Peter H. Westby

Born in Minnesota, Attorney Peter Westby has resided in Arizona since 1962 and in Phoenix since 1974. Mr. Westby graduated from the University of Arizona College of Law in 1973 and entered the practice of law as a prosecuting attorney, first with the City of Tucson and then with the Pima County Attorney's office as a Criminal Trial Deputy. He joined partner Harvey Platt in the private practice of law in Phoenix in 1974 and together they formed Platt & Westby, P.C. Mr. Westby practices in the areas of real estate law, civil litigation, family law, estate planning, probate, estate and trust administration, and business formation/litigation. Mr. Westby and his firm have earned a Martindale-Hubble AV rating, the highest rating awarded for ethics and professional competence.

James E. Rogers College of Law, University of Arizona

J.D. (1973)

1973

University of Arizona

B.S.

1970

Partner

Platt & Westby

Current

Arizona's Finest Lawyers

Arizona's Finest Lawyers

Arizona State Bar

Member

Current

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church

Former President and Council Member

2010 - Current

Activities: 1987 - 1993

La Casa De Cristo Lutheran Church

1993 - 2010

Arizona

Since 1973

U.S. Federal Court

Since 1973

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Q. How to inform court of witness role in AZ land case?

March 3, 2025

A: This can be complicated. You need to work through the lawyer for one of the parties. You and your testimony will need to be disclosed to opposing counsel and, If the lawyer determines that your testimony is crucial, the lawyer will need to inform the court of a recently discovered witness that he needs to call. It will likely be necessary to ask for a trial continuance so you can be deposed before trial. The lawyer will also need to satisfy the Judge as to why you were determined to be a witness so late and why you could not have been discovered earlier. So soon before trial, it is possible that the court will not allow you to testify. All deadlines for discovery and disclosure will have expired. The opposing counsel will object to your testimony and will oppose a trial continuance. If you wish to give testimony, you need to contact the lawyer immediately so he can evaluate the strength of your testimony. ... Read More

Q. Are home inspection reports in Arizona confidential and can realtors share them?

March 3, 2025

A: In Arizona, both the realtor and the seller have a duty to disclose any information that may be material to a buyer. You can mitigate the impact of negative information by also disclosing positive information or, in your case, disclosing the inspector's reports that did not show anything negative. This will put the buyer on notice of all the findings. The buyer can then decide if he or she wants a more detailed inspection.

Q. Dog jumped on friend, causing bleeding; court case filed.

February 14, 2025

A: This sounds like a nuisance lawsuit. I recommend reporting this claim to your homeowners insurance carrier. They will hire a lawyer for you to defend. Your lawyer will be an experienced insurance defense lawyer and will get all medical and other records to properly evaluate this claim.

Good luck to you.