Bauman Law APLC v. Sulaiman Munnee, et al.

(Van Nuys Courthouse West: Dept. 107) August 25, 2026 DEPARTMENT 107 LAW AND MOTION RULINGS

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES NORTHWEST DISTRICT | Bauman Law APLC, Plaintiff, v. Sulaiman Munnee, et al. Defendants. | Case Number Department 107 | COURT'S [TENTATIVE] ORDER RE: Motion for Order re Interpleader (Deposit of Funds, Discharge, and Attorney's Fees) | [THE FOLLOWING IS A TENTATIVE RULING IN THE ABOVE CASE]: Hearing on the Motion is Continued

I. BACKGROUND

Plaintiff Bauman Law APLC ("Plaintiff") represented Defendant Sulaiman Munnee in a personal injury action. (Complaint P.P. 4, 6-7.) The matter was resolved through a $16,000.00 settlement in Munnee's favor. (Complaint P. 7.) Plaintiff received a check with the funds and deposited it in trust to be held pending distribution to medical providers and Munnee. (Complaint P. 9.) Plaintiff was subsequently unable to locate Munnee. (Complaint P.P. 10-11.)

On October 1, 2025, Plaintiff filed a complaint against Defendants Munnee, Elyasi Chiropractic, Glendale Diagnostic Imaging Network, Kevin Hayavi, MD, Kourosh Noormand, MD, and Sonoma Surgery Center, alleging a C.C.P. section 386(B) cause of action.

On April 27, 2026, Plaintiff filed a motion for order re interpleader (deposit of funds, discharge, and attorney's fees) (the "Motion"). As of August 20, 2026, no opposition has been filed.

II. DISCUSSION

Plaintiff moves for an order awarding Plaintiff attorneys' fees in the sum of $8,295.89 for costs relating to this action and Motion and fees for the personal injury action, authorizing Plaintiff to deposit the net balance of $7,704.11 with the court, and discharging Plaintiff from further liability to all named Defendants and claimants with respect to the funds and enjoining claimants from prosecuting actions against Plaintiff arising from or related to the funds. (Motion pp. 7-9.)

An action in interpleader requires notice to the parties. (Code Civ. Proc., Sec. 386, subd. (a).) Plaintiff filed no proof of service showing Munnee has been served with the summons and complaint in this action.

On August 17, 2026, Plaintiff's counsel, Shaun J. Bauman, filed conflicting declarations regarding service. One of the declarations states that "Plaintiff has also served the Summons and Complaint on the named Defendants and continues to communicate with counsel for interested parties regarding the interpleaded funds." (Bauman Declaration p. 2.) The other declaration states "Plaintiff has been unable to locate or effect personal service on Mr. Munnee." (Bauman Declaration p. 3.)

All named parties must be properly served before the court considers the Motion. The court will continue the Motion until the trial date.

III. CONCLUSION

For the foregoing reasons, the court continues the Motion to the trial date in this action.

Dated: August 25, 2026 _______- ___________________________ Hon. Eric Harmon Judge of the Superior Court | Home -->)" -->