Emily Patricia Graham’s Answers

Only get an attorney licensed in your state, or the state of the issue, to aid you. I am an entertainment attorney, but not licensed in California. Definitely do not get a law student, or anyone for that matter, who is not licensed in California, to give you legal advice. If you are looking for pro bono legal advice regarding entertainment law, there are probably a lot of organizations that can aid you. For example, where I practice law in South Florida, there is a great organization...

It is very important to have an attorney review this contract. Under the Private Works Act in Louisiana, a person who repairs or does work on a house, might receive a "privilege" in the house. This means that if there is a dispute over the contract and the independant contractors are not paid, they may claim a specific type of interest in the house to insure their payment.

First, determine how you and your buddies want to share the profits and liabilities. For example, one person might contribute money, another services like music mixing and post-production expertise, and another might own a studio, and you might have the industry contacts. Make a list of this in writing, with names, addresses, percentages, and details. One of the most important issues to discuss is the ownership of copyrights to songs, beats, lyrics, and videos. If you wish for the company to...

You may have a claim for appropriation of your image. Florida statutes provide for a cause of action for missappropriation against a defendant who causes the unauthorized publication of someone's name or likeness, or causes unauthorized publication of photographs or pictures of areas to which admission is charged (think Disney World). Here, you may be able to claim missapropriation because an unauthoirzed image of you was used for commercial gain, in an advertizement. An exception to...

The answer to your question involves areas of copyright, trademark, and licensing law. Copyright law does not protect the overall design, pattern or fit of apparel items. However, any prints on the fabric or actual the actual knit design of the jersey may be protected. Also, even if you add two dimensional prints and/or paintings, the company may request you to sign a licensing agreement before reselling their clothing. In addition, the actual knit of the jersey fabric may be protected...

Retain an attorney to look over all the documentation. Even people who are in a strong legal position at first may lose a case for not following litigation procedure. Also, there are various litigation tools and consumer rights laws that an attorney can help you with.

I would advise you to obtain an attorney, especially now that you have received a citation for eviction. Also, organize any letters, notices, photographs, and hard evidence you have regarding these matters.

While infidelity may not per se effect the best interest of the children, there may be certain aspects regarding behavior and health that do fit into the factors considered by a court. On the issue of alimony, Louisiana courts do take fault, such as infidelity, into consideration.

Did the magazine company have your address, and did you report your new address to them? Collection Agencies should not report a collection to someone's credit report before establishing contact with that person. Get your credit report from the three major credit reporting agencies, to see if they have already reported a collection. You do not have a lot of time. In fact, you may have 30 days or LESS to dispute the collection agency letter in writing. Definitely obtain a consumer rights...

Louisiana law gives many protections to spouses who have been the victim of infidelity. Print out all the evidence. If a court determines the evidence is enough to prove "fault", which would be the infidelity, then you will be successful in filing for a divorce based on fault. There may also be additional facts which could enable you to file for a divorce based on different kinds of "fault". Also, you may chose to file for one of two types "no-fault" divorces. There are different time periods...