Title: I am an independent phone repair technician. Customer says he’s going to put a “civil process” against me at a magistrates office.

Question:
Location- Thomasville, North Carolina

I replaced components in a customers phone and the phone was only functioning partially. I have told him that parts replaced are final but I refunded him $40 for labor but the total was $80. The parts are new but the phone seemed to have some slight water damage, regardless he told me to place them in anyway as I told him I have repaired many phones in this exact situation without any issue. The phone did not turn on at all before, but now only turns on for a short while and at times. He was very unprofessional in our last encounter and has tried to intimidate me by telling me he works in law enforcement. I have studied what would happen if his process went through and I apparently am at danger of having a warrant out for my arrest and I’m not sure what happens afterwards. I am only 18 and would like to avoid any run ins with the law as I’ve never been arrested or even pulled over before. I would definitely appreciate some advice on what I would I should do here.

Answer:
 You aren't getting arrested and there is a 99% chance he's just talking. This is a civil matter.

People like this have no idea how to even start a lawsuit. "civil process" lol since you're a business you should keep it professional but i would tell him to pound sand. Answer #2: People say stupid stuff all the time. From experience -- he's upset and just talking. That being said, being in the phone repair business you need to C.Y.A -- any time a customer comes to you and you can't see and test that a device is working, you need to let them know that there is a chance that nothing can be done or it could get worse. Every time. Especially water damage. If you can't get it fully functional, I wouldn't charge them at all. At most, since you're doing this on your own, they should pay for the cost of the part only. And, again, let them know before hand. I work with uBreakiFix, and there's very few customers who actually are like this but they do happen. Make sure you get in front of the problem each time. It makes it less likely to happen.


Title: [NY] yo-yo financing + stolen trade in?

Question:
I think I fucked up really, really bad.

12 days ago I left my old Chevy Tracker and the title for itwith the dealer and took home my new-to-me used Sentra. I signed what must have been a sales quote and was told the contract would be in tomorrow. 12 days later, I'm still waiting on my contract. I have been given various excuses about why it hasn't arrived, but they all sound bogus. I have a temporary registration and changed my insurance.

I just want to get my old car back if I can and get away from this whole situation. I have no idea what to do. Please help me.

Answer: Odds are the car you have is yours until the financing officially falls through. Do you have a copy of what you did sign? Does it say anything about how to cancel the deal if not complete within x time?


Title: [OH] Confused about paying a maintenance fee.

Question:
[TL;DR] Lease says they are responsible for repairs; miscommunication and now I'm expected to pay $90 for repairs. Do I or no?

Ohio here, bot. I am renting a condo from a married couple, husband is the one who owns, wife is not on any paperwork as owner or manager. I refuse to deal with the husband anymore because of inappropriate conduct when I initially moved in November of 2014. I only deal with the wife now, and it seems like they are new to this renting thing.

Before I signed the lease I offered to do the maintenance in exchange for a discount on rent, as that's what I do for a living. They said no, they have a maintenance guy. [Just to add, the condo was in very poor condition when I moved in, and still is, mostly.]

My question is: I had to have a dual lightswitch(shocked me a few times), an outlet(blew sparks out when I'd plug something in), and my garbage disposal(looked like someone disposed something porcelain and broke it) replaced. Landlord bought the parts, brought them to my house and told me to install them. I said no, and they said ok, we will call the maintenance guy. This was a few months ago, and finally I got tired of dealing with it so I got his number from them and called him myself.

He came to install the parts. LL Wife's mother just died so I told her I'd work it out with him, and due to some confusing conversations over text message, she assumed I'd pay him. I did not correct her. Maintenance man told me it would be $90. I told LL wife. When rent time came she asked when she could pick up rent +$90.

Do I pay this $90? The lease clearly states "11. Maintenance and Repairs: Landlord shall be responsible for repairs in or about the Leased Premises unless caused by the negligence of the Tenant. Tenant will be responsible for any repairs caused by his/her negligence. A. It is the responsibility of the Tenant to promptly notify the LL of the need for any repair of which the tenant becomes aware. B. If any required repair is caused by the negligence of the Tenant and/or Tenant's guests, the Tenant will be fully responsible for the cost of the repair and/or replacement that may be needed."
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer: If that was the way it was when you moved in then nope. Landlord's responsibility. 100%


Title: I am missing 3 fingers and 6 toes but can function completely normally, does my condition still count as a disability(for purposes of college application and scholarship)

Question:
I am diagnosed with syndactyly

also live in Texas btw

Answer:
 Definition of disability: a physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities.

Does it limit your movements, senses or activities?

You have a medical condition and are missing 45% of your fingers and toes. I would say something is limited in your world.. maybe not all the way but to some extent.


Title: [Art Copyright] My artwork was used in a Nexflix show, how can I get credited and compensated for it?

Question:
 I'm in need of some advice.

I'm an artist and educator (I teach illustration at college level). Last night I was drawing and ironically watching Netflix with my family when an old college buddy of mine started messaging me about how she was watching the series "Inside the Criminal Mind" (a Netflix original) and thought she saw some art that looked like mine. She contacted me again to confirm that it was my work. She verified it by looking at my website - and congratulated me and told me she hoped I was receiving royalties. The thing is, I had NO IDEA what she was talking about and had to check it out for myself. To my utter dismay, inserted in this program was my art!

If you google "macdonald triad of sociopathy" my poster comes up in the images, and I'm sure that's where someone found it and inserted it into the show. My name is all over that search (in fact, my name and website are just below the poster).

What is my legal recourse to get credited and compensated for my work? What are some resources or people I should speak with about this? I don't have very much money so the cheaper the better.

&#x200B;

Answer:
 Not a lawyer, but I believe there are two options...
1. Get a copyright lawyer and have them take care of things
2. Go at it alone and send the show’s producers an invoice citing the use of your design. I read about someone who’s graphic was used without permission and they put a pretty hefty amount on an invoice and sent it (not unreasonably high, but not cheap) and the company paid it rather than deal with a legal situation, which would undoubtedly be more expensive. If the company ignores the invoice you could always at that point get the lawyer.Answer #2: Contact the show's producers. They hire an art director and a set decorator for exactly this reason.

They owe you royalties. Offer to accept those royalty payments. If they refuse, contact an IP attorney. Answer #3: That depends. Did you sell your rights to it? Did you publish it? Who published it...they should be collecting on your behalf.Answer #4: I've had my artwork appear in movies and documentaries and haven't gotten paid, though I have been contacted for permission to use. My art was incidental, not crucial to the stories.  I don't license my work or have an agent. In my experience, most productions are very good at attempting to contact and document permissions. They keep a spreadsheet with art title (toothbrush, coffee maker, book, or what have you), and artist/designer contact information. Answer #5: So, how long did your poster appear in the show?

Was it just in the background?


Title: [nyc] subtenant broke agreement and moved out early. i am being sued in small claims for security deposit. do i have to return it?

Question:
I was subletting a room in my apartment. The sublet was informal (no signed agreement) and month to month which required 30 days notice to move out. I returned to the apartment after thanksgiving to see that the guy I was subletting to had moved out. He didn't give me any notice, just left. I texted him asking what was up but he ignored me and instead I received a venmo request from him requesting the amount of his security deposit back.

I declined the request stating that since he did not give notice his security deposit will go to the next month rent. today i got served with papers because he is suing me in small claims for the security deposit.

it looks like getting a lawyer for this will be pricy, do i need one? the room was only $950 but it looks like it will cost quite a bit more than that to defend it. also did i do anything wrong by keeping his deposit?

Answer: You don't need a lawyer for small claims court. Just show up and make your case to the judge.


Title: Oregon - My dad took family laptop, among other things, claiming them as his own.

Question:
~~I'm glad this sub exists; I'll be frequenting it on and off for a while now.~~

~~So. First, a bit of backstory. My father has been emotionally abusing my mother off and on for their entire relationship. He's cheated on her 4-7 times, once before I was even born. Nowadays, about once every month, he'll start being controlling. He thinks he is religiously knowledgeable because he went to the conspiracy side of Youtube, he's gained some type of "Chosen one" mentality (or power trip, maybe). Not only that, but he believes there are spirits called Djinn that control everything (?). No, I'm not joking. He likes to claim possessions in our house as his, saying he paid for them, which is true in most cases as he gets paid by the government (he has MS). He also conspires against the government, saying the common conspiracy theories like reptilianism. My mother and I are almost certain that he brought our family down to Oregon for the sole purpose of moving away from my mother's family and closer to his.~~

~~I may have left some things out, but I'll edit later if need be. Here's the actual problem, since I'm sure a backstory is hardly relevant. Today he took my mother's PC while I was at a friend's house and she was at work locking himself and the laptop in his room. My younger brother and sister don't tend to get involved, so they didn't mind. My mother has research on divorce on there, and the computer is literally named after her. He only uses it for the aforementioned Youtube conspiring. How do I legally get it back? I can provide information as it is necessary, just ask. Thanks in advance.~~

I'm seeing a lot of similar responses, so I think it's safe to just give up on this thread. Sorry I didn't seem to explain well enough.

**CLOSED**

Answer: This is a problem between mom and dad. Let them resolve it.


Title: [Tennessee] Is it legal for a customer to secretly record a conversation between two employees?

Question: After helping a customer today, they re-entered the store with a cell phone and played, from what I could hear, an unintelligible conversation between me and my coworker. It is still unclear what was said that offended them or what spurred them initially to record, but they claim they will be returning to speak to our manager and present the recording. The customer was not involved in the conversation, and neither me nor my coworker were aware we were being recorded (or where the customer even was when they were doing this; the store is tiny, so they had to be hiding behind something). I'm not worried, as nothing offensive was ever uttered and the recording is a garbled mess, but out of curiosity, is it legal for the customer to disclose this secretly obtained recording to my employer?

Answer:
 Tennessee is a one party recording state.  That means that one person who is part of the conversation must give permission.

http://www.dmlp.org/legal-guide/tennessee-recording-law

So already the customer has committed a crime.

If the customer plays the recording to your boss, your boss can fire you, and you can sue the customer for losing your job.Answer #2: Holy shit, a legitimate business tort claim!  I feel like I've just seen a Bigfoot.  (This is just like that other time when it really *was* entrapment).

Anyway... here are the elements:

>(1)  An existing business relationship with specific third parties or a prospective relationship with an identifiable class of third persons.

>(2) The defendant's knowledge of that relationship and not a mere awareness of the plaintiff's business dealings with others in general.

>(3) The defendant's intent to cause the breach or termination of the business relationship.

>(4) The defendant's improper motive or improper means.

>(5) Damages resulting from the tortious interference.

[TN Supreme Court case officially recognizing the tort](http://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/OPINIONS/TSC/PDF/021/traumed.pdf)


Title: Someone calling a family member claiming to be me?

Question: Okay so I have no idea who or where to ask so this will have to do. I just got a call from my uncle stating that someone called my grandmothers house claiming to be me saying I wrecked my car and was in jail??? I’m at home in bed. I did not make this call. What could be going on and what should I do?? I’m scared

Answer:
 It's a scam. It's a very common scam. They're trying to get your grandmother to wire money.

> What could be going on and what should I do??

Tell your grandmother not to send money to people claiming to be you


Title: Wage being paid as minimum wage instead of normal wage after giving two weeks notice

Question: Not sure if this is the correct subreddit for this question so please remove if needed. My wife recently started job hunting and received a call back from an school she has been looking forward working with. The new school gave her a start date of Monday and she talked to the current employer, a private school, saying she will need to be out by that date but that school said she will be paid minimum wage until she leaves on Friday. From what she was told is that starting this past Monday until Friday she will get minimum wage for not giving her complete two weeks notice. Is this legal?

Answer:
 As long as they aren't retroactively reducing her pay it's legal.

It's also legal for her to simply provide no notice and walkAnswer #2: While this is legal, you don't have to accept it. You can simply exit prior to your notice date.Answer #3: ~~Location matters here~~ Yes, they can do this in Texas.

But generally speaking, in most places in USA or Canada, they cannot retroactively change her wage. But, it is perfectly legal to change her wage moving forward. When she gave notice, they told her, her new wage. Answer #4: Legal yes. What I would personally do if my employer did that to me was be OK fine and no show up to work the next day.  Hell I would walk out and never look back.  This followed by refusing life a finger to help them.  In your wife case chances are she would level them in much worse bind as she setting up class rooms, has a fair amount of knowledge that should be transferred but now never will be.Answer #5: Yes. That is legal.  She can also quit immediately if she doesn't want to work for minimum wage.


Title: Upstairs neighbor poured bleach water over her balcony, onto our grill and it splashed me in the face.

Question:
Yesterday, we were setting up to do a BBQ with our neighbors and I had lit our grill, which is at the edge of our patio. We live in an apartment complex and have previously complained to management about our upstairs neighbor dumbing cleaning solutions over the balcony (a bucket full, maybe after they had mopped?). It had previously landed all over our plants (i.e. herbs we would've eaten) and we had filed a complaint. The office said they would contact the neighbor to let them know they could not do that. Yesterday, 2 other couples we were going to bbq with were over - I went to check on the coals and another bucket full of water - this time with bleach - came pouring down directly into the grill and splashed up on my face & into my left eye. I immediately flushed my eye thoroughly. I then told my wife I was calling the leasing office to let them know I'd be calling the police. They made a record of the incident and called the upstairs neighbor as well. I then called the police, who suggested EMT's should come as well to check me out. Ambulance got there first, did all the basics checking me out, asking questions etc. Eventually asked if I wanted to go to the hospital, to which I replied I'd rather not (I could see fine and my eye / skin was only slightly irritated). I think I was sort of in shock at the whole situation. So I had to sign a refusal to treat. They specifically said this doesn't mean that if anything changes you can't call back etc. Then I spoke to the police, who took my statement, spoke with the neighbor and left after feeling there was no criminal intent. She had said to the police that there were ants on the patio and she was simply trying to kill them, which is a blatant lie- 3 neighbors actually saw her dump the whole bucket over the ledge. I have the incident # from the police.

Today, my eye is now really bothering me and I will be getting it checked out. But my question is, do I pursue this civilly? I've never been in a position where I felt I needed to pursue legal action before. I just feel the whole thing is insane and there should be some recourse.

Answer:
 Speak to a personal injury attorney if you have substantial expenses not covered by your health insurance. An attorney can help advise you on this. _Superficially_, it sounds like you may have a good shot at getting a judgement ordering her to make you whole for your costs, at minimum, but a lawyer can help you work through whether you're likely to ever collect on it, and work through any additional damages you may be owed.Answer #2: first step, get  further medical attention now - basic solutions are far more damaging to mucous membranes than acids.
Then, you can get an consult with a personal injury attorney and see what your options and likely outcomes might be. Answer #3: I'm not a doctor or in the medical field, but I have only one working eye.

Definitely make an appointment to be checked out ASAP. You're doing the right thing there. If you have access to one, I would suggest an Ophthalmologist, not your GP or an Optometrist. If you're worried about insurance coverage, Ophthalmology is considered medical rather than vision. (Just had to deal with this myself for a retinal detachment scare)

Take my advice with a grain of salt, of course, but if there's ever a problem with my eye, I go to my ophtho right away.Answer #4: Um....
If your eye is bothering you after getting splashed with bleach, this isnt a "ill check it out later" situation.

This is a go to the hospital now situation before youre blind forever situation.


Title: (CA/USA) Can I be charged with Hit and Run if I wasn't aware that I caused any damage in the first place?

Question:
Hello /r/legaladvice!

So last night I was involved in a minor road rage incident while driving home. I had a very aggressive driver tailgate me for a couple of miles down a major road. I didn't do anything to aggravate the driver to my knowledge but I wasn't the only one they were doing this too. When it came time to turn onto my street they followed right behind me and continued to tailgate me down my street so I reduced my speed considerably. They began to flash their lights at me so my passenger (he lived at the house that we were going to, its his neighborhood) asked me to stop and he got out to confront the driver. Choice words were exchanged between both parties including myself who jumped out to see what was going on. Nothing happened other than a yelling match at this point in time.

After everyone had said their pieces we jumped back into my car and proceeded down the street. We didn't want to pull into my buddies driveway because we didn't want these people to know where he lived so we continued down his street with them continuing to tailgate me again. That's when the driver behind me decided that they wanted to pass me on the left side of the road. (A quick explanation of the street is its a residential street with dirt patches on the sides with driveways and lawns as well.)

So the driver behind me floors it through the dirt patches and driveways of this neighborhood on my left to attempt to pass me. Knowing that letting this very aggressive driver get ahead of me would be a terrible idea I proceeded to speed match them to prevent them from doing that. There was a parked car in a dirt patch at the end of the road that they were going to hit if they continued to attempt to pass me and it was at this moment that our cars had hit each other. At the time I was not aware that we had hit each other. I truly honestly had no idea that our cars had touched.

The driver eventually stopped before hitting the car that was parked and I stopped in front of them and rolled down my window to yell at them asking them what the hell did they think they were doing. The driver (A middle aged woman) yelled out to me to get out of my car "like a real man" and that she was going to call the cops. At this point I was not going to chance a third run in with this person so I put my car in drive and left. I went down a couple different side streets and they didn't follow me any further.

We eventually pulled back up to my buddies house and we could see the car that had been following us was parked at the end of the street exactly where we had left her. I parked my car in my buddies driveway with the gate closed behind it just in case. Later on that night my buddies brother came home and told us there was a car at the end of the street talking with a cop. We didn't go down there to check it out because at the time we didn't think anything had happened to even warrant a Cop to show up in the first place.

Fast forward to this morning I noticed a very very minor scuff on my cars front left fender. Our cars had made contact but barely enough to do even the most minor form of damage to my car.

So here's my question... What exactly is going to happen to me in this situation? I had the right of way in this situation and she broke multiple laws in an attempt to pass me which resulted in the "damage." Yes I didn't stop but that was because at the time I didn't want to escalate anything further than it had been and I was truly unaware of our hit. Also can I be charged with a hit and run because "technically" I left the scene of an accident? Even though I had no idea that any form of damage had even happened? I'm a law abiding citizen that's never done anything wrong. I've never even gotten a ticket before while driving.

Thanks in advance for reading and any advice that you guys have for me. I really appreciate it.

Answer:
 First off, you are a moron for confronting this driver. Your reasoning of "matching their speed" is stupid. You *only* disengage and let them move on, nothing else.

Yes, you can be charged with leaving the scene of an accident & hit and run. If a police officer comes to your door, say nothing. If you're charged with those offenses retain a criminal defense attorney.

In the future, when you have a driver road raging against you, let them steam and leave the situation. Answer #2: > Knowing that letting this very aggressive driver get ahead of me would be a terrible idea I proceeded to speed match them to prevent them from doing that. There was a parked car in a dirt patch at the end of the road that they were going to hit if they continued to attempt to pass me and it was at this moment that our cars had hit each other.

>Yes I didn't stop but that was because at the time I didn't want to escalate anything further

I don't think anyone would buy the "tried to match speed because it would be dangerous to let them get ahead" bit, especially when you could see they were heading to a parked car.

Other than that, it sounds like the only thing that could go on here would be an intimidation to pay money. Though I find it VERY hard to believe that you wouldn't have noticed the cars getting close enough to hit, and I don't think anyone would buy that from how this story went down.


Title: Being sued for back child support, paternity test a false positive

Question: Hey everybody, I've got a big problem. An old ex girlfriend is suing me out of the blue for back child support going back three years. We ended our relationship five years ago, and I haven't so much as spoken to her sense. However, the court ordered a paternity test and it came back positive. I'm really not sure how that is even possible, or how am I supposed to argue with an ironclad paternity  test even though I haven't even been in the same room as the woman  for two years prior to the conception of the child I supposedly fathered. Has anybody ever seen a case this bizarre, or have any idea how to help me? Location is Florida.

Answer: We do not know the age of the child. She may be suing you for 3 years of back child support, but that does not mean the child is 3 years old (i.e. she had it 2 years after you split). The child may be close to 5 (pregnant soon after leaving you), but Florida law may only allow 3 years of back child support to be pursued. Ask for a retest but it seems that it is your child. Good luck.


Title: Conduct hearing for allegedly violating university drug policy

Question:
Hello, I have a conduct hearing from my university coming up. I'm accused of violating the drug policy. Note, this university has a zero tolerance drug policy.

Anyway, I was somewhere I shouldn't have been. University police comes in, tells me to get my hands on the wall, and asks me for my info and ID. They insisted it smelled like marijuana.(It didn't.) They ended up searching my pockets when I put my ID back into my pocket.(How is this probable cause to search?) They didn't find anything illegal, so they tell me to leave.

I realize a private university can basically do what it wants in a matter like this, but I'm wondering if the police saying it smelled like marijuana is enough basis to suspend/expel me. What can I do to prepare for this hearing? I appreciate any help anyone can offer, thanks.

Answer: Just pointing out... Just like cigarette smokers don't notice the smell of their smoke on themselves and all their stuff, neither do pot smokers. If you're a frequent user, you and everything you own probably reek of it.


Title: My mom won’t give me my medication.

Question: I signed a paper saying my psychiatrist could talk to my mom. Does this mean she can pick up my medication from the pharmacy and not give me it? Because that’s what shes doing.

Answer: the paper you signed with the psychiatrist office has nothing to do with the pharmacy. Sounds like you need to rescind your permission for her to talk to them if she is withholding medication she doesnt need to he involved at all. If you are an adult I would go to the pharmacy and tell them she is not allowed to pick up your medication, tell the psychiatrist she wont let you have it and possibly call the police as she has no right to keep your from your prescription. If you are a minor there may mot be much anyone can do except you should 100% tell the doctor she is doing this, I would call their office as soon as you can.Answer #2: Call the office and make arrangements to rescind the approval.


Title: New Car Scam? Or is this normal and legal?

Question:
I'll try to keep to story short.  Went to look at a fancy new car that cost roughly $50k.  The dealership added new wheels and tires that were an additional $5k.  I used round numbers for simplicity.

However if you look at the monroney sticker you will see in the original $50k price a list of everything you get which includes 18' wheels and tires.  And further below that total a new line item for $5k for the new 20' wheels and tires.

When I spoke with the sales person at the dealership he said that I would not be getting the tires listed on the monroney sticker in the $50k part list.

Its important to clarify that no where on the monroney sticker was there a line item that discounted the 18' which were replaced by the 20'.

Seems like if its on the list, and there is a total you should get the part you paid for.  Plus the extra part you are charged for as an additional line item.

So should I get 2 sets of tires or just one?

Answer:
 You can look at the $5,000 as the cost to *upgrade* the 18" wheels to the 20" wheels.

You have no legal standing to demand both the 18" wheels and the 20" wheels.

If you don't like the price, don't pay the extra $5,000 for the 20" wheels and instead buy the car with the 18" wheels and get the 20" wheels aftermarket, where you can likely get them much, much, much cheaper.


Title: Think I bought a used lemon (WV)

Question:
In November I bought a used 2004 Hyundai from a local used car dealership. It had been on the lot since April.  Car drove great off the lot, Carfax didn't list anything worrisome, and the dealership didn't mention anything that would raise an eyebrow. Drove it for over a month and had to replace the battery. Last week, it just wouldn't start. I had the starter replaced but no dice.

Do I have any legal recourse at this point?

Answer: You bought a 13 year old Hyundai. What did you expect?


Title: [WA] Boyfriend fired for psychotic break that was triggered at work.

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Yes he can apply for UE

It really depends on details. When you say he has a break, did he assault people, cuss, what happened?

And has he worked there for at least 12 months? Is it a small (50 or less) employee company?


Title: Turned away from voting in PA because of ID issues?

Question:
I am a registered voter and went to the correct polling station yesterday but when I showed my voter registration card/ID, I was told that another name was appearing for my ID in their records and that I was not allowed to vote (I just today read that similar post from yesterday and my story is pretty similar).

Another voter in line said I should request a Provisional Ballot but I was told I was not eligible for a provisional ballot due to the ID issue and that they did not believe I was actually registered (despite me having my registration card).

This was my first time voting (or attempting to vote) and I left confused and frustrated.  I had to go after work so it was fairly close to the closing time for the polls and I couldn't figure out what to do to fix the problem quickly.

Is there anything I can do now?  Obviously I can't vote since the voting window is closed but what can I do so I'm not turned away in the future?  I'm just really frustrated overall

State is Pennsylvania
Topic:
Other Civil Matters

Answer:
 I was a poll worker in PA yesterday. The card that was mailed to you after you registered should have been sufficient to fulfill the Voter ID requirement.  If that’s what you showed them, then you have a legitimate beef. Contact your county’s Board of Elections to ensure that doesn’t happen in the future.Answer #2: You were lied to. The polling location DOES NOT get to decide who does and who does not get a provisional ballot. What county do you live in?Answer #3: Probably not. In the future, you call the voting hotline (866-OUR-VOTE) and demand a provisional ballot.

You should still call the hotline today and tell them what happened - you might also contact the [PA Secretary of State's office](https://www.dos.pa.gov/Pages/default.aspx) and your county clerk. They can't fix this in the future if you don't tell them what happened.


Title: Hoping someone can help - my elderly parents are being bullied

Question:
Desperately need advice. There are a few moving parts to this, but I will try and keep it concise:

My successful sister got  married to a "nice guy" a while ago. He turned out to be an asshole; he would be mister nice guy in public but a passive aggressive dickhead at home.

They had a daughter. About two years later the he up and leaves for another woman and files for divorce

He had a good lawyer, my sister's was useless. All she got was custody and a pittance of child support.

My sister and her daughter then moved back in with my parents who are elderly. The plan was for her to stay there while she got back on her feet.

That was about 5 years ago.

My sister, who was in a great career before leaving to have the child, now works a deadend job.

The daughter, who is now around 10, is a absolutely horrible, spoiled brat. She learned at a young age that all she needs to do is raise hell to get whatever she wants. If she wants something, she better get it or she will scream like she is being murdered and kick and punch. My parent's house is filled to the brim with toys that were all appeasements.

As of now, my sister doesn't seem to have any ambition of moving out. Along with that ,she seems helpless /useless with managing the child. She is bringing the child to  see a councillor but that only helps so much.

In the meantime, every night there is some blow out with this kid. My parents do their best to be accommodating, but the kid throws such a temper tantrum over the slightest things that it is unbearable. I worry each time one of them will drop dead with a heart attack. She also bullies both my parents who are so loving to her.

The ex husband is out of the picture. He married the woman he was cheating on my sister with and has had some children with her. I can understand my sister not pushing for him to take the daughter for visits like when they first got divorced. When they did do this, he would always pull some passive aggressive stuff to get a fight going.

My sister seems to want to spend less time with her daughter as well. She will make sure the kid is showered and dressed for school, but other than that she comes home from work and goes to bed super early. My mother winds up doing everything else. My sister also goes out on the weekends leaving her kid with my parents.

The advice I need: my parents want my sister and her kid to move out. My sister can't afford it because she works a dead-end job. I also feel that my sister doesn't want to move out because the kid is so horrible to deal with. My parents gave her an ultimatum. When the time came and nothing changed, she said "I guess we will live in the streets." She now uses that whenever my parents threaten that they will kick her out. As much as the child is a selfish and bratty, my parents would never want to put her and my sister in a situation where anything bad would happen to them.

 So what happens is a cycle of my parents getting driven to the limit by the daily bs, they tell my sister they can't take it anymore, my sister says " I guess we will live on the streets then" my parents back off and the cycle repeats itself.

I hope someone knows what I can do
Topic:
Custody Divorce and Family

Answer:
 Parents have 3 options:

1.) Suck it up.

2.) Evict.

3.) Gather evidence that sister is unfit as a parent and try to fight for custody. They will need a family lawyer, and should understand that it is very hard to do this.Answer #2: Your parents can follow the eviction process to the letter and actually follow through. If they’re not willing to do that then there’s nothing to be done. They are adults, if they’re not willing to get their house in order then that’s on them. This is not your fight or your problem.Answer #3: Your sister could get a better lawyer and file for a child support adjustment.


Title: Is it legal to marry my adopted brother?

Question:
So, yeah, I know how bad the title might sound, but hear me out. I thought this would be the best place to post.
All names in this post are fake.
So, my mother is terminally ill, and my father is in prison and out of my life, meaning I have no technical legal guardian.
I met my boyfriend, Dean, through my mom's friend, Sarah (Sarah is Dean's mom). We were friends in December, and February was when we got together.
My mother's boyfriend, Carlos, has been an asshole to me since I moved in with my mom after my father was arrested. He's done good things, but mostly bad and the final straw was him essentially kicking me out. Sarah was planning on adopting me for medical reasons, in case anything happened to me so my father wouldn't be the one to make those choices, but that would mean that I'd be dating my brother. That's already weird, but we could push past it because I mean, technically we can see this as I'm a son-in-law type thing?
But then today, we mentioned marriage in the future. We realized we didn't know if it would be legal or not for us to wed after I'm adopted.
If it's not, then I'll simply not be adopted.

Answer:
 Are you a minor now? If so, it's not legal for your mom or her boyfriend to kick you out of the house. Mom has to provide for you until you're 18. Where are you staying now?

Possible option: contact Child Protective Services because you've been kicked out. Sarah may be able to get designated as a foster parent and take you in.Answer #2: No you cannot marry your legal brother

Also adoption is not as easy as you seen to make it out to be.


Title: Parents have taken legal Guardianship of my gf and I need to ask some questions.

Question: My girlfriends parents have legally gained control of her life. This is due to mental reasons. However, she has just completed in patient treatment and they are now forcing her into a second in patient clinic even though the first deemed her competent. I have also been ruled as to "not interfere with her health care during this time". I was wasn't told what I can and can't do. We were told we were not aloud a lawyer. Is there anything I can do to help her out without breaking the judges rule on me?

Answer:
 > Is there anything I can do to help her out without breaking the judges rule on me?

Yes, leave her alone and don't interfere.


Title: Unlicensed massage for tips

Question:
An acquaintance of mine makes most if not all of her income giving massages. She is not licensed (she lives in Utah), but she thinks she is safe because she only gets paid in tips that are paid after the massage is over. In her mind, she is not "charging". This seems like a flimsy argument to me because she admits that, for example, she would not accept a client for a second massage if s/he failed to tip the first time.

Also, I'm pretty sure she gives "happy endings" to at least some clients (based on the size of the tips she gets). Does this change the legal calculus? Do you think she is at risk of getting into trouble?

Answer:
 > Does this change the legal calculus?

Well, it transitions from performing unlicensed massages to prostitution, so I think so.


Title: I found two websites illegally publishing my knitting and crochet patterns. (Maine)

Question:
Long story short I have a store online (through Etsy and Ravelry) where I publish knitting and crochet patterns. I sell them and make a good amount of sales and a decent little income for a graduate student.

All of my patterns are published and Etsy says they become copyrighted the second they are published. I also have a copyright notice within the pattern and in the item’s listing description noting that it is illegal to claim this pattern as your own and publish it anywhere.

Today I found all of my patterns listed on two different websites. One is French and the other doesn’t explicitly say where they are based out of. They are both selling my patterns extremely cheap and obviously illegally.

What can I do to prevent this from continuing? I’ve heard of cease and desist letters (this is a somewhat common issue in the knitting and crochet pattern designing community) but do I need a lawyer to write it and send it? I’ve never had this issue and would appreciate any advice on where to go from here.

Just some notes:
I have not yet contacted either website.
My shop first opened in October of 2017 and I publish new patterns about every other month.
I only sell my patterns on two sites (Etsy and Ravelry).
Neither of the websites in question are associated with the websites I sell my patterns on.
Topic:
Intellectual Property

Answer:
 European countries take copyright laws very very seriously.  You send a takedown notice to their ip providers for violating international copyright law.  Once that’s in play then you can negotiate a royalty rate to allow them to sell in their country in their language ie you sell French rights you sell German rights. Etc.  Btw a good copyright attorney starts at @$500 an hour.  But we usually write our own takedown letters to get the ball rolling. And yes register your designs there are paid sites that will do this for you. Or you can do it yourself by following the tedious instructions.
Full disclosure I’m not a lawyer I just hire them to protect my copyrights. Answer #2: You should send a DMCA takedown request to google to remove the URLs from search. Answer #3: Since you mentioned you're a graduate student, some Universities will help their students apply for and enforce patents and copyrights. You might ask around at yours. Check with the Computer Science or Information Technology department too.


Title: Texas. A Mentally challenged man keeps stealing my newspapers. Police are doing nothing to stop him.

Question:
I use old new papers to work on a recycling project, I also use news papers for crafts and for my pets. I have an agreement with some different places and I get stack of news papers delivered to me twice a week.

The last two months there has been coming a mentally challenged man onto my property and stealing my newspapers. He doesn't just take one, he always takes huge stacks. The man doesn't talk very well, I've tried asking him why he is taking my newspapers but he just screams at me. I've followed him home, so I know where he lives. I've recorded him taking the news papers on my phone.

I called the police on him, an officer arrive at my home, then basically said police wouldn't do anything about it since they consider  newspapers "trash". I tried getting the officer to explain what the difference between one material vs. another material (like paper vs. wood) but I didn't get an clear answer. I was told the only thing I could do was to call the police every time the man entered my property, then he would be removed.

My questions is, what can I do then?

I get newspapers are not valuable in itself, but like I said I am using the paper in different projects and I am getting sick of not having as much paper to work with as I was excepting to have.
More so, I m sick of a random person coming onto my property and taking stuff.

Answer:
 Former special needs caregiver here. This sounds like a situation we had here, where the man was living alone with his cat, didn't have a caregiver, really needed one and would wander all over town. (Fortunately it's since been resolved.) Call Adult Protective Services if your town has it. This is another organization you can contact: https://www.thearcoftexas.org/ They are an organization designed  for helping those with special needs and may know more about who specifically can help you.Answer #2: u\ccmulligan: "I would suggest doing is building a delivery box on your property -- just a simple plywood box with a hinge and a lock that your delivery person can use to securely put your papers in. You can get a combination lock and give the combination to the delivery person, that way you can have a secure drop for the papers that this guy cannot access."

That's your answer, right there.


Title: Ex wife wont make car payments on time(wy)

Question:
So I got a divorce in June, and in the divorce decree it says she is responsible for a car loan. Well as you would have guessed as soon as the divorce was finalized, she stopped making payments. The last payment she made was for july and that was 40 days past the due date.

I've tried taking her back to court for contempt, but the judge ruled there wasn't enough evidence to prove there was a willingness to not make payments on time. I'm just trying to figure out my next step. All I want is my name off the loan so I can start rebuilding my credit. Any help would be appreciated.

Answer: You can't get your name off the existing loan. She would need to refinance. And you should be making payments because that was your agreement with the lender and the divorce has no impact on that. If you don't your credit will be damaged and you may get sued. You are making the payments on time right?


Title: Threats of releasing my social security #

Question:
Hello,

So someone that has been semi black mailing into talking to them for a couple years, has my SSN.
Since we were together for a few years.

I have no way to delete/get back my SSN, picture of drivers licence, and many other copies of my personal information.
They have already sent pictures of us together to whom I am currently with & acting like they are current. And will send even more / messages I have sent them, if I stop talking to him.

I have no idea what to do anymore.
I cannot escape this person.
At times, I just wish I could kill myself because of all the harassment and psychological torment.

Is there anything at all I can to do protect myself from this person?
Topic:
Computer and Internet

Answer:
 > Is there anything at all I can to do protect myself from this person?

Call the police.


Title: Cockroaches in workplace and vegan bosses (NYC).

Question:
My friend told me that her office has a cockroach problem that her bosses refuse to do anything about because they're vegan. Are there any relevant New York state or city statutes that oblige them to keep the workplace sanitary/infestation and pest free?  Thanks.

Update: The relevant law can be found here, 1910.141(a)(5) https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=9790

Answer:
 > My friend told me that her office has a cockroach problem that her bosses refuse to do anything about because they're vegan.

Well, so much for solving the problem by *eating* them, I guess.


Title: I found a way to get free car gas at the pump, what are the legal ramifications if I continue?

Question:
Hopefully this is allowed on this sub as nothing has happened to me yet, but I couldn't find anything in the rules about "pre-legal" stuff, sorry if it's the wrong sub.

So as the title says, I have found a way to get free gas from a major gas company.  I accidentally stumbled upon it a little over a month ago and finally curiosity got the best of me and I had to try it again to see if it was a fluke -- it's not.  I've done it 3 times now, all different stations, some older pumps, some new, and it has worked each time.  To boil it down without saying too much because I don't feel others should take advantage of it, it takes a certain way of interacting with the pump but it doesn't involve any weird number/keypad combination (where you put your pin/zip in).

So free gas is pretty cool, I do a lot of driving, but what are the legal ramifications.  As far as I know all of this companies stations are franchised.  Obviously theft, but it's a pretty simple thing to do, the whole process doesn't take me any longer than a normal transaction would take, after-all I did find it by accident.  Could I claim I had no idea and I just never check my account.  Theres one step thats a little fishy, but it's nothing that out of the ordinary.  FWIW, after I finish pumping the screen reads transaction cancelled.  My card shows a pending charge of $0.00 which drops off after a few days.

My other thought was going to the company and basically asking them if they found this information valuable in hopes of them paying me for it, but that sounds a lot like blackmail and I would probably have to get my own attorney and it seems like more of a headache than it's worth.

This is in California.

PS: I will not respond to anyone that asks either here or through PM how to do it or even the station brand.  Don't bother.

Answer:
 theft, plain and simple. you will get caught sooner or later.Answer #2: So you want to know the legal issues involves with stealing?Answer #3: Let me pose the question with a different example.

If I figure out how to get past the register at the grocery store without paying, what are the legal ramifications?

It's literally just theft, dude.Answer #4: Nobody here is going to give you advice to help you continue doing something you admit is "obviously theft"...especially with the attitude of "I don't feel others should take advantage of it".Answer #5: Also once they figure things out there is a permanent record even if you think not. Those credit swipes swipes and all those transactions are still there. Your job prospects for the rest of your life will take at best a catastrophic dive. Good luck to you. I think you will need it.


Title: College May Be Exposing My Roommate and I to Asbestos [MA]

Question:
Hi! This takes place in MA, in accordance with the title.

I moved into my dorm this year and there's a large crack in the ceiling that is leaking dirt and brown and yellow dust. I believe this is asbestos and will be purchasing a testing kit. Should it come back positive, which I am expecting it to (the building is very old), what should my next steps be (other than seek an attorney)? What damages would I be able to claim? At the very least I'd like to get what I paid for housing back if this is the case.

For some additional information - my roommate and I have been in this dorm for over two months and have put in multiple orders to maintenance at this point in time, but they have not yet sealed it to my knowledge. I'll be back in a week and a half and will administer the test kit then.

I'll be here to add any needed information.

Answer:
 Why do you believe this is asbestos?

Even if it is, why do you need an attorney now? What are you hoping to gain, just a move to another room? Your best bet may be through the city rather than through litigation, by calling the building inspector.


Title: A group of cops parked on the side of the road ahead pulled me over along with two other cars and gave us all speeding tickets

Question:
I know for a fact the car ahead of me wasn’t speeding because it was some old dude that pulled out in front of me and proceeded to drive slow as hell so I’m not sure how we all got speeding tickets, not to mention by a group of cops pulled over on the side of the road well ahead of us. Is there anything I can do or is it pretty much the cops word against mine?
Topic:
Traffic and Parking

Answer: Some state such as Texas, have laws that make you slow way down when passing an emergency vehicle (Police, Fire Truck, Ambulance and Fire Truck on the side of the road.  Where I am at it is common for them to run stings.


Title: So my friends parent doesn’t wanna go to court

Question: Me and 2 other friends got caught shoplifting In a store in the mall. While I only stole one item, they had gotten a whole bunch of things. Court is tomorrow and I’m worried for both of my friends. One of my friends parents does not want to go to court and said to let us go to jail. While my other friend’s mom said she’s taking him but not paying a fine if they give us one. While my mom is willing to pay and take me to court. I’m worried since my one friend doesn’t want to take him to court can some one give me advice to help him

Answer: I'm confused about what kind of question you're asking. If your friend's mom doesn't want to sit in the gallery as support for her child there isn't really anything he can do to compel her to show up. However, having other family or friends to demonstrate a support network is effective mitigating evidence. Do you all have attorneys?


Title: [Va, US] I found a fake profile of myself on a professional networking site, that is humiliating.

Question:
It says that I'm on drugs (that's it) with my photo and name, and looking at the connections, it is showing that my fake page as a recommended or popular page linked to a senior professional in my field (which is how I stumbled upon it). I am very upset and humiliated, and as for the timing - it is very close to a big event I will be presenting at, and hence my name may have been looked up by conference participants.

The profile contains my photo, which makes it even more upsetting as I would of thought any reputable website would at least look at the content before publishing it.  I have no idea how long this fake profile has existed and I do not know who originally submitted.

What rights do I have? What are my avenues? I feel like my reputation has been tarnished and it should of been picked up by this website.

Answer:
 Your first step should be to contact the site, tell them the page is fake and defamatory and uses your copyrighted photo, and demand they remove it. See what happens. Answer #2: I'd also recommend making an own profile there, with a few more photos (hopefully will make it seem more legitimate). That way people who look for you on this site will find both and should notice very quickly that one is fake and made out of spite by someone else. If there's not much time left until the conference, this might help you do some damage control.Answer #3: In VA, a false statement that a person has committed a crime or a false statement about their profession/business is *libel per se*, meaning that you don't even have to prove that any damage to your reputation or finances actually occurred to sue over it.  If I were you, I'd contact the site and in addition to a copyright takedown notice, let them know that they~~'ve published false and defamatory statements about you, and if they don't delete them, you'll pursue legal action against them.~~ 're hosting false and defamatory statements about you, you'll pursue legal action against the person who created the profile, and you'll compel their cooperation in identifying that person.

Edited thanks to helpful information from /u/TaterSupreme correcting my mistake.


Title: [FL] Pedestrian hit by car

Question:
Location: FL

Driver: Insured, does not have bodily injury insurance.
Me: No car, car insurance, live alone.
Intersection: no crosswalk.

Long story short I was walking to my neighborhood store around the corner from my house, a route I take a few times a week as I don't drive... While crossing the street, and in the middle lane of the road (turning lane) paused looking for oncoming traffic facing west, a car leaving the shopping center (heading west) did not see me and hit me. It wasn't a high speed hit, but enough to send me over the hood, hitting the windshield and pavement. I was taken to the ER in an ambulance, had x-rays, 6 stitches in my head, all said and done about $30k in bills.

First lawyer I hired ended up not able to do anything because the person who hit me has no bodily injury insurance (not required in FL.) I pretty much lost my shit, thinking I'd at least get my medical bills paid, maybe some back pay for missing work and if lucky something for pain and suffering.  I decided to call lawyer #2 and at least this time around they were able to quickly get back to me and told me the same thing; no bodily injury I'm SOL. One of the paralegals did recommend I may get something from small claims, and that my situation sucks and FL is unfortunately one of three states that drivers don't require bodily injury.

My question is, is that it? Give up? I went with 2 of the biggest named law firms in central FL, those firms that run commercial night and day, should I have gone with a smaller firm/independent lawyer?

The police report states I am fault because there was no crosswalk, I found this infuriating as I'm standing in the middle of the street (turn lane) while this asshat pulls out and hits me, where the hell was he looking?!? Also; not stated in the report, but he did not have his turn signal on, I saw him in the turn/forward lane before I crossed, no signal I assumed he was going straight (popular road.) That was not noted in the report.

Thanks for any advice.

Answer:
 >The police report states I am fault

Well, that's the issue. Court's not going to force the other party to pay for something that was your fault, and while you may find it insulting, both those big law firms realize that they'll never get the court to see otherwise, because at the end of the day you were at fault.


Title: [USA - MA] Exchanged phones with another user on Reddit who claims $949 phone is missing from the package

Question:
Hi /r/LegalAdvice,

First some background here: https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/comments/8ouzrh/do_i_have_a_case_for_small_claims_court_breach_of/

Long story short, now the Reddit user is claiming that the phone was missing when he opened the box and that the box came in empty. When I first asked for pictures of the package, the box was intact. Now because for the USPS insurance claim they need the pictures of the inside as well as the outside of the box, I've asked the user to at least send those pictures so I can submit them to USPS for their investigation. However, this morning the user returned a picture of a torn up box, claiming that the he ripped it open upon receiving the package. Not only that, the user is refusing to send the other item that was in the package because that would be a waste of his time and money. I've already filed an investigation with the Postal Inspection Service. Now the question is:
1. Who is responsible for paying the return postage for the google home mini?
2. Whose local police agency should I be contacting? His or mine?
3. What are other actions that would be appropriate for this case?

Answer:
 It seems highly likely that this person is attempting to scam you or commit insurance fraud based on the circumstances you have supplied, including using a fake name for the transaction and shipping. It is their responsibility to report suspected theft of a package in transit, not yours.
edit: after reading the first post this joker is very obviously scamming you.Answer #2: Wouldn’t the USPS have weighed the package? They claim empty package, not package weighted to fake a phone. If the weight of the empty package is different than the weight that the USPS stated isn’t that proof enough there?Answer #3: You mentioned the sender initiated an intercept on his package. Does this mean you have not recieved your package? Answer #4: What's funny about the empty box is the dude who I presume you did the deal with has been troubleshooting sideloading apps in a pixel sub today.


Title: Friend was due to have surgery today. After being pumped up will all the medication and falling asleep on the table she was told that the doctor didn't order the proper tools for the surgery and she was sent home. (Pa)

Question: She now has to find another time to have this surgery but it is extremely difficult due to her job.  But this doesn't seem right... She was talking about bringing a lawsuit towards the hospital.  Would that be viable?

Answer:
 The practical problem is that they'll try to stick her with facilities and anesthesia bills, saying "well, the surgeon is separate from the hospital and separate from the X, Y, Z services, so we still need to bill you."

But that's an argument for the billing department, not for a lawsuit.   Can't do anything about it until the bill arrives.Answer #2: The most she could get is damages. Which would *possibly* be lost wages and maybe $5 in gas.

Probably not worth the several hundreds of thousands of dollars to bring a suit.

Has she asked the hospital about the possibility of lowering the prices for her inconvenience? Answer #3: > She was talking about bringing a lawsuit towards the hospital.

We have a very sue-happy society.

What damages would she sue for?

She can certainly ask that they help cover the bills from being put under.  But this sounds like a simple and unintended mistake on the part of the hospital, not something that would be sued for.


Title: Do any of you know a case where someone saw something illegal, reported it, and then the police unfairly charged them for a crime?

Question:
ie i help a lost kid or see a robbery, the police comes, takes a report, and somehow concocts a narrative that makes an innocent civilian a criminaL?

Should 'do not talk to the police withuot your legal counsel' also extend to being a witness?

if so wouldn't the fiscal costs of that deter people from reporting crimes?

Answer:
 [Richard Jewell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Jewell) comes to mind.Answer #2: This is one of the big issues with sanctuary cities in the U.S. Local law enforcement is seeking the assistance of undocumented immigrants in reporting crimes since they are frequently targeted in live in high crime areas. Without the assistance of otherwise law abiding non legal residents crime rates rise and communities and cities suffer.Answer #3: One of the first life lessons I learned in law school: if you don't have a duty to act, don't.

A person does not have a duty to report a crime. The best way to keep yourself out of what could be a bad situation, is just to walk away.

On a side note, the 9th circuit in Florida may be getting ready to set some dangerous precedent. Im not sure if this gets as much attention out of the State, but the whole story is all the news cares about here. Markeith Lloyd killed a pregnant woman and a cop. Another cop died during the manhunt. A man is currently being charged as an accomplice. He owned a restaurant in a bad area, and Lloyd walked in while on the run. He has the man at gunpoint and told him to make him a sandwich and give him money. The man did as he was told, to save his own life. He did not report the robbery to the police, as one has no duty to report a crime. Considering what part of town he lives in and the high gang violence, I understand why he did not call, snitches don't last long there. The SA is saying that because Lloyd was actively being hunted, not reporting him for the robbery makes this man an accomplice. I'm legitimately worried about the outcomes of this case.


Title: Fiancée's half-sisters want to take her to court over her part of Mother's inheritance. They claim she's mentally unfit to handle such a large sum of money. (NY, USA)

Question:
My fiancée (We'll call her Pam) is in prison and will be out in a few months.  She had a drug problem.  I helped her get clean and sober, but her past caught up with her.  Her wealthy mother passed away just before Pam started her sentence.  Pam has two half-sisters: "Greta" and "Linda".  Pam has a daughter "Lexi".  Lexi's father later married Greta.  Pam and her half-sisters were never that close, due to her bad choices.  They do not talk to me.  It's a pretty messed up situation.

While in prison, Pam was notified she was to receive an eight-figure sum of money from her mother.  Her sisters apparently got what they felt was the lesser part of the inheritance, which was control of their mother's businesses.

The whole time Pam has been in prison, they never wrote her.  They would hardly accept her phone calls, or let her talk to Lexi.  Then they started to use Lexi as a way to get Pam to sign over other things her mother left her... like ownership to a vacation home in Florida, a sum of money so Greta could start a boutique... really underhanded tactics.  Pam couldn't talk to or see Lexi on visits unless she agreed to their terms.

Pam planned to gift me half of the money, so I could set up our post-prison life together.  I was to speak to a fiduciary advisor and lawyers to make sure everything went smoothly when the estate was finally settled.

Greta sent Pam a letter stating she will take her to court to take guardianship of Pam's money, because she feels since Pam had a drug issue in the past and was "never really responsible with her finances", she is mentally unfit to utilize the money.  Pam was already in the process of setting up a trust for Lexi, and working out child support owed to Greta.  The process is slow, since she has to use the meager legal resources the prison provides, and cannot spend hours on the phone with the estate lawyer to work things out.

The estate is now settled, and Pam is scared shitless that her half-sisters will take control of the money and leave her with nothing, though Greta promises to structure the money  if Pam passes certain "milestones" (passing drug tests, showing she can be financially responsible) over a period of years post prison.

Pam is of sound mind.  I can attest to that.  She has been trouble-free as an inmate, and has completed every program the prison set for her.  Are her sisters just trying to scare her into signing the inheritance away?  Can she still gift a part of the money before they take her to court?  Can her sisters come after me to get the money back if Pam goes ahead with the money gift?

I hope all of this made sense, and I can get some help on where we stand.  Thanks in advance.
Topic:
Wills Trusts and Estates

Answer:
 Anyone can sue anyone for anything.

However, the argument "X makes bad life choices therefore all their money should be given to me" is, ahem, not one that is going to go very far.  But perhaps some lawyers will get rich off it.

Assuming this isn't a troll, you've entered the "money makes people stupid" amount of cash.  Pam needs to practice self-defense.

Ideally, Pam should have both a lawyer and a financial advisor, paid by her, to advise her how to structure her finances to protect her money from her half-sisters *and from you* (and for that matter, from herself).  No offense.  But she shouldn't be gifting "half her money" to you.

If you have her best interests in mind you'll help set that up for her.


Title: Discovered My Friend Has a Warrant for Felony Third Degree Sexual Abuse in Oregon. He Fled The State. What Should I do?

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 > 1.) Is there any way to know what he did ( EDIT. To clarify exactly what I mean, I don't know exactly where this took place. How can I search for this warrant? All of the websites I find do not seem reliable)?

You can request a copy of the police report from the agency.  Alternately, you can ask your friend what happened.

> 2.) Since I now want to turn him in, what should I do?

You can contact the police where he lives and tell them.

> 3.) Will anything happen as a result, or is he accurate in that he will not be arrested or extradited out of state for this particular crime?

Sexual Abuse in the third degree in Oregon is a Class A Misdemeanor.  It is unlikely that he'll be extradited- this seems to *not* be a felony, despite your title.Answer #2: UPDATE. Multnomah county court was able to direct me to the correct county court and revealed that he had more charges than I was initially aware of ( 12 in all. I didn't care to pry into details. It confirmed a suspicion of mine that i was not aware of the entire story and that was all that was necessary)

I contacted Michigan state police with his location information.  Thank you everyone.


Title: [IA] Steps to dropping rights to my child.

Question:
Please do not judge or disown me for asking this, you do not know the circumstances. Please just state the legal facts and procedures.

I need to know the steps to dropping my rights to my child. The child is three years old (3) and lives over a thousand miles away. I live in the state where she was born and the mother and I are on the same wavelength for agreeing on me dropping my rights.

We have a stipulation in place that’s overall shit and doesn’t hammer the nail at all.

Please, any comments please refrain from judgement and stick to the advice/procedure on what I have to do.

EDIT: Dropping parental rights, meaning I have no legal or physical rights to the child.
Topic:
Custody Divorce and Family

Answer: You can only give up your rights if someone else is adopting her to take your place.  Otherwise you will be on the hook for support until she is 18.


Title: “Escort” is indirectly blackmailing/extorting me [CAN,ON]

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 >who I did not know was an “escort” at first until I kept seeing her for a while

...

>and she asked me for cash upfront when we first met and it’s on text..

I'm not following how these two statements jibe. Can you help? Answer #2: >What exactly is this nonsense law in Canada where prostitution is illegal for the buyer but legal for the seller, to protect “sexworkers safety”?

s. 286.1 of the *Criminal Code*.

> So basically could she go and show proof of texts where we talked about all of this? (I.e. charged for soliciting & communicating for the purpose?)

Of course she can do that. There's no prostitute-client privilege.

Stop telling people that you broke the law. If the police want to question you about this, refuse to talk with them. If you're arrested or charged with an offence, retain a criminal defence lawyer.
Answer #3: Is this the frequent poster with the ring that he gave to the sex worker and now he wants to ruin her life by any means necessary? Cause the other post on this user name definitely reminds me of that guy. Answer #4: I'm not seeing where she is demanding anything from youAnswer #5: >it's illegal where i currently am (not in canada)

3 hours ago you said you weren't in Canada on another post?


Title: [CA] Does someone who had their grandmother as their legal guardian have the right to manage their estate?

Question: My grandmother never set anything up for after she died so my mom is getting everything from the estate. My grandmother was the legal guardian of my three brothers, one of them is going to try to become the manager of the estate. My question is does he have any kind of case?

Answer:
 If a person passes away without a will in California, and it is necessary for a court to appoint a personal representative to manage the estate, this is the order of priority it considers:

[California Probate Code 8461](http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/displaycode?section=prob&group=08001-09000&file=8460-8469)

>Subject to the provisions of this article, a person in the
following relation to the decedent is entitled to appointment as
administrator in the following order of priority:
>
>   (a) Surviving spouse or domestic partner as defined in Section 37.
>
>   (b) Children.
>
>   (c) Grandchildren.
>
>   (d) Other issue.
>
>   (e) Parents.
>
>   (f) Brothers and sisters.
>
>   (g) Issue of brothers and sisters.
>
>   (h) Grandparents.
>
>   (i) Issue of grandparents.
>
>   (j) Children of a predeceased spouse or domestic partner.
>
>   (k) Other issue of a predeceased spouse or domestic partner.
>
>   (l) Other next of kin.
>
>   (m) Parents of a predeceased spouse or domestic partner.
>
>   (n) Issue of parents of a predeceased spouse or domestic partner.
>
>(o) Conservator or guardian of the estate acting in that capacity
at the time of death who has filed a first account and is not acting
as conservator or guardian for any other person.
>
>   (p) Public administrator.
>
>   (q) Creditors.
>
>   (r) Any other person.

Unless I'm reading something incorrectly, your mother would be first in line for consideration over your brother.  Does that mean he doesn't have a case?  I honestly don't know.


Title: [WA] respondent to protection order got job next to house

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 It depends what the protection order says exactly.  Does it simply say that he cannot have any contact with her?  Does it say he cannot be in the same building or at the same venue?  Does it specify a certain distance?

It's likely that if his job is in a separate building, then it wouldn't be covered, but you need to read the exact wording. Answer #2: Call the judge.


Title: Landlord charging for rent after 30 day notice he supposedly didn’t receive

Question: Okay so I’ll start from the beginning. I moved into this place around a year ago and I never signed a lease. My other roommates have leases but somehow me signing one slipped through the cracks. To my recollection, my lease was originally supposed to be up in May but my landlord says he remembers we agreed on June. Anyways, I’m moving in with my boyfriend and so in April I sent my landlord a message giving him my 30 day notice. I didn’t hear anything back but didn’t really think anything of it. Then I ran into him at my work around the middle of May, and I ask him about my 30 day notice and when I should be out and he says he never got the message because he got a new phone number. Mind you, I never knew of this. So I show him my message stating I would be leaving and he said that since he didn’t get it until just then, the 30 day notice started that day I talked to him so I would have to pay rent for June. Now I have a low paying job and he’s expecting me to pay rent for June when I have another rent to pay with my boyfriend. Is this viable that I should have to pay him? I’ve already moved all of my things as well so I don’t even know what to do at this point.

Answer: If he didn't inform you of the change in number, and you regularly communicated by text about apartment issues, it is on him that he didn't get the notice. Make sure you save that text for when he eventually takes you to court for non\-payment. He would have to prove that, he gave you the number, and you sent it to the wrong number anyway, which he can't do.


Title: Contractors stole from my property (500k in bonds)

Question:
Hello all,
I have a very shocking situation that happened to me today and I don’t know how to go forward with this before it’s too late.

A couple months ago I bought a house that used to be owned by a lady which is now deceased. Fast forward to now, I have employed two people to work on my house (renovating). Today I’ve been told by the daughter of the deceased lady that she’s been contacted about bonds found under her name. These were found inside my house and the contractors working for me went to go sell it to her for a finders fee.

Can I do anything at this time to deal with this situation? Or do I have no rights at all for the contractors to go and contact the daughter and request a finders fee.

Currently the bonds are with the daughter, they are valued over $500K and they requested a finders fee after she cashes then in.
She has contacted me and said she will call me later when her husband is home.

Michigan is the state I live in and where the property is

Answer:
 No one is entitled to anything other than the heirs of the woman’s estate. You don’t get a finders fee, they don’t get a finders fee. If anyone but the estate cashes them it’s fraud.Answer #2: This reeks of scam. Why would you be involved in this at all? You have no responsibility here. Let the daughter file a police report if what she said is true. Or simply cash them and not pay.

TLDR; don't touch this situation with a 10 foot pole.Answer #3: I does reek of a scam Named bonds are not bearer instruments.

They are registered in the name of the payee and if lost or destroyed the payee can still recover them.  You taking the money would be like finding the previous owners ATM card and PIN and withdrawing all their money.

If this is real she should not pay the contractors and she should not pay you.


Title: [CO] Trespasser spent night in detached garage, left stuff behind

Question: [deleted]

Answer: Heavy gloves and trash bags.   You're under no obligation to store the trash of a trespasser.


Title: Not sure what title to use, Marijuana related advice

Question: Well, a few months ago I used to bake marijuana edibles in a state that still has strict laws prohibiting the possession and sale of marijuana related things. I baked them at a friends house that I knew from work. One time, I left a certain amount of marijuana at his house for the upcoming batch. The day we were supposed to bake, he told me something came up and we couldn't do it. After this happened several more times I became suspicious so I asked him to just bring the marijuana to me at our workplace. After a few more days of "Oh I forgot" he eventually tells me he smoked it all and he'd get me back for it. Then he suddenly quit work and got a new cell phone number. One day a few weeks ago I was in the area of his house so I just dropped in and knocked on the door. He answered and was surprised to see me. I told him I wasn't happy with him but I want mad either. I asked him what happened and he kind of made up excuses. He told me he'd get me the money his next paycheck which came this past Friday. I wasn't threatening at all and I even told him that at this point I'd made up for the loss so if he never paid me I'd do nothing. He messaged me from his old cell phone and said I could meet him tonight to pick up the money. He's been very weird with his messages and short in actual conversation. My question is, is there any way I could get in trouble legally by meeting him and accepting the money? I guess I'm worried there will be an officer or that they'll use very old texts between us to incriminate me. Is this possible or am I overly paranoid? I've since stepped completely away from marijuana and have nothing even related to it on me or in my house.

Answer:
 So you are worried about excepting money to pay for illegal drugs from someone who could testify to ask your illicit drug baking and selling and buying of illegal drugs?

Well yes, you can get into legal trouble for all of that.Answer #2: > My question is, is there any way I could get in trouble legally by meeting him and accepting the money?

Trading money in exchange for illegal drugs is generally frowned upon. Yes, you could get in trouble.

>  Is this possible or am I overly paranoid?

Of course it's possible. Without knowing your location or the amount of marijuana you left at his house, it's going to be all speculation. If you left $20 worth of weed and you live in New York City, yeah, I'm going to guess the cops have bigger fish to fry and they're probably not setting up an international task force to fuck with you. If it's some podunk town, and you left 10lbs at the guy's house, then you may have cause to be worried.

If you've stepped completely away from marijuana then I suggest you stay that way. Write it off as a loss, and be happy you're no longer engaging in a form of recreation that has serious potential to fuck up your life.Answer #3: Yea I've since called it off, told him to just not worry about it. It's not worth the risk for such a small amount of money. Sorry for asking about something that seems so obvious now that it's written out. Thanks for the response


Title: Roommate gave me his TV when he moved out 2 years ago and now he wants it back.

Question:
Hello all,

Around two years ago a friend of mine was renting a house with me.  He was having trouble paying rent so eventually I told him he needed to move out, which he did. It was amicable. Shortly after he moved out we were hanging out and he told me that I could have his TV that he left at the house. It was broken, for the most part; there was some problem with the board and it was 90% crazy lines everywhere.  I discovered that there was a product recall on the TV for the problem I was having. I went through the lengthy process of getting the TV replaced.  Now, two years later, my other roommates are moving in with the previous TV owner and suddenly he wants it back.  Can anyone tell me if I'm obligated in any way to give him his TV back? Thanks in advance!

EDIT: This is in Michigan

EDIT2: Thank you everyone for your advice and help. I really appreciate it!

Answer:
 >Shortly after he moved out we were hanging out and he told me that I could have his TV that he left at the house.

The TV was a gift. You own it. He has no legal claim to it.


Title: [NYC] Update: Accidentally backed into neighbor's car but he won't show a bill for repair costs

Question:
Original thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/comments/3ino4x/accidentally_backed_into_neighbors_car_but_he/

Currently my parents are dead set on paying them back, but they will have to claim insurance. However, when my parents initially asked, the other party claimed that since he didn't file a police report that insurance doesn't need to be brought into this. At this point I am almost %100 percent sure he is trying to scam us by giving a fake quote on his bill.

My current plan is to record the conversation(what is the legality of this in NYC?) the next time I go to him and try to convince him to lower the bill to $800 or we will need a bill/invoice to claim insurance. The reason I want to record the conversation is because every time we asked for a bill he says he doesn't have one because he wanted to avoid paying tax on the repairs. Since he kept saying that I am also unsure of how legal it is for a business to render a service if they do not provide a bill of some sort. I am very positive that he should have some kind of bill.

So how would I proceed from that point even if I do record him? If he does give in and show a bill, what should I do to prevent him from screwing with us in the future?

Edit: I got some answers from a mechanic and he said that I should bring the car to a shop to show the damages our car has. Then they would be able to give us a quote and receipt on how much it should really cost to pay for the repairs.

Answer: Don't pay him until he shows you an estimate from a reliable mechanic. Don't bother with any other communication. Don't bother with recording anything, there's no point. Of course he's trying to inflate the amount, he probably will never do any repair, just wants to pocket the money (which is perfectly legal). But you don't have to pay based on his estimate. He doesn't have any power here, tell him not to call back until he's got a real quote.


Title: [USA:MO] Car was stolen, recovered (with an arrest), just got it back today. Any watchouts/precautions I need to take?

Question:
Strange story - but Thursday morning, I woke up to go to work to find my car missing from in front of my house. After an initial freakout, I confirmed it hadn't been towed by the city or my bank for some reason, and flagged down an officer to file a police report.

I was out of town for the weekend and got back this morning. Police called me Friday to let me know they had recovered my vehicle, made an arrest, and agreed to release the car to a friend to pick up for me. She dropped it off at my house, I got back today and drove it around all day. Outside of the things they stole from it (about $2,000 worth) that should be covered under my renter's insurance, and license plates that were gone, the car seems to be fine and running the same as it was before.

Obviously this isn't a scenario I've gone through before, so I wanted to see if there are any watchouts I need to take here. I was thinking about still taking it to my dealership to make sure there isn't any mechanical things wrong with it as a result of the theft (e.g. if they ran it like crazy and something is wrong with the engine - I am assuming that's important to find out immediately). They also took the  license plates, so I'm going to go to the DMV in the morning to get replacements and report that theft. I'll also be filing a claim with my renter's insurance for the items stolen from the car.

The thief somehow ended up with my spare key, which is really, really odd. I haven't ever used it, but am 90% sure it was in my bedroom in my apartment. There were people over at my apartment this week working on repairs, so my amateur detective theory is that that either someone lifted the key this week from my room and came back to take it later, or that it was someone else who had access to my house. I know the key wasn't left in the car by mistake (my car won't lock if it is) and can't imagine I would have thrown it out by accident. I plan to call my landlord tomorrow just to give him a heads up.

Am I missing anything? They've asked if I wanted to press charges, which seemed strange to me to ask, but I said yes. Kind of creeped out that this person(s) know where I live, so little uneasy with the whole thing, but not much I can do. Hoping this is the right place to post this, couldn't think of another sub to ask for this kind of advice.

Answer: DH's car was stolen years ago and there was a cell phone bill in the car.  The thieves used this information to open up a new line of service on our acct and charge lots of hardware to the acct, and it was a pain working with Verizon to correct this (assholes).  So while not legal advice, think about what personal info may have been in the car and take action accordingly.


Title: Is it legal for the landlord to charge me a for parking permit?

Question: I live in an gated group of apartment buildings, converted into condos in California. Most, if not all of my neighbors are renting (there are multiple landlords). Lately, the homeowners association wants to charge people for parking permits inside the gated community, citing the lack of spaces available for everyone. However, I already renewed my lease for the next year, and in the lease, and last year's lease, there is no written statement saying there is a parking permit fee. I was only informed in person that there is a parking fee.

Answer: Does your lease say that it includes a parking space?


Title: [OR] Is it legal for employers to require that their employees smoke marijuana, and to regularly test them to make sure that they are?

Question: [removed]

Answer: No, because marijuana is illegal under Federal Law.Answer #2: Do you really want to work at a place this nutty, regardless?


Title: Canada: Found not guilty of charges recently; Assets seized by Civil Forfeiture

Question:
3 weeks ago my lawyer got me acquitted of Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking, Proceeds of Crime...

Now they seized from me money and a phone from me, and now that i've been found not guilty... how do i fight for those assets back?

My lawyer told me that they seized it by civil forfeiture, and was served on my personally... and that the seized assets were not part of his file. Since he was an court appointed lawyer, I don't believe he'll be helping me in recovering the assets, or hasn't really told me if its possible to fight the civil forfeiture... but I guess my question, can I fight the civil forfeiture?

&#x200B;

I've been trying to contact the police, but they have been unresponsive in the sense that my file is sealed, and fun fact: If you are arrested with an officer's son or daughter, they seal the file as to prevent gossip within their workforce. I guess they don't want just any police officer reading the files, and like I said... simply for gossip purposes. I found it rather intriguing.

&#x200B;

Been waiting 3 weeks for a reply from them, simply to tell me who I can contact that actually has access to the file.

Answer:
 2 scenarios, neither of them are good.

It was a huge sum of money, going to be difficult to get back unless you have an extremely solid paper trail.

It was a small sum of money, civil forfeiture cases are extremely expensive to fight and not worth it.


Title: Dad in PA just fired from his electric job of over 26 years, by 25 y/o disgruntled manager who was just hired.

Question:
This is long because I want to make sure it's as detailed as possible, I don't know what may or may not be crucial, so Ill just write;

My dad (also a military veteran) worked for Simplex, a franchise fire and electric security company. He's worked for them for over 26 years and was a head tech working all over western PA.

His manager a few years back was promoted into somewhere else and the person in charge of finding a replacement picked a young man who had previously been fired from management at another company but showed promise.

He did alright. He was good with talking to customers and decent with scheduling the techs when it wasn't a holiday (he messed up the holiday schedule quite a bit). When the branch needed a new secretary, he hired his babysitter. whatever, nothing wrong with using your power to help those you know right? (well, I think its wrong but its not illegal right?) He did well enough and covered his ass enough that finally he got himself a promotion, and to replace himself, he selected that manager (the babysitter). instantly doubling her salary. (he later got an award for promoting women in the workplace).

SO. this woman starts working as the manager. her job includes scheduling the techs, putting in work orders, and general management of stock and supply. She is doing TERRIBLE. she forgets to put orders in, or puts only half them in, so the techs are missing things they need to do their jobs. They all start getting angry because now they have customers yelling at them for jobs not getting done on time, and they're getting paid less for not being on the job as much as they should be.

Another thing about her. This woman refuses to communicate by phone. TEXT and EMAIL only. The techs have computers in their cars and cell phones provided by the company, but cannot use them while driving. They are allowed to use the car's hands free Bluetooth system though, but she refuses to call, and will DENY their calls. This has led to further problems because when a tech is getting yelled at by a customer for a part she didn't order, they can't immediately reach her.

BUT. If they receive a text or email from her, she has told them they are to pull over as soon as possible and answer because it could be important.

WELL. My dad, being as old as he is, is clearly not getting along with her. and the younger techs are coming to him asking for help because it really sucks going to work and getting yelled at by all your customers, then getting yelled at by her when you miss an email because you were on the highway and couldn't pull over for 20 minutes.

My dad had previously been written up almost 2 years ago for an altercation while driving, someone ran a stop sign and nearly ran my dad off the road. That person then stopped and tried to pick a fight with my dad over who was wrong and when my dad didn't indulge him, called the number off my dads work van to report him for reckless driving. Since there was no way to prove what happened, a report had to be filed. company policy.

Then once this new woman was hired and started losing people's order slips and forgetting to get the parts needed, he confronted her after being chewed out for almost an hour by an extremely angry customer who had paid double for an on-call apt that couldn't be full-filled due to a lack of parts. My dad went directly to her and asked her why the orders weren't put in. She gave him some bullshit answer about how she was busy and had X,Y,X to do, and was he even sure he put in an order? He raised his voice (without yelling) and told her what had just happened to him with the customer, and that she needed to get her shit together or they would start losing contracts with customers and it would be all her fault.

She didn't like what he said and wrote him up, siting hostility and anger problems.

He clipped a deer with his work van a few weeks ago, and while there was little damage to the van from the deer besides a dent in the front bumper, there was a truck tailgating him and he was rear-ended. That female manager put in for a rental car for him until his van could be fixed or replaced and a few days later had the new work van sent over. the only problem was that she didn't bother to have it checked out and it did not have seat belts (at ALL), the horn didn't work, and it was missing handles to the storage containers in the back.

My dad calls her and let her know that he will not be returning the rental vehicle and that she needs to have that work van taken back. She told him that he had to drive the work van back to the company office and have someone else take him home. he told her no because that's a safety hazard and there's snow and ice. He's not driving anything without seat belts. She tried to tell him that he would get in trouble if he didn't listen to her, he told her that if she tried to force him to drive the work van that he would call HR and report her, so she better have the work van picked up and extend the rental vehicle until he could get a safe work van.

So, for 2 weeks she hasn't gotten him a new work van and he's been limited on the jobs he can take because it's just an SUV, it can't carry his ladders or any of his large equipment, and he's limited on the amount it can actually hold in the back.

This previous Saturday she text him and told him he was required to meet her at a Sheetz gas station nearby at 2pm. He felt really weird about it and denied meeting her. He said it was he didn't trust her and felt like she would try and say he attacked her or something because it's a remote location and there wouldnt really be anyone to say anything otherwise. so he refused meeting her and told her that HER boss could meet up with him at sheetz or she could meet up at the actual company office with him with someone else there as well but that he would not work directly with her.

She never responded, on Monday my dad come's into the office to pick up some parts and is told by her boss that he's been fired because he's received 3 write ups in 2 years.

His last write up? refusing to listen to and obey the manager (that terrible woman) she sited his refusal to use the work van, failure to turn it in, threats to her career (when he said he would report her to HR), denying meeting with her at the sheetz to discuss "work problems", and general nastiness towards her. The head manager said he was sorry but there was nothing he could do.

My dad was not given the opportunity to file a counter complaint, there is no review process as far as he knows, and even though he's worked for the company for over 26 years and is that branches head tech, he gets nothing.

There has to be some recourse for this, he has been so defeated since it happened that all he has been able to do is fill out an application for unemployment and work on the house he and my mother just purchased. They still have 3 kids that live with them, she works but not full time, and they are now without any benefits which is terrible because of my 2 siblings medical problems, both come with expensive treatment and medication.

Any advice is helpful, sorry for the extremely long post. There has to be something he can do to get his job back, this just doesn't seem legal for her to do to him.

Answer:
 That's too much detail. Why do you think his termination was unlawful?  I'm seeing a lot of "that's not fair" in your post and frankly that's irrelevant. He should file for unemployment if he hasn't done so already.  Sounds like your Dad couldn't get along with his new boss and was fired and that's too bad but not remotely illegal.

Answer #2: There's a lot of words there, but none of it looks like anything that was unlawful.

I'd file for unemployment either way and if they deny it file an appeal.


Title: (IL) child endangerment, no idea what to do now.

Question: I was recently charged with child endangerment. I left the car on and the air running, I ran inside a store and when I came out two cops were waiting for me. They went through what was going on and I obviously listened and did what they asked because I knew the serious situation. I was taken to the police station and put in a cell, they then processed me as I was leaving. They gave me a ticket with the court date and it says child endangerment as the charge but nothing else and they didn't tell me anything else.  My question is what do I need to do before the court date, I know I need to contact a lawyer and that cps will be visiting the house. I am not the biological father though I have been around since she was 5 months pregnant up until now (he's 2), the real father is not around and we have no idea where he is. So what will happen to his mother, will I be going to jail and what should I be preparing for? The shop owner did talk to the police when they asked to speak to him, they had my dad pick him up while I went to jail as his mother was at work. I am completely lost, I know I messed up, I realize I made a stupid choice.

Answer:
 The mother may or may not get CPS allegations substantiated. You will get substantiated cps allegations. You at a minimum will never be able to work with kids or volunteer with kids.

Cps may or may not take actions. It is detail specific. I would lean towards not. But you never know. They likely will not allow you alone with the kid for the foreseeable future or until the criminal charges are handled

Hire an attorney. Do what they say.


Title: Brother died intestate with deadbeat dad (California)

Question:
My brother died suddenly and had a number of assets with no listed beneficiaries. My mom raised my siblings and me singlehandedly. Now, according to my understanding of CA law, his assets are to be split between my mom and our biological donor. What, if any actions can we take to prevent a deadbeat profiting from the death of my brother?

We have access to his accounts and can pay off outstanding debts. We can also move money into his accounts that list my mom as the beneficiary if that can be a preventive measure.
Topic:
Wills Trusts and Estates

Answer: You, or possibly whoever intends to apply as executor, should speak to an estate attorney, but I don't see any way around it. If your brother didn't have a spouse or children, and no will, then by law his assets are split between his biological parents. Any debts that your brother had will have to be fulfilled from the estate first. Trying to hide or move assets from the estate is not a good idea.