Title: Unethical Accountant

Question:
My wife and I contacted an accounting firm regarding our upcoming separation. We asked them to run our numbers given the expected alimony and support payments and to provide us with the best course of action to minimize our combined tax burden without increasing the burden on either of us. We provided them with all the necessary information.

They ran our numbers and came up with the best solution for the both of us, but then proceeded to advise my wife independently not to follow the solution that they came up with. They then proceeded to give her additional advice that would lower her tax burden to my detriment.

Besides being completely unethical, to take on a couple as a client with one goal, take all of their information in good faith, and then to independently advise one of the parties involved against the other party, do i have any legal recourse?

Answer:
 In NY: https://www.nysscpa.org/professional-resources/ethics#sthash.dEepNtK6.dpbs

Start by contacting them and see what they say.Answer #2: Your location is not optional if you want a meaningful answer.


Title: Hospital did not let my grandma eat or drink for 16 hours.

Question:
My grandma was placed in the hospital on Saturday. She had to get a lung biopsy done, which we were told that she will have it done on Tuesday due to labor day. They admitted her out of fear that she may have something seriously wrong, and did not want her sent home.

The biopsy required that she was not permitted to eat or drink anything past 8 PM Monday night. Which is something I completely understand.

Tuesday morning rolled around. I went to visit her around 1:00 PM. I figured by that time the biopsy would of been done, and wanted to see how she was  feeling. I walked in her room, and she was lying in the bed, and looking pretty alert. I asked if she had the procedure done. She scoffed and told me no, and that she was hungry and thirsty. I asked if she had spoke with the doctor, and she said that he was in her room around 12:30, and said that he would rush radiology so she could eat, and drink.

I figured that I might as well wait til they picked her up for the biopsy, and come back when it got done to see how she was doing. We waited, and waited. 2 PM rolls around. She is complaining about hunger, and thirst. I called the nurse asking when she will get the biopsy done. Nurse said she had called radiology, but no one got back to her. 3 PM happens my grandma told me if they don't get her in soon she was gonna have some water, since she was so thirsty. 4 PM rolls around and I'm livid. I'm asking the nurse what is going on.  She says she'll make a call and come back. She came back, and said that somehow she got missed, and informed us that the biopsy will be preformed tomorrow. By that point my grandma was in tears. She could not believe that the hospital  would not be giving her the biopsy.

I spoke with my father, and told him what happened.  The assistant director of the hospital told my father that her doctors spoke between themselves, and agreed on the procedure, but neither of them submitted the paperwork. The nurses were under the impression that she was going to get the biopsy, so refused her food/fluids for 16 plus hours. I don't know any laws for the medical field, and was wondering if anything can be done about this. If not thank you for letting me vent.

Answer:
 Not a lawyer - but this isn't an uncommon occurrence. Even if no mistakes were made, sometimes procedures get rescheduled for various reasons including staff availability, emergency cases, etc. Obviously, it would have been better if the doctors were on the ball with making sure that no food/drink for that time was necessary and the procedure was happening. That said, there probably wasn't any harm actually done here, except for the annoyance of not being able to eat or drink for a few hours. I wouldn't get too worked up about it.Answer #2: Medical malpractice is very fact specific, etc etc, beyond the scope of this sub.

That being said, 16 hours NPO (no food or drink) is not a long time medically speaking. Unless the patient is a diabetic, there is absolutely no reason that a patient can’t go that amount of time. Yes, it’s uncomfortable, and it’s frustrating that it happened because of a clerical mistake.

But patients undergoing any type of anesthesia absolutely, 100% need to have an empty stomach to prevent aspiration and this is standard medical care and accepted patient safety practice.

You can, and absolutely should, complain to the patient care advocate or hospital ombudsman about the communication error. The nurses, though, were under the impression that the biopsy was upcoming and therefore acted 100% appropriately, patient care and safety-wise.


Title: [MI] UPDATE - signed a lease for October, was just informed that unit is no longer available?

Question:
[Original post.](https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/comments/3m7tfh/mi_signed_a_lease_for_october_was_just_informed/)

Went in to talk to them and they can't do anything for me. No similar unit because they're all "upgraded" and the owner refuses to come down on price. The best they could do was a smaller, crappier unit that was more expensive. I ended up finding and signing with a different place today and both calling and emailing this other place to let them know that I want to cancel the lease that begins on October 17th. I'm sure they're going to try to keep screwing me, as my account with them says I still owe $25 (the application fee, which was paid on 8/15 with my credit card). I sent them a screen shot of my statement with that line on it in my follow up email and requested that they send me written confirmation that the lease is now cancelled.

Is there anything else I can do to make sure that I get everything taken care of? I plan on stopping in there later this week if they don't respond.

Answer: Dispute the charge with your credit card company, merchandise not received.


Title: I am being subpoenaed as a witness in 3 year old hit-and-run case. I'm absent minded. Heck I struggle to recall 1 week old things, so there is no chance I can remember any of those things happened 3 years ago. Can I politely tell judge I don't remember anything? Or will he take this as contempt ?

Question: [Memphis, TN]

Answer: Just answer the questions the lawyers ask you honestly and you will have nothing to worry about.


Title: Are cops allowed to convictions on private property??

Question: So first off, this post needs a little bit of context to recognize the situation. My buddy’s dad owns a bunch of property, farm field, barns, woods, house (parent divorced), and we go there and hang out once in a while. The corn field is right next to a water treatment plant. All the property is his except the water treatment plant, and the concrete path that leads to it. He grew up there, but resides w his mom according to his ID. Anyways, it was my friends, another buddy, and me in this pathway that runs close to the corn field(not the water treatment property, a different path). We were drinkin (all age 20) and just hanging out in the bed of my one friends truck. Then the cops rolled up. Apparently they saw us from the road and immediately cuffed all of us. They ended up finding the bottle, and a bag of weed, probably 0.8 g, and there were also 2 10 mg adderall in the bag. I claimed possession of the weed and aderall( they never asked about the bottle) and me and my one friend that grew up there blew over the limit(my other friend was sober, DD). After a while, they released us to my sober friend and we never got cited or arrested. However, they said something would be coming in the mail and my one friend already got a letter(not sure what it says yet I’m at work and he’s out of town). I have nothing on my record yet and we were on private property. Is this something that won’t hold up in court or am I screwed?

Answer:
 being on private property isn't a defense if the cops saw you from the road breaking the lawAnswer #2: Yes, you are still subject to state and federal law when on private property.Answer #3: > we were on private property

Homes are on private property. Police bust parties in homes all the times with people under 21 drinking, doing drugs, whatnot.

What you're facing depends on your state, but you're going to need a criminal defense attorney.Answer #4: almost every crime is committed on private property


Title: Need advice now. He assaulted my vehicle.

Answer: At this point, you should not be communicating with this person at all.Answer #2: Why would you poke an angry bear?


Title: Is it legal to get around property taxes when buying a home by convincing the seller to officially price it for next to nothing, and giving them cash on the side off the books?

Question:
I'm in California. We paid 195k for our condo and property taxes are around 2k a year. We want to eventually upgrade to a proper home in the 400-500k range, but I'll be damned if that means our property taxes are going to double or more just because we want to move.

Short of dedicated a closet to the flying spaghetti monster and registering our next home as a place of worship, is it legal to get around the property tax issue by way of my inquiry in the title?

I know it's shady as shit but as far as I'm concerned property taxes are absolute bullshit. I'm not keen on paying taxes on everyday purchases, let alone annually for something we already own that's paid in full.

Answer:
 > is it legal to get around the property tax issue by way of my inquiry in the title?

No.

Tax appraisers aren't stupid and courts generally don't like shenanigans. Answer #2: No, that is called tax fraud. Answer #3: Your property taxes go to pay for schools, local police and fire departments, paving streets, city streetlights, bus stops, and many other things that society relies on. Even if you don't use any of them you enjoy living in a (relatively) civilized society. You would not have as nice a life if those things didn't exist. If you think the taxes are too high then get involved with local government and attempt to influence what goes on there. Answer #4: Tax assessments are not just based on selling price. If you buy wat under the going rate in the area, it will get thrown out as not an arms length sale, and won't affect the assessment. Answer #5: Nope, not gonna work. Tax assessors aren’t morons, they aren’t going to let a massive drop in value of a property go without investigating.Answer #6: Does your subdivision have roads? sewers? schools? any of the other nice amenities that might make somebody want to buy a house there? Then you didn't pay "for nothing."

The property tax will be set based on the sale price, BUT the county appraiser will audit the file to ensure that the sale was a legitimate arms-length transaction. A property's market value plunging from $400K to "next to nothing" will not pass scrutiny, and if the sale is determined not to meet the test, the property taxes will be based on the appraiser's assessment of the fair market value anyway, based on sales of other similar properties in the area.


Title: Colorado: All homes in new development have A/C units which are too small.

Question:
Colorado, nearish to Denver.

1. A friend bought a new home in a new development.
2. The A/C unit installed in the house is objectively too small to cool the house effectively. This is based on a conversation with a company employed technician who has had to repair the unit.
3. All houses in the development were apparently given these A/C units which are too small.

My friend is bugging the company to try to get a better unit, but as can be expected they're not being very helpful.

Before my friend speaks with an attorney, and assuming the company doesn't come through, I wanted to test the waters here to see if you all think they have any chance at a successful lawsuit.

Basically, their argument is that they were sold a house with an A/C unit that they expected to cool the house effectively, and it doesn't do that. I guess the home builder could claim the buyer knew the capacity of the unit and bought it anyway, but I'm not sure whether the average layperson would be able or expected to know about this and/or research it.

Based on casual research, the upgraded A/C unit looks to be about $2,000-4,000, so it's not huge money. I mention that everyone got one of these in case you all think collective action (not necessarily legal) might be a good way to go too.

Thanks in advance!

Answer: If I were contemplating a home purchase, the efficiency of the AC would be one thing I would look at.  That's not really hard to figure out, even for the 'average' layperson.


Title: Friend wants to get out of her workplace where she received a green card by sponsor.

Question:
Hello, fellow redditors.  I am here to ask a question for a friend of mine who wishes to leave her workplace where she received a green card from by sponsorship.  She and I are located in California ; more specifically the Bay area.

My friend has been working at a Korean restaurant for a year now, and she was able to receive a green card through the sponsorship of the restaurant's owner a month ago on March.  However, during that year's time, she's told me of the various reasons why she wanted to quit once she received the green card.

1) She has had her own dream of owning a restaurant; whether it be of her original or just taking over an existing facility.  She has recently got in touch with someone whom she knew where she might be able to take over as the new owner.

2) The employer who was the sponsor for my friend was using that fact as a leverage for mistreating not only my friend but her coworkers as well.  Some of these mistreatment include not giving my friend the proper overtime pay, (She gave the excuse of Korean restaurants not being allowed to pay their employees overtime, which I believe is complete bull.) taking 30% of the tips she and other employees earned for herself, and even hiring illegal immigrants and students with visas who are not allowed to work.

I have heard that one shouldn't leave their workplace where they received their sponsorship until it's been 6 months to avoid the USCIS's suspicion.  But if such instances occur where we can prove that employer has broken some laws during the sponsorship, would that justify my friend's reason in leaving the workplace and not be penalized when later on she wishes to obtain citizenship?

Feel free to ask supplementary questions if they will help answer my primary question.  There are certain things that I do not know, and my friend adamantly does not wish to use reddit; but she is willing to tell me more if it'll help.  Thank you very much.

Answer:
 This is far too complex of a question for us to be helpful, especially when getting information. Through a third party. She really should seek out an immigration attorney to help advise her of her options. If you have specific questions, we might be able to point you in the right direction, but a general "What can/should she do?" is just unanswerable. Answer #2: Due to the complexity of US immigration laws, it would be best for your friend to consult with an immigration attorney on the exact nature and requirements for her current status. Even if there isn't a direct effect on her current green card validity, leaving a job immediately after obtaining a green card could raise questions if she should ever want to naturalize in the future.

As for the situation at her current employer, there is certainly no such exception to the FLSA overtime laws for "Korean restaurants", nor is it legal for the employer to keep any of their employees' tips. Your friend can report this wage theft to the [California Labor Commissioner's office](http://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/HowToFileWageClaim.htm). If her employer illegally fires her in retaliation for submitting a wage complaint, that can be reported as well, and her employer will be in a world of hurt. Even in the worst case, being fired after submitting a valid wage complaint might look better than leaving her green card sponsor job on her own volition immediately after receiving it; again, an immigration attorney would be the best source of advice here.

She could also report her employer's hiring of undocumented or ineligible workers to ICE, but she should bear in mind that doing so may have serious consequences for the workers in question as well as for her employer.


Title: My paycheck is late and I am relying on it immensely for bills which I now will be late on because of this.

Question:
I recently started a job with a company called SAS Retail Associates.
I started working the week of everyones pay date. My payroll was meant to be on this pay period. This will be my first paycheck, and my third week being employed in a company that had promised bi-weekly pay.
I was told my paycheck was meant to arrive June 14th, Friday but also warned that many times the first paycheck to an employee will arrive the Saturday instead of Friday. Well, it is Saturday night and the paycheck has not arrived, which means I wont be able to recieve it until Monday IF it even arrives. My phone has turned off, I owe rent that I promised would be paid by Saturday at the latest because thats what I was promised.

What can I do?
I need this money...

I live in Palm Desert, CA

Answer:
 It's unfortunate that so many first checks are late.

> California employees have the right to be paid at least twice a month. Compensation earned between the 1st and the 15th of the month must be paid no later than the 26th day of the same month. Compensation earned from the 16th of the month through the end of the month must be paid no later than the 10th day of the following month. If bi-weekly, the paycheck must arrive on the scheduled payday, which can be no more than 10 days after the final day of the pay period.

So when was the first pay period you worked? What dates?

Your company is big and may use an outside vendor like ADP (the biggest) to run payroll. Regardless, there are penalties for being late, if they are late:

> If your employer does not have a valid reason for withholding your pay, the company may be liable for a penalty of $100 for the first violation and an additional $200 penalty for each subsequent violation under Labor Code section 210. The employer may also be ordered to pay an additional 25% of the amount that has been withheld from you based on the circumstances.

You'd have to file a complaint with the state labor board, and that's going to take weeks, probably months, to resolve.


Title: I (15F) got my shoes stolen, should I get compensation from school?

Question:
There’s this shoestand meant for putting your shoes on when you enter the school. We also have lockers, but I’ve alwaya felt like it’s much easier putting your shoes there. The principal and teacher’s encouraged you to put your shoes there too. For people wondering why we can’t have school indoors it’s because we have wooden floors. Today my shoes got stolen, but the vice principal told me that it was my own fault for putting it there and I wouldn’t be able to get my money back. But I don’t understand how it’s my fault for putting my shoes on a shoestand meant for putting your shoes on. He completely ignored the fact that my shoes got stolen and went back to his office. My teacher ended up giving me her spare shoes so I could go home. The thing is I bought my shoes 1 week ago for 80 dollars,  normally I don’t spend that much money on shoes. I also live in Sweden, Stockholm in case anyone’s wondering.

TLDR: Vice principal says I can’t get my money back because it’s my fault for putting my shoes on a shoestand that he himself encouraged people to use.
Topic:
School Related Issues

Answer: Your parents need to lodge a complaint and, possibly, maybe even file a police report for the stolen item to get anything started.


Title: I was just paid $200 for 48 hours. Friday at 5pm - Sunday at 5pm, at a doggy day care around Seattle. They list the payment as a 'bonus,' what is the legality of this?

Question:
Never doing those shifts again which amount to about $4 per hour and required I essentially lived at the doggy day care (there was a bed downstairs to sleep on) for the duration of the time. They initally told me that this payment is counted as 'salary' even though I was told upon being hired that I was paid/hour as minimum wage.

I've worked under the table before but have never been this unfairly compensated. Am I right in thinking they are blatantly violating the law?

Answer: Yeah. No. File a wage claim with the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries. They owe you minimum wage plus overtime. Answer #2: File a wage claim with DOL and look for a new job.  File the wage claim BEFORE you complain about this, so you are "protected" when they fire you and the DOL can claim for damages of lost income (they will fire you when you complain, or shortly after).


Title: Our retail staff is regularly forced to deal with dangerous situations outside the scope of our job description. Wondering if we have any recourse?

Question:
Washington state.  Throwaway to keep me and the rest of our staff safe from any kickback.
I work for a second hand retailer in Seattle, buying used clothes. A little context for the issue we're having; our store is an a rather...unsavory location in the city. Because of this we get a lot of homeless, drug addicts and mentally unstable folks in our store on a regular basis; to the point of needing to call the police at the very least a few times a week. Of not every day.

The incidences range from staff being shoved up against walls, being spat on, having weapons brandished in their faces, being threatened with sexual or physical assault, having their lives threatened, and being out right assaulted. The police DO NOT care. They may show up hours after we've called, despite  having regular patrol and squad cars on this block. By the time they show up, if at all, there  isnt much that can be done.

The staff, other than management, all make minimum wage with no hazard pay or training to deal with these types of situations. We work RETAIL  and are expected to talk down and descalate dangerous individuals and scenarios. Our staff has expressed concerns but there hasnt been any solution presented. We  fear for our safety on a regular basis, and have started to feal that the company may be breaking OSHA or safety laws by not protcting its staff.

I guess my question, our question, is what can be done? Do we have any recourse? The dangerous nature of the area and job was not made apparant upon hire.  We all love our company and jobs, this situation aside, so we dont want to escalate if we don't have to, but we're running out of steam to deal with this.

Answer: If this job is too dangerous, you can quit. When someone assaults you, you can call the police. What exactly do you think your employer should do here?


Title: iPhone "You are accused of viewing.."

Question:
[deleted]
Topic:
Computer and Internet

Answer:
 Did you read through the comments on that thread?

Do you *really* need the same comments repeated here?


Title: It seems I can't get my birth certificate no matter what I do. Please help?

Question:
I came here from r/assistance. I was told this would be a better place to put this:

New adult here. When I was a kiddo, my mom lost my birth certificate and social security card. All I have is an old school ID, and I don't even go to that school anymore. I also have my social security number, just not the card.

I just got a new job. I have 30 days to get my birth certificate and social security card so I can get my ID to show my employer.

I went on vitalchek but they didn't accept what I had. I emailed them and they just reiterated what I needed but don't have/can't get.

I called the county courthouse that handles vital records in the state I was born (a completely different state from where I'm at) and they said literally all I can do is have my mom apply for me... my mom walked out on me years ago so I'm not sure what they want from me...

I'm so frustrated. I don't know what to do now. I thought this whole suffering-because-of-her thing was over when I turned 18. But no, I'll be dealing with the repercussions of her mistakes as a parent forever.

Edit: Location bot told me to tell you that I'm in the USA.

Answer: What state were you born in? Different states, different rules. Do you have any other relatives (grandparents or adult siblings, for example) who would be willing to assist?


Title: Disabled Vet. I feel like I am being pushed out for my disabilities, not sure if it is legal.

Question:
So. I have PTSD and Nerve pain from my time in the service. I've been employed for almost 4 years where I work. I notified them that I would like to transfer into an office position since my current one requires me to be on the road a lot and it is antagonizing my disabilities.  They denied my request for accommodation saying, "there are no openings available like that." Which at first didn't bother me because the people who have those positions also have a high turn over. So it could be open in the future. But then...

Then they send me an email telling me that if I can't drive that I will be "medically laid off". They wont tell me what that means exactly. I am hoping they are helping me out by getting me disability?  But they also just yesterday posted an open PART-TIME position with a different title and less pay, but the job descriptions are exactly the same for the position I asked to be transferred to. Is this legal? I live in a Right to work state. Thank you to anyone who has some words of advice.

**Edit** I am in Idaho.

Answer:
 You'll want to talk to a local attorney on this one.  Questions like yours are very fact-specific, both in terms of your diagnosis and in terms of the business needs.

In general, it's not a problem to fire you if you can't do the job.  It sounds as if you're saying your disability prevents you from doing the job you're hired to do, and nothing will change that.  A business must make a **reasonable** accommodation for a disability.  "Reasonable" is dependent on the job, the business, and your request.

In general, they're not required to make a position for you, or give you a position you're not otherwise qualified for.  If there are legitimately no office positions, then there's no issue with them not giving you one.  If they're legitimately making a decision to post this position part-time at less pay, there's no issue.

Again, I'm not saying they're in the right here; just understand that proclaiming a disability doesn't mean you're unable to be fired or that they must employ you.


Title: My doctor is being negligent!

Question:
I had a doctors appointment on April 9th to get a refill for my prescription. It is the second time I have "visited" this doctor and I put that it quotes because I go to a doctors office and speak to him via webcam! Now this second time was just a follow up because I have been on the drug for years know and it was his protocol to only give them to me a month at a time. I take celexa for anxiety and depression. A week after my appointment I went to the pharmacy to pick up my prescription but they hadnt received it from the doctor, I thought that was weird so I called my doctor and had the pharmacy do the same thing. Its impossible to get my doctor on the phone but I was able to talk to his "assistant". I was assured that my meds would be refilled but to no avail. I waited and waited and called day after day to see what was going on and I was getting nervous because I was running out. He wouldnt return my call and I was told he was too busy to call the pharmacy and refill my prescription. WTF!

The withdrawals from this stuff is no laughing matter and I ended up running out of meds on the 23rd of April. The pharmacist was nice enough to give me 1 dose so that I wouldnt go into withdrawals as fast and told me to keep calling my doctor. Luckily my friend takes the same stuff as me so she loaned me a weeks worth of drugs but I dont know what to do? Im trying to make an appointment with another doctor in the meantime but my question is do I have a case? Should I call a lawyer? I plan on reporting him to the right places but I want something done! I live in Los Angeles and receive Medi-Cal and this doctor is essentially free but that is no excuse. Please tell me what I should do and what legal action I can take!

Answer:
 What are you looking for the lawyer to do?
Seems like you'd have better luck complaining to your state medical board. Better yet, find a different doctor.


Title: My father gifted a car to my brother/I, and after I signed the title, he changed his mind and is now threatening to call the cops?? - Texas

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Go down to the DMV and and register the title ASAP. When he reports it as stolen the cops will see he just sold it.Answer #2: He's SOL. Go register it as soon as humanly possible, but once he signed it over it became yours.Answer #3: >To Gift a Vehicle

>To give a vehicle as a gift to a relative or qualifying 501(c)(3), the signed negotiable title and completed Form 130-U, must be provided to the county tax office to title the vehicle. The title application must be accompanied by Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts Form 14-317, Affidavit of Motor Vehicle Gift Transfer. The Donor and Recipient must both sign the affidavit and title application; and either the Donor or Recipient must submit all forms and documents in person to the county tax office. A $10 gift tax applies to a person who receives the vehicle from a: spouse, parent or stepparent, grandparent or grandchild, child or stepchild, sibling, guardian, decedent’s estate, or a non-profit 501(c)(3).

Unless he already signed these forms you are SOL and are going to need to prove he sold the car to you. So I hope you got signed forms.


Title: Someone seems to have walked into my home and left a duffel bag of clothes. Should i call the police?

Question:
Not sure if this is the right place to post this but I found a duffel bag early in the morning on top of my washing machine and nobody in my home knows who's it is and how it got there and now we are kinda freaked out.

The bag looks like its been dragged in dirt and bushes and contains some worn clothes, a temporary i.d, and a smoke buddy with residue in it. I looked up the name from the i.d and the guy seems to have a criminal record. I don't know whether to call the police or just get rid of the bag. Any help would be appreciated.

Answer: Calling the police sounds like a real good idea. Beefing up your door locks might be good, too. Please stay safe.Answer #2: You might also double-check your window locks.  And in my area, the police will arrange to come out to your house during a slow period and check it over for common ways that burglars could enter your house, which may give you additional tips on upgrading your security; it may be worth checking if your local department does something similar.Answer #3: Yikes. Definitely call the police!


Title: [Texas] My boss banned water bottles from the office.

Question:
An employee does weekly grocery shopping for our office every Monday which used to include two 24 packs of water bottles.

However, the person doing the grocery shopping has recommended that everyone should buy their own personal water bottles to save the environment. Our boss agreed with that rule so I decided to buy my own packs of water and keep them by my desk for myself as well as for anyone else who may want one. My boss then sent an email asking me to take them home and that water bottles are now banned from the office (except for guests).

I don't know what to do, is this legal? Perhaps I can keep them in my car and drink them outside when i'm feeling dehydrated?

Answer:
 Perhaps you could buy a reusable drink bottle of whatever size you feel you need, fill it at home, and bring it to work with you each day?  That's what I do.

The boss can ban whatever he wants to from the office, absent placing people in danger.Answer #2: just use a personal bottle, what's the issue with that? odds are this is perfectly legal, unless you have an ADA accomodation for water. Answer #3: You can keep bringing the water bottles. Your boss can fire you for it though. Your boss is not keeping you from water, you just don't like the source of water being offered. Answer #4: Unfortunately this is completely legal on the part of your boss. If you violate the rule, you will be subject to discipline including termination.  You're in an at-will employment state, and this rule doesn't involve discriminating against a protected class.

Other folks here are offering lots of practical solutions to your conundrum - but the legal answer is simply: yes, this is legal.

Answer #5: Get a reusable bottle and fill it from the others until they're gone or keep them at home.


Title: Verizon took my phone for a trade in and refuses to give me the credit for the new phone.

Question:
As the title suggest Verizon took my old phone (ZTE Axon 7 2017 factory unlocked) and promised me sales credit of 450 dollars towards the phone. The sales rep told me the first month will bill me normally but the second month is where the credit should start kicking in.

&#x200B;

Now the second month comes by and I see that I'm being billed for it again. I called customer support and they told me that the Verizon store will help me with my problem. Now I go to the said Verizon store where I bought my phone and now they're telling me to call customer support since they can't change anything. I once again call customer support and the support tells me that the Verizon store specifically put on the note of the trade-in that they would help me with any problems. This support agent claimed that he cannot help me any further and I must go into Verizon to go get it dealt with.

&#x200B;

I go into the store and talk with the manager and the manager told me that I should wait for the next month. With all this redirecting back and forth I do not know what to do. I lost my phone that was in excellent condition and have no credit towards the phone that I paid the price until I met the 450 credit. Originally the phone I bought was 830 dollars but I paid 380 leaving the 450 to allow Verizon to pay it through the trade in credit. Now Verizon has taken my old phone and I got no credit for it. I lost a good phone and now apparently owe Verizon 450.

&#x200B;

I don't know what I can do legally now. It literally feels like Verizon took my phone and just told me to pay for the label price of a new phone. I've been thrown back and forth and it seems like nobody wants to help me with the problem. Is it possible to take Verizon to small claims court?

Answer:
 Do you have anything in writing saying that the $450 sales credit will be applied to your account?

&#x200B;

Call customer service again. This time, you need to escalate up the chain and talk to a supervisor.


Title: Took my car in for brake work and the rear has fresh damage now. Was told to come back the next day and now they claim the damage was there previously. What can I do?

Question:
I live in Texas and actually work at this dealership. This isn't the first time I've had an issue with them.

I brought my 03 model car in for brake work and now there is damage on the back that is noticeably fresh. (The paint is still beginning to chip) I brought up the damage yesterday and was told that I would have to bring it back the next day for someone to look at it.

This morning I returned with my car, and now they are claiming that they had marked the damage on a sheet when I brought it in. I think these are lies. There was damage on the front when I brought it in, but there is no proof that they marked the damage to begin with. Obviously I am irritated right now, but I dont know what I can do, if anything about this situation. I believe the dealer damaged my car and should repair it.

Edit: phone spelling

Update: I took up the issue with my department manager and he has made sure that everything is taken care of. A GM of the dealership did mention that in most cases they would fix the damage for a customer and I deserved at least that much since I was an employee.

Answer:
 In the future, always take photos before and after someone else deals with your car (mechanic, friend), and before and after you deal with someone else's car (friend, rental).Answer #2: Unfortunately, this is one of those occasions where you may be out of luck.   If they're refusing to pay, you can bring them to small claims court.  While in court, you're going to have to prove that the damage happened there.  Unfortunately your accusation isn't proof, you're going to need some kind of photo from right before and right after.  If you know ahead of time you don't have any proof, it's not worth wasting your time and money actually going to court.

Your only recourse is to stop doing business with them, and if you feel like it, leave them a bad review on Yelp warning others.  Make sure you say something along the lines of "I noticed damage on my vehicle after I picked it up, and they were unwilling to work with me on repairing it."


Title: (California) 'At will' vs Retaliation

Question:
Seeking clarity for a quick question. Where do the rights of the company to fire an employee 'at will' end and where do the rights of the employee to not be retaliated against begin?
Topic:
Employment Law

Answer: Where the retaliation is for a reason forbidden by law--and there aren't many of those.  They can retaliate against you for reporting that somebody smells, or is never in on time.  They can't retaliate against you for taking properly authorized FMLA, filing a report with the DOL, bringing a complaint to HR about sexual harassment, etc.


Title: (FL) My mother recently was fired (worked as a housekeeper), after being constantly abused at her workplace by upper management.

Question:
Hello Reddit,
  I never thought I would have to post here but I do.

Basically my mother (single) has worked in a  private home as a housekeeper for two years, when she started working there her
boss had outlined her duties and her hours 9-5. She was a live in housekeeper for 5 days out of the week.
over time the housman (person one step above her, who also had his own duties ) started dumping his responsibilities on my mother and started to claim her work as his own and gained favor with her boss., he also started to give my mo the silent treatment when she started to speak  to him about it,essentially he would not inform her what she was to do next, whether or not she had to stay an extra night or what not along with not providing food for her (part of his duties) and outright throwing away food so she couldnt eat, when she asked him for workers comp after injuring her arm on the jobsite nothing was done.
He was a downright asshole (IMO).

from what  my mother has told me over the past year (when the problems started) shes had to work way past her hours form 9am to 11 pm (instead of 9am to 5pm) without overtime, shes taken a lot of psychological damage from him in the form of verbal abuse and being treated literally like a second class citizen (she is an immigrant from Poland, but is legally here with citizenship) that has reflected on her losing sleep and generally being paranoid about loosing her job.

I am asking what we should do since she says she wants to take the houseman to court against this. were really worried that he will be backed by his boss who is a mutli millionaire living in miami.

There is a lot more that I can add to this if necessary though I am very stressed out as my mom is basically in a panic state, so please let me know if you need anything more.
Topic:
Labor Law

Answer: Florida doesn't have it's own Dept of Labor so you would have to file a claim with the US Dept of Labor. She should talk to an attorney. If this was 2 years of continued abuse and making her work without pay there could absolutely be a lawsuit there. (more likely a settlement of course, especially given that the owner would likely not want a public trial)


Title: My company accidently doubled our bonus (supposed to be 140 but gave us 300) on our last paycheck and now two weeks later is saying they made a mistake and will be deducting the amount from our upcoming paycheck.

Question: This is my first job I’ve ever had that is payed via commission + salary and we have monthly bonuses that can be achieved if your store sells past a certain benchmark, the structure of the bonus changes each month so I don’t really keep up with which month has which bonus structure. Last paycheck though was the one which would contain our bonus for the past Month and I noticed my check was a little bigger than usual but chalked it up to my bonus. Earlier today I received a call from my district manager and he said the company has made an error and accidently payed everyone double theyre bonus ( so instead of the regular 140 bonus we received 280) and that because of that on our next payday which is Friday they will be deducting 140 dollars. Are they allowed to do that? Sorry if the punctuation is bad or run on sentences I am trying to type this out while on my break

Answer: Not sure where you are located but generally, yes, a company can take back the money they overpaid you. It’s happened to me when my company accidentally overpaid me. It’s legal.


Title: Friend was raped, lawyer wants me to testify

Question:
Throwaway. I write this at the risk of being called a terrible person.

About two months ago, a friend called me in the middle of the night and asked me to pick her up from her ex's house. I got there to find her sobbing on the curb, looking rough. I won't go into detail but she was in very bad shape. I drove her to my house and got the story out of her. She had gone to pick up some stuff earlier that evening and stayed for a drink because she wanted to remain friends with him. He raped her. I brought her to the hospital and she decided to file a police report. It's going to court. She's been struggling but she's doing okay, all things considered.

The prosecution wants me to testify because I picked her up and brought her to the hospital. The issue is that I was raped a few years ago. The case went to court and the boys were found not guilty based on lack of evidence. My concern is that the defense will try to bring this up to discredit me. I want to help convict the bastard who hurt my friend, but I don't think I can sit through cross examination about what happened to me a second time.

My question is, can the prosecution force me to testify? Can the defense bring up my previous case? Can I be exempt from testifying because of mental health issues relating to my own rape (ptsd)?

Edit: Ontario Canada
Topic:
Canada

Answer:
 >My question is, can the prosecution force me to testify?

Yes.

>Can the defense bring up my previous case?

Almost certainly not. I would be surprised if Canada allowed such irrelevant evidence.

>Can I be exempt from testifying because of mental health issues relating to my own rape (ptsd)?

Exempt from testifying? No. Could you possibly convince the prosecutor to not call you? Sure.
Answer #2: 1. Yes, the prosecution can force you to testify with a subpoena if you refuse you can be held in contempt of court by the judge and issue penalties until willing to comply.

2. Unknown. Notify the prosecutor of this. The prosecutor might want to suppress it if the defense wants to bring it up.

3. Only if diagnosed as insane, delusional, or dementia has claimed your mind.   Answer #3: In addition to what others have said, rape cases are notoriously hard to prove, so your earlier case would not be a clear indication against your reliability.

Also, remember that the court never say that someone is innocent, just "not guilty", in other words, guilt has not been proven. So even if the bastards who raped you got away, the justice system does not see them as innocent, it sees it as their guilt has not been proven, so they could be either guilty or innocent.

Take this as a chance to heal yourself by doing your part in bringing down another rapist. You'll feel empowered.


Title: My landlady has changed the locks on my apartment and won't give me a key.

Question:
It's pretty much exactly what the post says, but here's all of the details. I have been renting my apartment in California for the past 8 months. My lease is on a month to month basis.I have never been late on rent, and was overall happy with my living arrangement. My landlady and I have had a very amicable relationship. She lives in a different city a few hours away, and doesn't have an on site property manager. There's only five small units in my complex, so there's really no need for an on site manager. Once a month or so my landlady will come to town and check on the property and handle any complaints or concerns while she's in town.

On November 3rd of this year, I texted my landlady and let her know that I was giving her my 30 days notice. I informed her that I would be out by the 1st of December and that I would slowly moving over the course of this month. She called me immediately after receiving the text and we discussed why I was moving (I'm moving in with my SO, and we need more space) and asked if there was any damage to the property. I let her know that there were some nail holes and chips in the paint and that I would make sure to fix all of this before turning in the keys. I did pay rent in full for the month of November.

So over the past week or two, I've been getting all of my furniture and belongings moved to my new house. I've gotten the old apartment pretty much empty, aside from a few end tables, my curtains, some vases and knick knacks.

I was in a mild car accident a few days ago and have just been over all exhausted from moving, so I didn't go to the apartment for three days. When I went to the apartment yesterday, I tried to enter and found that the locks had been changed. I couldn't get in. I called my landlady and she said that she did indeed change the locks, but if I called the real estate agent he would make an appointment with me to get the rest of my belongings. I told her that I believed that was ridiculous. I was planning to clean the apartment and fix the nail holes and chipped paint in order to get my deposit returned, but that I would just be doing little bits here and there over the next week or so and that I shouldn't have to make an appointment every time I want in to the apartment because I've paid the rent for the month and should still have access to it for the duration of the month. I asked her to either change the locks back or give me the new key so that I can enter the apartment as I please until the month is up. My land lady told me it is too expensive to change the locks again, she will not give me the new key, and that it doesn't matter if I clean and fix the nail holes or not because she's not giving me my deposit back.

So my question is, isn't all of this illegal? If I paid the rent for the month, shouldn't I be able to enter and exit the apartment as I please for the entirety of this month? Is there any way for me to get my deposit back? Should I just make an appointment to get the rest of my stuff and call it a day? If she's changed the locks already, should she at least return part of the rent money that I paid for this month? What are my rights in this situation?

Update: I've contacted legal aid services in my city. I have an appointment for Monday morning. I also went to the apartment and called the police non emergency number. The  officer told me that it was a civil matter and that I needed to go through small claims court. I fully intend to pursue this as far as I need to in order get a pro-rated portion of my rent and possibly my deposit. I will continue to update as I get more info.

Additional Edit: I'm already able to stay at my new place, so there's no motel fees or anything. I have a place to sleep, I just think it's really unfair that I didn't get the chance to make repairs in order to get the deposit returned. I believe, at the very least, I'm owed a pro-rated portion of the rent from the day she changed the locks until November 30th.

Edit 3: Land lady is stating that she posted a notice of entry. I never saw this notice, and am not sure if she actually posted it or not. Either way, I don't believe a notice of entry allows her to change the locks. I sent her a text today letting her know that I would like all further contact to be via text or email. I'm trying to guarantee that I have clear evidence of all of our communication from here on out.

Answer: As everyone has said, yes this is legal as all hell. But before burning the bridge I'd call her and tell her that you need a copy of the keys immediately, or you will start looking at legal actions against her for this. It seems likley to me that she's just being plain stupid, and it's not meant to be particularly malicious. If she refuses to gives you a copy of the keys, or tries to play any games, then start looking at legal services.


Title: Cross-posted from /service_dogs. HUD Housing saying new service dog counts against pet limit.

Question:
Already posted in /service-dogs, was suggested to ask in this sub.

Hi, I'm a disabled veteran who was just "prescribed" a Psych service dog by the local VA. I already have a cat, whom is seriously bonded with myself and my son. I've approached my housing authority (governed by HUD/FHA) about getting a service dog, and they've cited that because my lease's pet policy only allows me to have one "pet", and they're already making exceptions for weight/breed, that in order to have my dog, I will have to "get rid" (their words) of my cat. This seems very unfair, but I don't really know if SDs fall under the pet category for housing, or if they're exempt from the pet policy limit. I'm willing to go to court to fight for my cat if I have to, but I'd rather just present them with some information and resolve it outside of a court room. Just feels like a form of discrimination, to make me choose between a pet that is already approved/registered/deposit paid, and one that I actually medically NEED. Thanks for any help in advance. Any links/resources would be very appreciated. I've already contacted the Fair Housing expert at the local HUD office, but it's been days with no response.

Phrases used were "this cat could end up getting you evicted", "if you're disabled, how can you expect to take care of two pets", "if bring in proof that you got rid of the cat, we'll refund your pet deposit for him".

Almost had a full-blown panic attack in the office. I can't bear the thought of losing my furkid, even if he is a supercilious asshole that likes to knock stuff off my desk when bored.

Posting from NC.

ETA: I'm looking at their 'pet' policy that I was required to sign both times that I renewed my lease, and am quoting this verbatim.

"Exceptions:

This policy does not apply to animals that are used to assist persons with disabilities. This exclusion applies to animals that reside in the development, as well as animals used to assist persons with disabilities that visit the development. Pets used for the purpose of aiding residents with disabilities must have appropriate certification. The Authority shall maintain a list of agencies that provide and/or train animals to give assistance to individuals with disabilities."

While I'm not exactly sure what they mean by appropriate certification, outside of my letter from my psych stating that I need a service dog for my disabilities...I've gone through all the steps including registering him as a service dog (well, in training) with the State of NC so that he gets the rights of a fully trained SD as dictated by NC law to bridge the gap left by the ADA for animals in training.

This cat, btw, has also lived here according to their policy for 2.5 years. Registered, all vet records given, picture taken, everything. Now they're using him as an excuse to keep me from having my service dog without violating what I see as my right to have a SD. Especially since they're trying to put a special requirement on my ability to own a SD, and using eviction as a threat if I do get one.

Thank you, everyone, for the help that you've given me so far. If anyone still has some more concrete info, feel free to share it since I'm still waiting on replies from most of the official entities that I contacted.

Answer:
 Three questions.

1- Is this a service dog or an emotional support animal?

2- Did you have the dog before your doctor prescribed it?

3- Before the dog came around, everything was fine with having the cat? It was allowed and whatnot?


Title: Are property managers allowed to interrogate about belongings?

Question:
I have an inspection coming up and last time the woman kept interrogating me about the bags I have (I recently moved out of the house and had too much clothing ect so i bagged my giant winter coats and some supplies to be used when I need them) and saying it was filthy that I had them. These are three or five bags neatly stacked with some extra blankets i can also not fit anywhere.

She also threated me that they would not repair the broken window (not the actual window but the turner to open it, theyve been a problem in all apartments) unless the bags were gone. She laughed and mocked me while the repairmen were there and called me filthy.

Are they allowed to harrass me? My living space isn't disgusting, its not filthy, I cleaned and vaccumed and wiped down every thing. Only thing that was out was the laundry I was in the middle of putting up and washing (after getting off of a 12 hour shift and being exhausted no less). I just want to know if I should make a compliant. She failed the inspection because of my room that I rent out and the rest of the house is spotless and well taken care of.

Answer: Yes, assuming you’re in the US your property manager can behave as described. What you should do about your broken window depends on your lease and location.


Title: Virginia - My wife is looking to run a business from our home: Voice and Piano lessons. Do you think that it is necessary we get a separate insurance policy?

Question:
First off, if yes...what should I be shopping around for?

We own our home, and have quite a bit of equity in it (very large down payment).

She will be teaching in the basement that has a separate entrance (not sure if that matters).  This will be relatively informal.  At most, assuming "business is booming" she will teach up to 20 hours/week.  We have a 4 month old at home so getting someone to watch him is part of the barrier to more teaching hours.

There will be only one student at a time, occasional overlap of two students in our house if there are back to back lessons.  This is not a daycare, nor will it ever be a daycare.  She does not intend to feed the kids, or care for them in any real capacity.

I am just trying imagine what additional coverage we would need that our homeowners policy may not cover for guests.  I mean, short of tripping and falling while entering or leaving our house, not sure what I would need coverage for.

Thanks for your input.

Answer:
 Insurance agent here: You definitely want a general liability policy for your wife's business.  Because if anyone sues her (you) for anything that happened during the course of business your home owners policy won't cover it.  For instance, if she is giving voice lessons and someone sues because a vocal exercise she taught them ruined their vocal chords... Or at least that's what the lawsuit would claim!  You may think that a trip & fall case is the only thing that someone can come up with ... You are wrong, people sue for all kinds of reasons & even if it's a completely bogus lawsuit you'll still be up to your eyeballs in legal bills that would have been covered if you were properly insured.

Typically a $1Mil GL policy will only run a few hundred dollars a year depending on the state you live in.  Here in CA it would be roughly $500.

Finally the difference between a "guest" in your home and a "client" is when there is money changing hands for a service rendered. Answer #2: your regular homeowners insurance may not cover any liability while conducting business at home.  so you should get a general liability coverage for home based businesses.  you can call up your current insurance company and ask them to include this as part of your home insurance.


Title: My crappy job rules, that may be illegal?

Question:
So my job is really crappy, it's called Car care clinic and we work 10 hour shifts with no breaks whatsoever (which should be illegal) but I'll get to that. I use to work there before but I left to find a better opportunity but it was through a temp service and they only had 4 weeks of work for me and then I lost that job and the temp service didn't have anything else for me, So I went job hunting and no one would return a call or an e-mail. I became homeless soon to follow because I had no money to pay my rent and I'm still homeless. But as a last resort I begged for my job back but my boss wasn't the happiest about it, we have a rule were if we don't shave our faces the owner who comes and sees us everyday will write us up or fire us depending on his mood but our other bosses will also inforce it which is fine because they don't want to get in trouble but my problem is, is that I'm literally the only one who shaves. I'm not racist but the owner is. I'm white and he's white. I'm the only white worker there and everyone else walks around high and might with 3-4 inch long facial hair hanging from their face but if I have even the smallest amount of facial hair on my face I get wrote up, just today I got wrote up by him today with everyone else standing and watching. So my question is could I possibly sue this guy? Am I stupid? I feel like I could
Topic:
Douche

Answer:
 So.... you want to convince someone that your racist white boss treats you, the while guy, worse than all your co-workers?

I'm not really sure that's going to fly.  Or that you have any real proof of racial discrimination.  Or that you have damages worth suing over.


Title: Signed under duress...

Question: Many years ago, I was a back seat passenger in a fatal car crash. The family of the dead guy (23 people in an ICU conference room) asked me what happened. I told them. One family member wrote down what I was saying and later asked me to sign it. I did, I was forewarned this might happen and was instructed to add "Signed under duress" to my signature. What does that phrase actually mean? Can it be used in other situations? My son and I are watching a TV show where the FBI gets an agent who's in jail to sign a statement.  That would be under duress, right?

Answer: Just writing it doesn't mean anything. Signing something under duress, in legal terms, means that you were forced to sign it, under some sort of threat, or lack of free will.


Title: Copyright in a church

Question: Im at my cousins graduation that is at a church. They said we cant film cause its copyright to the church to film the graduation. They want to sell the recording from the "prefessional" who is recording it. Is this legal?

Answer: There is no such thing as copyright in a ceremony. So you wouldn't be violating copyright if you film it. That said, the owner of the venue can of course kick you out if you don't follow their rules.


Title: auto dealer messed up the electronics in my car when they replaced the navigation system

Question: we sent my perfectly flawless 10 year old car (mercedes) to the dealer for them to fix the slightly faded navigation system.  we paid to have them replace the unit (which apparently was 'refurbished').  now nearly all of the electrical systems in the car no longer work and the entire dashboard is lit up.  the brakes don't work, the speedometer doesn't work, the AC no longer cools, the radiator in the car stays on now anytime the engine runs, the transmission doesn't change gears.  It is basically anything electronic no longer works.  They have given me a loaner - which i have had for now over 8 months and they tell me that they are trying to fix the car.  But with each attempted fix, it seems to short out other electronic stuff in the car.  they gave it back to us - and within the same day -- even more problems than originally came up.  they took the car back again and have had it another 4 months.  they clearly seem to be owning up to the problem.  just wondering how something like this resolves?  i mean how can we take back a car that has so many problems and be sure that they are really fixed.  what are the remedies?  thks for any thoughts.

Answer:
 You've had a loaner from Mercedes dealership for eight months?  This is just bizarre, but you've been getting a pretty good deal here.  You've probably been driving a newer more expensive car for eight months free of charge.  The mileage depreciation alone is probably worth thousands of dollars, but I can understand you want your car back.

Something strange is definitely going on here.  Even the most complex electrical work, i.e. rewiring the entire system shouldn't take more than a few days.

To that end, I think it's probably time you had a serious sit down with the manager of the service department and find out exactly what's been going on and what their plan is to resolve it.  Don't do it over the phone.  Go in there and sit down with them.  If you've been dealing with a particular service adviser you may want to tell him or her that you'd like to deal only with the manager from now on.  This has past the realm of normal repair work by a long long way.

If, when they finally do return the car to you, you aren't sure about it being completely fixed you can always take it to another shop to be inspected, but they are obviously not trying to rip you off; letting you keep this loaner is costing them thousands of dollars.


Title: (NY) Parents stopped paying rent on their timeshare for years; now Dad has passed, Mom has Alzheimer's, and I am out of my depth and still receiving bills in my mother's name. Do I need a lawyer?

Question:
Essentially what's in the title. The property was in my mother's name (she had better credit at the time, and was generally in charge of the house's finances), but after her mind started to decline about three years ago, my dad took over paying the bills. Unable to sell the property, I suppose he just started ignoring the bills and phone calls in the hopes that the resort would sell the oroperty or foreclose (he never talked openly about these things, this is simply my best guess). He passed away less than a year ago, and I'm still trying to figure out everything they left behind.

My mother is totally helpless, and can no longer work because of her condition. She's under full time care, and dependent on money from her disability. I work part time and help care for her on my days off. My family just can't afford to pay the entire sum back.

Do I speak to a resort representative before I hire a lawyer? What are the chances that they will forgive the debt? What is the foreclosure process like?

Answer:
 Do you have some legal mechanism by which you can do things on your mom's behalf - guardianship or POA most likely?

I'm not a lawyer, but I don't see how it hurts anything to call or write the resort, advise them of the situation, and ask how to proceed. You might get lucky and they say you can just sign it over to them and forget the whole mess.

If you don't understand what they say, or don't like what they offer, don't agree to anything, make it clear you're not agreeing to anything, and find a lawyer.


Title: Real Estate Agent wants to charge me a listing fee to sublease my rental. (NC)

Question:
What the title says. Should I be held responsible for this? I feel like no. My last place didn't charge me for one and hell they didn't even come out to show the house but required me to do so.

Obviously I'd still seek advice from a local attorney. I'm just wondering do I have a reason to do so or was I just really lucky at the place before this one?

Answer: Why would you *not* be paying for the services of someone who is doing work for you?


Title: Medical bills after I die

Question: I'm in Florida and have a chronic illness that will likely kill me soon. I have a crap ton of perpetual medical bills. Zero consumer debt. After I die is my family responsible for my medical bills?

Answer:
 First, sorry that you have to be going through such a shitty situation. I hope you get better and you don't have to worry about the advice in this thread.

Any money from your estate will be used to pay your debts such as medical bills, credits cards or any other leftover debts in your name. But your family isn't responsible for your bills otherwise. Make sure they know this because sometimes your bills get sent to shady collecting services which will call families and try to tell them otherwise. Especially with a grieving family that doesn't know any better this sometimes works, and I believe if they agree over verbally to take over the debt even once then it does become their responsibility.


Title: How do bait and switch sites still continue to legally exist?

Question:
While price shopping a new LG oled television recently on google shopping I was surprised to see what appeared to be bait and switch merchants operating under the service.

I took the risk of ordering a television and completed the sale online. I called them a few days later to ensure the tv was in stock and would be shipped soon. I was told it was in-stock and would ship shortly. It has now been over 2 weeks and now they are saying they can only sell the television for an increased price.

Although they have not yet charged my credit card, I did put my details and code verification number into their online storefront.

Is this legal to accept a credit card and verification number without any intention of fulfilling the order?
What recourse is available?

edit: location: USA sorry! :(
edit2: location of company: New York

Answer:
 If you had read any of the MULTIPLE instructions to enter your location you would have discovered that laws vary wildly from place to place and so your location is mandatory.

In North Korea where I assume you are, these sites are all owned by Kim Jong-Un. By providing your card info you have consented to give him your firstborn child. And an annual birthday handjob. Enjoy!


Title: (US/NJ) I am being fined for skipping a toll at an E-ZPass lane, despite having paid the toll in cash. The website does not allow me to file a dispute without a copy of the receipt for the toll, but I was not offered a receipt, nor was it made apparent that they were available.

Question:
A few weeks ago I paid a toll on the NJ Turnpike in cash. Today, I received a notice of enforcement action, claiming that I had not paid the toll, and I am charged $3.00 for the toll, as well as a $50.00 administration fee. When I tried to file a dispute through their website, It did not allow me to submit one without a copy of my receipt from the toll, but I was not offered a receipt, nor was it made apparent to me that a receipt was available. What should I do to dispute the charges?

Edit: The toll booth i used was an E-ZPass or cash lane, but the yellow flashing lights indicating that the booth was set to E-ZPass only were not activated. I was alone, so I do not have a witness to corroborate my story.

Answer:
 Is there a number on the fine notice that you can call?Answer #2: This same thing happened to me a couple years ago. I paid cash on a NJ turnpike exit and I later received a ticket in the mail saying I did not pay the toll. The ticket was for the toll price of $1.50 plus a $50 fine. If I remember correctly, the letter had an option to send in the full fine or dispute the fine and just send in the price of the toll, $1.50 in my case. I sent in a check for $1.50 (even though I really did pay the toll at the time) and said in the explanation area that I know I paid the toll in full at the time and that I have a clean record. I never heard anything back afterwards so I assume the matter was settled.

If I were you, I would send a check for the amount of toll and explain that you did not really commit this offense. Chances are that will be the end of it, but IANAL.


Title: Can one be fired for medical marijuana? (Arizona)

Question:
AZ law states "...an employer cannot refuse to hire, or terminate due to being a card holder"

Some people say there's no way to prove if you're under the influence, or it's still in your system from las night. Othe medications such as oxy or xanax are okay for some reason. You could go to work on those and be under the influence

Anyways, has anyone ever seen someone get fired in AZ for MMJ

Answer:
 Arizona is the only state that does this.

But they can still fire you for being impaired/stoned at work, whether it's oxy or marijuana. Edit: What Arizona law does essentially is to say that employers cannot discriminate based on someone's status as a medical marijuana card holder, or for testing positive for marijuana (which can stay in the body for days).


Title: Landlord says Rent that was in form of Money Order never got to him [FL]

Question:
Before the end of May my landlord gave me an envelope with his address on it and told me to mail out this months rent to him as he will be on vacation when the rent is due which was the 3rd. So day before the due date for the rent I went and got an money order and put it in the mailbox and seen the mailman take it.

Fast forward to today he came and told me that he never received the money order and told me to resolve this matter. He said to reissue the money order or get a new one and add on a late fee as by the time the letter gets to him it would have been past due.

What is my recourse for this? What if I am unable to get the money order reissued? Would it be my fault if the post office lost the letter?

&#x200B;

Also my landlord is getting "creative" in coming up with ways saying I been late on my rent when I havent been. He says I was late last month but I gotten my money order the date I usually get it but he never came and got it. He told me he was going to send a family member to pick it up which they never did. I was home waiting for him to arrive entire time.

Answer: Talk to the financial institution which issued a money order. They will be able to track who or which account got the money. They will be able to reissue it or help you with possible solution to this.


Title: [NV] I was timing traffic lights and the police started harassing me and threatened to arrest me for monitoring traffic.

Question:
I was timing traffic lights to get a better understanding of how they operate in addition to getting a sense of traffic flow in the area when I was approached by police officers for absolutely no reason.

They began to harass me and ask me what I was doing and why I was monitoring traffic. I told them that I wanted to remain silent, but they kept berating me telling me they had gotten complaints and people felt uncomfortable (why didn't they just drive away then). I asked if I was free to go, and they said yes, but if they came back in an hour and I was still here I'd be going to jail. I asked him what law I'm violating and he told me I'd see when they came to arrest me.

I obviously left, but I don't understand what I did wrong, legally. I want to go back because I have more data to gather, but I'm scared these cops are going to harass me again. Was what I was doing illegal?

Answer:
 Next time just put on an orange safety vest and a hard hat and I bet no one will callAnswer #2: What you were doing is not illegal.

Were you by chance doing this while brown?


Title: What kind of lawyer would I need if I had questions about school extracurricular activity funds...

Question:
Specifically who owns the funds and controls them? Student groups or the school itself? I'm sure there is precedence that I'm not able to find that a lawyer would be able to help with.

Edit. I'm in Virginia , but looking for any state laws inside the US.

**This is a Highschool club**

Answer: Have you tried speaking with the school's administration? If this is a college, they almost certainly will have an organization responsible for the oversight of the funds.


Title: What’s the minimum age someone can be a shift-running manager in Texas?

Answer: This...isn't a legal question. The duties of whatever position you're describing are dictated by the employer and if the employer so determines that a teen-aged employee who only works for 3 hours every weekend deserves that title, they can bestow it upon them.


Title: Emotional Support Animal Prescription/Diagnosis potentially harmful in the future?

Question:
Hello,

I recently adopted a dog and have been looking into getting an “Emotional Support Animal” prescription from my therapist. I started seeing my therapist about 4 months ago after many battles with panic attacks, anxiety and depression. This dog has helped me immensely as I have someone to care for and love at all times, makes me get off the couch and gives me so much love and affection.

My question is: in legal matters, are there any potential drawbacks from getting an official letter from my therapist saying I have a mental disability and trouble performing at least one major life activity and therefore I need an ESA? For example, life insurance policies, loans, legal processes I may encounter against other people, etc.? I go to therapy using my insurance, so I’m assuming I already have a legal diagnosis for them to be able to cover me anyways. It just came to mind because on my therapist’s website they strongly encourage you to go out of pocket instead of through insurance so they don’t have to report such a diagnosis which could potentially be “used against you” later in life. But I am lost on this subject.

Help?

Answer:
 One of the problems with these sort of things is that no one has a crystal ball.  The ESA tag is basically a contrived and abused term used by many people to hang on to pets in no-pet buildings.

The ways laws work there will likely be a backlash at some point.  The backlash could do absolutely nothing, or it could be devastating.  Right now, I would say it could only affect security clearance/military sort of things.

The less legal entanglements you have the better.  If you can keep the dog without it being an ESA, that's probably for the best.

What I would suggest is getting CGS/CGSA which is Canine Good Citizen/Canine Good Citizen Advanced.  It's a test that indicates that your dog is well behaved.  It can be far more useful to landlords than an ESA designation alone as if a landlord determines that an ESA is too unruly they have a right to deny that animal.Answer #2: Since your comment is very broad, I would encourage you to understand the laws surrounding the distinction related to Service Animals who are trained to perform tasks directly related to a person’s disability vs. an emotional support animal that, although provides an emotional support structure, may not be covered under ADA protections.


Title: How far can a manager yell at me?

Question: Today I was called to my managers office along with a supervisor so I do have a witness. After some talking he started to throw a big tantrum, yelling & swearing at me, as well as hitting his desk with all his strength. This was clearly building up over time and it wasn't entirely directed at me but I was the one he was talking to, the supervisor was sitting on the side and brought there mainly to confirm what I did. I don't think I can keep working with him as my manager and I would like to report him for the way he acted if I could. It was completely uncalled for and unnecessary, I don't mind being yelled at but the swearing and hitting things is a step too far. So what can I do? I wouldn't want to quit because I do need the job and it wasn't entirely my fault that he was mad otherwise I would have gotten fired right then and there. I'm just upset at the way he acted towards me and being pretty violent with the swearing and hitting his desk. Do I have any sort of case? He does have people above him and again I do have a witness that I'm sure is willing to confirm the way the manager acted.

Answer: He call yell at you all he wants. This is not illegal at all.


Title: I received a ticket but there's no price on it.

Question: I recently got pulled over for having an expired tag (It's about 7+ months expired). The police officer gave me a ticket and a court date, but he never said how much the ticket costs nor does the ticket say anything about how much it costs. I've had several people see if they could find anything on it but none of them know. What should I do? (Also, this is in Oklahoma)

Answer:
 I think it's because it's not just a traffic ticket, it's a misdemeanor charge. You have to go to court.

What is the statute number on your ticket?


Title: If you tried to kill someone but then killed someone else by accident instead would that be murder or manslaughter and attempted murder?

Question: Inspired by Legally Blonde

Answer: Transferred intent. If it was attempted manslaughter of victim #1, it is manslaughter of victim #2; if it was attempted murder then it's murder. If it was self defense then things get tricky and it may be involuntary manslaughter (or non-criminal homicide per infortunium depending on lack of recklessness) for you and also felony murder for the initial aggressor.


Title: “Missing Glasses”

Question: Was working at a school last week and left my glasses there. Immediately called and told them where I left them, they assured me they found them and put them somewhere safe so I could come grab them the next day. I go into the school and they can’t find them in the place where they said they left them. Then the director of the school goes around to every classroom and asks every teacher when the last time they had them was, and they all answered “the last time I had them was...” ( why would all of the teacher have had them at one point) and now they can’t find them anywhere. I’m assuming something sketchy happened like they broke them or someone stole them. Is there any legal action I can take to get reimbursed for these glasses?

Answer: Why would you expect someone else to pay for glasses you lost or misplaced? I don't see how they would have any liability here.Answer #2: The standard of care required in an involuntary bailment (Being given possession of something without agreeing to it) is minimal. Unless they purposely destroyed your glasses they probably aren't liable.


Title: I've disowned my civil documents and want employment and to forge a new identity.

Question:
[removed]
Topic:
Other Civil Matters

Answer:
 I'm gonna need you to put down the bong, son.Answer #2: WAT.

You can't legally just create a new identity and choose what fields to fill in on the forms.

Government issued ID will require PROOF that you are who you say you are.  Failure to provide that or properly complete the forms means you will not be issued the ID documents.

Answer #3: Without your identity you have nothing to show who you are or what you can do and you get nothing for it.

We all get one identity.  If we ruin it then we have no one to blame but ourselves.  That is life in most countries, not just the USA.

A person isn't *"assumed a citizen until proven not*" because it is often impossible to prove a negative.  This would especially be true if one could create a new identity, and leave their old one behind, at will.  And citizenship comes with both rights and responsibilities so it can not just be taken by someone who doesn't deserve it.


Title: Boss accuses employee of theft and forces employee to strip search.

Question:
My s.o. currently works for a small business in Florida. Yestersay, one of his his female coworkers and a friend of mine was accused of stealing $200 from the shared register. The employee (female) was taken into the bathroom by one of the co-owners (female) and another manager (female.) The boss told the employee that she would need to be completely strip searched or she would be fired. The employee complied and stripped. After this humiliating experience, the camera footage of the register was reviewed and it came to light that the female co-owner of the business had simply misplaced the $200.

My fiancé is absolutely disgusted and wants to give the best advice to the coworker and get advice for himself. Would this be considered a criminal or a civil matter? We are encouraging the employee to speak to an attorney as soon as possible. The employee did show up for work today and worked her full shift. There is nothing in the employee handbook that covers strip searching of any kind. Obviously, the co owner and managers actions were stupid and ethically reprehensible, but what are the potential legal ramifications of this?

Answer:
 I'm not sure what law it breaks, but it definitely sounds illegal, and considering she's not a prisoner in a jail, they really had no right to force her into doing so. I would advise calling the police and speaking to a lawyer, since she was forced into doing this. Hell, this sounds like ACLU territory even; [https://www.aclu.org/news/aclu-victorious-student-strip-search-case](https://www.aclu.org/news/aclu-victorious-student-strip-search-case)Answer #2: NAL, but if and hopefully when your friend leaves the job that she was strip searched at, I’d even suggest calling the police. Being directed into a bathroom and corned by 2 other people who are threatening to fire you unless your take all of your clothes off sounds a lot like sexual assault, especially given the fact that your friend did nothing wrong. Where I live managers or people who aren’t other wise trained aren’t even allowed to search you at all. This seems very unprofessional and really does seem like sexual assault. Answer #3: >There is nothing in the employee handbook that covers strip searching of any kind.

I bet there's nothing that covers building a meth lab in the janitors closet for the same reason. No one would believe they needed to include a specific ban on something so profoundly stupid.

Tell her to walk into her nearest police station, and file a police report tomorrow morning. 2 people, in positions of power over her, forced her into a bathroom to threaten her into stripping nude.

Also tell her to file for unemployment, and never go back to that job. "She didn't come back after we forcibly strip searched her" isn't going to win a UI case.


Title: There is a neighbor who is following and taking pictures of my fiancee and our roommates. He believes that we are selling drugs out of our apartment [which, to be clear, we are not]. Do we have any options? How do I fuck with this guy, legally?

Question: [deleted]

Answer: He's allowed to take pictures of you in public places. You have no expectation of privacy there.


Title: Movie using my song without paying me

Question:
I noticed my song was actually used in a movie and they haven’t paid me the movie was created in 2015 & as I finally sat down to watch it they actually used it without having me sign any formal approval.

What are my recourses here?

I am located in Canada more specifically Montreal Quebec

Answer: You’re going to need extensive documents proving you wrote the song and own ALL elements within it (sampling is a very very fine line) with dates, the studio session from your DAW with a date will be a must. Then you will need to find a lawyer who’s experienced in such things, assuming it’s a bigger movie you’ll probably want a pretty good lawyer to make sure you get properly represented and get the restitutions you deserve. Good luck.


Title: My mom is being paid child support and claims she isn't, I'm not seeing any of this money

Question: [deleted]

Answer: It isn't your money. It is your mother's money to support you. You may not like it but she is supporting you. Just because she is doing it on the cheap doesn't change that. Your grandmother can stop buying you things it she wants. But I will guess your mom does pay for things like insurance, transportation, food, entertainment.


Title: Family friend not returning something she borrowed almost 4 years ago

Question:
So lets not waste time and get down to the nitty gritty, long story short I let my mom talk me into allowing one of her friends to borrow a leather duffle bag of mine 4 years ago

She has yet to return it and I've been asking for it back for almost 2 years now.

Edit: The state I live in is TN
What can I do?

Answer: Well, you haven't listed your location, so we can't know the statute of limitations applicable to you. But honestly, is this duffle bag really worth trying to pursue this in small claims court? There's a filing fee involved with bringing a suit that you might not recover.


Title: Help! Vet botched our pets surgery and it's costing us thousands

Question: [deleted]

Answer: A botched surgery doesn't equal gross negligence. It's a risk for any surgery, and while it is tragic it's likely you wouldn't be able to get anywhere with an attempt to sue.


Title: [California] I haven't been paid in 2 months, despite continuing to work.

Question:
I work at a small private college. Normally we are paid on the 5th and 20th. However, the last time I received a paycheck was March 23rd. We delayed the start of our next quarter, and then began classes again. In addition to that we have had several meetings. When it was coming up on the 20th of May, a few of the instructors inquired about our paychecks. None of our messages were responded to. Today, myself and two other instructors informed management that we would not be in class tomorrow or attending any further meetings until we were paid. We also told them that we would be filing wage claims if we did not get paid by the 30th. The actual boss didn't respond but some of the other admin did and they were not happy about that. I have screenshots of the conversations and can post them if you want (with names redacted of course).

Are we taking the right course of action? We are trying to be professional about it but we are getting very frustrated. The students have paid their tuition. Money should not be an issue, and even if money is an issue they could at least be communicating with us. I guess I don't have a specific question other than if there is anything else I should do. Thanks for any help.

Answer:
 Stop working. If you aren’t being paid why is anyone there still at work? I could understand an extra week delay, but two months? To me it sounds like the college is out of money based on what you stated. And they are most likely collecting tuition fees and then going to shut down. Maybe I’m wrong, but if they aren’t paying you stop working. File a wage claim ASAP.

And once you stop working file for unemployment.


Title: [CA] No Will/Advance Directive, Medically Induced Coma, and what to do with the Bank Account

Question:
I have a family member that is on life support with no form of end of life directive. My family member has a fairly substantial amount of money in her bank account from a recent inheritance.

I have heard some of the family discussing removing the money and putting it in another account so that it doesn't get frozen when she passes. I have urged them to at least CONSULT a lawyer but my efforts have fallen on deaf ears. This seems like a "VERY BAD IDEA" (tm) to me.

I have no skin in this particular fight and will not have any involvement in this. I am just looking for a general idea of what the potential ramifications of doing this would be.

Answer:
 Whoever has power of attorney over this family member has the right to do what they please with the money (with reasonable limitations).  If people are just moving the money around with no legal authority, it could be seen as theft.

With all rights, the money should be frozen, since it is an asset of the family member's estate, and it should go through probate to be divided, instead of whatever the family wants to do with it.


Title: Mothers boyfriend not wanting to leave house after her passing. (California)

Question: My Mother passed away last month, Her boyfriend still comes around and stays here time to time. While she was sick he wasn't around much. I currently stay in the house with my girlfriend and we pay all the bills. We have asked him when he plans to move on but he keeps stalling. He doesn't pay rent or do much other then use my mothers house to sleep here when hes local (works a lot in the area). He has a house with his family about 2 hours away. While my mother and him were dating (over 10 years) or whatever he only stayed here 2-3 nights a week. My mom left the house and everything to me, her only son. He is making it hard for me to move on with life since he keeps coming around to use the house to sleep. I asked him again today when he plans to get his few things and move on, but he keeps saying another week or two. I want to change the locks and tell him its over, but I don't want to be that kind of person. What should or can I do legally? Thank you.

Answer: Did your mother own the house?


Title: What licenses etc. would be required to invest peoples' money into crypto-currencies (e.g. BitCoin)?

Question:
Hi,

I would like to find out what licenses a company and it's founders would need to help people invest money into crypto-currencies (e.g. BitCoin).

Essentially, customers would provide funds and the company would invest it on their behalf for a flat fee or percentage.

Is there a low-regulation and simple way to implement a service like this or would it require significant legal hurdles and licensing?

State would be California or Massachusetts but the company could also be in a state that simplifies the process. Service would be offered where allowed in the USA.

Thank you for your help.

Answer:
 Without going too far into the details, I have been heavily investigating this exact thing. The various regulations that you need to adhere to, especially if you plan to deal with fiat currency to/from BTC or alt-coins, are simply too much to detail on Reddit.

Do what I do and consult with a local business attorney. You will need them if you want to succeed.


Title: Received speeding ticket stating I was going way faster than I actually was.

Question:
At around 1AM a couple days ago, my wife and I got pulled over in Illinois on a state highway. I was being very careful not to drive too fast - the cops were clearly out in full force that night. I set my cruise at 62 in a 55 mph zone (yes, I know this is still speeding).

A mile down the road, a vehicle started following me very closely. It was too dark to see, but I suspected it was a cop trying to pace me. I didn't slow down, because I didn't think it was going to be an issue. As I approached our turn, I put my left blinker on. The cop flipped his lights on and pulled me over.

He asked for license and insurance and went back to his car. He didn't even look me in the eye, which I thought was odd, because I assumed he was checking to see if I was drunk. After a couple minutes he came back with a ticket that said I was doing 78 mph (23 over the speed limit). The fine is $140.

I said, "does this say 78?" He said, "Yes. I timed you doing 78, and I caught up to you and paced you doing over 70." He then explained my options, including court supervision.

There is no way I was going that fast. I suspect he timed me coming down a hill, so I *suppose* it's possible I hit 65 at some point.

This incident happened about 4 hours from home. My court date is on a Wednesday morning, so if I want to contest the ticket, I'll have to use a vacation day. I would probably burn around $60 of gas driving there and back, and there is no guarantee I can get this ticket thrown out.

My question is what can I do? I assume an attorney would cost me more than the price of a ticket. Would the ticket get thrown out if I show up and the officer can't produce evidence that I was speeding? Is there any evidence I can provide? Does my car's computer keep a history of speed of travel?
Topic:
Traffic and Parking

Answer:
 You were very careful not to drive too fast by setting your cruise control over the speed limit? .....wow

No, you can't get it thrown out. You can show up, explain what happened, and hope it gets reduced.

Also, no your car's "computer" doesn't keep a "history of speed of travel."


Title: How do I transfer large a large sum of money overseas without having to pay taxes (legally)

Question:
Hello, so recently I have gotten an inheritance of about 1 million Czech crowns, which is roughly 50,000 dollars, I currently have all the money in a bank account in the Czech Republic earning interest. There is also a lot of land that I will have to sell which will bring the total inheritance to roughly 300,000 dollars or so.

All of this is nice but the only problem is I live in the United States and have no plans of going back to the Czech, I recently found out that if you move 10,000 or more dollars every year in a single transaction then you have to pay extra taxes on it and report it to the IRS. Is there any way around this? I’m currently 22 and graduate from college in a year and I’m looking to move out soon after I graduate and I would like to use the money I have obtained to move into a new house of my own with my fiancé.

Answer:
 This is something that you don't want to rely on reddit for.

Find a tax professional in your area and get the information directly from them.Answer #2: > I recently found out that if you move 10,000 or more dollars every year in a single transaction then you have to pay extra taxes on it and report it to the IRS.

That's incorrect. The $10,000 transaction threshold doesn't trigger extra tax. It's just a reporting requirement for banks. Go to r/tax to learn more.Answer #3: >I recently found out that if you move 10,000 or more dollars every year in a single transaction then you have to pay extra taxes on it and report it to the IRS.

This is false.

The 10,000 reporting requirement has nothing to do with taxes - whether you owe taxes or not has nothing to do with how the money is transferred.

>Is there any way around this?

A terrible one that leads to jail for structuring: people think they can avoid that requirement by transfering in smaller amounts, and end up with a federal felony.

The safe way to bring the cash in is to do ONE bank transfer with the complete amount, then talk to a CPA about whether any income tax is owed or not.

You would owe the same amount of income tax whether you transfer the money over or not, so stop worrying about HOW to transfer the money over and talk to a CPA for advice about the taxes.


Title: Accident in private neighborhood due to unplowed roads

Question:
It started snowing a few hours ago and its was known that it was coming for a while (schools were delayed last night)

HOA hasnt salted or prepped the roads at all and when I was braking it just kept sliding until the car hit a pole. I was going SLOW.

This is a private street/neighborhood managed by an HOA in Virginia. They were good with plowing with the last snowfall but this time they dropped the ball. Is there any liability on them for the damage?

Answer: Likely no.  You're still responsible for your own actions while driving on the road.


Title: One night stand

Question: So she's pregnant, she called me another mans name all night. I've got a huge family one side she is using for the lake/beach house. The other is being prevented from seeing my little dude. What do I do?

Answer: What’s the legal question?


Title: (VA) 18 year old high school senior kicked out of house

Question:
My daughter's friend was kicked out of his house by his mother recently and we're trying to help him. He just turned 18 but is a high school senior. His mother didn't kick him out because of behavioral issues, but more because of cultural issues. This boy is an honor roll student with a really bright future, but when he was in 7th grade, he got into trouble. Since then, his mother has kept him on a very short leash. He doesn't drive or have a job. He and his mother recently argued because he wanted to go out for a few hours with his friends on a school night, but he was exempt from his exams so it wasn't really a school night for him. His mother kicked him out because he argued with her.

We're going to take him in although it's kind of crowded here. We have 4 bedrooms but 1 is my husband's office. The other bedrooms are the master bedroom, the girls' room and the boys' room and we have 8 people who live here (me, husband, 6 kids). My daughter's friend will have to bunk on the couch, but we figure that's better than nothing.

I called CPS and they won't do anything because the kid is 18 even though he's still in high school. I'm interested to hear anyone's ideas about this situation.

Is there a way to hold his mother to her responsibility to support her child? My husband and I are both on board with taking him in and providing what he needs with the understanding that he's not our kid and we don't expect anything in return. I'm just flabbergasted that someone can legally kick their dependent child out like this.

Answer:
 He's not a child anymore.

He may have tenant's rights to the house, but at 18, Mom is no longer obligated to support him in any way.Answer #2: Contact your local police department to confirm, but from what I've heard in Virginia the parents are responsible for the child until they turn 18 *or* until they turn 18 and graduate high school - whichever comes last.

Meaning the parent is legally responsible for him until he graduates high school. He may be allowed to move out if he wants to, but the parent may not kick him out of the house until he completes high school.

> I'm just flabbergasted that someone can legally kick their dependent child out like this.

TL;DR version - they can't in Virginia and a few other states.  I'm not sure whether or not they have to support him financially or what those details are, but they can't kick him out until he graduates (or fails to graduate).Answer #3: He is an adult. You can help him get on his feet if you want to.

He should find a way to retrieve his personal documents and property. If the mother refuses, he can ask for a police escort.

Be aware that after some time, he will have tenant's rights at your house.

He has tenant's rights at his mother's house. If he doesn't want to leave, his mother has to evict him. It's up to him to decide if he wants to exercise these rights until he is legally evicted.