Jennifer Lopez wins legal round in court battle against ex-husband

A three-justice panel of the 2nd District Court of Appeal, handed Lopez the victory after she sued Noa and writer Ed Meyer.

A 14-page unanimous decision written by Justice Nora Manella, reversed a ruling by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge William F. Fahey, who said the actress could not force former spouse Ojani Noa and Ed Meyer to resolve her complaint in arbitration.

Lopez, 42, sued Noa and Meyer in November 2009 over their plans to make a movie that she says is to be called How I Married Jennifer Lopez: The J.Lo and Ojani Noa Story.

She filed a lawsuit instead of an arbitration complaint at the time because she was seeking an injunction against both men to stop them from distributing video footage of her and Noa that she said contained private information about her.

Noa and Meyer deny they are planning a tell-all movie and say it would not have the title stated in the lawsuit. Lopez, alleging breach of contract, wants $10 million in damages.

She appealed after her lawyers were unable to persuade Fahey to order arbitration.

It's the second lawsuit Lopez has filed against Noa. In the first case, Lopez sued to prevent publication of a book Noa reportedly was pitching about the ex-couple.

Lopez's lawyers maintain Noa is still bound by the arbitration agreement and that Meyer is, as well, because of his close business relationship with him.

Lopez married Noa in 1997 and divorced him 11 months later.