Robert Henry Ellis’s Answers

I would not recommend ignoring the situation. You may be able to resolve the issue favorably, but often times situations like this only get worse without a response. You should at least consult with an attorney in your area. Best of luck.

Typically business owners in your position have an attorney draft a letter demanding payment. If payment is not made within the time given, the attorney will typically order an assert search on the debtor and then make a recommendation to you as to whether a lawsuit is a viable option. Good luck.

You might have a private investigator perform an asset search. A basic search is usually inexpensive.

Yes, there a number of firms that I have seen using fictitious names in recent years. There is a procedure you must go through before you use such a name. I would suggest you might start by reviewing the information about fictitious names at the Fla Dept of Corp web site at Sunbiz.org. Good luck with your practice.

You might consider obtaining the opinion of a handwriting expert that may be able to provide you with a written statement confirming the signature is a forgery. Based upon the age of the contract you should also speak with an attorney in your area about the statute of limitations. Good luck.

Your question is a bit broad . . . sounds like a law school essay question. If you can be more specific and do not need help with an essay, the lawyers on this site may be able to help you, Good luck.

This question is difficult to answer without more information. However, if one party accepted payment from the other party at the scene and then left the scene without making any statements about further action; these circumstances suggest a settlement was made, at least as to claims against the party that made payment at the scene.

It may take some finding an attorney licensed in Florida and Missouri for the specific practice areas you are looking for. You should start by consulting with an attorney in the state of your current residence right away so you may present your issues and proceed from there. Good luck.

I am not sure I understand your question. If you are wondering whether an attorney may contact a former employer about a lawsuit that you are involved in the answer is yes. It is common for attorneys to obtain prior employment records that may have information about someone that is involved in a lawsuit. This is done by issuing a subpoena or by obtaining a release from the party that is the subject of the records request. There may be objections raised that seek to prevent the request or...

A deposition may take less than one half hour. It all depends upon the number of questions that must be asked. If there are very few questions for a particular witness then it would be normal for the deposition to take less than one half hour.