argument, and she gave me 30 days notice to move out, saying that she would mail me my security deposit ten days after I had moved. The problem is, she kept $200 of my security deposit. Can I take her to small claims court for the money? -Randy .... continue reading

New Spouse's Income & Child Support

Q: My fiancé has a daughter from a previous marriage. When we get married, can her mother ask for more child support based on our new combined income? Barbara .... continue reading

Cell Phone Tickets

Q: I got pulled over for talking on my phone while driving, and the ticket is $162!!! I thought first-offense tickets were only supposed to be $20. Why is mine so high? Becky.... continue reading

Red Light Citation

Q: I received a citation in the mail for running a red light. My brother borrowed my truck and he was the driver pictured. What do I do? Bill ... continue reading

Jury Duty and Malfeasance

Q: I have been contacted for jury duty and would like to know the definition of convicted of a felony or malfeasance in office. What does this mean? -Betsy ... continue reading

How to get an injunction against the DMV

Q. I lent my boyfriend my car when things were going good, then I caught him cheating so I cut him off. I would bust the windows out the car if it wasn't mine! But he's telling everyone I gave it to him and he's going to fix it up, sell it, and make a lot of money. A friend of mine told me to go to the DMV and they could fix it so he couldn't sell the car out from under me. So I went to the DMV, filled out a form, and thought I was good to go but then the fine print on the bottom of the form says I understand that I must file a complaint or petition with the Superior Court requesting a preliminary injunction with a temporary restraining order to be served upon the Director of the.... continue reading

Lien Sale for Auto Repairs

Q: I own an auto shop and I finished about $5500.00 in repairs on a car and now the owner doesn't want to pay me. The car has been sitting in my shop for months now, how can I get rid of the car and get the money that is owed to me? Randy.... continue reading

California Smoke Detector Laws

Q: My husband and I will be retiring soon and we've decided to sell our house. We've heard that we may need to replace our smoke alarms before selling. Does California have a law about this? -Anne ... continue reading

Divorce Costs

Q: I've heard that getting a divorce is more expensive than getting married. Is that true? In total, how much does a divorce really cost? - Dave .... continue reading

Proof of Auto Insurance

Q: I got pulled over and thought I had a valid insurance card at the time. It turns out my policy had actually been canceled. What can happen and what are the laws regarding driving without insurance? Betty ... continue reading

Criminal Background Checks

Q: I met a guy who I really like, but a friend told me she heard he had a record. How can I do a background check to find out for sure? Jen.... continue reading

Foreclosure Defense

Q: I just got a Notice of Default from my mortgage company. My friend told me I could stop the foreclosure process by demanding that the bank produce the note. What does this mean and will it really work? Thank you, Louise .... continue reading

How to Find a Lawyer

Q: How can I find a good lawyer? I am willing to pay. Can you recommend someone? Thank you, Katherine .... continue reading