Title: My neighbor is obsessed with speed in the neighborhood and I don't know what to do to report him.

Question:
Two of my neighbors (seperate people and houses. Not family either) are particularly unsavory people and are absolutely obsessed with people obeying the speed limit in my neighborhood. I'm completely fine with sticking to the posted speed limit, and I always do, but regardless of this I have had both of these men step in front of my car while I've been driving down the street and if I hadn't already been watching them wondering why they were standing in the road I would have hit them.

Both men have young children who would be standing right there when their moronic behavior gets them hit by one of the less attentive members of the community and I'm sick of these guys trying to tell me I'm speeding. They've had police and speed vans in the neighborhood on multiple occasions over the years and I've never had a single ticket. It is abundantly clear to all enforcement agencies that nobody is breaking the speed limit, and these two men are the only ones who care about this at all.

Moreover, their children are often playing in the street apparently unsupervised. They aren't the only parents who do this on my street and this also concerns me a great deal. Between the adults disregarding the danger of stepping in front of cars and the children obviously not being sufficiently educated on the dangers of playing in the street, I think it highly likely that this is just a life-ruiner waiting to happen to someone innocent in the neighborhood and I want to stop these idiots if I can. If I get him stepping in front of my car on video with my speed verified as legal, can that be shown to be some sort of reckless behavior or some such?

Edited to include location of Louisiana. Also to add that the reason they are stepping in front of the cars (not just mine) is to slow us down...I mean it's like sticking your hand in a fan to stop it. It can't be legal to just threaten to cause accidents.

Answer:
 EVERY time you see them doing this call the police... you need to use your discretion on if it's an emergency or not... tell the police that there are 2 neighbors jumping in front of cars and blocking traffic.

IF the police see it they will almost certainly be issued a citation for something.

If the police do NOT witness it, but get enough calls, eventually they'll have a serious heart to heart with the guys and see if they can't convince them to find a better hobby. Answer #2: >If I get him stepping in front of my car on video

That's all you need; your speed is irrelevant. A dash cam is a very good idea, both in general, and for this specifically.

One word of caution: while it is illegal for him to jump in front of your car, you need to make sure that you are driving with due regard at all times while you're near him (which it sounds like you are) to avoid any legal liability (criminal or civil) if you run him over.Answer #3: I'd personally call the police and say someone is jumping in front of cars and that you are afraid that they are suicidal. If you get a dash camera video of them jumping in front of your car, then that's all the better.


Title: [NYC] What does law says about passenger side Wing mirror requirement? I recently imported a car which didn't have wing mirror on passenger side. Should I install it on my own? Would cop give me ticket If I don't install?

Answer:
 NY law requires a driver's door mirror plus one more, either a windshield-mounted mirror or passenger door mirror. Your car should be fine.

I'm a mechanic (and licensed vehicle inspector) in New York.Answer #2: As far as I can tell from [this source](http://www.safeny.ny.gov/equi-vt.htm), any vehicle model year 1970 or newer is required to have a driver's side mirror, and rearview mirror on the windshield. However, it does not specifically address the passenger-side mirror. Note that this is NYS traffic law, and NYC traffic law is often different or even contradictory to the rest of the state. However, like /u/FoghornLawhorn says, it may be in your best interest to just get it installed anyway, even if it is legal to not have it.


Title: Beyond Nosy Neighbors

Question:
I have a friend that lives in Pocatello, Idaho. Her neighbors are "nosy", beyond what is normal. My friends have erected a privacy fence in their rear yard and the neighbors put up a security camera to watch them over the fence. They call the police or code enforcement on them constantly. Nothing has resulted in a ticket or fine, but it is constant. The police won't allow them to press harassment charges. (Everyone has legal access to police & code enforcement.) They also have financial limits to what they can "do" back.
Does anyone have any suggestions?

Answer:
 Could they build a higher fence? Shine a laser beam at the camera to make it not work, but not break it? Call the police every time that they do and say that they are harassing?

The neighbors could be committing the tort of invasion of privacy, whereupon there is an "intrusion into plaintiff's seclusion or solitude or into his private affairs."  *Jensen v. State*, 72 P.3d 897, 902 (Idaho 2003).  The right to privacy is measured with a "reasonable person" standard, and an argument could be made that the installation of a video camera that watches one's every movement in the backyard is "probably would cause mental distress and injury to anyone possessed of ordinary feelings and intelligences, situated in like circumstances as the plaintiff." *Id.* (citation omitted); *see also Alderson v. Bonner*, 132 P.3d 1261, 1267 (Idaho Ct. App. 2006) (recognizing that activity reasonable in some circumstances is unreasonable in others).


Title: UNFAIRLY FIRED! Can i go to fair trading?

Question:
to long to explain in depth but basically i was working as a permanent part-time bartender at a local restaurant in town and one night i was told to leave the bar for my shift and run drinks/meals. i was fine doing this and throughout the start of my shift due to nervousness i dropped two trays of drinks - consecutively- on two separate tables, in which i would quickly clean the mess, relocate them and insist they have discounted meals, the two tables where happy but the boss was not, since that shift i hadn't had any calls/texts to tell me when i'm working and after 5 days i went down to see my boss and was told 'you need to go talk to your career advisor, she's told us your not working here anymore and no one is telling us why' that's what the boss of the restaurant told me, that my career advisor from my job search provider has stopped me from working. I immediately went and consulted my career advisor and was told pretty much the same thing but in reverse ; ' julie (my boss) has said you aren't working there anymore but couldn't give us a reason' so after 3-4 days of constant calls and texts sent i received a text basically saying 'look, there is no job for you here anymore, when you were told to go run drinks and meals we know you dropped the plates on purpose so you wouldn't have to run anything out, that's not the type of person we want or need here in this business. my decision is final - julie.'

so what i'm wondering is, can i take my boss/the business to fair trading? because

a) i was supposed to have 1/2 weeks notice before being fired as i was permanent part-time, THOUGH i did not have a contract stating so, i was just kind of told from the get go i was on PPT.

b) that is an absolutely shit reason to fire somebody. especially for it being the first time anything wrong has happened there.

if i have spelling mistakes or anything, just try to tune them out. thanks in advance guys :)

Answer: Doesn't sound illegal to me.


Title: Is there anyway for the sibling of a deceased to inherit the estate of the deceased if there was no will, ahead of the deceased's children? (MI)

Question:
My father recently passed without authorizing a last will and testament, and his sister has expressed her desire to inherit his estate due to some last minute questions he nodded answers to while semi-conscious on his death bed. While I understand her concern about ensuring my father's wishes are enacted (as she saw them, at least), I'm worried about her feeling entitled to the assets which are, from what I understand, very clearly inherited by me and my sibling (after probate court and such is finished).

&#x200B;

Is there any way for her to legally obtain the estate despite that and seize control of his property and funds? What steps should I take to protect myself and my sibling from being wrongfully robbed of what, from my legal understanding, would be rightfully inherited to us?

Answer:
 There are laws of inheritance established specifically so that legitimate heirs don't have to worry about the self-interest of other family members interpreting people "nodding answers while semi-conscious on their death bed".

>What steps should I take to protect myself and my sibling  ...

Probate lawyer.


Title: University is requiring me to pay for a 6 credit hour "class" to fulfill an internship requirement. I'm paying my school to work for an unpaid internship for college credit. Is this even legal?

Question:
For my Bachelor's of Health Sciences (BHS) I have to fulfill a 16-week internship (a duration of one semester) requirement for my university. But the issue is that most internships are unpaid or it is very minimal pay and I'm forced to pay six credit hours. Six credit hours is an estimated $3,000 in tuition and I doubt I will get an internship that will reimburse me nor pay me that much within 16-week. I'm fine with fulfilling the internship requirement but I don't see why I have to pay thousands to fulfill something I won't even get paid to do. I'm currently $20,000 in student loans and about to file the FAFSA for an additional $12,000 for my two semesters.

This feels like extortion and it doesn't make sense. I have been working in the healthcare field as a Certified Medication Aide in nursing homes for almost 5 years now. I have done a lot of shadowing and volunteer work. But, according to my university, none of that hard work is relevant to this internship requirement. My university is University of Missouri-Kansas City in Kansas City, Missouri. I would graduate on time in May of 2019 if it weren't for this internship requirement but my current graduation date is December of 2019 because they won't allow me to do the internship in the summer. It has to be a 16-week long internship. The internship is listed as a six credit hour class on my plan of study.

Is paying $3,000 for a six credit hour "class" to fulfill an internship requirement even legal when it would be an unpaid or minimum wage job?

EDIT: I understand the traditional dynamics of working unpaid in exchange for college credit. But then I'm required to pay $3,000 to work unpaid for college credit. It feels like I'm on the losing side of this college credit exchange.
Topic:
School Related Issues

Answer:
 Very common.Answer #2: You knew your course required an internship when you applied; why is this only an issue now? Did you discuss the possibility of using your work experience as a credit towards that requirement with the program supervisor or the department head?

Internship requirements as such aren't illegal. The work you can legally be asked to do as an unpaid intern is restricted, though. From the [Department of Labor](https://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/whdfs71.htm):

> The following six criteria must be applied when making this determination:
>
> 1. The internship, even though it includes actual operation of the facilities of the employer, is similar to training which would be given in an educational environment;
> 2. The internship experience is for the benefit of the intern;
> 3. The intern does not displace regular employees, but works under close supervision of existing staff;
> 4. The employer that provides the training derives no immediate advantage from the activities of the intern; and on occasion its operations may actually be impeded;
> 5. The intern is not necessarily entitled to a job at the conclusion of the internship; and
> 6. The employer and the intern understand that the intern is not entitled to wages for the time spent in the internship.
>
> If all of the factors listed above are met, an employment relationship does not exist under the FLSA, and the Act’s minimum wage and overtime provisions do not apply to the intern.  This exclusion from the definition of employment is necessarily quite narrow because the FLSA’s definition of “employ” is very broad.
Answer #3: Yes. This is fairly common, particularly in programs that focus on the professional applications of the degree.


Title: [Oklahoma] Employer has been overpaying us PTO hours for the past year. He found out recently, and retroactively altered all of our PTO hours without telling anyone. My PTO hours went from 60 down to 30. Is this legal? Do I have any recourse?

Question:
Extra: we do not have a true employment contract at my place of work, but we have an employee manual which we have to acknowledge. The manual states that employees accrue 1.54 PTO hours per pay period, even though our employer has been using a 3.08 per period number. The preface of the manual states: "The policies in this manual are to be considered as guidelines. <Company>, at its option, may change, delete, suspend or discontinue any part or parts of this manual at any time without prior notice."

Employer has come back and said that we acknowledged the manual when we started, so that means he has the right to alter our PTO hours back to what the manual laid out. But the question might be: how binding is a manual like this in the first place?

Answer: It's perfectly legal to correct an error. Even in California, which considers vacation to be earned but unpaid wages, an employer would have a defensible case to correct a system calculation error. In most other States, including OK, vacation is not considered earned wages so absolutely a mistake can be corrected.


Title: Texas - I got terminated for a theft I did not commit

Question:
Hello, I work for a hotel and upon hiring each front desk associate is given a bank of $500 to make change, accept payments, etc. Along with this bank, each associate signs a policy in regards to cash handling.

I left my work keys (including my personal bank key) over the weekend. When I returned and pulled my bank - I noticed it was $245 short, and immediately notified my manager.

I was then suspended pending investigation, and ultimately terminated. The reason I was given was "There is nothing they can see from the security footage to show where they money went, so I am help responsible for the missing money."

I should note, there is a camera facing the front desk, as well as one in the safe room where the banks are held. The management staff can "clearly see" my concern when I notice the money is missing from the camera at the front desk. And the camera in the safe room, is not pointed at the safety deposit boxes - so there is no way to see who is accessing which safety deposit box.

I understand that it is my fault for leaving the keys, but I have been terminated for a theft that I did not commit.
Is there anything legally that I can do in regards to this situation?
Topic:
Employment Law

Answer:
 You leaving the keys let someone else commit the theft. In their eyes, your actions are the cause of the theft, and therefore you are responsible.

If you're an at-will employee, that is an acceptable, legal reason to fire you.


Title: UPDATE: My brother is in prison for something I did. I want to own up and make sure he's released.

Question:
[OP](https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/comments/5roeab/my_brother_is_in_prison_for_something_i_did_i/?utm_content=title&utm_medium=user&utm_source=reddit&utm_name=frontpage)

I really really wanted to make things right with my brother but it seemed like it wasn't a good idea. I talked to a lawyer who went through everything and told me that if I confess my brother may get reduced sentence but maybe not as he will still be charged with possession and destruction of evidence and he will not be released from prison. So nothing will happen more than the chance of a small reduction. I will also get charged and will likely go to prison for a few years.

I talked to my brother and he doesn't want me to do anything. He says punishing myself will not help him and he'd rather I stay out of trouble so that him going to prison would count for something. He says if I also go to prison then what he's been through will be for nothing.

I've made a promise to myself. I'm gonna stay out of trouble, study well, work hard and make a lot of money and give half of everything I earn to my brother for the rest of my life. It's a big promise but I will keep it. He's there paying for my sins and it's not right. I hope I can stay strong and do whatever I can for him as he's been strong for me.

Thank you for helping me.

Answer: For those interested, discussion of this update is ongoing in [this bestoflegaladvice thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/bestoflegaladvice/comments/74q2qn/update_to_the_poster_whose_brother_took_the_fall/).


Title: [FL] Real Estate Law- Can a contract for sale/purchase "stay" a foreclosure?

Question:
A friend's house goes up for auction in a few weeks, and they haven't done anything to stop it. The house has a little bit of equity, and I want to buy it from them at a price that covers the liens and give them a little to relocate.
Would a contract for sale be enough for the court to issue a stay of the auction? Is that even possible? What are the steps we could take to help my friend, while allowing me to buy the house? Tomorrow I'm talking to an attorney, but I figured it wouldn't hurt to ask here. Thanks!
Topic:
Real Estate law

Answer: Nope.  They'd just take it from you instead.  You'd need to negotiate a pay out with the foreclosing bank.


Title: [California]Is my employer required to tell me why I was terminated.

Question: I was terminated today and the only reason my manager gave me is that the order came down from corporate. Atm I cannot think of any job related reasons so I would like to know exactly what it is that I did wrong.

Answer: No, you can be dismissed at anytime for any reason. Your employer does not have to disclose the reason for your termination. File for unemployment. Good luck.Answer #2: It's actually safer for them legally to not give you a reason.Answer #3: You don't have that right at this time. If they challenge your claim for unemployment, they would have to then. Answer #4: Nope. No requirement for them to tell you. Sorry.


Title: [Illinois] Can my wife's employer keep her last check

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 She has to get paid for hours worked. She can contact her local labor board and file a complaint. Answer #2: Nope, this is not legal.  She must be paid for every hour worked.

[DOL says](https://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/whd_fs.pdf): Covered employees must be paid for all hours worked in a workweek. In general, compensable hours worked include all time an employee is on duty or at a prescribed place of work and any time that an employee is suffered or permitted to work.

She should let the employer know that this is not legal, and that she will make a complaint to the Illinois [Fair Labor Standards Division](https://www.illinois.gov/idol/Laws-Rules/FLS/Pages/minimum-wage-law.aspx).


Title: Is it legal to force employees to do filmed interviews/speeches (not job interviews)? [NY, USA]

Question:
I was just wondering if it was legal to have numerous mandatory filmed interviews that all employees must do. These are becoming increasingly more common. I have bad general and social anxiety and they give me panic attacks when I have to do them. The employer knows this but still makes everyone do these things.

I know security cameras are one thing but is this legal? I never signed anything that said I had to do any type of filmed interview, or filmed speeches or anything like that. They also are expecting everyone to do these public speaking conferences in front of hundreds of people and I just cannot do this. I'm just a graphic designer, not a news anchor or public speaker.

I hope this is enough information to answer.

Thanks!

Answer: They can't force you to do this, but they can terminate your employment if you refuse. I would sit down and have a talk with your boss, and explain your social anxieties. Hopefully they're understanding and willing to work with you.


Title: 90mph in 60mph in Missouri. I am now in Misery.

Question: I was driving 90mph in a 60mph zone. 1. I did not realize that it was 60mph, because many interstate areas are 70mph. 2. This is my dad's vehicle. Mine is in the shop in another state and his is one of those cars that make it to where you can barely feel how fast you are going. Anyways, I heard the sirens and immediately pulled over. I was in the left lane and pulled over to the left side. The cop did not pull over all the way with me and was in the middle of the left lane. He came over, angry, and yelled at me for trying to get us killed. He asked me to move over to the right side of the road, but I could not see behind us because he was blocking the view. In that time, he decided that we could just stay on that side of the road. He wrote up the ticket for the speeding, but then also gave me another ticket for being pulled over on the left side. I had no clue that it was the wrong thing to do. Also, he told me that he attempted to let me know I was speeding and to slow down by being by my right side, but I had not noticed: I paid attention to what was behind me and not to my right - hence immediately pulling over. Anyways... what do I do? Am I going to jail?

Answer:
 >what do I do? Am I going to jail?

No, you aren't going to jail. Consider hiring an attorney for the ticket, it's pretty major. Also:

>I was in the left lane and pulled over to the left side.

That's not how it works. You always, always, always pull over to the right.


Title: Advice needed, DUI, (Cocaine, Alcohol, Hydrocodone, Ketamine, Xanax)

Question:
Attorney/Expert advice needed.

So on my 18th birthday I decided to party and took a bunch of drugs. (Alcohol, ketamine, hydrocodone, xanax, cocaine) Once I was no longer intoxicated, I drove home safely,

 then that next day i was driving on no sleep and on xanax (i was texting my friends and they said I redosed xanax but i have no memory of it due to blackout. I also might have drank I little more but I don't remember doing so) I got pulled over and the cop could tell i was on drugs not just drunk, as he didnt breathalize me or ask me if i was drinking. He had me due a field test, then arrested me and took me to get a blood test. He did not take 2 samples and give me one to test independently as required in Colorado.

I was driving under the influence of xanax only, but the blood sample is still going to detect the coke, ketamine, and hydrocodone as well that I was doing the night before.

I should also mention this is my first offense dui, happened the day after I was no longer a minor unfortunately. Am I completely screwed?

Anyway, my question is, after the sample comes back, will my license be revoked and mandatory drug testing be required immediately?,  or will that not happen until after my court date that is in 2 months.

Any response is appreciated, thanks.

Answer:
 You need a lawyer, like yesterday. You also need to not talk to anybody but your lawyer.Answer #2: After a cursory glance at Colorado's laws it seems like you're going to get a deadline to request an administrative hearing in the mail if you fail to request a hearing, your license is automatically suspended. If it's determined at the hearing that you were driving under the influence, your license will be suspended. As for whatever provisional or temporary license you can get before that hearing or after that hearing, I don't know. You need to be having consultations with lawyers that specialize in DUI cases and retain one soon.

On a personal note, please be careful. You're young and that's a shit ton of hard drugs to be taking alone, much less to be mixing with alcohol and driving. You're lucky you're not dead. You have your whole life ahead of you. Don't ruin it on bullshit like this. You can get over a DUI and go on live a great life if you keep your nose clean and do what you need to do. You can't climb out of a grave six feet under.


Title: I’m really at a loss because I’ve never dealt with this situation before. help!

Question:
Alright I’ll make this long story kinda short.
TLDR: im being forced to work Christmas and Days I’ve requested off and if I don’t show I’ll be fired even if I’ve given them advance notice. Is this legal? Is it legal to fire me even if I call out.
I’m currently working for a Denny’s in a small town and have been for the last 6 months. I requested time off back in September for the days of 12/20-23. My availability rn is Thursday thru Sunday. When I was hired I did not get an employee handbook nor really any papers to sign but this wasn’t “strange” to me since it’s a franchise and I had a fast hiring. On 11/21 a day before thanksgiving I received my schedule and saw that everyone in store was working 11/22(thanksgiving) no biggie didn’t request it off. I did inquire about it tho, and asked my GM. He informed me that all holidays are mandatory. And the days I requested off*i inquired about those were black out days* even tho I had previously asked him about those prior to this conversation and he said I will more than likely have those days off. I have discussed the situation with all 3 managers and left a note to get to the area manager who is never in. If I’m fired for this is that legal?

Answer: Totally legal. Yes they can fire you.Answer #2: It’s legal. You aren’t being forced to do anything.


Title: Could I sue or get any financial compensation for this incident at work?

Question:
I will sum it up quick: I work at a homeless shelter, and a resident of the shelter was following me around including into a part of the shelter that is off limits to everyone besides staff and certain folks who live in that specific building. He then started masturbating while staring at me everywhere I went for about 20 minutes.

As soon as I told security, police were called, he was arrested, and I gave my statement as well as some other witnesses.

I was given the opportunity to work with a therapist for 2 free sessions through my workplace due to this incident which I did. I think my work did everything they could and I felt taken care of and safe in that regard.

However it affected me emotionally way more than I thought. Having been sexually assaulted in the past it brought up a lot of unresolved pain and trauma despite it being such a minor incident (this may or may not be relevant legally).

I am testifying in court next week, about 5 months after the initial incident. I will be meeting with an attorney to go over what that will be like. I have never been to court or been in a situation remotely like this.

What I want to know is, did my workplace do everything they could? Am I entitled to try to sue this man, and would that even be worth it? Obviously I will talk about this with my attorney but some extra advice never hurts.

Answer:
 Sure you can sue the guy. But he has no money so you won't get any.

You can file a workers comp claim for counseling sessions.

But there isn't any money to be had here


Title: Do professors have the right to contact medical institutions?

Question:
So I was in a domestic violence relationship in April and I failed a class because of me being depressed and he was arrested and I have written statements and everything on file from the police of his arrest etc. I wanted to appeal the grade because under "medical " reasons you can at my school. They approved it and I made a doctor's note using another doctors signature because I couldn't remember the doctors name I was treated by... instead of actually going back to the doctors I seen and I get an email today saying that they investigated and my doctor's note was fraudulent and that they will proceed will judicial actions!  I only submitted the note because I didn't want the school to know I was being physically abused or access to court information especially since the person goes to my school ! I'm scared they are about to kick me out. Is there any policy that says that professors can't investigate medical institutions about students? Or any way I may be able to get around this? I regret it now.

Tldr: made a doctor's note with a signature, because I didn't want school to know I was abused by current student who is attending. professor investigated with the hospital and Dr confirmed it wasn't them. Is there any policy that is against professors investigating student treatment at medical institutions

Answer:
 You have my deepest sympathies about your sexual assault and I don't think anyone would blame you for wanting to keep that private. That said, how you did it was criminal and you will be expelled, that's something to accept and expect. If the police contact you, refuse to answer questions. If you are arrested, retain an attorney.

ETA; I would also consider deleting this post as it is some pretty solid evidence against you.Answer #2: Professors and employers can both check and make sure that a doctor's note is legitimate and that said doctor actually exists. They can't get more information about your medical treatment or anything, but yes they are definitely allowed to check if the note is a forgery.


Title: Want to help my mom settle a case of wrongful termination. Need advice pronto. (Coachella Valley)

Question:
            Alright so here's the breakdown. My mom was wrongfully terminated as a housekeeper in one of the branches of a hotel that is filthy stinking rich (think Paris Hilton) . She was a worker there for 8 years, making minimum wage on steady raises of about $0.25 a year. After about 5 years, they started raising her pay about a measly $0.10 per year. She simply tried to make ends meet for our family. She was fired for the stupidest reason imaginable! So a client whose room she was servicing had one of those hard plastic Starbucks cups which run about $10. After he checked out, he left a tip, as well as left the Starbucks cup. My mom, like any other housekeeper assumed it was trash, so she threw it away. However, her superiors had her put on 3-day suspension subsequently after the client came back 3 days later. He had asked for the cup, because it had "sentimental value". The stupid cup was nowhere to be found because he left it in the room, which was assumed to be trash.

            The hotel has a policy of putting valuables into the lost and found, but hey who knew a stupid fucking cup could be so valuable? Anyways, after her 3-day suspension she met up with her boss and had a meeting with my mom. She was fired. They told her to get her stuff and leave. I was infuriated. This is no grounds to fire someone. Why didn't the hotel simply reimburse the man for his fucking cup. She was one of the veteran workers too, she knew her way around the place and they fired her like a disposable tampon. Unbelievable. I'm positive this is an excuse to re-hire some new fresh employee starting at minimum wage so they could save money. My mom knew of other scandalous stuff going on at this hotel, like paying workers under the table, and stealing workers pay by doing something very illegal, let me explain: each housekeeper is assigned a set number of rooms for each day. However they are on the clock the whole time, as they are supposed to pay by the hour, not by room. So if they didn't complete their goal for the day, they were paid less despite working their designated hours. For every room not done, they took 30 minutes off their pay for the day. One time, my mom had left a note for one of the patrons, claiming that if he refused room service for the day, (which was free), that she would not get paid. The patron was infuriated at the management of this hotel, as he was a manager of a hotel himself. He complained to the management of this issue, and guess what? My mom got a strike and was suspended for 3 days.

          Of course this was prior to her termination, but now, the management of this hotel had their eyes out on her, as she was beginning to speak up about the illegal shit that was going on. It's been a few months now that she's been fired, and I've been urging her to take legal action, as I see there is no statute of limitations approaching. My mom doesn't speak English so well so she's been reluctant to find the right lawyer. I've taken it upon myself, as her 16 year old son, to figure this out for her. So, I've come to you guys for advice, as I want to expose these corporate scumbags for what they are and settle this wrongful termination in court. I'm aware these guys also have a number of lawyers, but i'm willing to help her fight this. I've thought up of a few things already. Wrongful termination, compensation for lost work-time, as well as claim all of the lost pay they've been stealing from her checks as a result of how they've been taking advantage of the Mexican women that can't speak up for themselves due to their illegal status. My mom isn't illegal, however. How can we approach this situation? She lost her job of 8 years for a fucking plastic Starbucks cup. This just doesn't add up. This is injustice, and I want justice for my mom.

Answer: That isn't wrongful termination. Your mother has no case.Answer #2: That's not wrongful termination, they can fire her for no reason at all if they want to. They're allowed to fire her over a starbucks cup if they'd like.Answer #3: Totally legal. Sorry.


Title: Can police legally arest you if you smell of alcohol?

Question: I live in Virginia and I'm 17

Answer:
 Yes. In Saudia Arabia you can be jailed and most likely severely beaten as a punishment for violation of the purity laws.

(see, location really does matter)


Title: [USA CA] Parking Permit Right to Privacy

Question:
When I went to college, to get a parking permit required the car's license number. Now that I'm out of college, my apartment complex requests my car's registration and insurance details to give me a parking permit. I find this excessive and invasive to my right to privacy as I was thinking they would only need my car's plate number to identify me to my car.

&#x200B;

Are there any law cases in USA (California) of a similar situation occurring where the tenant wants a parking permit but wants to remain private regarding the car's registration and insurance?

Answer:
 You dont have to park there if you dont want to give your info.  Theres nothing illegal about this. Answer #2: >Are there any law cases in USA (California) of a similar situation occurring where the tenant wants a parking permit but wants to remain private regarding the car's registration and insurance?

No, because nobody in their right mind would sue over this to the point where a published appellate opinion might result.

What "right to privacy" are you concerned with here?  Your registration details are mostly visible on your license plate.  The only other thing your registration form includes is your address, which, presumably, the place your living already has.

What "insurance details" are they asking for?  They have every interest in knowing that a vehicle driving around their lot has at least state minimum insurance.  What is it you think is super private?  Geico versus AAA?  Your limits?  There is no "private" information to be had in your auto insurance policy.Answer #3: The place wants to make sure all cars are properly registered and insured. This is understandable and probably required by their insurance. May also be required by local law. The only reason to care about this is if a car is not properly registered and insured. This has nothing to do with privacy.


Title: (Oregon) This lady owes us $40,000, she has been ignoring us and refuses to pay

Question:
The majority of these events are not recent, but we need help. A long time family friend of my mother's owes us roughly $40,000, but she screens our calls and has stopped the agreed upon payments since around 10 years ago, when we had lent her the money. My parents are good, honest, and hard working people, and to see their kindness get taken for weakness is where I draw the line. This lady has used our money to invest in her restaurant business, and is doing far better than we are financially. This money would mean a lot to us, and I need advice on how we should handle things legally.

So, about 10 years ago, my mother had lent her live savings to a long time friend, This amount was about $40,000. Having trust in this woman, my mother had lent her $40,000 without any legal documentation stating that she had lent her money (very poor decision on her part, I know). There is one piece of hand written document that states that she will pay the full amount back (does not state when the money is due) along with her signature. We are not very confident that this piece of written paper will hold up in court very well.  There was a mutual agreement that she would start making monthly payments after some time (including interest).

For about 7 years after the money was lent to her, she has been off and on making payments of $500 - $2000 dollars periodically by means of cash and bounced checks. Within this time, my mother had lent her MORE MONEY because she claims that she has blown through it all in hospital bills and divorce lawyers. She claims that she was in a hopeless place financially, and my mother only agreed to giving her more money because they had agreed upon an interest rate, in which we would eventually be able to put down a down payment on a home, put me through college, etc. There is no legal documentation of this either.

Throughout all of this chaos, she has managed to open up a restaurant, which is doing quite well, so we know she had the money to pay us back. At one point, the payments had stopped coming in. There is excuse after excuse, and we know she will get petty with the law and lie in court because has done this once before while her and her husband  were getting divorced, in which we essentially lent her money for the lawyer bills. Anyways, the bottom line is that this woman has stopped paying us, and refuses to pick up the phone. We know where she works, and we have even appeared at her restaurant in hopes to communicate, but SHE FLEES THE RESTAURANT AND GOES HOME AFTER SEEING THAT WE ARE THERE. I cannot make this up. We are borderline harassing her at this point. It pains me to see my parents stoop to her level and get desperate with this situation, but there is nothing we can do. This lady has used our money to build herself up, and while we are struggling to make ends meet, we need this money. I do not know what to do at this point. The only other legal obligation we have is to sue her, but there is no legal documentation that we had even lent her the money (besides a piece of paper with her signature on it), so we do not know if we would even win this case, or if it is even worth getting lawyers involved if we are not guaranteed to get some of the money back. My question is, would this even hold up in court? What is the best way to get our money back?

Thank you all for listening. It means a lot to our family that someone is willing to read our story.

Answer: Have your mother talk to an attorney but she is well outside of the statute of limitations (Written and Oral, 6 yrs. §12.080) so her options may be limited. Depends on the actions the deadbeat takes; the deadbeat may have successfully run away from this debt.


Title: Made a drunken mistake in college, court is coming after me almost 4 years later.

Question:
Back in college, I smashed a wall phone that was University property. I was then questioned by police about it, which led to me spending an afternoon in jail until I posted bail. The phone was valued at $50, which I paid to the University. When my court day came up, I plead guilty and received a $750 fine for criminal damage to property. I never paid the fine, and today, almost 4 years later I received notice to appear in court. Up until now, I have never heard from them.  From what I can tell I am being charged with contempt of court, and have to go explain why I never paid or attempted to pay the fine.  What options do I have, and what should I do to prepare?
Topic:
Criminal Law

Answer:
 You can get a lawyer, and/or bring $750 with you to court.

Obligations to pay fines don't just disappear.  This was completely predictable.


Title: Do I have the rights to sue nintendo?

Question:
Originally posted in personal finance, but I moved it here since it seems more fitting,

I live in central California in a small town, and ever since the release of the game Pokemon Go many people have been blocking my driveway, and pulling over on the streets next to my house causing a traffic jam because apparently my house (or street) is a gym in the game. I called, and emailed Nintendo about the problem and I got no responses from the emails, and when I called them the representative both times said they'd work to fix it but (2 weeks later) still nothing has been done. I'm not trying to be a party pooper but it's very irritating when you're trying to get to work and there's a traffic jam of people who are on their phones playing a game.
I am considering taking legal action against Nintendo and I was wondering if I have the grounds to do this?
P.S I have copies of emails and I recorded the second phone conversation.
Thanks,

Answer:
 1) The game has only been out for a week

2) If you got to Niantic's support page, there should be a way to ask them to remove the Pokestop (I'm on mobile right now, but Google "Remove Pokestop")

3) If people are blocking your drive way, tell them to move. If they don't, call the non emergency number and have the cops come out and ticket them. Take a pic of their car blocking your driveway with license plate.


Title: [CO] Former employer harassing and threatening court

Question:
To say I am having a lot of anxiety over this situation is an understatement.  Last week, I left my job for a single employee tax firm.  The only other employee was the owner.  I quit because I had been bullied more than once and advised by the owner that I had to do what I was told regardless if I felt uncomfortable or not.

When I quit, my husband came with me as support and witness to my leaving.  All I said to my employer was that I was leaving.  As this is an at-will state, I knew I did not have to provide reason.  The quitting was not taken well.  The following evening, I started receiving nasty text messages from  my former boss.  I had to add a call blocker app to my phone to block any text messages or phone calls.

Earlier this week, I received my final pay check from the employer.  They left a nasty note on the pay stub.  I did not read it, but my husband did and advised me not to read it for now as it would only upset me.

Fast forward to today, and I have learned that the employer is going to take me to court, accusing me of copying client files.  I did not take or copy any client information throughout my short tenure at this office.  I am concerned about fabricated evidence or even my ability to defend myself should this come to fruition.  I am fairly confident that I can prove my innocence, but I am still freaking out to say the least.

Is there anything I can do to help myself to ensure that my husband and I are safe from this person?

Answer: Don't worry about anything until you are served a court summons. A lot of people say they are going to sue and they don't. If you are sued then hire a lawyer and he could advice you to counter sue your employer. Make sure you save all the text messages and the pay stub for evidence.


Title: [WA] Property Manager Trying to Charge $900 for Lawn Mowing

Question:
In early April we were contacted by our property manager telling us that our lawn needed to be mowed by the end of the week or else an outside company would be hired to mow the lawn and we were responsible to pay for it. At the time our property manager told us that the lawn company they hire would probably charge us about $30 to mow the lawn, so we ended up waiting for them to send a lawn care crew that never came. After about two weeks we contacted our property manager at which point we were told that we were the ones responsible for hiring someone and we were given the phone number of the lawn care crew they use. I called them and arranged for them to come the following day, however they never showed up. I tried getting them to come again with no luck, so the lawn continued to grow. We contacted another company to mow our lawn, and this time they actually came and gave us an estimate of about $60 (I can't remember exactly how much, all I know is it was under $100). After about a week of them forgetting to come mow our lawn, our property manager finally sent one of their handymen to mow our lawn. The handyman used a weed-wacker to mow our entire lawn, which caused the whole ordeal to take three or four days, and now our property manager expects us to pay $900 for the job that was done. Our lawn is not outrageously large or anything, it's a solidly average sized lawn, but because the handyman used an ineffective tool for the job, we are being charged an insane amount. A quick google shows that even a layman like myself can go to The Home Depot and rent a [Brush Hog for about $60](http://www6.homedepot.com/tool-truck-rental/Brush_Hog/BC2600HM/) for four hours, which would easily have been able to do the job, or they could have just hired actual lawn care professionals who would have had the correct equipment to do the job.

How can we fight this outrageous charge because we outright refuse to pay damn near $1000 for a job that could have easily been done for ten times less?

Here is the documentation that was sent to us by our property managers: http://imgur.com/a/nt3wb

Answer:
 You can refuse to pay, and the landlord can take you to court for it.

Does your lease specifically make you responsible for the lawn?  I would be furious too, and I'm surprised you didn't put a stop to 3 days of weed whacking when it started, and you had already had an agreement with a 3rd party.

I can understand that the lawn was probably too long by that point in the Pacific Northwest to use a standard mower, but the lawn company would easily have been able to take care of it.

Contact the local tentants union in Washington State for their advice. http://www.tenantsunion.org/en/rights


Title: An Unconscious Patient with a DNR Tattoo

Answer:
 I thought this was an interesting case.  They ended up honoring the DNR because they found a normal hard-copy in a state database.  I was wondering what y'all think of this idea, and if how to make a more obviously legally-binding DNR tattoo.

Like, can you get a notary's seal & signature tattooed underneath?  Would that even be valid since the mark wasn't made by the seal itself?


Title: Landlord tricked me

Question:
Hi,

I used to pay the rent by automated payments, now the landlords got bought by another company without my knowledge and stopped taking payments

Now I received a letter saying I owe them 4000$ for the last 5 months

Am I in the wrong here ? or is there something I can do to have them lower the amount

EDIT: Thanks for your answers

Answer:
 Title shouldn't be landlord tricked you - it should be I can't balance a checkbook.

Yes - you have to pay this.

Yes - you are wrong.

It's a little surprising the landlord didn't let you know after month one, or month two, but that doesn't change the fact that you owe the money.

You could definitely ask for some sort of mercy by asking for higher rent for the rest of your lease to make up for, but if and when you are asking, definitely avoid trying to put it on them changing and put it on your shoulders. If you own up to it as your mistake and ask nicely, the landlord might work with you (remember he's NOT obligated to, you owe the money).

Also...balance your checkbook, or track things with Mint. Get a hold of your finances. It's worth it.


Title: Is calling the police without concrete proof a good idea?

Question:
Say, I was walking home and came across a friend being assaulted by a stranger and I overreact and savagely beat the guy up.

Is it a good idea to call the police? Assuming;
* I had no injuries or marks and neither does my friend
* There is no CCTV
* No other witnesses
* This guy is clearly in a bad way

Surely it could easily argued by the other guy that I just beat him up for no reason, as it is simply my friend's and my word against his.

I'm assuming I would receive the benefit of the doubt by calling the police but if calling the police would put me at any risk of assault charges, would it not be the safer route to simply leave?

My thinking follows the advice that even if you are completely innocent, anything you say to the police can be used to incriminate you and you should always avoid making any comments.
(This situation is completely hypothetical, I haven't nor am I planning to fight anyone) Location: UK

Answer:
 In the US, self defense is only justifiable to stop the threat. It does generally not permit you to go beyond. In some cases it does not permit you to act in defense of others. If neither of you sustained serious injury you are unlikely to prevail in a defense of other claim because
 you used too much force here unless the assailant was armed with a weapon.


Title: My brother was jumped by two people, a woman intervened and may have saved his life. When is it OK for my family to contact her?

Question:
I live in NB, Canada.

My younger brother (<18) was attacked by two people (also <18) while outside in the small hours of Tuesday morning.  My brother is now stable but his injuries are quite bad.

They were kicking him in the face while he was on the ground, shouting for help.  A woman who lived nearby yelled from inside her house that she had called the police, but they kept kicking him.  One of them said he wasn't going to stop until my brother was dead.  The woman ran outside and at this point my brother passed out, but she must have gotten the two to leave somehow and she stayed with him until the ambulance and police arrived.

She has provided witness testimony.  Charges are being finalized tomorrow.

I found out who this woman is through a coincidence - a "friend of a friend of a friend" type thing.  I would like to contact her to thank her for intervening, but I'm not sure whether it would be prudent to do so (or whether it would be prudent for my brother's parents to do so, which is probably a separate question).

Unfortunately, I'm not well versed on legal procedure and I don't know where to even begin looking so I'm trying to err on the side of caution in general.

People associated with the two attackers are posting vague threats on social media, and we're asking that my brother and all of his friends refrain from commenting or doing anything similar.

I would appreciate any resources or advice in general.
Topic:
Criminal Law

Answer:
 Ask the detective or prosecutor on the case if it's ok for you to contact her.  Maybe they can at least pass along a letter if they don't want you talking to her at this time.Answer #2: For what it's worth, I aked my victim advocate to assist me in thanking my rescuer.

She was scheduled to testify a day I would be there so my VA introduced me to her in the court hallway.  I had purchased a little gift and a nice card and I was able to thank her in person.  She was thrilled to see that I was "ok" and touched by the gift.  I was so happy to have the chance to say "thank you."  It meant a great deal to me.

Ask the advocate or other officer of the court if they can assist you.


Title: (CA, USA) Can I sue a competitor for flagging my posts on Craigslist?

Question:
I have a competitor in my field who recently turned very hostile and started flagging all my ads on this website. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Craigslist, the way flagging works is the community reports ads and when enough reports come in Craigslist deletes it. Upon some research I discovered that he is using software to automatically have my ads deleted while his stay up untouched.

Can I send him some sort of cease & desist if all I have is his Craigslist email and phone number?

Answer:
 First, contact Craigslist and let them know what is happening, and if they will step in (either preventing him from flagging, or disabling his account for use of a 3rd party app)

If that doesn't work, your options are more limited. A C&D only has weight if there's something you can reasonably do if they don't cease. And I'm not sure what tort would be involved here. Maybe tortuous interference, but that's a long shot and only if you could clearly show it was this person.

This also begs the question: do you KNOW your ads are being auto flagged, and that this person is doing it? Or do you suspect based on cursory google searches? Because if it's the latter then you're almost totally out of luck, and if it's the former then you need some real evidence of it to even have a shot.Answer #2: Are your ads in compliance with Craigslist's rules and TOS? Is there a possibility Craigslist software is deleting your ads for over posting?


Title: Can I be evicted for walking in my apartment?

Question: Hi Reddit, so I just moved into an apartment in Nebraska less than a week ago.  I just got a notice from the leasing office that the tenant below has complained about “heavy steps” in my apartment late at night.  I do not wear shoes in the apartment nor do I do anything weird like aerobics in there.  I also don’t step too heavy or anything like that.  I do get up to go to the bathroom once a night around 3 am but again I’m wearing socks and not running or doing anything weird or making heavy steps.  I am terrified of being evicted because of the noise.  I’m on my way to buy some carpeting/area rugs right now but I’m wondering if walking around my apartment is something I can actually be evicted for-do I need to hold it at 3am when I have to go to the bathroom?  Should I get a pee cup?  As ridiculous as that sounds I’m completely serious.  I’m terrified of being evicted-is this downstairs tenant’s noise complaints for me walking grounds for evicting me in the future?

Answer: Everything the OP says sounds like reasonable noise, and even flushing the toilet would be reasonable barring plumbing problems. Have these other tenants ever lived in a building with other human beings? Yes, OP should start documenting their noise — to build a harassment case.


Title: will get arrested for leaving jury duty?

Question:
So while I was traveling (for work and recreation) i got a summons and I thought okay I can cut off a huge chunk of my day to do my civic duty. I am a small business owner that relies on clients and not all are regular, my pay is unpredictable, but I love what I do. I got an inquiry for a treatment and this person needed help fast. If I cancelled i would lose a client that would be coming to me 2x/week for the next few months so I blocked myself off until 5 and he booked for 5:15. My office is about a 10 minute walk from the court house (15 with traffic). So I was going to give them 8-4:30pm to see if they wanted to use me as a juror. I asked the woman who was instructing us around when will we be done?

Now I am 100% sure but I am pretty sure she said we should be done no later than 4:30. That is when I said oh good I have to leave by then.  I wait very patiently until 4:30 the guy comes in the jury room and doesn't call me. I then say "I am sorry but I have to go". He then gets upset and in a raised voice said "then we will arrest you". I'm like what?? "I am leaving" and he then creates a gesture like okay then go. I leave, an officer asks me to step into the room right outside. After about a minute he comes back and gives me a paper that says I have completed my service and lets me leave.

My question is: Can they still arrest me? I thought that was something they were going to do right then. I would use my phone call to call my client and reschedule HOPING they would. Was this an empty threat or should I prepare to be away from my clinic for a while?

Answer: You're fine.Answer #2: If they wanted to arrest you, they would have.  You're fine.


Title: [MA] Sold car and left license plates with buyer.. buyer drove car through toll with expired/cancelled plates. Legal ramifications?

Question:
Hello, first off - I know I’m an idiot. I had never sold a car before so I left out a few important things. There’s a signed bill of sale but I guess I had forgotten to sign off the title (will meet with buyer tomorrow to sign). I also left my cancelled license plates with the buyer so they wouldn’t get pulled over on the way home (didn’t realize that they’re actually able to drive without a license plate 15 days after sale, and that I’m responsible for destroying my own plates). In my state, it is not required for us to return plates to the RMV, so I thought that whatever happened with the plates after my cancellation of them was not on me.

Anyway, hadn’t heard anything from the driver for a month or so and he messaged me today letting me know he went on a road trip with the car from MA to NC and drove through some toll roads without paying. But he offered to pay the tolls once they’re mailed to me. That’s not what I’m worried about - the license plate is technically cancelled but because I had forgotten to sign off the title (even though I have the bill of sale), am I still responsible for the legal issue of this guy driving with expired plates? Would the tolls even be mailed to me since the plates aren’t registered to me anymore?

I just don’t know the implications of all this and would like some advice. Thank you!

Answer:
 INAL also from WI: AFAIK they will look up last owner and it maybe mailed to you. I would go to court and plead your case if it does come and just say that you misunderstood that you take the license plates back after sale. Make a copy of the title showing the sale and take it with you and show it dated ON or BEFORE the ticket.

At least dispatchers will always go off of last owner in Wisconsin.

Make sure everything is dated correctly and filled out COMPLETELY in the title. Don't fudge how much the car was paid for or leave lines open. That is your responsibility and YOU will get cited if the guy takes it to the RMV/DMV


Title: [Wi] drinking advice with someone underage(under 21)

Question: [deleted]

Answer: You can minimize the risks all the way to zero by not drinking with underage persons.


Title: CRA WANTS ME TO PAY THEM MY RENT INSTEAD OF MY LANDLORD..confused..

Question:
I LIVE IN MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO, CANADA
As mentioned above this happened last week, and ever since i have been super stressed.
A lady  called from CRA REVENUE COLLECTIONS DEPT She asked me if i was so and so...confirmed it and then she went to explain to me she was calling me on behalf of CRA.
and then confirmed that my landlord is so and so..i confirmed yes.
and then she went on to say that i will be receiving a legal package in registered mail on monday/tuesday.
I was like...for what...
and she replied that this is inregards to my landlord and my rental payments.
and she said after i received the package i will have to direct all my rent payments to CRA...
I live in a condo, and i am really confused...i recently came out of rehab from an accident ( being run over by a car) and have slowly started working...
I checked up on them and it seems legit.
If i send CRA the cheques i am afraid Either my landlord of the condo board will kick me out.
I live by myself and my service dog and i am really confused...like wtf...
I called my landlord and he says its a scam...and i called the 1800 number on cra website and they transferred me to rev collections dept.
I mentioned my worries to the lady and she was like..well ya you can go to tenant and landlord board..
I mean why the hell am i in the middle of all this crap...
Please advise..should i seek legal aid..
i live in mississauga, ON so i got no idea how the rules work

1. Should i sign for the registered letter which i might receive today/ tomorrow.
2. Should I answer her calls..
3. Should i continue paying my landlord the rent..will i be implicated in anyway cuz of his tax issues. ( because the lady on the phone said i will be help responsible for his taxes...which doesn't make sense)

I did post earlier but was told to remove phone numbers and names ..have done so..I didn't think it was such a bid deal.

Answer:
 >CRA REVENUE COLLECTIONS DEPT

As in the canada revenue agency?

Receive the letter. Show it to a tax lawyer and ask about its legitimacy. Look up the CRA yourself (don't trust any of the contact info in your package), phone them and ask them if it's legit.

>I mentioned my worries to the lady and she was like..well ya you can go to tenant and landlord board

This doesn't make a lot of sense to me. What does the LTB have to do with your LL's allegedly unpaid taxes and a government plan to intercept your payments?

e: and for that matter why does CRA need your help to take your landlord's money? This sounds very strange.


Title: Divorce settlement question

Question:
I got divorced roughly 10months ago. In the divorce decree my ex wife is supposed to pay me $200 every month for 30 months to pay off the credit card she racked up in my name. So far so good.

Except a couple weeks ago she requested if she could skip a payment or two and increase her payments down the road to match what she would be missing. I said I’d like to keep the current payment schedule and she said ok. Yesterday she asked again. How should I be responding? I know her, even if I say no she’s going to do it.

Answer: Tell her that you will not be modifying the payment arrangement. If she misses a payment or continues to bother you about it, contact the court (or have your lawyer do it) to make them aware that she is violating the court order.


Title: Father won't allow his adult sons mother to see him after a bad auto accident due to a restraining order from their divorce (Louisiana)

Question:
This is kind of a long post, and requires some backstory before I can get to the point of my question. I have a brother and who is twenty-five years old, and still lives at home with our father. We have different mothers, and his mother recently divorced our father, for reasons I'm still unsure of. My father had a restraining order issued against her, and lived outside in his garage while she moved out. My brother was recently in a major accident on his motorcycle, and messed himself up pretty badly. I was told it would probably be at least a year until he was fully recovered, and still may have to live with some disabilities from the brain trauma he suffered. His accident took place on the sixth of February, but I didn't find out about it until the nineteenth of February from my sister, who shares the same mother as my brother. The only way my sister found out was by her mother (my father's ex-wife) calling around to the local hospitals after not hearing from her son in almost three weeks. My Father, his ex-wife, and my sister are not on speaking terms. After I confronted my father about why he didn't tell me about my brother, he stated that he didn't want my sister or her mom to be involved or even see their family. I found out later that my father had deactivated my brothers facebook account and cancelled his phone service almost instantly after the accident.
My brother has now recovered enough to go home, and his mother and sister were successful in seeing him while in the hospital. So my question is this, since my brother is not a minor, and wants to see his mother and sister, can my father legally keep them apart when my brother is at my dads house. Also are there any legal ramifications from keeping this type of information from a parent of the child?
I'm sorry if some of this is confusing, but I'm trying to keep it short and get to the point. I will respond to any questions that arise, and give more clarity when needed.
Thank you.

Answer:
 > can my father legally keep them apart when my brother is at my dads house.

If there is a restraining order barring Mom from coming to Dad's house, then it's **the court** keeping them apart.

Beyond that, Dad has an absolute right to bar *anyone* from his home, absent a couple rare exceptions.  So yes, he can tell Mom she can't come over.


Title: [OK] Married but separated, what do I file as on my taxes?

Question:
Hello reddit, I am unsure if this belongs here or not, however I need help, very desperate help. I am still married to my ex whom I separated from back in July of 2014. For one reason or another, whether it's financially not being able to do it, or simply no time, we both have been very irresponsible about filing divorce. My ex moved to another state, I live in OK and he lives in NM. This year, I was looking forward to getting some taxes back, but turns out that since I am married, I have to pay back taxes. I have to pay $1,500. Which may seem like a little to some but being realistic, not very many people really have that money out of pocket, I am just 22, and I am trying to get my shit together. This year hasn't really been my year and I don't have that money with me. I am wanting to save up so I don't go behind and end up owing to them more than that. I will be filing for divorce here in the next couple of weeks as I am having to deal with a lot of shit for not divorcing earlier. My question is how can I have them take more from my check so that I don't have to pay so much back next year? Is "Married, but Withhold at Higher Single Rate" an option? Can I change my status from married to single so that when filing I can also file as single? I was told that was illegal... Or, if you have any other tips, please let me know. Please and thanks!

Excuse my English if it's incorrect. It is not my first language.

Answer: Legally you are still married so you cannot file as single, but talk to your HR rep and make sure that filing as "married, head of household" and that no one else can claim you on their taxes is sufficient.


Title: I think someone is going to break into my house. What can I legally do?

Question:
Dumb story... we bought a car from someone. My wife exchanged the keys/title and money at the guy's house. Since she has two cars now (her car and the one we bought) the seller agreed to drive her car to our house. They get there and she forgets to ask for the keys and he keeps them.

Now this guy has avoided our calls and visits to his house and won't give the keys back, which has our house key on it.  He admitted he has the keys when I went to his house, but then he said someone stole his coat with the keys and phone. Then his phone rang and his jacket was on the couch behind him.

Here's the kicker... it came up that she is going out of town this week (which is a big part of why we needed the bigger car). However, he doesn't know _I'll_ be at home with my loaded shotgun. Other than reading up on the castle laws in my state, is there anything I can do?

Answer:
 Have you seen the movie "Home Alone?"  If not, rent it immediately.  Make sure you have a pad and pen handy, as you'll want to take notes.  Answer #2: Change your locks.

Consider filing a report with the police before this happens.  This gives you prior evidence that something is fishy in case he does break in.

Don't be an idiot.  Sitting at home with a shotgun 'hoping' someone breaks in is a fantastically terrible idea.  Depending on your state's laws, your actions and his, it could get you manslaughter or murder charges.  At minimum, should you be home when/if he breaks in(and ESPECIALLY if he's unarmed) give him a warning before shooting him.

In short, stop being so eager to shoot someone.


Title: My stolen property on eBay [MD, MA]

Question:
About two weeks ago two diamond rings went missing from the jewelry box in my house in Baltimore. I’m pretty sure who took them, but the city police did not seem concerned and only took a report over the phone. I’ve been combing CraigsList and eBay to see if they show up. And lo and behold, tonight what appears to be one of the rings (same size, same design, same specs) is being listed by a vendor in Walden, MA.

EBay’s stolen property policy seems to consist only of they “will cooperate with law enforcement.”

Do I let the seller know? Report the seller? Do I contact Baltimore city again, or contact the local police in Walden? Assuming any of these parties is responsive, how do I prove the ring is mine and get it back?

Answer: Contact the Walden police and let them sort this out


Title: I'm of age and had a flask confiscated by a club. Can they withhold it legally after?

Question:
Basically I went to a club with friends and didn't feel like spending a ton of money so I brought a flask. I've been to several clubs that didn't care if I had one so long as I was over age. There weren't any signs or anything I saw, but when a bouncer came up and told me I'd have to hand it over cuz I couldn't have it I complied as I didn't want to cause any problems. He told me I could get it back when I leave. When I left, I went to the bouncer who refused to give it back saying I shouldn't have brought it with me. Is this legal? Should I be able to go back and get it tomorrow or should I just give up? It wasn't super fancy but I'd still like to have it back as it's been mine for a long time. Thanks for any help!

Edit: This took place in Atlanta, GA. Sorry, I'm new here.

Answer: Call tomorrow before they open and talk to a manager about it. Answer #2: Go see the manager/owner as soon as possible and try to get it back. It that fails, contact the police about the theft and who took it from you.


Title: California - Misdemeanor Possession of MDMA

Question:
This weekend at Coachella Music Festival, I was detained for possession of  .6 g in MDMA tablets and charged with misdemeanor possession.

3 questions:

Am I able to pay this fine without having to come back to the Riverside court?

Is there any risk of jail time for this infraction considering 50-100 other people were detained for the same thing?

Will the drug diversion program be available to out of state offenders?

Can you recommend an attorney in the area that is familiar with such cases and can assist?

Thanks for your help!

Answer:
 >Am I able to pay this fine

What fine?

>without having to come back to the Riverside court?

Yes it's a misdemeanor.  You can have an attorney appear for you and even enter a plea deal for you without your presence.

>Is there any risk of jail time for this infraction

If it were an infraction, no.  It's not.  It's a misdemeanor, as you said.  Jail time is possible.

>considering 50-100 other people were detained for the same thing?

This is irrelevant.

>Will the drug diversion program be available to out of state offenders?

Not per se.  The provider for the program needs to be licensed under the CA Health and Safety Code.

It is probable that an attorney could work something out where you completed a comparable drug program and everybody treated it the same as diversion.


Title: Was forced to sponsor relatives to come to America, they have already arrived. Any recourse so I do not have to be financially responsible for them?

Question:
Throw away and first time poster.

I was forced to sponsor my uncle, his wife, and his 2 step kids to come to America. They emigrated to America on 10/09/18. I am not getting along with them an believe them to be sketchy people. I do not want to be financially responsible for them should they not find work. Is there anything that can be done so that I am no longer their sponsor?

Is there anything that I could do so that I can revoke sponsorship?

&#x200B;

I have checked some sites, however, it says that they either must become U.S. Citizens, die, work at least 40 quarters, and I forgot what the last one was.

Answer:
 How were you forced?Answer #2: The last one was "leave the United States".

The key question is how, exactly, you think you were "forced" to agree to sign an affidavit of support for multiple relatives to immigrate to the USA.

If you have evidence that you were coerced by threat, you may be able to be relieved from your sponsorship.  This would involve you reporting their immigration fraud (and your participation in it) and them being deported.

If a person were able to simply say "I don't want to sponsor these people anymore" then your sponsorship would be meaningless.   Similarly, you cannot declare without proof that you were coerced into sponsoring family members, or a sponsor would be able to use his sponsorship as leverage over those family members, rendering it similarly useless.

You should have consulted with an immigration attorney before you sponsored your relatives.   It is too late to "revoke" your sponsorship, but it is not too late to consult with an immigration attorney.


Title: My mother in law needs to have surgery to remove a tumor and needs to be out of work for 6 weeks. Her job is telling her she has to resign. She has earned over $2000 and worked in 2 different quarters. What could she do legally?

Answer: FMLA is what she needs. To qualify she needs to be a regular W2 employee who has worked for 12 months and the company has more that 50 employees.


Title: hit a vehicle illegally towing

Question:
I was driving home from work on the freeway doing about 65-70. I rounded a corner that had a double high divider added a few years ago blocking my visibility. Once around  the corner I noticed an RV tower a car in front of me also in the slow lane. The grade where I was at is almost non-existent and with less than a couple hundred feet to respond I checked my mirrors to see if the other lanes were clear. By the time I turned my head back it was too late. I tried to swerve but I hit the back of the car the RV was towing.

My insurance has said I was 80% responsible and is pretty much saying that it does not matter if he was illegally doing anything.

**My argument is that:**

1. he was doing 15 on the freeway.
1. his tow dolly was secured to his bumped and not a hitch
1. since the tow dolly was on the bumper his tow rating is lowered which means his RV was pulling way more weight that he should have been.
1. The tow dolly did not have the proper security chains attached to the hitch as required by law
1. He had no indication that he was going this slow and being a hazard in the road.

**My Question:**

What are my options? Insurance (geico)is pretty much not wanting to fight this and are giving me no options to disagree with their judgement. Do I have other options? I feel he should not have been towing and had he not been towing he would not have been going this slow and that car would not have been there to hit.

**Location:**

Kern County California

Answer:
 It doesn't matter if the other guy was doing something illegal, you still are obligated to be aware of your surroundings.

You can fight it but it's just going to cost you time and money with little chance of any change in result. Answer #2: I can't believe you somehow convinced your insurance to eat 20% of the fault here.  Most carriers would have said you were 100% at fault.


Title: [Texas] Does an LLC protect me personally if my name is similar to a big brand?

Question:
I got an LLC for a business name and later found that there is another company, IN THE SAME FIELD OF BUSINESS, who has a similar name, just reversed.

It's like I came out with a soft drink and called my company Cola Coca LLC.

They have a trademark for their name and the same services so I will be denied a trademark because of this.
But If I decide to continue with the name as is, and they sue me, do they only get the company's value? It doesn't effect me personally, right?
Topic:
Intellectual Property

Answer:
 A common misconception is that an LLC provides absolute protections for the owner, which is 100% false.  An owner can be held liable for the LLC's debt.  [Here](http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/personally-liable-llc-corporate-debt-bankruptcy.html) is an easy read.Answer #2: Because you are personally involved and are intentionally infringing, the other company may be able to "pierce the corporate veil" and hold you personally liable.

But the best case is that they only take everything that the company has... So why not change the name now before things go bad.?


Title: I’m a 19 year old whose dad died. I need help understanding my inheritance, and if there is some monkey business taking place. Please help

Question:
Hey reddit. My father passed away in Nov 2017, my senior year oh high school. When he died he was in medical debt so the estate wasn’t opened until nov 2018 (to make sure the debt cleared). To this day, my mom hasn’t discussed the estate with me after asking numerous times. My father barely had any money so I assumed I wouldn’t be inheriting much anyway, but there are a few things that I’m curious about. When my parents divorced in 2015, the house was split between mom and dad. It was supposed to be sold shortly after the divorce with my parents splitting the $$$ halfway. Unfortunately the house had a major problem that had to be fixed and ultimately never sold. So, with my dad passing away, my siblings and I (3 in total) have been told that we are entitled to 1/6 of the house each because it is our estate, with mom keeping her other half as normal. While the house situation seems legit, other things don’t.
My dads two main assets were his car and vintage gun collection. He didn’t have a house/property to leave behind because he was renting at the time. We (as in my immediate family) are still in possession of the car, and my mom plans on selling it in a few months. She plans on using the money to buy my sister a car which I’m fine with, even if I’m entitled to some of the profits (which I’m still unsure of because I haven’t seen the will). My mom got the gun collection appraised and found out that it was worth around 30k. So, this past weekend, she sold all but two guns (and likely profited over 25k) and immediately used the money to pay off her personal credit card debt. I have MANY questions about this. 1) was she supposed to get written permission from me and my siblings before selling some of my dads estate? 2) is this even legal? 3) am I entitled to the profits from the sale? As you can see, there is so much uncertainty with my situation. My mom still won’t show me a physical copy of the will, and I’m pretty sure she’s doing something she’s not supposed to do. One of my best friends mom died and got scammed out of her entire inheritance because of a greedy family member and I want to prevent this from happening to me and my siblings.

PS: she plans to take money off the top when the house sells for some reimbursements from my dad. Can she do this since they’re divorced? Also, I’ve been told by my mom that “His will was not signed so it automatically goes to you, which includes your share do of property taxes and other expenses related to the house. There is no executor and he was ruled intestate.”

I just need someone to help me understand if I’m being scammed or not. My mom won’t talk to me about it and all of my grandparents are dead so I don’t have another resource within my family to discuss this with.

TL;DR:
Dad died, mom is acting sketchy with his estate and isn’t being clear. I need help with the legalities of this situation. I’m in the state of TN if that helps.
Topic:
Wills Trusts and Estates

Answer:
 [Here are the Tennessee rules](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/intestate-succession-tennessee.html) for intestate succession. If he had no valid will, and no current spouse, then his children split his estate. His ex absolutely should not have used the proceeds from the gun sale to pay off their personal debts; even if they were named the executrix of the estate (and it sounds like she wasn’t).

The house is trickier. If they were named as joint tenants with the right of survivorship; it’s possible that the marital separation agreement can’t be enforced, since your dad’s property interest would be extinguished by death. It’s an interesting question; and ranges from you getting 1/6 of the profits of the sale, after expenses and the mortgage (if any) is paid off; to you getting nothing and your mom keeping it all.

Usually if one person gets a discrete asset (like your sister getting a car) then it would be offset and she would get less of whatever other inheritance was.


Title: Dad wants on Birth Certificate

Question: Four years ago in Broward Florida I had a son with a woman I was seeing at the time.  She was still married and so when he was born she told me they would not allow her to add my name to the birth certificate. Told me it's either her husband or no one. She subsequently got a divorce. I really want to be officially listed as his father. Want can I do?

Answer: The first step would be to petition for paternity. Does the ex-husband (who would have been presumed to be the father) know? Does the child know?


Title: I feel like im being scammed, but I'm being threatened with being arrested by the police.

Question:
I texted a girl from a dating app a few weeks ago. But we haven't spoken much until today. I was under the impression that she was of legal age and we exchanged nude photos. Today, I found out she was underage.

 The whole thing seemed a bit off, all the messages were very long, and looked like they were copy-pasted, or scripted. I asked her for her snapchat so that i could verify that she was a real person since she seemed like a bot or a scam. She said she deleted the app and that she would redownload it but it might take a while. I got sketched out and deleted the conversation and the dating app.

Shortly after, I got a call from the police (I the phone number and it came up as Toronto police department) and they told me there would be a warrant for my arrest if I didn't resolve the whole thing with the girl's parents. They gave me the girl's father's number and I called him. He said that his wife was furious and she wanted to press charges but he would rather deal with the issues now and not go to court.

After our conversation he sent me a picture of an invoice for their daughter's therapy session and said that since they were not pressing charges, their insurance wouldn't cover it and so he wanted me to pay half of it - about $4000. I should mention that the invoice looks like it was touched up and edited on photoshop. I would call the hospital to confirm the invoice, but they are closed on the weekend.

At this point I don't know what to do, I feel scared because I think the call from the police was real. Any help or advice is appreciated.

 I'm a 20M from Toronto, ON. I am a student and have no money, definitely cannot afford to pay.

Topic:
Canada

Answer:
 This is one of the most common scams.

This sub gets a handful of these a week. Apparently it's still going strong and dudes that send pics of their ding dong are paying up.


Title: [CA] Roommate has decided he’s not paying his full share of the rent. Am I screwed?

Question: We agreed to go 50/50 on the rent when we got a one year lease. 5 months in he says he’s not paying his full share because I make more money than him. We’re both on the lease so I can’t just allow us to not make rent. Is there a way I can evict him or something?

Answer:
 You can notify him in writing that his share of the rent is due on X date, you can pay the rent in full, and notify him in writing the amount remaining that he owes, and if he fails to pay you can take him to small claims court and ask them for a judgment for the amount he owes you plus the court costs.

It's an annoying process but he will be forced to repay you.


Title: [MO] Hit equipment left in road - damage to my car

Question:
Hi, this just happened a few hours ago and I'm not 100% sure if/how I should proceed. My boyfriend and I were driving home on a main road and hit a piece of equipment left/lost on the road. It was dark and this black dolly thing was in the middle of  our lane. We were going about 35mph (in a 40) and once we were up on it we had no real choice but to hit it or another car.

We are fine, the car is not.

I tossed the thing in the back of the car because I wasn't sure what else to do at the time. Turns out it's some specialty equipment mover for DJ gear and this happened right in front of a DJ Office.

Anything I can do? File a police report? Call the DJ Company and ask them if they're missing a dolly? Let it go because how do I prove any of it?

Thank you for your help.

Answer: 99% of the time hitting a stationary object in the road is considered a collision claim against you. File a claim with your insurance if you carry collision coverage. You'll be subject to your deductible of course


Title: Hotel unable to find my laptop I left after checkout. Please help!

Question:
Hi LA,

First time poster, long timer lurker reading the advice you have all provided for users in the community. I had an incident so maybe you all can help my situation.

Last week 4/29 I checked out of a hotel in Reno, Nevada. Not a big casino type place but maybe about 100 rooms or so.

4 hours later at the airport I notice my laptop isn’t in my bag and remember exactly where I left it in the hotel room. I called and they said nothing was turned in and if anything were, since it is a high value item, it would’ve been in the managers office. I immediately go on iCloud and lock up the laptop and have it play a sound if someone opened it up. Low and behold a sound gets played next morning. The hotel staff still said nothing was found. I call back again and they stated that nothing was found in the room and even the GM and operations manager looked around the room to find nothing.

I tried to call the GM on Tuesday and Wednesday but went to voicemail. I was informed he would be busy until Friday with back to back meetings/calls. Of course, no response or cal back from him on Friday.

I filed a police report and they have an officer on the case but not much action on his part, other than informing me that the hotel never filed an internal report about my missing laptop.

It’s been a week now and I’ve been searching on Craigslist and Facebook marketplace to see if anyone lists any MacBook pros. I even called various local pawn shops and provided them with my serial number in case it comes in. The hotel said they did an internal investigation, with no laptop coming up (mind you they did this Thursday so if someone did take it, I highly doubt they would leave it on the property).

Is there anything else I can do at this point or am I screwed $2,000 laptop?

Any and all advice would be great.

Thanks fam.

Answer:
 File a claim under your homeowner's/renter's insurance if it covers lost property, get a new laptop, and restore from backups. The odds of you seeing this laptop again are nearly zero.

What's somewhat likely is that it was taken and kept, either by housekeeping staff or by someone who had access to the housekeeping cart during the rounds. The hotel's liability for property left in your suite is pretty limited - most of the actual recourse would be against the thief, but good luck finding them.


Title: (Salem, Oregon) Being forced to replenish the register.

Question: I work at a restaurant and was told that, if a customer walks out without paying his check or the cash register is under $300, I have to pay the check out of pocket/replenish the register out of pocket. Is this a legal practice?

Answer:
 That is not legal.Answer #2: Not legal.  Your employer cannot force you to reimburse him, nor can it be deducted from your pay.

https://www.oregon.gov/boli/TA/pages/t_faq_tadeduct.aspx


Title: Am I in Trouble?

Question:
[TX] I am on mobile and using a throwaway, sorry for formatting issues

A little while ago, my upstairs neighbors were being very loud on their balcony and I opened my window after about 10 min of hearing them singing and stuff and asked them to keep it down. They normally do not bother me and my 2 roommates and I rarely do anything other than bang on the ceiling occasionally if they are being too loud.

They went out in their balcony after a party they threw earlier died down so they were a bit drunk. I did not ask them aggressively AT ALL to keep it down and said, "You guys sound good, but can you keep it down?" And I closed my window. They took it offensively and were extremely angry. 4 of them then came down and started banging on my door really hard, hard enough to dent it several times.

I grabbed the door and tried to explain that I only wanted them to keep it down and didn't mean anything by it, but all 4 kept talking about wanting to fight. It was at this point that I showed my handgun that I keep STRICTLY for sport shooting in an attempt to defuse the situation and let them know I did not want to fight. I do not keep it for self defense as I have absolutely nothing of value for people to want, therefore I keep the handgun in a case with a flexible lock through the barrel and chamber.

When I showed the handgun, it had the lock on and everything. It only made them more angry and I closed the door which they continued to pound on for a little while. At this point I put my handgun back in it's case.

One of their significantly more sober roommates (possibly totally sober) came down to try and smooth things over and apologize, and even gave me his number. He was very polite and nice and I thought that was the end of that, but my pulled up in the parking lot. The 4 drunk guys were upstairs and recognized him and ran up to him trying to fight him. He then went back in his truck and stayed there. My other roommate, who was in the apartment with me, went outside with me as we were worried they would hit him. They then turned their aggression on us and some yelling at us went on and we went back inside.

Not a minute later I heard a police officer yelling at people to get on the floor and I slowly opened the door and he pointed his gun at me and ordered me to get on the floor outside my apartment which I certainly did. He was an off duty cop who lives in the apartment building and heard most of the yelling. He called for more officers and they swarmed the area and handcuffed my roommate who was in the apartment saying that a gun was involved.

I immediately said it was mine and they put handcuffs on me and read me my rights saying I was detained but not under arrest. I then showed them where the gun was and explained the situation. They ran the serial numbers and my driver's license.

Almost as soon as the police arrived, they left saying I was fine and "did the right thing".

I feel very shaken by the entire event. At the time of me typing this, it hasn't been but an hour since the incident.

I do not consider myself the aggressor at all and wonder if that is the case from a legal standpoint?

Will I get in trouble in the future? I am very nervous and shaken up by the whole thing and am very worried any advice is appreciated.

Answer:
 You are in the clear and did nothing wrong.

It should be a lesson though that brandishing a firearm to a bunch of drunk guys rarely does anything to deescalate the situation. Best to just keep the door closed. Also, *you* are the thing of value you would be protecting during a case of self-defense. Don’t sell the value of your life short.


Title: Employer removed a shared tip jar. My pay has also been cut due to new company policies.

Question:
Hello,

I live and work in Rhode Island, USA.

Today the NEW owner of the business I work for decided to remove a shared tip cup.  I have worked here for over three years and I have always recieved tips.  - She stated that it is unfair that we are able to collect tips because they rest of the employees cannot.  (I work in a deli/prepared food section of a small market)  There was also a mishap involving a former employee who was recently fired, but she is saying removing the cup is not a form of punishment. (Which is a lie) she also said that because we make atleast minimum wage we do not deserve tips, because tips are ment for employees making less than minimum.

This new owner also stopped paying time and a half on Sundays without notifying the employees.  They also stopped paying time and a half for holidays - now they are no longer open on holidays so that no longer matters.

So my question is, can she legally do this?  I'm going to quit anyways, but I was just wondering.

Answer:
 Are you a member of a union? If not, then:

> NEW owner of the business I work for decided to remove a shared tip cup.

Shitty but legal

> This new owner also stopped paying time and a half on Sundays without notifying the employees. They also stopped paying time and a half for holidays - now they are no longer open on holidays so that no longer matters.

All legal

As long as you make minimum wage, this is all legal. They are just begging to increase turnover though.Answer #2: Yes.  She can remove the ability for customers to tip employees who are making at least minimum wage.


Title: Can I sue this mechanic?

Question:
So my car broke down and was dropped off to a mechanic in an area I’m not familiar with. I trusted the mechanic because he said he can work on my car (BMW).

My car died while driving - came out to be electrical issue which was $950 which I paid. The wait was nearly two weeks as he kept coming along with excuses.

I came to the shop and come to find out my AC is not working due to an electrical issue. I mentioned to the mechanic and he told me to bring the car back on Monday.

I want to sue this mechanic for negligence because why wouldn’t you test drive the car? He didn’t not even know the AC was not working until I pointed it out. As he’s trying to fix the AC (which did not work) I go back to start my car and I get an ABS light - which he ignores.

Is the grounds for a suit in NJ?

Tl;dr sue if mechanic who neglected me car paid for the work.
Topic:
Small Claims Procedure

Answer:
 > I want to sue this mechanic for negligence because why wouldn’t you test drive the car?

You don't know he didn't.  "Test drive" doesn't mean that he exercises every single vehicle system.  They won't test things they weren't paid to diagnose or fix.

It's also not automatically his responsibility that the AC or anti-lock brakes stopped working.  You'd have to prove that his repairs, or another action he took, **caused** these problems.

In other words, you currently have no grounds for a suit.


Title: [GA] My mom wants my sister to either voluntarily leave within 7 days or start paying rent immediately

Question:
I don't want to get into the family drama between them because I'm not there to witness any of it go down and is also not relevant.

When my sister comes home tonight my mom wants to force my sister to either move out within 7 days or start paying rent. If my sister protests, then she's going to raise the rent in what I'm guessing is an attempt to make leaving look like the better option.

Can she force my sister into either of these situations in such a short time frame?

Answer: OP's sister is a tenant and would need to go through a formal eviction process if she refuses to leave. Changing the locks would constitute an illegal eviction and there would be financial penalties that your mom would be on the hook for. That being said, you're sister is an adult and should go find her own place.


Title: [NV] My son was born during the grace period between regular coverage and temporary continuation of coverage (TCC or COBRA). Insurance won't cover him during that time

Question:
We have insurance through the BCBS Federal Employee Program. We have a family policy with my husband as the primary person, then myself (wife) and daughter also covered.

My husband works seasonally as a wildland firefighter, may-oct, and is laid off over the winter. I was pregnant with our second child and due in October, so we made sure to have all our ducks in a row and opt into the TCC coverage so we would have no break in insurance.

Husband was laid off Oct 15th. So begins the BCBS grace period 30 days from the date of policy termination. My son was born Oct 21. Our TCC coverage began Nov 15, at which point our son was covered.

We're on the hook for his hospital bill and pediatrician bill for being checked the day he was born and two days later which is standard. BCBS has told us that we can't add a person to a policy during a grace period. We argued it's a family policy to begin with, we didn't change the policy type.

Through all this we've at various points had people helping us and at one point the bills were covered and we were all squared away. Then for some reason they reneged on that decision and did a "take back" on their payments, leaving us with bills to the tune of $5,000.

BCBS says they can't do anything. The National Finance Center (the part of the government that we pay for the TCC for the Federal Employee Health Benefits) says they can't do anything. We can't retroactively pay a premium during the time that was covered by the grace period. The National Finance Center REQUIRES a grace period before TCC can begin.

We were suggested to pursue Medicaid for him. We make too much money to qualify. We did everything "right" and are being screwed over.

My question is if there are any other avenues we can pursue, or if hiring an attorney help in this situation.

Thank you.

Answer:
 A lawyer could help, though it would also cost you more money up front that you may never recover.

Another avenue  \- and I know this sucks and isn't ideal \- might be to negotiate with the hospital. Explain that you were uninsured \(against your knowledge\). Sometimes hospitals will give big discounts to uninsured patients.