what happens in a case where the attorney has the wrong name

by Wallace Tremblay 8 min read

If you've provided all the correct details beforehand, the wrong name is the lawyer's mistake. It'll be his duty to correct the mistake, and in nearly all practical cases, for free.

What happens if the defendant’s name is wrong?

There are two options. First, the state can dismiss the case, re-charge the defendant under the correct name, and encourage the person whose name was used by the defendant — often an unwitting friend or relative — to seek an expunction under G.S. 15A-147, the identity theft expunction provision.

When to avoid naming a defendant in a personal injury case?

Mar 14, 2020 · Legal malpractice is when an attorney makes a grievous error in handling a case. Lawyers are held to a general standard and codes of ethical and professional conduct. Depending on the severity, when they break these rules they may be guilty of medical malpractice.

Can a plaintiff be uncertain about a defendant’s correct legal name?

Jan 12, 2019 · The fact that both lawsuits “named the Jekyll Island–State Park Authority’s trade name, Summer Waves Water Park,” was irrelevant. Essentially, the plaintiff identified the wrong defendant in her first lawsuit, but by the time she realized and corrected that mistake, it was too late for her to proceed.

How can I get my Name removed from a criminal case?

Apr 05, 2018 · What the Plaintiff has done is called a misnomer - he has the wrong name but the right person. He can fix that easily by amending the petition. The incorrect name should be pointed out in your answer, along with your other defenses, such as you never agreed to the fees being charged. More. 0 found this answer helpful.

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Is a legal document valid if the name is wrong?

When a name is spelled incorrectly on a contract it is not necessarily going to make the contract invalid or void. Obviously the more errors there are the more suspect a contract may become, but when a contract is signed there's more to it than just signing it to indicate an agreement between parties.

What happens if the court gets your name wrong?

If it is the wrong name, and you are not expecting a summons, then tell the court that you are not the person on the summons, otherwise the the person whose name is on the summons will be held in contempt of court.

What if my name is spelled wrong on legal documents?

Visit your local county clerk's office or court and obtain an application form to petition for a name change. By completing this application, you're requesting that the court legally alter the spelling of your name to the spelling reflected on the form.

Do typos matter in legal documents?

As we mentioned above, a typo in the dollar value of the contract might mean you lose out on potential income or you have to pay out more than you had planned. A typo that leads to damages can cost thousands in legal fees and, if the other party prevails, you may have to pay their damages.Nov 19, 2020

How do you correct errors on a legal document?

Proper Error Correction ProcedureDraw line through entry (thin pen line). Make sure that the inaccurate information is still legible.Initial and date the entry.State the reason for the error (i.e. in the margin or above the note if room).Document the correct information.

Is it legal to spell your name differently?

Yes, in fact if it is not to related to fraud or criminal activity you may change your name, first and or last several times a day. In California due to the DMV's choosing you usually have to get a court order to do so. You can petition for a financial waiver.

Does an incorrect name invalidate a contract?

Naming the wrong party in a contract can be very problematic, as it could well mean the counterparty is unable to enforce contractual rights and in certain circumstances can completely transform the nature of the bargain they believed they were entering into.

Is a contract legal if the name on the contract does not match my name?

Presumption of a Legally Binding Relationship If parties have been performing their obligations under a contract, this is a fair indication of their intention to be bound to the agreement. This is regardless of whether they have signed their name incorrectly or not.Nov 17, 2020

How much is it to change the spelling of your name?

According to LegalZoom, you should be ready to spend at least $100 to $150 to file a name change petition in court, plus additional fees to have your forms notarized.Aug 8, 2018

Do typos make a contract void?

established that common mistake can void a contract only if the mistake of the subject matter was sufficiently fundamental to render its identity different from what was contracted, making the performance of the contract impossible.

What does scrivener's error mean?

Generally speaking, a scrivener's error is an unintentional mistake in the drafting of a contract. 1 Examples include typing an incorrect word, number, or letter, or omitting a word or words or even an entire provision of the contract. A scrivener's error can occur in an insurer's standard.

How do you correct a name on a contract?

You can use a contract amendment letter to list the changes to the original document and have both parties sign. You can create a contract amendment created from a template or from a legal services provider. You can add amendment pages—digital or print—to the end of the original signed contract.Jun 28, 2019

What is legal malpractice?

Legal malpractice is when an attorney makes a grievous error in handling a case. Lawyers are held to a general standard and codes of ethical and professional conduct. Depending on the severity, when they break these rules they may be guilty of medical malpractice.

What is the job of a lawyer?

They break their fiduciary duty to a client: A lawyer’s main job is to protect and advocate for their client.

Can a lawyer make mistakes?

Lawyers are not perfect. They can and do make mistakes. However, there is a serious issue when that mistake is so severe that it hinders you from filing or possibly winning your case. Legal malpractice cases can be lengthy and expensive. It is advised to make the claims quickly if you feel like you have been wronged.

What case did Judge Schack cite?

Judge Schack cited several cases to support his decision. In Guttridge v. Schwenke, 155 Misc.2d 317 (Sup Ct. Westchester Cty. 1992), plaintiff persisted in pursuing a claim for money due under a contract after the defendant presented documentary evidence that the claim had been paid. The court in Guttridge said:

What is the Code of Professional Responsibility?

Code of Professional responsibility and its Disciplinary rules, or any other applicable rule or requirement governing conduct. Several of the Standards defining a lawyer’s duties to other lawyers, litigants and witnesses are, however, relevant to the interest of the courts in discouraging frivolous litigation.

What was omitted from Robertson and Wells Fargo?

Omitted from both his opinions ( Robertson and Wells Fargo, supra ), was any discussion by Judge Schack of at least two other rules which bear on the issue of frivolous conduct, and, therefore, on the issue of sanctions.

Who is Lazar Emanuel?

Lazar Emanuel is the publisher of NYPRR.

Should a lawyer be careful to name a defendant?

Every lawyer who initiates an action should be careful to confirm that he has the right defendant, and, also, that his client has “standing” to sue this defendant . In an action to recover for personal injuries, for example, he should avoid naming anyone as a defendant until he has reasonable proof that the putative defendant caused ...

Teri A. Walter

What the Plaintiff has done is called a misnomer - he has the wrong name but the right person. He can fix that easily by amending the petition. The incorrect name should be pointed out in your answer, along with your other defenses, such as you never agreed to the fees being charged.#N#More

Fred T Isquith

motion to dismiss the complaint on the grounds of failure of serving the correct person or that you are not the defendant....but in fact it will not matter...it is so easily corrected by an amendment to the complaint that you avoiding the law suit on those grounds is very remote.

Jason B. Negri

I agree with the other responses. This misspelling is easily attributable to what's called a "scrivener's error" and it shouldn't be a big deal - especially if the POA identifies you by relationship to the principal (your father) as well as by your (misspelled) name.

Clifford M Cohen

Depending on the bank, they may accept it. You could update, but even if your father is mentally competent, it may not be the best time emotionally to do this. Of course, if you have other matters requiring the use of the Power of Attorney and competency is not an issue, then it may be necessary.

Judy A. Goldstein

I am sorry your father is ill. If your father is still mentally competent, you can ask him to execute a new power of attorney but first make sure you use the most current statutory form. You might also wish to contact the bank and see if they will accept the present POA with the scrivener's error...

Kristine Potter Romano

I agree with other counsel. My question would also be how much of an error in the name is it? It may be a pretty obvious typo. However, it would probably be best to get in corrected if you can.

Ivette M Santaella

Hello,#N#If your Father is mentally capable, you may want to update the POA first to save time. Some banks are sticklers for details on a POA.

Steven M Zelinger

Why don't you ask the bank? I would get it corrected if it is possible to get corrected but it may not matter. Again, ask the bank if its an issue - they may not notice or care.

What are the rights of a lawyer?

Some basic rights that you are entitled to include proper and effective communication/correspondence between a client and his or her attorney, the competency of the attorney to know the core knowledge and expertise of a client’s legal issue, the work was completed ethically and the agreement of fees is followed. As a summary, you can and should expect your lawyer to do the following: 1 Give you guidance regarding your legal circumstance 2 Keep you up to date about your case 3 Tell you what he or she thinks will transpire in your case 4 Allow you to make vital judgments concerning your case 5 Give you an assessment about what your case ought to cost 6 Help you in any cost-benefit evaluation that you may need 7 Keep in communication with you 8 Inform you of any changes, delays, or setbacks 9 Give you the information you need to make educated decisions, and 10 Prepare you for your case, including disposition and trial preparation.

Why is it so hard to win a malpractice case?

It is very hard to win a malpractice case because of the amount of evidence you need to prove that the lawyer failed to use the ordinary skill and care that would be used by other lawyers in handling a similar problem or case under similar conditions.

What to do if you don't pay a bill?

If you believe the bill that you’ve received is outside of the context of your agreement, don’t pay it. Ask your lawyer about why the bill is the amount it is and—if you disagree, ask for a reduction. If the lawyer refuses to do so, consider filing for a nonbinding fee arbitration with a state or local bar association. Arbitration allows an outside party to become the neutral decision-maker when regarding bills and finances. It can be binding or nonbinding which allows you to reject the arbitrator’s assessment. Find out more from our local association.

Can you settle a case without a lawyer?

Yes, you can. However, you would have to prove that your lawyer did so without your authorization because the settlement was far less than what you were truly owed and didn’t effectively represent your case or that the lack of communication was systematic.

What are the causes of malpractice?

These basic pieces of malpractice are all due to problems associated with troubled attorney-client relationships. They are normally set off by a lack of communication, dishonestly and incompetence, inadequate legal work, arbitration, and billings.

Can you file a malpractice claim against a lawyer?

While it may be upsetting to not get the compensation you thought you deserved based on your attorney’s comments, you cannot file a malpractice claim against this fallacy. You can, however, get your file from the lawyer and get a second opinion on your case.

How to correct a deed in Texas?

Step 1. Obtain your correction deed form. Download the correct form, depending on the state in which the property is located and that state’s requirements for correction deeds. Step 2. Execute the correction deed. Usually, the seller must execute a correction deed, in accordance with state notary and witness requirements.

What is an affidavit of deed?

The attachment of the affidavit to the originally recorded deed . The affidavit refers to the provision of state law that permits it, and contains the clarifying information, certified by the person submitting it under penalty of perjury. Notification to the original parties or the parties’ heirs.

What is a deed reform action?

Through a deed reformation action, a court may order the clerk of the court to correct (reform) a deed and resolve the problem.

Can you re-record a deed with corrections?

You may be able to re-record the same document with corrections. You might need a new correction deed. Not only does state law vary; in many states, such as Pennsylvania, county laws vary, too. Whether you record or re-record, new recording fees apply.

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Introduction

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It is not uncommon for a plaintiff to be uncertain about a defendant’s correct legal name. Despite searches and inquiries, the ignorance may continue with the defendant being improperly named in the Statement of Claim. What happens then when the claim is served on the right person but has incorrectly spelled or identifi…
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The “Litigation Finger” Test

  • This test was first developed by the English Court of Appeal in Davies v. Elsby Bros. Ltd.and became known as the “litigation finger test”. Did the Statement of Claim point the litigation finger at the right defendant, such that they would know it was meant for them despite the naming error? The litigation finger test may assist the plaintiff in such cases. If the test is satisfied, then the pl…
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Expansion of The Test

  • In applying the litigation finger test in Ontario, the court is notlimited to considering what the receiving defendant would know, but may, inaddition, consider the knowledge of the intended party’s representatives. Thiswould include the knowledge or powers of their insurer, their lawyer and their superiors when they received and reviewed thestatement of claim.
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Further Hurdle

  • If the test is satisfied, the court retains a further discretion as set out in Rule 5.04(2) of the Rules of Civil Procedureto refuse to permit the correction of the misnomer. That rule reads as follows: The ONCA in Ormerodexplained the court’s residual discretion in Rule 5.04(2) as follows:` Thecourt must consider whether the defendant was misled or was unduly prejudiced.As a gener…
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Takeaways

  1. Plaintiffs need to be as precise as possible in naming their defendants. Where mistaken or incorrect names are used they should be corrected as soon as possible after learning the correct name;
  2. Plaintiffs need to include as much information as possible about the defendant(s) in their Statement of Claim, including their role and position, what they did, and when in order to ensu…
  1. Plaintiffs need to be as precise as possible in naming their defendants. Where mistaken or incorrect names are used they should be corrected as soon as possible after learning the correct name;
  2. Plaintiffs need to include as much information as possible about the defendant(s) in their Statement of Claim, including their role and position, what they did, and when in order to ensure they hav...
  3. Defendants must consider whether to wait in the weeds for the limitation period to expire or alert the plaintiff immediately. Alerting the plaintiff likely makes the mistake a misnomer, but may hel...
  4. The litigation finger test is meant to ensure fairness. It only applies where a person knew tha…

Motion For Sanctions

  • The risk of judicial sanctions was illustrated by the decision of Supreme Court Judge Arthur M. Schack inRobertson v. United Equities Inc., #35718/04, New York Law Journal, July 11, 2008. The proper defendant in the action was United Equities Corp. (UEC), not United Equities Inc. (UEI), as alleged by plaintiff. Relying on an affidavit by UEI’s president that UEC and UEI were not the sam…
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The Law of Sanctions

  • In the New York state courts, the award of sanctions is discretionary with the courts. Sanctions are controlled by 22 NYCRR §130-1.1, which was adopted by the Courts in its current form on March 1, 1998. The rule provides: (a) The court, in its discretion, may award to any party or attorney in any civil action or proceeding … costs in the form of reimbursement for actual expen…
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Cases Cited by Court

  • Judge Schack cited several cases to support his decision. In Guttridge v. Schwenke, 155 Misc.2d 317 (Sup Ct. Westchester Cty. 1992), plaintiff persisted in pursuing a claim for money due under a contract after the defendant presented documentary evidence that the claim had been paid. The court in Guttridgesaid: … Plaintiffs’ counsel must share the blame for such frivolous conduct as i…
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Judge Schack Speaks Again

  • Curiously enough, while I was in the process of writing this article, and less than a week after his decision in Robertson, Judge Schack decided another case involving frivolous pleading by a plaintiff and began his inquiry into possible sanctions against plaintiff’s attorneys. Wells Fargo Bank v. Reyes, #5516/08, New York Law Journal,July 15, 2008. This time, the defendant was the …
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Violation of Disciplinary Rules

  • Omitted from both his opinions (Robertson and Wells Fargo, supra), was any discussion by Judge Schack of at least two other rules which bear on the issue of frivolous conduct, and, therefore, on the issue of sanctions. DR 7.102 of the New York Code provides as follows: A. In the representation of a client, a lawyer shall not: 1. File a suit, assert a position, conduct a defense, d…
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Conclusion

  • A lawyer who plans to institute a new litigation and who wishes to avoid the threat of sanctions and of professional discipline should be sure of two facts: (1) that his client has standing; and (2) that the defendant in his sights is the right defendant. Lazar Emanuel is the publisher of NYPRR. DISCLAIMER: This article provides general coverage of its subject area and is presented to the r…
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