Title: [MA] My father passed away and I need to use his car to settle his estate but the insurance lapsed. Can I just pay it even though I don't own the car?

Question:
My father passed away unexpectedly in October. He died without a will leaving a complicated estate in terms of debt and the state of his house. He lived in Massachusetts. I live in Brooklyn. Since his death I have been using his car to make frequent trips back to his town to deal with paperwork and the house (I don’t own a car and he lives well outside the reach of public transportation).

The probate court papers to have me designated the executor of his estate have been submitted, but I’m not the executor yet.

Unfortunately, I neglected to pay his auto insurance installment, leading to a letter from the State of Massachusetts stating that because the insurance policy has lapsed, the license and registration have been revoked, and it’s illegal to drive the vehicle until the insurance has been reinstated and proof thereof given to the State. Since receiving this just before Christmas, the car has been parked in Brooklyn and I’m just moving it back and forth across the street to not get a street cleaning ticket.

What will happen if I call the auto insurance provider and say I want to pay to have the insurance reinstated? Will they already have been informed that he has passed away? If not, will they nullify the policy when they find out? Am I allowed to maintain his policy even though I am not the executor of the estate yet?

TL;DR- My dad died and I need to use his car to settle his estate but the insurance lapsed and the registration got revoked. Can I just pay it even though I'm not him?

Answer:
 just call your insurance agent and ask.  Lot's of folks are on the insurance even if they don't own the carAnswer #2: IANAL, but I used to work for a major insurance company (in OK not MA) and this type of thing is a grey area. The quick/easy answer is “yes.” Many agents will let you reinstate the policy ( = more commission in their pocket), but the insurance company’s underwriters won’t be happy about someone who’s not on the policy being the primary driver, so add yourself to the policy as soon as possible to avoid revocation.

In OK the insurance companies do *not* receive notices of death from the state but for example, if you get in an accident and the underwriters find out that you are actually the primary driver, they would probably cancel the policy at that point.

The easiest way to take ownership of an existing policy is to add yourself while *keeping* your dad’s name on it too.... then, once the policy issues with both of your names as covered drivers... remove your dad’s name, and voila! It’s now your policy! You run into less roadblocks doing it that way rather than a straight transfer from your dad’s name to your name, for some reason.

As for the vehicle registration, a local insurance agent should be able to walk you through “next steps” once the auto policy is active. This situation (deceased owner/vehicle in probate being actively driven) is actually more common than you’d think; I probably dealt with it half a dozen times in the 3 years I worked there. But, I’m only familiar with OK laws so I can’t help you much with this part since you’re in MA, sorry.


Title: [USA-CT]Mother's friend (who I'm doing computer work for) wants to write me a check for larger amount and have me give her the extra in cash.

Question:
So, this isn't your typical check cashing scheme, where I deposit the check, it bounces, and I'm out the money. These are family friends that we have known for 10+ years.

She wants me to do some computer work for her, her husband and her I believe are going to be going through a divorce soon.

The husband just won a fairly large lawsuit from his work, but he's locked up in a mental institution right now. Meaning the wife, her, has access to a fairly large sum of money. (5.. possibly 6 figures)

She wants to write me a check for double whatever the work costs, and she wants me give her the excess back in cash. I'm assuming to hide the money from her husband, and write it off as "Oh.. this is how much the IT Work cost". Or I was reading online it may be possible she can only touch this money to pay bills, and can't pull from it directly. In this case I would be the "bill".

I'm estimating the project to cost about $150-$200. So she'd cut me a check for $400, and I'd give her $200 in cash.

By doing this for her, what legality am I opening myself up to? Is this technically money laundering?

Answer:
 This is fraud, and you'd be smart to stay away from it. I believe divorces specifically call this type of financial manipulation "dissipation."Answer #2: It is never advisable to help someone illegally hide money.  Answer #3: What part of being dragged into a messy divorce sounds appealing to you?

If she really wants to cheat her soon-to-be-ex, she doesn't need to involve you. She can take out $2x from an ATM and tell your husband that she paid you in $2x in cash for your work and then actually just pay you $1x and pocket the rest. Or buy herself gift cards at a grocery store in addition to her necessities and then sell them. Really, lots of ways for her to be shitty and dishonest that don't involve you. Note that she should absolutely NOT do any of these things, just pointing out to you that there is really no reason for you to be involved.


Title: Being sued for digital copyright infringement. Any advice would be appreciated.

Question:
I just received a letter from Comcast indicating that they have been given a subpoena to release my personal information. They state the IP address, time, and movie that I have downloaded and state that the plaintiff believes that I am in violation of copyright laws. Comcast states that I can file a protective motion to quash or vacate the Subpoena. Is this helpful or will it just be delaying the process? How do I do this?

Also, this happened when I was living in a house with 6 unrelated individuals. I personally did not download the movie. Is this a viable defense for my case?

Located in Colorado

Answer:
 I still don't think we have a case where the court ruled that an IP matches a person. This is mostly scare tactics into a settlement.Answer #2: >Also, this happened when I was living in a house with 6 unrelated individuals. I personally did not download the movie. Is this a viable defense for my case?

Last year a federal judge in FL ruled the IP address is not the person. That means just because you hold ownership of the IP address it does not mean you are guilty of infringement if that address was responsible for a violation.

That case is not controlling authority for where you live, but, it is a ruling in your favor you can use as persuasive authority.


Title: USA, Ca: "Divorcing" a Parent

Question:
I am wondering what my options are in completely cutting my biological mother out of my life. I am 27.

I had a restraining order against her but the judge denied a renewal or permanent. He did say if she harassed me and I brought her back to his court he would grant me the permanent, but so far she has left me alone, except for stopping by my place of employment once, but my coworker was aware of the situation and I was able to avoid contact.

I have an advance directive stating she is to have no access to me or make any medical decisions in case I am incapacitated.

Is there anything else I can or should do to protect myself?

Answer:
 A will and an emergency power of attorney for financial purposes wouldn't hurt.

You also need to designate another person who is not your mother to make medical decisions.


Title: Can I kick out my roommate for illegal activity?

Question:
Let me give you a bit of a backstory. I let this younger couple rent a room from me. They were polite, and seemed nice. Problems started to arise when they left the stove burner on 2x and went to bed, another time they left food cooking and left the house. Most recently when it was -11 outside, they left the window open in the kitchen all night. That very day the furnace died and had to be replaced. On the 1st when I received the rent check I gave them a formal 30 days notice. They stopped payment on the check and said they wanted to use there deposit as last months rent. To which I refused, for the fact there are more then likely damages. So now they refuse to leave.
Now after having a discussion about smoking and smoking weed in the apartment, that it's in my lease that neither are allowed. He is smoking weed in his room, with the window open, when its single digits outside and it still blows back into the house.
I want him out, can I just kick him out on the spot for violating my lease and drug activity?
EDIT: I live in Vermont.

Answer:
 No you can't kick them out on the spot.
Start here:  http://www.cvoeo.org/fileLibrary/file_99.pdf

If you witness illegal activity you are within your rights to call the police and report it.


Title: I bought a charcoal grill, apartment manager says we can't have it, rental agreement says otherwise...

Question:
I'm a Washington State resident, renting a downstairs apartment.  Last year, after moving in, I was in the office chatting with the owner and mentioned to him I wanted to get a grill.  He told me it was fine, but that it couldn't have a propane tank larger than 2.5 pounds.

Fast-forward to last weekend.  I bought a charcoal grill (a Grillmaster Akorn) and have been using it.  On Monday, the manager walked over to my apartment and told me I couldn't have it.  That they changed the apartment rules and are no longer allowing charcoal grills or smokers.  I was never told.  No written notices went out at all.

I checked the rental agreement.  It states, "Charcoal and LPG gas grills may be used on first floor patios but kept at least ten feet from combustible materials including trees, brush and sides of building."

I brought this to the attention of management and I was told, flat out, that it was wrong, that I cannot use my grill.  Not even on the sidewalk or grass next to my patio (ten feet from combustible materials)

My plan is to present [RCWs > Title 59 > Chapter 59.18 > Section 59.18.140](http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=59.18.140) which states "Except for termination of tenancy, after thirty days written notice to each affected tenant, a new rule of tenancy including a change in the amount of rent may become effective upon completion of the term of the rental agreement or sooner upon mutual consent."

My main problem, aside from not being able to use my brand new grill, is that I spent $400 on this thing and only now are they telling me I can't use it.

Do I have a leg to stand on here or am I pretty much screwed?

Can I continue to use my grill on the grass/sidewalk (ten feet from combustible materials) till 30 days after their inevitable written notice of the rule change?

Answer:
 They can't just change their mind against the terms of the lease. However, if it's a fire code thing, then they can (and indeed are required to).

You should decide which would be a better outcome, though: gaining the right to use your grill, or getting a break in the rent. For that matter, what is the new policy? Are gas grills OK now, or are they verboten too?Answer #2: Are you able to use it 10' from combustible materials and remain on your patio as per your lease?  Grass and sidewalk do not count as "first floor patio"


Title: Can I secretly record a coworker saying bad things about me and tell the manager?

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 No, you absolutely cannot. Recording someone without their consent is a crime in California.

I should also add that if I was your boss I'd fire you for this.


Title: First time legal/school issues

Question:
So I've been a regular user of opiates for four years, but a few months ago, I started using heroin and had been using daily ever since my first time. But then about two months I had my first overdose and had to get narcanned. I think the hospital told my school because they decided to search me when I was nodding out two days later and found two bags of dope, so they sent me to the hospital for some reason, where they sent me to rehab for 63 days. I just got out this Monday, and I have a school meeting this upcoming Tuesday that determines if I get expelled or not and I have a court date on the 6/20 where I might get charged. I'm currently 17 so idk if that'll make a difference in court. Anyways, anyone got any advice as to what I should do in this case?
Topic:
Drug Possession

Answer: You need an attorney for your court date.


Title: [NY] Want to call out for 2nd shift (overtime) but supervisor says no

Question:
Hello,

I am a security guard in New York. I have currently 42 hours for the week. The week prior, I had 48, and before that, 71.

I am exhausted and just worked the 12am to 8am shift. I have a 4pm to 12am shift coming up, and my supervisor told me I would be unable to call out because he wouldn't have anyone to cover (which he can, but won't.)

What would be the ramifications of calling out sick during overtime hours?

Thanks.

Answer: You could be fired.Answer #2: Other than not getting paid for those hours no. But if your employed "at will" you could be fired for it


Title: "Anonymous" survey not so anonymous

Question:
I took a course to get certified for work at a for-profit college. It cost me $4,000. Due to COVID-19, most of the class was online, but I had to fly out to take a skills exam in-person.

The last day of the course (but before my exam) the college sent a survey from SurveyMonkey. The survey said it was "anonymous." As I always do, I left detailed and honest feedback.

The next day I got an angry email from my instructor, challenging me about my feedback from the survey. I called her boss (a chill dude, and the one who sent the survey), and asked how she knew it was me. He said that while the survey does not ask for your name, it does collect your IP address (see [here](https://help.surveymonkey.com/articles/en_US/kb/How-do-I-turn-off-the-IP-addresses-collection-on-the-responses) from SurveyMonkey). Long story short, he sent her the spreadsheet with survey feedback, she did some online sleuthing, found out the general location of my IP address, and figured it was me because none of the other students live near me (crazy, I know. pray you never meet this woman. queen of karens).

A few days later I had to fly out to take the skills exam. I was second from the top of my class up to that point, but I was the only student that failed the skills exam.

On my grading sheet, she marked me down for things that I had legitimately missed, but she was objectively WAY harsher on me than the other students. We took the test as a group (it's an EMT exam, pretty normal in this setting). We each got different scenarios and had to respond appropriately. When other students messed up, she would give them hints about what they did wrong and give them full points if they corrected it. Not for me. Some students forgot to do a whole section of the skills exam, but before they finished, she would ask them "what about X" and they would say "oh yeah," do X, and she would give them full points. Not for me. I am being completely objective here: my skills exam was in at least the top 5 of the class of 30, even without her "help". Again, I was the only person that failed.

**Long story short, do I have any cause of action because (1) they said my survey was "anonymous" but my instructor still used my IP address to figure out it was me, and/or (2) she apparently used that knowledge against me and failed me for the final exam?**

Thanks for any help. Please let me know if you require additional info.

Answer: Academic issues like this are usually matters of school policy, rather than legality. While licensing exams may change that somewhat, I recommend starting by talking to the school administration, and seeing how far you can get with that.


Title: New home and inspector did not find messed up plumbing that is not up to code. [IN]

Question:
I have lived in my new house for about a year now.  2.5 bath 3 bedroom with basement.   The seller done quite a bit fixing up before he sold it.  Before buying the house I had a home inspection and he picked out a few things that should be fixed and the seller agreed to fix them.  So everything is good it go and should be working as normal according to the inspector.

Fast forward to last month our sump pump backed up and partially flooded our basement.  Cleaned it all up  and  We started noticing a sewage smell coming from our basement, specifically from the sump pump.  So I call plumber to come over and look at it, they are here now.  Anyway they are saying all my plumbing is dumping into my sump pump and then getting dumped into my back yard.  The plumbers here have had to call over other people to look at it and they are saying in their 40 years of experience they have never seen anything like this and that it is basically one of the most fucked up plumbing jobs they have ever seen.

My question is that if this ends up costing thousands of dollars and replumbing.  Could the inspector have any liability?

Edit: live in indiana, apparently the bot don't pick up [IN] as location.

Answer:
 Your contract with the inspector probably disclaims his liability.  However, the crux of the matter would be whether a home inspector could be reasonably expected to discover such a defect during the course of a routine home inspection.  If everything was underground and thus, not "inspectable" he would not be liable for not noticing the plumbing problems.

On the other hand, if it was open and obvious, you may have a claim against him for not noticing the plumbing during his inspection.

HOWEVER, your best claim may be against the home seller.  Most states have real estate disclosure laws which requires the seller to sign a form and identify any known defects with the home.  If he had knowledge of these plumbing problems and sold it without telling you, you may be able to sue him based on fraudulent misrepresentation.  However, this is only if it is required in your state during home sales and I'm afraid I don't know the law in Indiana on this.


Title: My cousins (17 and 19) are working full time 38 hour week and getting their pay, paid in to their father's account(who works with them) whilst he gives them an 'allowance' of 200.00aud a fortnight is this even legal??

Question:
First off all my cousin's work full-time, my uncle is their boss and they earning roughly 34-35k a year. Their dad is literally getting their pay, paid into his own account whilst he gives them an 'allowance' of 200aud every two weeks. They are both working extremely hard and my suspicion is this is not even legal let alone it's definitely not right..
Topic:
Non-US

Answer:
 It’s legal if that’s what they want and willingly ask for.  If they don’t want/give permission then hell no.

If their father is doing it and they’re unable to say no it’s still illegal.

Do they have their own bank accounts?

Labour dept would be interested to hear about that!Answer #2: Australian here and an employer.
Faaaaaaaaark this bloke needs a boot up the backside.

Is he aware of all of the companies getting sanctioned by fair work?

Tell your cousins to tell their dad that they have new bank account details and to change to them. Ensure he is generating payslips to that effect.

If he refuses, tell them to submit a claim to fair work. They will come down HARD on him.

Next they need to tell their father to hand over all the money he is keeping. Also they need to check that superannuation has been paid to their nominated fund as per super legislation. Also they need to check to make sure he is paying their income tax properly.

Also the minimum wage in Australia is 38k a year, assuming they aren’t in an excluded role (which is pretty muc impossibly unless they are selling for comp only)

Your uncle is a scumbag. He’s screwing them. I can almost promise you he is paying neither income tax or superannuation (401k for Americans, it’s compulsory here)

Just so you are aware, it’s a 100k PER OFFENCE fine for breaching vulnerable workers legislation (and I bet they are classified as that under the new guidelines) also he looks like he’d face criminal charges is fair work really gets set stuck in


Title: An eyebrow styling salon cut up my wife's eyebrows. What can I do?

Question:
(TX)The salon is in a hole in the wall in an HEB in Texas. My wife already contacted the owner but they're only going to give her money back.
Topic:
Personal Injury

Answer: This is an excellent opportunity for your wife to try one of Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrows.   This is probably my favorite makeup item and it comes in a ton of shades.  You should buy it for her as a nice surprise


Title: Fired a week after self identifying as disabled. (Texas)

Question:
I worked for a corporately owned pet care facility in houston.  The assistant manager constantly was calling me crazy and talked about how I get a crazy check.  On top of that I was told that she hated athiests after self identifying when I asked her to please turn down the blarring gospel music one sunday because I couldnt concentrate, I was asked if it offended me and I said yes.  On memorial day I tried to lodge a complaint to her about a potentially dangerous situation, I was cursed out in the lobby(closed to customers) and began to have a severe panic attack.  I walked to the back and had so much chest pain I ended up cursing, she screamed at me more over this and kicked me out the building while the attack was still happening.

I was fired monday a week and a half after complaining and self identifying to the district manager.  The only incident that was brought up was the memorial day and some other things that other employees said to the distruct manager that were never explained to me.the center manager was not in favor of firing me.

I was considering filing an eeoc complaint, as I do have witnesses.  What sould I do?  I have far more info but it's hard to type on my phone.
Topic:
Labor Law

Answer:
 How exactly are you disabled? Panic attacks do not equal disabled. It sounds like you and the boss didn't get along. While you may think you were right, she's the boss and of course they're going to keep her over you.

> The only incident that was brought up was the memorial day and some other things that other employees said to the distruct manager

And there's your proper reason for being terminated.


Title: Ex landlord suing me for burst/frozen pipes.

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 He can't "press charges." He can sue you. If a court finds you liable, or for that matter if he actually files a suit and serves you, let your insurance know: they told you they'd cover you.

Beyond that, however, I don't think he's going to convince the courts that, _months_ after you departed and in the middle of winter, he discovered that the pipes broke during your tenancy the previous winter. Stop taking his calls, keep any letters or emails he sends you aside in case you need them later, and move on with your life.


Title: [CA] The Housing Authority keeps calling us for money

Question:
Background:
On Tuesday, my mother was called by some person from the housing authority and told that we had violated the housing authority rules by having more people here than we had claimed and having more cars. They claimed to have photographic evidence and recordings of people coming and going here and the cars that we had. They said that if we didn't want to be taken to court, then we would have to pay them $3,000 since it'd be a huge case. They called us the next day and demanded $2,000 more because the person in charge of the case wanted more money and then told us that everything was alright since they paid off everyone involved in monitoring our house and deleted the records. But then they called again today, asking to borrow more money so that they could send it home.
Question:
What should we do? Was this legal in any way? How do we get this person to stop calling us and leave us alone?

Answer: You got scammed. Answer #2: they are not from the housing authority, how did you pay?


Title: Should I Go Public? I was fired for being HIV+ and I'm working with the EEOC. They told me I can talk all I want if I feel like.

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 were you fired for having HIV or were you fired for taking time off work?

until FMLA kicks in, you can be fired for missing work


Title: Pulled over for headlights not on, when it was sufficiently bright outside.

Question:
I got pulled over in New York state, Little Falls, NY, for not having my headlights on at dusk.

The time issued on the ticket says 8:15pm April 30th. I was informed by the officer that it is state law that headlights must be on 30 minutes after sunset.

Later I looked up data for the exact time of the sunset today, and the sunset is stated at 8:00pm for my location [Sunset times](http://sunrise-sunset.org/us/little-falls-ny)

As far as the time of the ticket says, and data I look up about the sunset for today, it appears I'm well within the law. Even when I got pulled over it was sufficiently bright enough outside that you couldn't really tell if your headlights are on or off.

I want to fight this not because I want to "beat the ticket", but I feel innocent here.

**My questions** :
1.) I have never plead "not guilty" on a ticket before, it will be my first time fighting one.
What should I do to adequately prepare for defending myself in front of a judge?

2.) Sounds silly when I say it, but should I consider a lawyer?

3.) What kind of evidence should I bring that would be acceptable in court? In my mind I imagine bringing a photocopy of my ticket plus accurate time for the sunset of today, something similar to what I linked but more official?

Also any other general advice for my situation?

Thanks for the advice.
I tried to be as concise as possible, feel free to ask if you need more information.

Answer:
 The date/time listed on your ticket, along with a copy of the weather report during that time with the exact time of the sunset, would be sufficient evidence to present to the traffic judge.Answer #2: I pulled up the weather and it looks like you've had some cloudy days and possibly rain, was it raining or sprinkling at the time he stopped you?Answer #3: >Also any other general advice for my situation?

Follow the other posters' advice to get the ticket dismissed.  In the future, please use your headlights at all times when driving.  There's no harm in having your headlights on during the day, and frankly even though the state law says "30 minutes past sunset", realistically right before and after sunset is probably the worst time of day for visibility on the road.


Title: [CO, USA] My landlord yelled at me

Question:
Had a friend over with his service dog in tow, smoked weed with me, relaxing. Apartment manager comes and knocks on door like the police do. Dog lets out a gruff under her breath, medium sized dog and listens to her owner etc because service dog. He hushed her immediately and she obeyed. Dogs be dogs in my book can't get mad.

Manager opens door and proceeds to rip my shit about how she told me yesterday no dogs because 'neighbors are complaining and your lease states absolutely no animals'. True, this isn't my owned dog, this is a visitors animal who just happens to come over often and hang out with me.

He does not stay the night or any of the sort, even if he was to do that my lease states up to five consecutive days until someone is considered a tenant and not a guest. That isn't applicable to now as he doesn't stay over, I simply wanted to make it clear.

Onward to being ripped into by my manager she states to 'get the fucking dog out of here right now, I don't care about the weed I really do not, but no dogs.'

So I had to explain to my PTSD suffering army vet friend how I need to sort this out he and his service dog as he heard apparently have to leave. I understand rentals set rules for animals but I have no control over someone else having a service animal and then visiting me. What am I to do in such a situation I am bound to comply with?

Update: I called and asked her about the information I got from this thread. She stated she can still deny them because of the dog. 'even if you were to go and get a service dog tomorrow, I can still deny you'

Answer: Under the federal Fair Housing Act, you are required to allow a tenant's visitor to bring a service animal into the rental unit as a reasonable accommodation for the visitor's disability, assuming all other requirements of the act are met. The FHA extends not only to renters, but also to persons "associated" with the tenant. Therefore, a tenant's visitor is protected because that visitor is associated with the renter. Tenants are entitled to the full use and enjoyment of their housing, which includes having guests visit.


Title: One boss laid me off after finding out I went on a motorcycle ride with her husband (my coworker/other boss)

Question:
Keeping it short to remain vague. Never posted on here but could use any advice. My (27F) job of three years is now gone since my boss (40F) assumes I slept with her husband (44M) while we were together on a work trip. He will help me acquire another position with a great letter of rec, so my career isn’t ruined by any means...more curious as to how legal letting someone go by stating in an email “your services are no longer needed” is when she used her husbands name along with hers in the email but it was solely her decision. This small company will struggle heavily without another seasoned employee, but the decision was made by only one partner in the business and it was emotional. We did not sleep together, although a hotel room was shared. He slept on the floor. We went on a motorcycle ride together on our day off, spacious with a backrest so I didn’t have to hold him. I feel like although I did nothing wrong im the badguy for accepting the ride, and having so much fun together on a work trip that everyone noticed and assumed we boned.
Topic:
Employment Law

Answer: All other info aside, if she is your boss and has power to let you go and assuming you are in the US and not in Montana, it is perfectly legal for her to fire you for almost any reasonAnswer #2: Assuming this is in the US, and not in Montana, this is perfectly legal.


Title: [CA] Buying a condo, did structural/pest inspections, agent wants me to sign something saying otherwise

Question:
EDIT: I mean California, not Canada.

I am in contract to buy a condo. I did structural/pest inspections before making an offer. My agent wrote an offer with no inspection contingencies, but accidentally sent the lender a supplemental document that said I opted to do inspections. The lender then accidentally forwarded this to the underwriter.

According to my agent, the underwriter says if inspections were done they have to see the reports, but my agent says if they see it they'll demand that everything in it be fixed before they underwrite the loan.

To get around this, my agent (and I guess also the selling agent) wants me and the seller to sign a document stating "no inspections were ordered for this transaction". My agent says this is technically true, because the inspections were done before any contract existed. He says the underwriter is just following rules and are eager to get around this, and that they actually specified the language to use in the statement I'm supposed to sign.

I feel uneasy. Is it dangerous for me to sign this? What are the potential ramifications down the road?

Answer:
 If "no inspections were ordered for this transaction" is technically true, then so is:

Inspections were ordered by buyer on xx/xx/xxxx and conducted on xx/xx/xxxx. An offer was made on xx/xx/xxxx and the contract was signed on xx/xx/xxxx. The inspections occurred before an offer was made or a contract signed, therefore no inspections were ordered for this transaction.

Signed: Guy who wants to sleep at night.


Title: Can I apply for a second US passport since my current passport is in the UK for Settlement Visa Processing?

Question:
I applied for a spousal settlement UK Visa to be with my husband over in England. I'm in Florida.  I was told the visa processing time would be 2-3 months. I applied in April and was hoping to hear back in July at most. They responded in July stating that it could take a maximum of 6 months. I have been calling every 15 days since August.

Apparently you can only get in touch with the UK Visa Contact Center, which has no direct contact with the persons handling the visas. All they could do is to "escalate the case" every 15 days. Well, I have been hearing back every 15 days or so since August, September, October, November stating that I should continue waiting and waiting. It's definitely been more than 6 months. I have spent about £1.37 per minute for the pass months calling the centers for information and have spent over $300 US on calls alone.
It is now December and I would really like to travel to the Caribbean to visit my family as I always do yearly.

Is it possible for me to obtain another passport for travel or should I just wait since my other passport is still in processing for the UK visa and could become invalid?

Am I able to transfer the visa if I do receive it?

I have spoken to a lawyer about getting help with contacting someone directly, however, they stated that all I could do is wait since the application is already in.

I'm beginning to think that they lost my application or sold my passport.

Please help. If there are any other subreddits that this question would be better suited for, I would appreciate the suggestion. Thanks again.

Answer:
 Due to Brexit and the associated rush of applications, the UK visa process is all sorts of screwed up right now and everything is taking forever. It's not just you, unfortunately.

As the other poster said, you can easily get a second American passport and you can travel to third countries on either of them. However, there's a catch. You *must* use your passport with the visa in it to enter and leave the UK (and shouldn't come in on the second one while this one is processing). If you don't, you might wind up with a visitor stamp in one of your passports when you're actually a resident, which could cause you a lot of problems the next time you're stopped at the border and could even lead to losing resident status.

Aside from this, you won't have any problems. Enjoy life in the UK - if you need help, the biggest UK immigration community is at immigrationboards.com.Answer #2: > Is it possible for me to obtain another passport for travel

Yes, this is one of the reasons you would be allowed to have two valid US passports. You fill out the standard paperwork and include a "Statement in Support of Application for a Second Passport". Here are some example letters provided by the embassies in the [UK](https://uk.usembassy.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/16/2015/11/uk523_second_passport.pdf) and [Turkey](https://photos.state.gov/libraries/turkey/1058252/acsunit/Second%20ppt%20Signed%20Statement%20by%20App%20re%20need%20for%20Second%20ppt.pdf) (PDFs)

> Am I able to transfer the visa if I do receive it?

[Looks like](https://www.gov.uk/transfer-visa) the UK allows it. But the second passport can't be renewed and only lasts for 2 years, so it's probably not worth it

You can also generally present an expired passport with a valid visa alongside your valid passport if you ever have future issues with this


Title: Hit someone's car and am paying out of pocket. Owner wants me to pay for their car rental while their original vehicle is getting fixed. Is this fair?

Question: [deleted]

Answer: Well, that depends on your agreement. This is why you have auto insurance.


Title: If you graduate college with tremendous debt, what’s to stop you from filing bankruptcy? Odds are you don’t have many assets, if any, right?

Answer:
 Usually student loans are incredibly difficult to get written off in bankruptcy. More so than other types of debt.Answer #2: Student loans are not dischargeable in bankruptcy.
Would it kill you to actually read the legal documents you sign?Answer #3: You have to file in a separate process for that, the [standard for discharge is pretty high](https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/bankruptcy) and they have multiple options outside of just granting the request.


Title: (Salem, Or )Constitutional? Judge orders me to Christian Church for up to 5 years.

Question:
[removed]
Topic:
Troll Post

Answer: There is [plenty of caselaw](http://www.smartrecovery.org/courts/court-mandated-attendance.htm) showing that mandatory religious observance as a condition of parole is not legal in the US, and you must be offered a non-religious alternative.


Title: I was 16 when we had consensual sex. He was 30. I know it’s statutory rape now. He also had me send pics/vids. What can I do?

Question:
Hi there. I’m 18, nearly 19 now. This all took place in NYC. I met this guy online, we’ll call him Microwave (ignore the stupid name). Microwave and I were on Omegle. He had his webcam off, while mine was on. I told my name, age, and where I was from. I told him that I was 16 and was from NYC. We had happened to live in the same borough. He said that he was a girl, was 17, and lived in a different part of the borough. I later figured out he was the “girl” and talked about himself in third person. “She” gave me his number. We texted. He asked for semi-nudes and eventually full nudes. I sent them. Decided to meet up a few days later.

I said let’s meet up at his local McDonalds but he said to come to his house. My stupid self felt uneasy and uncomfortable but I still did it. When I walked him I saw what he looked like for the first time. He said hi when he was coming down the stairs. He kissed me. We hung out for a few minutes. He took me to his bedroom and I started performing oral sex. He climaxed. We took a break. Then we had sex. It hurt but it was my first time. So it was expected. Let it be said at that point I was going through a hard time at home and desperately needed attention. I’m alright now.

Anyways, we meet up roughly 10-15 times throughout the next 3 months. We either had sex or I performed oral sex. We smoke marijuana and ate edibles at one point. He sold (probably stills sells) weed. Sometimes he asked for nudes, other times I just sent them to him. There were a few pictures we took on his phone. I don’t know where they went or if he deleted them.

After the 3 months I ended it because he was a drunk, becoming manipulative, and I started to realize he was taking advantage of me. We only spoke one time after that conversation.

It’s been roughly 2, 2 1/2 years since this has happened. I realized he could be doing this to other girls. I want to come forward about this but I’m scared people will think I’m exaggerating, lying, or wanting attention because I have come out about sexual abuse in my childhood and had a similar reaction.

What can I do? How would this process work? Can I still report what happened without giving his name? I’m living with my dad and a family friend. Can I go to the police and they won’t tell them or come to my house? Thank you anyone who has read this. I’m sorry if it’s illegible at some parts.

Answer:
 File a police report. Or call a hotline.Answer #2: OP, you might want to contact RAINN. https://www.rainn.org

They would be able to guide through what would happen, your privacy rights, help with any legal process, & support you no matter what you decide to do. Best wishes to you.Answer #3: File a police report and request they don’t come to your house. If they have questions they can contact you by phone or request to meet with you at the police station. You should really do this. Who knows what he’s doing to other kids.


Title: What happens to me if I skip an out of state court date?

Question: So last May I was lucky enough to spend the night in jail in Phoenix due to being in possession of a joint.  The complicated part is that it occured mid-move from the East Coast to California where I live now.  A letter went back to my MA address stating that I have a court appearance in May.  The thing is, I'm broke as hell and really don't have the time to go to AZ for this, what are the legal ramifications and what type of recourse can I take? Thanks in advance.

Answer:
 >what are the legal ramifications

A warrant for your arrest.


Title: I broke my ankle due to my church's negligence

Question: So, I took two steps out of the church door where I was rehearsing. I hit a patch of ice and ended up with a bimallelor fracture and won't be able to work for 7 weeks, plus however long rehab is. Is it wrong to sue your church because they did not have salt or sand in their entrance way? I feel terribly guilty about suing a church, but because of their negligence I will have no income to cover basic expenses (rent, utilities, food). What does Reddit think? I'm not trying to get an exuberant amount--just enough to pay my basic expenses. But the church does have insurance to cover such incidents. I should add, a rep from the church told me another woman hit the same patch ice, though she didn't fall as a hard as I did. They have since roped off the area around the door, and are telling people to use another entrance because there seems to be a leak from somewhere close to the door. But this leaves me unable to pay rent. I don't want a fortune--I'm not trying scam them. Just to cover my basic expenses while I can't walk and what ever my insurance may not cover. I think my insurance will cover all medical expenses--ER trip, and surgery next week. My job isn't a sit down job and requires me to be ambulatory. I live in Ohio.

Answer: File a claim with their insurance. Don't jump to a lawsuit.


Title: MO: Retail chain using employee SSN's as codes for employee discounts. Legal?

Question:
Hello r/legaladvice, I have a retail law question for you. My girlfriend works at a national retail chain, not a box store though. She is a keyholder, essentially an assistant manager, and receives an employee discount. In order for her, or any other employee to USE this discount, the cashier must be an assistant manager or higher, and the identification number used is their full social security number. There is no obfuscation involved, and the number is given verbally.

Am I wrong in thinking that this practice goes far beyond sketchy, into scary-illegal practice territory? Does the fact that only certain employees are allowed to enter the discount screen matter?

Answer: That's not a good practice but I can't think of a specific law it violates. She doesn't have to use the discount if she doesn't want to.


Title: Neighbor called police on us, said we committed hit and run

Question:
Hi all.  So, we had something kind of odd happen last night.  At about 5 PM, a police officer came to our door and said that one of our neighbors had been scraped by a car speeding down the street, which then turned into our driveway.  I had been home all day, my sister-and-law had stopped by briefly at around 4:15 and my husband got home at 4:30.  None of us would have just kept driving if we hit another car - we have insurance and wouldn't risk criminal charges for something so trivial.

The officer said the neighbor was very deaf and a little disoriented, and couldn't even say what color the car had been.  The officer basically just said to be safe and don't text while driving and wished us a good night, so that could be the end of it.  I just worry a little bit that it could become a he-says, she-says thing if the neighbor reports other things incorrectly.

Is there anything we should do to protect ourselves?

For context, we live in a low-income, but quiet neighborhood.  It's about 50/50 renters and owners, with a mix of young families and retirees.  We don't know our neighbors well, since the street is not pedestrian-friendly (no sidewalks and a lot of cars parked in the street).

Thanks!

Edit: We're in small-town Texas.

Answer: Neighbor couldn't even identify the color of the car? I wouldn't worry about it unless contacted again by the police.


Title: [FL] My Mother's Job WANTS to Fire Her

Question:
Hey.

So my mom got a DUI earlier this year. Then was sentenced to jail time last month. Sentenced much quicker and for longer period of time than even her lawyer anticipated and fought for. She did not notify her employer about this DUI until she got her sentencing which was started a few days after. She talked to her boss and cleared it up and her boss was supportive, offering her help and assuring her it would be fine.

&#x200B;

Fast forward to when she returns to work. HR calls her in. They place her on administrative leave for a week. Her boss does a 180 and brings up "poor job performance" on my mother's end. The first time my mother has ever heard of such a thing, especially considering she was recently chosen for this position out of many applicants for her outstanding performance and continued said performance at this new position.

&#x200B;

When she returns from administrative leave, they push for her to resign if she wants to. She doesn't.  Now she gets a midyear review from her boss which is 100% negative stating if she "doesn't improve" within 30 days she can be terminated. We all know this is bullshit and just a cover up to get her fired for her DUI because her job performance was never an issue, she never received a warning prior to this, all her past reviews have been spectacular, and her coworkers have nothing but praise for her and seek her guidance and help.

&#x200B;

It seems this is the company's way of easing into letting her go over her DUI. Can anything be done here?

Answer: No. They can legally fire her for the DUI. Guess they are trying to get out of unemployment, but I think its an easier case that its due to her criminal activity than her performance. Poor performance rarely amounts to a unemployment denial.


Title: Need advice for a dog bite situation

Question:
My family adopted a dog from the Humane society.

We took the dog to an outdoor restaurant.  The dog was sitting nicely by our feet.  A teenage boy was walking a few feet away and kicked some rocks.  Our dog lunged and sunk a tooth into his leg.  It was a fairly minor bite and appeared to require a few stitches.  I told the family I'd pay for medical bills.

I didn't anything for 3 months.  Now they are demanding PRE INSURANCE totals, plus cost of tickets to an event they missed plus 'pain and suffering'.

I'm happy to pay the post insurance amount which totals $546.  Is that reasonable?

Answer:
 Where are you located? Different states have different rules.

Do you have homeowners/renters insurance? I'd probably bring them in at this point if they aren't willing to accept the $550.

Essentially, you are probably responsible for the full medical bills - not their insurance. Tickets to an event... maybe. Pain and suffering? Probably not. But because of what they are asking, bring in your insurance.


Title: Is my church (Mormon/LDS) extorting and blackmailing me?

Question:
I recently found out that my church has an annotation on my record that labels me as a child molester/incest prone member, which prevents me from holding any callings that involve the youth in the church. This has been on my record for approximately 20 years.

Here are the facts. At the age of 19 and on a mission for the church, I had consensual sex with a girl that was either 17/18. The age is uncertain, and they haven’t confirmed it through their records. I was disfellowshipped for a year, and this was noted on my record around the time of the church court. I have had nearly 15-20 church leaders who have had access and seen that note, none of which have any legal authority to see that information.  If she was 17, they never reported it, and I wasn’t prosecuted in the legal system.

I met with my Bishop, who initially told me he thought it was off, and not jiving with who he thought I was. He said he’d try and help me get it removed. I had to meet with a stake president (the bishops leader/next chain of command). He interviewed me, and I told him everything you’ve read this far. He said the leaders of the church don’t take these things lightly, but that he felt confident that it’s an error. He would recommend to the powers that be that it be removed. He asked if I am a temple recommend holder, which I’m not. He asked if I was doing anything in my life that would prevent me from being a card carrying member. He asked if I pay a full and honest tithing (10% of my income). I said no. He said I need to become current in my donations and get a temple recommend or they wouldn’t even consider removing the annotation.

I hate this situation more than I can even begin to express. I’ve had multiple people that I have close to over the last 20 years who think I’m a child molester, or that I could potentially be abusing my own children. My name is slandered and my character is in question. It’s shameful, and has made me really angry with them. I feel like it’s an error on their part, and the fact that they won’t even consider removing it until I give them 10% of my income seems illegal to me.

If I were to consider going after them, do I have a case? What should I do?

Thank you in advance for the help.


Title: My boss confessed she's basing my salary on the "needs" of other employees, rather than merit. Is this legal?

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Nothing illegal about that. You can attempt to resolve internally and make your case why you should get paid more or you can look for a new job.Answer #2: It's legal to choose to pay more to people who have a greater financial need.

Rather than trying to use some innocuous comment as leverage to force them to give you a raise, you should explain to them why you deserve a raise.


Title: How (as an adult) do I get a legal name change?

Question: It isn't due to marriage/divorce, do I have to go through the state I live in or born?  Any advice would be helpful.

Answer: It looks like you're in Florida from your post history. Here's the form you need, and the intro to the form has most of the information you need: http://www.flcourts.org/gen_public/family/forms_rules/982a.pdf


Title: (AUS, 15Y/O) Think my boss is legally underpaying me, and i dont know what to do.

Question:
Long story short, I think my boss is legally underpaying me. I'm 15 years or age and I live in Australia. I've used the fair pay ombudsman and worked out that my award is restaurant industry award (MA000119) level 1, as I work in a cafe and serve people, give them food, as well as set up tables, chairs and clean the place/washup. I work Thursday mornings 1 shift a week (sometimes I get more, but this is rare) for two hours before school, 6-30 to 8-30.

Currently, I earn 9 dollars an hour and get paid cash in hand. However the fair pay ombudsman states that I should be earning 11.39 atleast. Also, I've heard that paying cash in hand is illegal and that kind of worries me, so can anyone confirm/ deny that?

However even if she is legally underpaying me, what should I do? I've worked there very hard for a year now and I feel a sense of loyalty to the place, however I'm also loyal to myself and the money I earn.

Is there anyone who can help me out? Anyone with experiences like this?

Thanks so much for reading everyone!

Answer:
 Hi there!
Couple of questions to get started.

1/ do you get payslips?
2/ has your boss ever told you what your award/classification is or your payrate?

It is not illegal to pay cash in hand. The onus is on the business owner to be able to prove they have paid you so most prefer cheques or EFT but it is legal to pay cash.

3/ Do you sign for your payment?


Title: [WI] Forged something I shouldn't have.

Question:
Ok so I'm a 17 year old teenager and brother is 25 and a student at a technical college. My brother needed to take a basic online algebra course over the summer, but he didn't want to take it so he asked me to do it, because he knows I enjoy doing math. I was reluctant, but he told me he could resell his book for more money if I do the online quizzes for him and that he had too many other classes to do the quizzes within the time frame, so I did. Then he asked me to take two math tests that are on campus and here is where it all goes downhill. We go to the campus and he gives me his information to get a new ID exept with my picture so I can take the test for him. I tell him that they might have me sign something and I dont know his signature much less want to forge it, but he says that i just need to scribble something if I need to. So I ended up having to forge his signiture and then I got my picture on an ID. Now I know that this was incredibly stupid of me to do this and I feel really guilty about it. After I did this I realized how big of an effect this could have. For example, my brother could be kicked out of school and I don't know what would happen to me. I thinking about having my brother just go back to the campus to get another ID so he can override mine.
 What I would like to know is what legal consequences could my brother and I face? Also, what do you guys suggest I do about this situation?

P.S. I know this was really stupid to do and I just want to fix the damage I've done. Also I know forgery is a felony if it is for something major , but i don't know how it exactly applies to my situation.
Topic:
School Related Issues

Answer:
 1.  Delete this.

2.  Shut up.

3.  Don't do anything stupid in the future.

That's it.  If you get caught, go talk to a lawyer.  It's fairly unlikely anyone would go after you guys criminally, but the odds that your brother ends up expelled & you end up permanently banned from the schools, if you get caught, are pretty good.


Title: [MI] Unequal distribution of estate.

Question:
Perhaps this should be placed in /r/estateplanning, but that seems to be a rather dead sub, so I am starting here.

My wife's grandmother (predeceased by husband) has recently passed and my father-in-law was named executor of the estate. He was given executorship but the will, but there was nothing written about the distribution of assets. Over the last few years the family has made comments that there is a significant amount of money and made comments about limited money; in short I have no idea the value.

My FIL has an estranged adopted brother who received financial support by their mother over the last 5 years. She paid living expenses and bought him a house (in her name). This brother has not been assisting in the funeral arrangements or reared his head during the end of life care, not that it matters to the estate but it has created more bad will with in the family.

My FIL, the executor wants to deduct the living expenses and house payments (mortgage, insurance, taxes and perhaps utilities) from the brother's share of the estate. Is that possible? Legal?

My FIL would also like the brother to change his last name in order to receive his portion of the estate, I'm guessing that's not legal.

The other comment he has made is to move the brother's share of the estate into a trust and bypass the brother and leave it for the brother's kids for education, medical, etc.

What is legal and what is not as I seem to be the one providing untainted support and advice here?

Answer: In most states, his only authority is to create an inventory of the estate, satisfy creditors of the estate and distribute the property of the estate pursuant to the terms of the will.  I can't imagine that the will doesn't specify how the property gets distributed.  It's possible he has some discretion in distributing the estate but that would have to be outlined in the will.  Your FIL's brother should just get an attorney to contest the distribution of property.


Title: Watching Charlie and the Chocolate Factory--what would Willy Wonka's liability be for the various ills that befell his guests at his factory? [UK][US]

Question:
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005), the book, is set in England (Roald Dahl's homeland), however the film is in the US, hence the dual tags.

So could Mr Wonka be sued for:

Augustus Gloop falling into the river?

Violet Beauregarde taking the gum, despite his warnings and further insistence that she spit it out?

Veruca Salt trying to take a squirrel after climbing through a locked gate, then being tossed by squirrels down a garbage chute?  What about her father, who met a similar fate shortly thereafter?

Mike Teevee, who willfully violated instructions and safety to be transported by television, shrunk, and then stretched to a larger size?

Would the parents be able to sue?  Would there be damages?  At the end, all children are alive and (relatively) unharmed but certainly altered.  Would the waiver and contract that they signed in the 1971 version provide any protection to Mr Wonka?  If he incorporated as an LLC, would he still be able to be held personally liable?

Answer: I think that Mr. Wonka and the Wonka factory exercised a reasonable standard of care. All the participants were clearly informed of the dangers of the factory environment. The minors were accompanied by a (theoretically) responsible adult. All injuries and mishaps were caused by the minors and their parents blatantly disregarding safety warnings.


Title: I was arrested for my own medication, how do I proceed?

Question:
I (25M) was arrested for Possession of Regulated Substance (sorry no statute number on ticket) in Bennington, VT.

Some background on the incident:

My girlfriend and I work nights in Vermont cleaning various businesses. On this night I was admittedly intoxicated on benzodiazepine pills, but those are not my prescribed medication. Due to my erratic behavior In front of a business by the car, arguing with my girlfriend, the cops were called. I know all of this was extremely stupid on my part, I understand I was wrong to be intoxicated, I've had a long standing drug problem and am in treatment, but this is just part of the backstory to the charge.

As I said I am in substance abuse treatment and recieve Suboxone from the maintenance program and a doctor, and have been on it for over a year. When the cops searched my car they found my prescription suboxone, and my girlfriend's perscription of Suboxone. They opened my bottle and saw that 5 packages were opened but they all had the full dose of medication inside. Somehow this led to them confiscating my medication, ( all of it), and gave me a appearance ticket for the charge of possession of a regulated Substance. The cop wrote the ticket for a court date in March, and said "we can see what happens in that time from how you behave and go from there". I've been arrested before and never had a incident like this. I have remained on the maintenance program, the outpatient I am in said the cops should not have done that but aren't offering any help with their testimony other than their records of my treatment.

There were no additional issues or arrests to my girlfriend or I, they brought me to the station and had my parents come pick me up.

In March I am going to ask for a public defender initially, but that leads to my question of,

AM I GUILTY OF THIS CRIME?

Answer: Were the pills in the bottle they were dispensed in, with the proper pharmacy label?Answer #2: Nope


Title: Covid law question

Question:
We have anti mask protestors in our town who can get quite hostile. They have been known to get in people's faces and not let them pass. What rights do I have if someone without a mask goes in my face and won't let me continue walking. Can I push them away? Or any further action if they continue
Topic:
Update

Answer:
 Some mid 2020 vibes hereAnswer #2: Avoid the situation firstly. If someone is in your space and not physically touching you, you pushing them away would constitute an assault.

The best option is to avoid going near them in the first place


Title: (Washington, DC) My roommate rents her room on AirBnB, which is in violation of our lease, but the landlord allows her to do it. Does that make him in violation of the lease?

Question: If I'm tired of living with a constant stream of strangers in my apartment, can I argue to my landlord that I should be let out of the lease if he's unwilling to enforce the parts of the lease that forbid AirBnB and activities that "unreasonably interfere with the rights and convenience of other tenants of the property"?

Answer: IANAL.  I assume you're roommate is not present when the AirBnB guests come. I understand that you can kick out any guest of hers if she's not present (eg a boyfriend overstaying his welcome).  I wonder if you could trespass any guests through AirBnB or if the have more rights because they have a contract.


Title: (KY) SIL drugged her child. What to expect?

Question:
Throwaway, long time lurker, first time poster, on mobile.

My SIL is an idiot. We have no interest in defending her in any way, we just want what is best for her young children.

We found out earlier this week that she has been giving her (edit: early elementary) school aged son medicine that was not prescribed for him. She has apparently been splitting her own pills, and giving him a "small" dose of her medication. A mandated reporter in the child's support system found out about this and reported it. CPS is now involved, and the police have visited the house at least once. The child has some developmental issues, and the medication in question is a very commonly prescribed antidepressant that should not be given to children.

What can we expect to happen here? We are not able to take in our nephew and his siblings. What kind of charges might she be facing.

Edit: Just to be clear, my husband and I are entirely incapable of taking in 3 children from early elementary age to high school aged. We both work full time jobs that require us to be away from home during hours the children would be present and we live in a TINY 1 bedroom house. There is literally no room to put in even 1 more bed, much less 3 and CPS would require adequate sleeping arrangements for the children.

Answer:
 The fact that the child has developmental issues, in addition to the drugging, isn't going to go well.

You all will probably be given the option to foster the children on an emergency basis.  Is there really no one in your family or friends who would do that instead of letting the state have custody?  Because they aren't safe with your sister.  Answer #2: from the comments it seems likes the only option is to find the kids a better home and keep pushing CPS involvement. if not then the children will either stay in the same home or end up in the system


Title: [TX] I sold a car to a private party and they never transferred the title.

Question:
In November of 2014 I sold a car to a private party and I just found out they never transferred the title into to their name. I found this out because the car was towed in another county and the towing company is sending me letters for the impound fee & towing fees. I do have a bill of sale and the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles Vehicle Transfer Notification, however the towing company says that according to the State of Texas I am still the owner. To add to this I do not have any way to contact the buyer. Any advice on what I can do at this point?

Edit - Update: I spoke with the DMV and they do have a copy of the Vehicle Transfer Notification on file, and while I am listed as the last owner on the title, due to the fact that I filled out the form "the buyer shown becomes the vehicle's presumed owner and may be subject to criminal or civil liability for parking tickets, toll violations, fines or other penalties that occur after the date of sale." The rep informed me that I am not legally responsible for the car although I may receive a letter stating the towing company intends to auction the car there is nothing more for me to do. I have emailed the towing company all paperwork involved. Thanks for the help.

Answer: Same thing happened to me. No matter how many times i fill out the stupid release of liability form, I still get parking tickets in the mail for a car I sold years ago


Title: Would it be legal, if a 18 yo from Pakistan sent a dick pic for a 13 yo from Europe?

Question: (I'm 13 and it's fucking weird). Like in Pakistan you can marry at 16 (I think) and it doesn't really have an age of consent, since it's after marriage (I think, idk). Is it even legal to do?

Answer: Off-topic but if you are actually a 13 year old, please be careful about online behavior. There are bad situations you can get in and by commenting in sketchy subs (not this one)...well, be careful. Do not ever meet up in person with anyone you have talked to online, and make sure you are not giving out information that would identify you/your address/etc.


Title: Problems with neighbors claiming a road is private (Olympia, WA)

Question:
My parents just bought a house on a cliff over a private beach (also theirs). It is illegal to build beach access on your property (stairs, etc.), but it is also required to maintain drainage over the cliff. This obviously requires beach access. The only stable beach access seems to be a "private road" that was owned until recently by a man who allowed the entire road (6 houses on public road, 4 on the private part) access down his road to the beach for the past 50 years. He recently passed, and now the rest of the people on the road are getting up in arms about no one being allowed down the service road to the beach --- personally I think they are trying to usurp the whole beach as their by not allowing anyone else on it. It seems to me that beach access for the road would be "grandfathered in" at this point, or something.

Is there anything my folks can do to retain access to their portion of the beach? The only other option besides creating private access on their property, or using the road that has been used by the whole community for the past 50 year, is a "public access" that no one is sure where it is, and is probably broken down and washed away at this point.

If they can't get down to the beach to maintain the cliff drainage, how can they avoid fines and action against them by environmental agencies?
Topic:
Real Estate law

Answer:
 There likely exists an easement on the road, either written or implied due to use being permitted for a long period of time. Answer #2: Your parents need to talk to a lawyer who specializes in real estate.
Like the other poster said there is likely to be at least an implied easement on the road. But a lawyer is the step your parents need to take right now.Answer #3: As the other posters have said, am attorney is necessary here.  It's possible that the landowner with the private road has given up the right to close access, but it will have to be handled on court.


Title: Waitress gave away my lost purse

Question:
I was at a restaurant last night with my family. I was outside and placed my purse under the table. They were busy... But we were only one of two families outside. We had to leave and I forgot my purse.

I call this morning and ask the restaurant if they have seen my purse. They say they have not. I go in in person three hours later and ask again.

A lady answers me and grabs the waitress that was there last night who I remember (she kept saying how she wanted to go home and she kept sitting with the table next to us and could see my purse), they speak in Spanish for a minute and waitress from last night says.. your purse looked like your shirt, yeah? I say yes. She said.. I found it and was going to bring it inside when some lady in a car drove by and said the purse was hers so I gave it to her. I asked if she saw who it was or what they looked like and she said she didn't see them because it was too dark.

I cannot believe that. I asked her why she didn't check the identity if she knew I was sitting right there and she never saw the other lady before. She shrugged. I said I'd call the cops and she got scared and said do it. By the way, they were packed and cars were in front of where we were sitting so it's almost impossible that someone saw her bringing a purse in.

There is a camera in full view of the restaurant so I guess if it was working we will see if a car ever came by. The cops came by and told me her story sounded bad and they most likely couldn't get my stuff back because they probably already ditched it...but they would try and get to the bottom of this.

Do I have cause to have her searched or the video camera searched? They stole my car keys, house keys, wallet, cash, cards, my technology, etc. I want this person caught!

What is the likelihood she is lying? Is the restaurant liable for giving my possessions away without verifying it is theirs?? If they search the cameras and do not see a car stopping and driving by, is that cause that she stole it?

It's been a real crappy day because now I have to spend over 300$ replacing what someone stole.

Answer: Get a police report if you haven't already. You can complain to the manager at the restaurant. Past that, you've done all that you can do. The police can investigate or choose not to go further. Answer #2: You cannot compel any kind of search.  Only the police can.


Title: [FL] Employer claims I signed write up

Question:
Okay, so this is going to be a little bit all over the place, but I’ll try my best to be as organized as possible.

I went in for an interview for this small valet company back in the beginning of June, seemed legit at first, but when I started looking at company reviews online I noticed that most of the reviews were written by current employees and managers passing themselves off as clients.

Nothing about pay rate was discussed during the interview or even afterward, even though the manager said “we’ll talk about pay rate next week” which never happened. The manager just assumed I would be okay with the pay rate they came up with without talking to me about it first, I never signed off on any document stating pay rate.

Anyway, fast forward to about a month into this job to my supposed first payday. Never happened. When I interviewed I was asked to sign was a direct deposit form which was apparently “kicked back”, so the manager kept calling me asking me if this has ever happened before and other things which seemed unprofessional, but whatever, they told me to come in on X day to pick up a physical check. So I went in on said date and before I was given a physical check I was handed another direct deposit form, which I filled out, and a “final write up” on the grounds that I was “caught drinking on the job and stealing revenue”, to which I looked at it, laughed at and didn’t sign.

So I handed both forms to the manager who was on the phone and she didn’t even bother looking at and handed me my physical check, which was missing pay but I didn’t care because I was going to quit the next day after this.

Fast forward a week and I write an honest online review, no bias or emotion in it to which the employer responded to claiming “This is a review coming from an employee that was caught drinking on a property and stealing revenue. He apparently is upset so he decides to leave a false review. I will attach a photo of his final write up for everyone to see he clearly Is doing this out of anger and retaliation” and then I get a call a few days after that (yesterday) from an employee on the company’s behalf asking when I was going to return my uniform to which I responded with “when I get the rest of the money I’m owed” and I hung up.

Something told me to go check the review I wrote and now their response was edited to say “Confused as to why you would write a negative review on us when you were caught drinking on a property and stealing revenue. It’s clear you are upset but shouldn’t leave a false review. You signed a write up acknowledging that you did drink on the job and steal revenue. Also as far as pay you provided a pre-paid card for a form of direct deposit and the payroll company requested you submit proper account info which you refused to do so.”

I walked right out when I was handed that ridiculous final write up because there was no basis or proof for those rude and absurd accusations, so I NEVER signed it. On top of that, I was never presented any write ups before the final write up.

What can I do?
Topic:
Contracts

Answer: To start..did you provide proper account information that was NOT on a pre-pay debit card?  Some payroll companies will NOT accept that as a means to deposit money.  right or wrong, it is reality.  To continue..when you started employment the topic of pay was NEVER discussed?..and more importantly you NEVER asked?...why would you work somewhere where you have no idea of the pay scale?...this detail sounds odd.  To conclude...the write up you never signed?...they did not terminate your employment over it, and how could they come to those conclusions?..where there is smoke there is often fire..this story REEKS of missing details..honestly..you sound like a typical disgruntled employee who threw a tantrum when they quit


Title: My landlord is selling the building and the realtor wants to take pictures of the inside for the listing. What if I say no?

Question:
I’m a private person and I’m not ok with having pictures of the inside of my home on the internet.   There are 3 other apartments and they all told the manager that it was fine.
I’m month to month so I guess he can just give me 30 days to leave if I’m seen as uncooperative?  Say no and hope for the best?  I don’t know what to do.  Has anyone ever had this problem?

Answer:
 He can give you 24 hour notice and simply come in. He does not need your permission to enter his property or send someone working for him to enter.

If you refuse entry he could contact the local PD and have them accompany him and the realtor upon entry.


Title: Company I work for has stolen their competitor's source code [UK]

Question:
The company I work for just brought in a new senior partner. The partner has brought in source code and libraries from their previous employer.

These new libraries are being touted as new features in our current product and are being sold to customers.

I've voiced my dissent with one of the other partners and several employees but everyone seems fine with turning a blind eye.

I'm in a quandary and unsure what the hell to do. I've lodged my dissent in writing and given in my notice to get the hell outta there.

I feel like good people (employees) being assigned to work on the stolen libraries will get burned if I report this behaviour. On the other hand if I don't report things I wonder whether I become liable.

Any suggestions?

Answer:
 How sure are you that the code is actually "stolen" -- i.e. that it hasn't been licensed from the other company?Answer #2: Always take the high road.Answer #3: Also, you can always check over in /r/LegalAdviceUK.Answer #4: If you don't speak up now, you will be held accountable later. Silence is just as bad as going along with it. From the view point of the courts, you staying silent is a sign of compliancy.

Consider also the impact this will have on the people who worked hard for this code, that has now been leaked and is benefitting others who didn't work for it.

I don't know the laws in the UK, but I imagine you guys have whistleblower protection. Talk to the rival companies HR and go from there.Answer #5: The question is: Are those libraries and source code actually IP of the former company, or are they developed under some sort of GNU-type licensing? If they're based on any open-source software, even the modifications made by his previous employer belong to the public domain.


Title: I bought a condo that included a parking spot, my HOA now wants to charge me for parking... do I have a say?

Question:
Hello guys,

Dunno if this is the right place to post or not. I bought a condo with a parking spot about a year ago. Free parking was one of the largest reasons why I bought it.

But now over the past 2 months, I see that they have charged me $50 per month for parking.

I feel like it is in their power to charge me but at the same time, I wasn't told anything nor did I agree to continue using the spot. If they are going to charge me then I will just find street parking. ..

What say do I have here, if any?

(edit: I live in minneapolis, minnesota)

Answer: Do you own the parking spot or just have the right to use it?


Title: Can a driver be held at fault for an accident if he/she didn't hit another vehicle?

Question:
(Maryland) Let's say car B is following car A. Car C turns illegally out of a parking lot right in front of A. Driver A slams on the brakes to avoid hitting C and is rear-ended by B, who we'll assume wasn't tailgating. Driver C has an undamaged car but caused the accident.

Could Car C be charged?

Answer: Car C could be charged for an illegal turn if there was a cop there who saw it. They wouldn't be responsible for the damage of car A or B though. Car B would be responsible for the damage. If he hit car A then he was following too closely.


Title: Landlord on Federal Land turned off AC unit without my consent

Question: I live in California and I live on government subsidized housing federal land. When we moved in my fiance started getting migraines from the AC units at the apartments. After some experimenting and visits to the doctor we determined the migranes were caused by the ac units and put in a reasonable request to be moved to a different building because the company that owns our property owns dozens of other properties as well. They denied us saying that they had hired a private contractor to test the noise levels and said that they were in tolerable limits. We have a doctor's note saying that even though those are intolerable limits they still cause her migraines. We're about six days from being homeless on my end and she's been homeless since we moved in because she can't be on the property. Is there anything I can do about the situation? Would I be able to Sue or request financial aid given the circumstances?

Answer: You said they turned off the AC unit in the title. Was that a typo?


Title: Landlord turned off water, but still expects rent. I didn't pay, now she's trying to charge me late fees.

Question:
Landlord in Columbia, South Carolina has turned off water since June 7, because water bill (which she pays) was too high because the water main broke (not due to me). She received some bids on fixing it, and decided it was too expensive to fix. She gave me a key to another empty apartment of hers (June 10), so I could bathe and not die and so on. She did not turn electricity on in that other apartment until June 20. July 5 I told her I was not willing pay full rent on the water-less apartment, and she responded that she expected me to pay in full. I paid nothing, since, well, no water and she wasn't trying to fix it, right? Now she says I owe full rent plus $200 in late fees.

I've been really stressed out about this since early June, and my neighbors have all said not to pay. I know the law says I can move out if there's no water, but I had nowhere to go. My lease is up at end of July and I've already signed with a new landlord for Aug 1. However, I'm a little concerned about getting deposit and also whether she has the right to force me to pay or other things. What do I do? Should I have paid? How bad is my situation? Please help!

I'm writing an email to her today, so guidance ASAP will be very appreciated.

Answer:
 You did not handle this properly whatsoever. You are breaking your end of the lease agreement by not paying in full. SC has strict policies for how you must go about legally withholding rent. You needed to provide written notice 14 days prior to when your rent was due and provided a reasonable amount of time to remedy the issue.

http://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t27c040.php


Title: How long does a 15 year old girl stay on house arrest for domestic violence (misdemeanor, I live in California)?

Answer: As long as the court ordered them to


Title: Stolen dog

Question:
I am in process of getting a divorce in Virginia and I was wondering what legal right my wife has to a dog that she hasn't helped with for most of the marriage.

Edit: been married for almost a year and a half. Live in virginia wife was unemployed for the first year of our marriage. Anything else you need to know and I'll edit again.

Answer: A dog is property.  If the dog belongs to both of you, buy out her portion of the dog.  If she accepts the buyout, it becomes your dog.  If she doesn't, list it as an asset during the divorce and fight for it.


Title: [GA] Dad passed away, no will, no property, debt, and a tenant

Question:
My dad passed away a few days before Christmas. He thought things like wills, funeral discussions, etc. were morbid, and refused to do any of that. Pro tip - don't do that to your kids!

He died with his bank account overdrawn and credit card over the limit. As he was housebound for the last few months of his life, I suspect his housekeeper was using his cards - with his permission or not I don't know. Both cards have been frozen.

Anyway, I am on his checking account, so I am fine with getting the checking account up to date and then closing it. However, I don't believe I am responsible for the credit card. Or am I? The accounts were linked for payment purposes. And they are both with Wells Fargo, who I don't trust in the slightest.

My time at LA tells me that the bank can pursue his estate for this debt. How would they go about it?

He was living on property that is deeded to myself and my siblings, so he didn't own it. His personal belongings include a few non-working vehicles and some tools. I've received an offer already on some of it, but I want to stay above-board regarding this debt.

To top it all off, several months ago he allowed an acquaintance to move into a shack on the property - no lease or anything like that. My time here on LA tells me that he's a month to month tenant regardless, so we'll have to ask him to leave in writing, and evict him if he doesn't. Their town uses PO boxes, and I have no idea how to go about getting a certified letter to him through the mail. I don't even know if he has a PO box. Would posting a letter on the door work?

I am guessing I need an attorney for this - what kind?

&#x200B;

Help me Legal Advice, you're my only hope!

Answer:
 First off, I am sorry for your loss. I lost my own FiL just a few months ago.

Find a local probate lawyer. They may be offer an initial consultation for little to no fee.

Gather everything you can...credit card statements, bank statements, etc...to paint a complete picture of what you are looking at.

Who owns the propperty your father was living on?

>Anyway, I am on his checking account, so I am fine with getting the checking account up to date and then closing it.

You shouldn't be responsible for his debt. But don't close his checking account until the probate lawyer confirms that it is alright to do so.


Title: My cousin with Prader-Willi Syndrome was taken and someone else wants to claim guardianship over him

Question:
My cousin Hector is 33 years old with a mind of an 8 year old. He was lured away from his mother on 12/18/18 by a total stranger that wants to claim legal guardianship of him. We filed a missing person police report and they found Hector with Colleen. The police say they cannot force Hector back  to his family because he is an adult. Colleen has not let us have any contact with Hector and she is now filling legal paper work to be his legal guardian in order to receive his benefits. We have found out that Colleen is an executive director of [a social service organization that helps communities in Los Angels](https://www.sbccthrivela.org/) . We are scared for Hector and his future without his family.

How can we fight this legal battle when authorities do not consider this kidnapping? We have contacted the Los Angeles Adult protective services and filed a report. What more resources can we use to help us?

This all feels surreal and I cannot believe we are going through this. Any advice will greatly be appreciated!

&#x200B;

I can post a screen shot of the FB post that we have shared or anything else for proof.

&#x200B;

Thank you!

Answer:
 > The police say they cannot force Hector back to his family because he is an adult.

His current legal guardian can go to court for an appropriate order that the police assist in returning Hector to their care. Such an order is not a polite request, and will be taken much more seriously.

If he has no current legal guardian, then whoever has been acting as his guardian needs to get ahead of this and file formally, preferably with the help of an attorney. The longer they let this persist, the more likely the courts are to establish the status quo as the formal arrangement unless there's specific evidence of a reason not to.


Title: Small claim court got grant from judgement but debtor declare bankruptcy

Question:
Hi. I'm wondering if anyone can chime in on my situation. I'm a landlord in Canada and I had a horrible tenant. She owes about 6k in damages and fees. After a long 2 years going through the small claim court process and getting a verdict she filed bankruptcy. On the notice of Stay document there are around 10 other institution from cell phone, car, loan, etc company wanting to secure money.

Anything I can do at this point or just give in to this dead end?

Answer: Bankruptcy does not automatically wipe out debts - it depends on the type of filing, the size of the debts, and the financial prospects of the filer. Stay in touch with the courts and you may be able to keep the debt active.


Title: Need custody advice

Question:
So my girlfriend has recently turned 19 and her parents have had 50/50 custody of her for the past 8+ years. Her father remarried and recently the stepmother crossed the line, causing me and my gf to question whether she would continue going to that house every other week. She is very sad and depressed, some might even say she’s oppressed by her stepmother and I want her out of that house. If anyone can give us advice I would greatly appreciate it.
Topic:
Custody Divorce and Family

Answer: I'm not a lawyer but, uh, pretty sure she's an adult.


Title: Have you ever seen a person in so much pain that it hurts you to see? That is me, I implore you to please help us.

Question:
[removed]
Topic:
Removed

Answer:
 You need to stop drinking and taking drugs. You have tested positive multiple times (per the above). You need to get a handle on your psychiatric issues and seek treatment. You are in no condition to take care of small children.

When you get a handle on these issues, retain a family law attorney (there are many legal aid societies in Colo that you can seek that may be able to help you).


Title: [PA] Update! $200 Citizens Bank new account offer.

Question:
This is a brief follow up especially because I want to call attention to how effective the CFPB was in resolving my issue.  Original post [here.](https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/comments/4hirul/pa_citizens_bank_now_refuses_to_honor_offer_they/)

After reading through the suggestions and comments in my original post I decided to file a complaint with the CFPB.  I went to their website and provided some basic information, a brief factual account of what happened, and a PDF of my proof that the offer was made to me.  A few days later I got a phone call from a man who was working out of Citizens Bank headquarters.  He and I spoke briefly, he stated he was not the decision maker but that he got my complaint and he would be working with whoever the decision maker was.  Several weeks after that he called me back and said the Regional Manager in my area had approved giving me the money, and my account was promptly credited.

Many thanks for the suggestions - I ultimately got what I wanted and with significantly less aggravation than I was expecting.

Answer:
 Thanks for the update.

I don't remember if I posted in your original thread, but I personally had the same exact problem about a year ago.  Same offer for $200 and Citizens wouldn't honor it.  I had it in writing from a Citizens banker that I met all requirements, but the bank wouldn't pay up.

I filed in small claims.  The bank promptly called me, credited my account, and backdated the credit.  Probably to make it look like less time went by.   What a scummy bank.

In any case, I'm happy to hear it worked out for you.Answer #2: Good, now go there, close your account and take your business elsewhere. Tell them you don't want to do business with a bank that can't or won't keep up their end of their business relationship without having to get a federal agency involved.


Title: 2nd floor tenant flooded our apartment while moving in. Landlord has not accommodated us while claims are processed or repairs are completed [TX]

Question:
This occurred Friday the 21st. We filed a claim and went went along with their instructions and stayed at a friends place. Carpet cleaners came by to vacuum up the water, complex manager filed a report, and I filed a claim. My main concern is mold. The flooding went through the ceiling, and even poured out the base boards down the walls. I am worried that unless the dry wall and insulation gets replaced mold will grow. My wife is pregnant and her doctor told her to stay away from that humid apartment. Problem is the manager insists on us staying there while they place a dehumidifier. But it is impossible, as soon as she went in the apartment she threw up. We have been staying at friend's houses, and currently at my dad's but we can't keep couch hopping. Not when we paid rent and when it was not our fault. I'm not one that likes to hop on the "get a lawyer" band wagon at the first inconvenience but we have been more than patient. We are tired, and this whole situation has made stressed her out which isn't good for the baby. She can't stay there because she pukes everything, plus mold is fairly damaging to a forming fetus. I just don't know the best way to deal with this amd get fair accommodations. Here are the images and a video http://imgur.com/gallery/dUcjbeG

Thank you for reading.

Answer:
 Question: do you have renters insurance? If so, get them involved immediately.

Also, you have an expectation to be provided a habitable and safe dwelling in exchange for your rent, the law is on your side here.

Most apartments in Texas use the Texas Apartment Association lease agreement. Check yours, there is a procedure for reporting maintenance issues that has a clause that lets you out of the lease if they do not make  a good faith effort to repair the problem.

Also, you can contact the TAA, let them know what's going on. They have a lot of pull.

Last thing is to contact the city you're in and tell them about your problem, if mold is present, your apartment is not habitable. Remember to be nice and get them on your side. Your landlord may already know some of these guys.

I would stress to your landlord, the TAA, or anyone else you appeal to for help your concern for your wife's and baby's health and safety. Try and help them see what your going through, and you may be surprised at how helpful they can be.

Good luck!


Title: UPDATE: Snow-removal Easement Nonsense. Now with the text of the easement pulled from the deed. Philadelphia, PA

Question:
[original post](https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/comments/42v3yc/easements_property_lines_and_snow_removal_or/)

[original ms paint](https://i.imgur.com/Atxuk7k.png)

First off, Philadelphia 311 was no help.   They didn't know the ownership status of the alley so they declared it a "private issue."  I suggested to them maybe licensing & inspections might see a code issue here since it involves marked fire lanes, but they wouldn't forward it.  They closed the case. They did transfer me a community organization that "helps resolve these kinds of things" but the org never called me back.

Per suggestions in the first post, I started trying to get the actual easement text.  I hit up my block email list and asked my neighbors, many of them who have been on the block for decades, if anyone had property line surveys, actual deeds, the easement or any other info easily available.

That apparently opened a vein.  It's been a... busy week... on the block email list.  I knew some neighbors were annoyed by the apartment's snow nonsense and in general, but wow.  Since then there's been all kinds of stuff on the list and delivered to me personally by various neighbors, along with all kinds of suggestions, some practical (contact our local city councilperson), some less practical (contact state/national reps), and some way over the top that I'm sure legaladvice would recommend against that I won't go into.

The apartment complex never followed through on their promise to clean it up, but at this point a week and a half of natural melting has rendered the issue moot.  The concern now is seeing that it doesn't happen again.

2 things on that front:

I'm relatively new to the block, but several neighbors have been here and politically active for decades.  Apparently at the same time I was writing an email to our city councilperson, some neighbors were already on the phone with people they know in the office.

I don't know exactly what is going to happen there, but the apartment is run by a reasonably sized management company.  They want to make money.  They don't want the attention of the city government.  My hope would be maybe getting a note that basically reads "WTF DON'T DO THAT" from the councilperson gets the attention of management over there and it just doesn't happen again.

Second, If it does happen again, the question is how to escalate it.  I assume that involves a lawyer, so I've been collecting info on the property/easement in case I have to contact one.

One of my older neighbors happened to have her original deed(which is older than my parents) and a second deed from some ownership changes a few decades later, both containing the property measurements and text of the easement.

[redacted relevant portion](http://i.imgur.com/9bE2Wa1.jpg)

The language is arcane legalspeak and IANAL but the way I read it it basically says "Every party gets to use the alley, including both exits to the street at all times till the end of time."  I'd think this infers "No party can do something that inhibits the use of the other parties."  Maybe there is a lawyer here who is not my lawyer and not offering legal advice who can offer a non-professional opinion of if I'm reading that right.

If it does happen again, any suggestions on how to document it and set things up so its easy for a lawyer to do what they do?  I can call the police if only to have a police report, but as far as fixing it I'm betting they will declare it a civil matter.  I can take a ton of pictures, and hopefully will have the security cam in place by then.  I can pull certified copies of my own deed.  What else?

TLDR:  Neighboring apartment complex sucks.  Snow melts.  Neighbors still angry.  Easement seems to be in our favor.

edit: redacted more info in the image

Answer:
 As with many other maintenance related issues involving tenancy, the best solution may be to hire someone to solve it for you (e.g., a snow removal company) and to sue the other party in (small claims?) court, depending on the amount due.

The other party is denying you full access to your property, which is cause for damages in terms of inability to use your own vehicle; damages being the cost of renting a car, or the snow removal service.

While it may be tempting to return karma unto them by blocking *their* parking spots, don't do it. You open yourself to the same lawsuit or small claims threats. Be the bigger person and just make it clear for all, then sue.Answer #2: Question for the Lawyers.

>The language is arcane legalspeak and IANAL but the way I read it it basically says "Every party gets to use the alley, including both exits to the street at all times till the end of time." I'd think this infers "No party can do something that inhibits the use of the other parties."

Is there a chance that the apartment complex never had a right to use the alley in the first place? If they did not have a right to the alley do they now get to use it because so much time has elapsed?


Title: Am I allowed access to fire escape/egress when there is not an emergency. (MD)

Question:
Outside my bedroom window is the roof of another apartment, slightly "patio like". It is my fire escape however the tenant next to me has said he pays extra to rent this space and that I am not allowed to be on it unless it is an emergency. Is this true or do I have rightful access to the fire escape in a non-emergency, ie I only want access to the area directly conferred by the egress.

Baltimore City, MD
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer: Do you have an agreement with the owner that you can access that property? No? Then no.


Title: [NY/NH] I have gotten many collection calls regarding a paypal account with a -$1400 balance after a scammer charged back after i stopped using the account, so i had no idea I fully intend on paying my debts, but to whom should I pay? Can this affect my credit?

Question:
FYI, i live and go to college in nyc but originally am from nh and my license is from that, so i guess my 'legal address' is in nh.

To start off, there is nothing sketchy about any of this.  I fully intend on paying the debt as i took the risk when using a known risky payment method.  The bitcoins come from a legitimate source and all that so don't focus on that aspect of it--its just backstory.

So it was over a month since my account went negative and the first call, after which i logged in for the firts time and saw what had happened.

My main issue is the following:

1. Since the debt was sold off to a collections agency, does that mean i have to pay them or paypal?

I've read online horror stories of people paying back through paypal but still having these collections people coming after them.

I know that strays a little closer to paypals ToS rather than legaladvice but i was also wondering if this could have an effect on my credit?  I currently have 0 credit history (and do not show up in the lexisnexis type databases) and the only thing i gave paypal was my first nickname (as in, pat vs patrick), last name, and the address of my college dorm & the last 4 of my ssn.

I hope this stays within the guidelines and if not, i would love recommendations for other places to post this.

I'm just a 21 year old college kid worried about fucking over my credit over something stupid like this.

Answer:
 You'd pay the debt collector. But first, I'd make sure you're paying the right debt collector. Send them a dispute / validate letter. Keep it short: "Dear (debt collector), I am disputing the below-referenced alleged debt. Please validate and provide proof of assignment. Sincerely, (your name)". Include the account number referenced in whatever letters you've received from the debt collector.

Once they come back with proof of assignment, then you can begin payment.