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. A. Sorry about the noise and disruption, Ted! We’re doing our best to keep it quiet, but the sound you hear coming from the second floor is the result of having workers dismantle our rather large shelving units--we’re preparing for our move to a new facility about two blocks on the other side of the courthouse. The Law Library and Civil Self-Help Center will be closed starting at noon on Friday February 10. We expect to open in our new location at 609 9th Street (corner of 9th &

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 A. There are requirements to ensure proper service of process, but first you may want to try discovering your ex-tenant’s address; it may be easier than you think. The Sacramento County Public Law Library(SCPLL) has created a guide on Finding People and Businesses, detailing some common ways in which people (

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. He knew his vehicle needed repair but was too lazy and stingy to repair his car. We have a

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 A: We’re all very familiar with the phrase "If yo

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 A. You cannot leave money or other kinds of property directly to your dogs because the law says that animals are property. I know most people that have pets consider them to be family members, but the law sees it differently, therefore your pets cannot be a beneficiary in a will. There are a number of things you can do to make sure your pets are provided for when you can no longer care for them. You can choose a new owner for your dogs and make it a legally binding decision by including it