Title: My boyfriend's ex keeps slandering him on social media, trying to isolate him from his network

Question:
TL;DR: My boyfriend's abusive ex won't stop slandering him \(and now, me!\) on social media, and keeps trying to turn all his friends and former professional contacts against him. What can we do to get her to leave us alone? Is there a solution?

Originally posted in /r/relationships, referred here.

My boyfriend "Jim" and I first met last fall, at the start of grad school. Over the next few months, we became good friends; I invited him over to my house a couple times for dinner with my roommate, and he even invited me over to his place to hang out with him and his then\-girlfriend of 3 years, "Karen." I didn't notice too much of a weird vibe around him and Karen's relationship, but in retrospect, she'd always monopolize the floor \(to the extent where he was almost silent whenever she was around\), and almost all her stories had to do with her putting someone else in their place \(framed as "correcting an injustice"\), or being manipulative in some way. Kind of left a bad taste in my mouth, but I figured I wouldn't have to interact with her very often; Jim was only a work friend after all.

He'd let it slip once that his home life was "complicated"—I didn't know if he felt comfortable talking about it at the time, and I didn't want to pry, but I did tuck it away in the back of my mind. As the months went on, I started noticing that Jim was spending a lot of time in the office \(often leaving at 11pm or midnight, which is not normal for our discipline\). I also noticed that he'd started bringing clothing and shoes to the office. But the real red flag was when he stopped being able to come over to my house to hang out with me and my roommate; this only happened after I came over to his place and met Karen.

So, naturally, I started wondering if something was up. Eventually we became close enough to where I was comfortable starting the conversation about whether things were okay at home. And he told me everything. Whenever he was home, he felt like he was walking on eggshells. At the slightest provocation, she'd berate him and yell insults at him constantly. He'd tried to break up with her several times before, but each time she'd threatened to kill herself. More recently, she'd started accusing him of cheating on her with me.

I did a lot of soul\-searching. I questioned my motives; was I only doing this because I was slowly falling for him? Ultimately I came to the conclusion that that didn't matter. If any of my other friends had confided these things in me, the right thing to do would be to help them leave.

So I did a lot of research on abusive relationships. I started having compassionate, open conversations with him about why he felt obligated to stay with her, and gently but firmly told him that nothing would improve until he left \(after all, nothing had really improved for 3 years, beyond brief periods of "not\-terrible"\), and that he was the only one who could make that choice for himself. Eventually, he got to the point where he decided that he was going to wait until she finished school before leaving her. I made my disapproval clear, but ultimately it was his life, and that was his choice.

So that was the story, until about three months ago, when confessed to having feelings for me. I was overjoyed, but more than a little apprehensive about what this meant. I told him the feelings were mutual, but that I wasn't comfortable being "the other woman." If he wanted to give this a shot, he'd have to leave her first. And he did, a week later.

That's where the real trouble began. Since then, Karen has:

* Posted about the breakup on social media, using language that implies he was the abusive one and painting herself as a "survivor." An example would be something like: "So glad to be single again. I'm never going to let a man tell me what I can and can't say again!" \(implying that *he* was the man in question\) "Very thankful for domestic abuse agencies." \(implying that she needed them\). Framing it in this way means that any criticism of her is automatically labeled as anti\-feminist. This means he's lost almost all the mutual friends they'd made over the past 4 years. Any attempt to defend himself or save face will be met with skepticism—after all, he's a\* ma\*n, so he must be scum, right? \(This is not only a Catch\-22 for him, but it's also absolutely disgusting because it delegitimizes the experiences of actual abuse survivors.\)
* Sent out\-of\-context screenshots of private conversations he'd had with her about his friends, to the friends in question. These were cherry\-picked to make him look bad. I'm sure everyone has had talked about their friends privately at one point or another; conversations where you say things like "I don't understand why \[other friend\] is doing what they're doing. It doesn't seem to make sense to me." Well, these were the types of statements that were passed along. Luckily, not all his friends fell for it.
* Reached out to his professional network, telling anyone who would listen that he cheated on her, that he was a bad person, etc.
* Stolen several of his belongings before he managed to move out for good.

We thought everything had died down, until this weekend, when she saw us getting off of a bus together. We weren't holding hands, we weren't even really acting like a couple—we literally just got off at the same stop. She yelled at us, and then later she posted about the incident on social media in a way that referred to me as "the classmate he'd cheated with" and made it seem like we'd literally been fucking in public. \(She also re\-friended several of his old friends that he'd asked her to unfriend after the breakup so that they could be privy to this too.\)

Jim and I are at a loss. So far we've been trying to stay positive and look to the future—a future that looks brighter and brighter each day, since each day I feel like I find something new to love about him. But it's hard, and I can see that it's having a huge effect on him. He wants some revenge, but more importantly he wants his friends back. **Do you have any advice for me, or for him?** Is this the sort of thing that can die down on its own? We've thought about:

* Hiring a lawyer and filing a civil suit against her for slander. But we can't really afford that, and we also don't want to add fuel to the flames in case it doesn't work out.
* I've suggested calling the police about the stolen belongings, but he's worried about getting them involved because she might try to spin it against him like she has with his friends—with potentially far worse consequences. Basically, we don't want to escalate the situation unless we're sure it's worth it. Besides that, it's probably too late to recover anything.

Answer:
 >Do you have any advice for me, or for him?

Block her on social media.

>Hiring a lawyer and filing a civil suit against her for slander.

Based on what you wrote, you don't have the strongest case for defamation, be it slander or libel.

>I've suggested calling the police about the stolen belongings

Given the context of disputed ownership of property taken during a break-up, the police will likely tell you this is a civil matter, not a criminal one.

Your boyfriend can sue her in small claims to try and get his stuff back if he wants. Answer #2: He can sue her in small claims for the value of his stolen property.

Telling her side of the story or posting screenshots isn’t defamatory. What has she accused him of doing specifically that is false and has caused measurable damages?

Location is also important.


Title: When vaccinating your child isn’t protection enough...

Question:
I’m about to enroll my daughter (4 months) in the daycare my three year old attends. She will have had some, but not all of her vaccines. I asked the school if they require vaccinations, hoping that herd immunity will protect her until she’s old enough. They do, but not for medical reasons (I get that) or religious exemptions (though most religions, are not against vaccines). Apparently, all that is required is the parent writes a letter saying they don’t vaccinate for religious reasons. That’s it!

But that’s not my question. I responded by asking if they can disclose whether or not there are unvaccinated children in the center, specifically in my daughters’ classes. They said that they can’t give me names due to confidentiality (duh). My question is how far does that confidentiality extend? Can they tell me an unvaccinated child is enrolled, but leave out his or her name?

I don’t want to start a witch hunt, I just want to be able to make an informed decision about what’s best for my child, since some people fail to do what’s best for theirs.
Topic:
School Related Issues

Answer: They dont have to tell you anything. It isnt info you have a right to have.


Title: [OK] My heat isn't working...Property Management Co number is disconnected...

Question:
I woke up this morning to discover my heat is not working.  It turns out, but no hot air is being blown.  My house is down to 56 degrees.

I tried calling my property management company to discover that their number is disconnected.  The only number for emergency repairs is the number that is no longer in service.  I've read through my lease, which specific says, "Generally, heating and air conditioning issues are not an emergency."  So, with that, I'm not sure that I'm comfortable calling someone myself for an emergency service - especially with the holiday.  I did submit a request online for maintenance request.

I've read through the state tenant act and came across this:

>C. Except as otherwise provided in this act, if, contrary to the rental agreement or Section 118 of this act, the landlord willfully or negligently fails to supply heat, running water, hot water, elec- tric, gas or other essential service, the tenant may give written notice to the landlord specifying the breach and thereafter may:

>1. Upon written notice, immediately terminate the rental agreement; or

>2. Procure reasonable amounts of heat, hot water, running water, electric, gas or other essential service during the period of the landlord’s noncompliance and deduct their actual and reasonable cost from the rent; or
8

>3. Recover damages based upon the diminution of the fair rental value of the dwelling unit; or

>4. Upon written notice, procure reasonable substitute housing during the period of the landlord’s noncompliance, in which case the tenant is excused from paying rent for the period of the land- lord’s noncompliance.

Can someone help me decipher this information, and let me know what I can do to remedy this situation?

Answer:
 If the cost of the repair is less than $100, you can [get it fixed after 14 days notice](http://www.tenant.net/Other_Areas/Oklahoma/tenant.html#s121), or as appropriate in an emergency, and deduct the cost from your next rent payment.

You've done your duty. You've tried (and failed because of their negligence) to report the problem.

Given that it's currently [just above freezing](http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=35.467560,-97.516426&cm_ven=googleonebox&MR=1), and forecasted to be below freezing in the next few days, calling this an emergency is likely warranted.

From a practical point of view, you want to [try to prevent your pipes from freezing](http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2014/01/how-to-prevent-your-pipes-from-freezing/index.htm). If you don't feel comfortable getting the problem fixed yourself, space heaters can be found for $50-$100 that will keep a room comfortable. You might also try asking in /r/Homeowners, or elsewhere, for ideas on fixing it yourself, if you have access to the furnace.


Title: Is it legal to run a betting website if there's no actual currency being bet? (Canada)

Question:
Hi there, I have a bit of an odd question that's not the usual on /r/legaladvice

I'm asking the question in the title as I may be interested in making a hobby fan site for Esports which would involve betting on matches.

Basically the idea is that users could bet/be rewarded simple "points" for fun. The points would have no actual value so would it technically be betting/gambling?

Also would hosting advertisements on a website like this be legal as it would be profiting from betting even though not directly from it.

To go further on this would doing something like giving prizes to winners/users who trade in points be allowed? Completely just wondering for something simple like game codes.

Answer:
 Sounds like a perfect question to ask a business attorney familiar with international laws in regards to gambling.

As a general rule, though, if nothing of value is being traded, then it is not gambling in the eyes of the law.

What would these points be used for?  Bragging rights?


Title: (IN) Full-time employee with intermittent FMLA: Can employer prevent me from making up days of work missed from FMLA?

Question:
Basically can they deny me from making up missed days due to FMLA? I'm Full-time and my intermittent FMLA allows up to 3 days per week. If I miss a day or two in week, for example, would it be a reasonable accommodation to allow me to work on my scheduled days off?

*Edit:* Indiana, USA. Just for LocationBot.

Answer:
 "Reasonable accommodation" applies to the ADA, not so much to retroactively getting back FMLA days.  So let's take a 5 day work week, you're allowed UP TO 3 off for FMLA per week.  So if you are scheduled for Monday, you don't go Monday because you're taking the FMLA, and then on Tuesday you're off, but available to work.  Are you asking if your employer has to let you work Tuesday, your day off, and you earn back an FMLA day?

No, they don't have to allow you to do that.  What you're asking is basically saying you want to be able to take these FMLA days whenever you need to/can, and then if you decide later on after the fact that you can work another day, you want to go back and retroactively remove that FMLA day.

Employer does not have to do that for you.  And I don't know why they would.  That's basically setting a precedent of unlimited FMLA days as long as you make them up.  That's not the purpose of FMLA leave.


Title: I (27f) married a man (30m) in Vegas 4 years ago been trying to get divorced for 3 years (both Canadian)

Question:
At the Age of 23 I made a huge error in judgement and married a man I had known for 2 months. We were both young and crazy and happened to be stopping in Vegas on our way from Canada to Texas. As you could have guessed within a few months we were not getting along. Separated in under a year. We have not spoken much since then but I have asked repeatedly for a legal separation and to get the ball rolling for a divorce. About a year ago he agreed and then changed his mind last minute before moving across the country, We have not spoken since then. He has me blocked on all social media (although I know he is still active) and has changed all of his numbers. I’m not sure if he receives my emails or not anymore. He has also cut ties with any mutual friends.
About a year ago I wound up dating a close friend of mine (30m) that I have known for 5 years and fell madly in love - 2 weeks ago he asked me to marry him - don’t worry no shotgun this time we have plans for a few years from now. He is fully aware of the situation with my ex but we are talking about starting a family at some point in the future and would like for me to be divorced.

My ex and I got the appropriate paper work while in Nevada and I can pull up our marriage certificate online on the Clark county gov page although we did not get proper Canadian licensing.

Can I proceed without his consent? Does he need to be present and do I need signature? I have proof of contact as everything was sent via email.

Answer:
 It'll be easier in this situation to hire an attorney.  You don't need his agreement or signature, though an address will certainly help for service purposes.

Last time I did this for a woman who hadn't seen her husband in 17 years, we just filed, sent it to his last known address, it was returned, we disclosed all this to the court, published it in the newspaper, waited the appropriate amount of time, and then finalized the divorce.


Title: Newborn baby, in process of filing parenting plan, suspicious of partners intentions and those of the grandmother

Question:
This is in Washington ST. I am now a single father trying to do everything right, but I am very new to this and need help.
So I just had my first child on the 11th of July. The mother is in a substance abuse treatment facility for pregnant women. Obviously CPS is involved. I am also a former addict, but I have 9 months clean, a job, and am going to school.
I agreed to discharge baby to the grandmother on the babys mothers side, since the only other option is foster care. This agreement is to place her in the grandmothers care until the 1st of August, which is when I'll be moving into a safe stable home for the baby. So this gives me time.
Had a meeting with CPS, they find me fit to have custody, and I was advised to file a parenting plan.

So I am very nurvous about the intentions of grandma and baby mother. She texted me today and said the baby was discharged to her 2 days ago. Nobody contacted me to tell me my baby was discharged until 2 days later.
I am worried babys mom and grandma might be plotting to file a parenting plan against me before I have time to file mine. Babys mom is going to a 6 month treatment program where she cannot have the baby. Is it possible for them to file a parenting plan to give grandmother custody over me?
I'm scared and new to this. I just want to move into this house and raise my daughter. I have everything I need and good support. Should I be worried? Any other advice you can give me is GREATLY appreciated. This is the most important thing to ever happen in my life. Thank you

Answer:
 You sound like a cool dude on the way to being a great dad.

Day 1 in the new home, baby proof it.  Set up the kids room with infant furniture. Have a full supply of daipers, wipes and baby food in stock. Leave your TV and other non-essentials in their box until the baby's room is done.  This way, if CPS visits, you are 100% able to care for your child.

Who will watch the baby while you are working?

Get a pediatrician (if you don't have one) one and schedule a checkup. If you have one schedule a checkup and get a plan with the DR about what needs to be done and when.

Have all of this ready to give to CPS if they ask.

Baing a single parent is tough. Good luck buddy. Answer #2: Stay calm and comply with whatever CPS asks you to do - like parenting classes, drug tests ...
Are you on the birth certificate?


Title: [NJ] Receiving Legal Threats from Company's Lawyer Due to Yelp Review

Question:
The title pretty much says it all. This was a service related business - I'd like to avoid specifics for now.

The review is 100% honest and I have evidence to back up most of what's in it. Company's lawyer is claiming that we're slandering them and demanding we remove it and issue a retraction. The whole situation is pretty ridiculous and I feel like I'm 100% in the right.

I'd like to get guidance on what my course of action should be. I would appreciate any thoughts on the following:

* What kind of lawyer should I engage to respond to this?
* Is it reasonable to expect a lawyer I work with to be OK with a contingency fee or pro bono?
* What are best case/worst case scenarios here? If we end up getting a lawyer and paying, would we be likely to recoup our legal costs (at the very least)?
* Should I add the legal threat to my Yelp review and report them to industry organizations/BBB/etc? I am feeling a bit vindictive/pissed off at this point.

Feel free to ask any questions. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

Answer:
 Your best course of action is probably to ignore the lawyer. Of course, if you are served with a lawsuit, you will need to respond.

For clarity, is the lawyer actually threatening to do something (and if so, what?),  or merely making a demand?


Title: Landlord Wants To Divide Water Utility Bill Between Units [CA, SF]

Question:
My apartment recently received a letter from the water utility company that we were past due and the water was about to be shut off. We were quite confused as we had never paid the water bill in the years that we had lived there and had never had a problem with this before. After reviewing our lease and speaking with our Landlord we have some questions regarding our rights and responsibilities in this situation. Here is a brief rundown of what is going on:

We do not have individual meters going into our apartment building. It is one master meter for a few units.

The property management company changed hands about a year ago. The previous management company was paying the water bill and not billing us.

The new management company paid the past due water bill after this came to light and now wants to charge us for all the water bills retroactively.

The landlord wants to divide the water bill equally between the units since there is no way to determine how much each unit is using individually. I don't like this as I would not want to potentially pay more if my neighbors are using more than me.

In our lease it states that we must pay for all utilities for the unit. However, it does not state anything about splitting the water bill equally between units or how the bills are determined.

The landlord is paying the electric bills for the common area and we are not required to split those bills between the units.

Since nothing is in writing and it is very vague, what happens if I pay my part of the bill but my neighbors do not? Can the landlord come after me for the rest of it?

In conclusion, I have no problem with paying my dues, but I don't want to be on the hook for the water that my neighbors are using. What are my rights in this situation? Thanks!

Answer:
 >The new management company paid the past due water bill after this came to light and now wants to charge us for all the water bills retroactively.

Yeah.... no. If its not in your lease, don't pay it. They need a new lease stating you pay water.


Title: The manager let people come in to our house to "clean" as they supposedly thought we no longer live there even though we pay rent...(cleaners stole and admitted to it)

Question:
My husband recently moved out after living there for almost two years. We tried to break the lease to move in together but they would not let us break it two months early without paying a penalty of two months which is understandable. So we have moved out but still faithfully pay our rent on time. We left thinking our things could be safe.

We were basically paying $1000.00 a month to store some stuff. We went by there today and noticed things had been stolen. The only way you could access our apartment is with a key. The office told us that maintenance assumed we moved out so they went in and took things. The only thing the office manager offered to do is give us 15 days off our last month's rent.

So basically we paid $1000.00 last month to have our apartment robbed and he won't even drop last month's rent. Do not rent from here. We did recover two things from the guy that stole them but nothing else. Off to small claims court we go. We always paid our rent on time, never complained about the ant infestation because pest control never came, tolerated the heroin addicts who lived below us and were overdosing and calling 911 constantly. Didn't further complain after they didn't fix the air conditioning. The walls are very thin and there is mold. Definitely not worth the price and Ive never heard of a manager charging you after you've been robbed. Especially at Christmastime.

Also we went to the police and they said that the manager has a right to enter and "clean" if they think its abandoned but the manager knew it wasnt abandoned as they made us sign a notice to vacate which is january 31st. Then rhe poloce had the odasity to ask us if we had a receit for all of the the things stolen(most of which being tools collected over the years.)
What can be done about this? Is this legal?

TL;LR: manager(land lord) let "cleaners" into our home with knowledge we still owned the home under a lease agreement. Cleaners took many items including tools.

Answer:
 Lawsuit time. If the value of the stolen items exceeds your state's small claims limit then you'll need to hire a layer and sue them in big boy court.

Are the police going to be pursuing criminal charges or did they just tell you it is a civil matter? If charges are being filed, you may be able to tack your damages on as restitution in the criminal case instead of suing them yourselves.Answer #2: Not a lawyer, but I think you need to say where you live (what state) in order to get better advice Answer #3: Did you let the management company know you were moving out but understood your responsibility to your lease and still checking on the unit every few days?

Did the management company try to contact you when they discovered the property “abandoned?”


Title: [PA] Statute of limitations on billing for services?

Question: I live in Pennsylvania.  My wife and I married in March of 2010.  The photogtrapher we hired was a friend of a friend, who also helped take the pictures.  Our friend delivered the pictures on a dvd soon after the wedding.  We awaited a bill, but never received it.  Now, 6 years later, our friend (who we lost contact with 5 years ago) asked my wife on facebook for a current address because she says her friend the photographer "never sent an invoice" and would like to.  We were unsure of how to handle this and did not respond with our new current address.  Never the less, the photgrapher somehow found it, and did mail us a bill, which strangely stated it was the second invoice, and claimed to have sent the first 6 years ago.  We welcomed twins in december, and are now financially very tight.  I understand that services were performed, but being billed 6 years later is a bit unexpected.  My question is, is there a limit to the amount of time the photographer had to bill me?  Does she have any legal action she could take to try and get this money from me?  Thanks so much.

Answer:
  The Pennsylvania Statute of Limitations on written contracts, oral contracts, promissory notes, and open-end accounts is four years.  (42 Pa. C.S. 5525(a))

Tell them to go pound sand.


Title: Is there anything illegal about me dressing in an animal suit and playing my guitar on the side of the road?

Question: I know this is a stupid question, but me and a friend of mine have really wanted to do this for a while. We wouldn't be in the road, we would be out of the way. We also wouldn't be busking or asking for money, or trying to sell CDs we just want to play our instruments on the side of the road. So it's there anything illegal about this? And if so what are the consequences?

Answer:
 Depends on the city and exact location. If its next to a busy highway, there may be an ordinance in place. If it's a city block with a sidewalk, as long as the business you're in front of is ok with it and you're not blocking traffic, you may be ok.Answer #2: Question: if you just want to play your instruments by the side of the road, why the animal suits?Answer #3: You should definitely show up for the court date on the tickets, and probably contact a lawy...... wait, you posted for advice *BEFORE* you did something wacky?!?

Awesome!

You already got half the answer to your question - check with the city you want to do this in.  It depends on a number of things like specific city ordinance, type of road, traffic, intersection, etc.  If you're told to move and/or stop, you should probably comply.

The other half to the answer is whether your city/town/state has any prohibitions about wearing a mask.  Some places make it illegal to cover your face, so I would check on that too.

"Permission" is a good way to make sure you don't get in trouble.  I had a friend in college who made a deal with the manager of a "polite" family-type chain restaurant to play his guitar in a responsible way near the street.  He just wanted to play, and sometimes people would tip him.  Maybe you and your friend could put your legal fears to rest by finding some business that wouldn't mind having you play on their street front property.


Title: Is it illegal in Ohio to work 13.5 hours with no lunch break and to receive paychecks days late?

Question: At my job there are only 3 of us working (someone quit last month and the owner said he won't hire someone new until sales are up, despite summer being our slow months). 1 employee has a second job, so they are incapable of picking up shifts, so if one of us gets sick (did I mention we don't get sick time or vacation time or any benefits?) then it's likely the other one will be working open to close with no breaks. We may have down time to eat or sit, but in no way can we leave the facility. Also, the paychecks are often a day or 2 late. The owner claims that when we don't reach our sales goals they have to borrow from a lending company to pay us, so that delays the process. Then when they do arrive, he doesn't hand them out until almost 4pm and because I'm often alone I have to ask my mom to pick it up and cash it for me (no direct deposit offered), but sometimes the bank is closed by that time and I must wait until the next day. Lastly, all 3 of us have been here for at least 2+ years with no raises (we make minimum wage +commission). Is any of this illegal??

Answer:
 Ohio requires no breaks at all. And no state requires raises, just that someone is paid minimum wage.

As for paychecks, what do you mean by "two days late"? Under Ohio law, they have two to four weeks to to pay you, based on the 1st and 15th of each month. Are you getting paid two days beyond two weeks? For example, if you're paid on May 31st for work you did on May 14th, that's fine. If you're paid on June 2nd for work you did on May 14th, that's not:

>(A) Every individual, firm, partnership, association, or corporation doing business in this state shall, on or before the first day of each month, pay all its employees the wages earned by them during the first half of the preceding month ending with the fifteenth day thereof, and shall, on or before the fifteenth day of each month, pay such employees the wages earned by them during the last half of the preceding calendar month….
Answer #2: I did some research on the idea that this couldn't possibly be legal. Man was I wrong. Ohio sucks for workers. Apparently only workers under 18 get any kind of break provided for them [by law](http://employment.laws.com/ohio-labor-laws-breaks).

That said, are you being paid the proper amount of [overtime](http://www.minimum-wage.org/overtime/ohio)? If you're working more than 40 hours a week then he should be paying you overtime and not doing so would be illegal unless you're an exempt employee (which I can't figure out based on the description you've provided).


Title: Buyer's Remorse: My Cousin made a new car financed purchase, dealer let us out without insurance...

Question:
She's regretting the purchase big time. She has a Prius but since it's paid off, she only has liability under it. We went last week (I just accompanied her) to purchase a new car. 6 hours later: 3k Down and a 22k Loan for 7 years. The final guy that tries to get her to buy extended warranty and all that bs: takes note and lets us know that it's completely illegal to allow us to drive off with it without full coverage, but he lets us anyways. Can my cousin lie that she can't cover it (to bank) or fault the guy for what he did (even though we know exactly what was going on) that would allow her for a complete unwind? It's been 7 days and 130 miles later.
I don't need lectures, she should have known better. I want potential answers that I can give her which might help. The car also states 30-40, but gets an average of 18.7 (on display) if that matters. No insurance on car as of 1/15/16
Any help is much appreciated.

Location: Southern California

Answer:
 No.

Insurance is her responsibility so she should get some immediately. In many car loans not having it can be grounds for a repo which will fuck up her credit and could result in her owing money.


Title: Student loan garnishment is ruining me

Question:
I'm currently being garnished for $20,000 in student loans. They are taking between $500 and $550 a month for the garnishment.

Because of this, I've had to use credit cards to supplement my income for the past year and a half. A major surgery, a major death in the family and my wedding helped rack up over $15,000 in credit card debt with payments exceeding $600 a month.

This wage garnishment is legal as far as I know but it is crippling me financially.
Is there any way I can fight it or have it reduced?

I underwent loan rehabilitation once already. I've looked into consolidation but they won't do it because it's in default.
My credit is in the toilet mostly because of large amounts of medical debt that's in collections. I can't file bankruptcy until 2020.

Any ideas?

Answer:
 Post in /r/personalfinance. But unless you can show that they're taking more than the monthly limit (which appears to be 25% of your disposable earnings if it's a private loan, and 15% if this is an administrative garnishment from the department of education), you're not likely going to get your garnishment lowered just because you willfully took on more debt.

https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/kentucky-wage-garnishment-laws.html


Title: What are my options for terminating a lease easy due to newborn with disabilities?

Question: Long story short I am in a lease until May 2019...my son was born at 25 weeks and is now being diagnosed with a number of disabilities.  To give him the best chance possible, we have enrolled him in a special program for some pretty intense therapy...but the therapy facility is pretty far away, 45 minutes each way.  This is starting to be a pretty significant burden for my wife and I since we have to take off work, make the commute, etc.  I'm going to speak with my landlord soon but I wanted to know if there were any options I should have in my back pocket.

Answer:
 You can consult a local lawyer, but usually the only statutory reasons to terminate a lease are for DV victims and service members who get new assignments.

But a local lawyer could approach your landlord with a proposed agreement. The language in the lease doesn’t mean the landlord can not terminate a lease. It just means that they have chosen not to put any pre-approved method for doing so in the lease.


Title: Just won against our ex prop manager in small claims. He did not show. How does the collection process work?

Question: [CA]We are afraid he is likely NOT going to pay. What does the court do, if anything at all, to make sure our property manager carries out the judges order to award us?  Also, can he counter sue us claiming we didn't serve him properly if we served his receptionist and have video proof of her saying she handles his mail? Or would the judge have addresses the way we served him while in court?

Answer: You can start enforcing the judgment after the appeal window passes (30 days I believe). At that point, I would get a writ of execution and have the sheriff serve the other tenants of the building with a third-party levy for rents owed to the property manager. It's questionable whether such a levy is legally effective, but it's practically effective in that it usually scares the landlord into paying up.


Title: [TN] Would Facebook Posts Advocating Running Over Protesters Count as Premeditation?

Question: Too many of my Facebook friends are advocating to just run protesters that block the road over. If one of them were to go and do this, would these posts counts as premeditation enough to get them charged with first degree murder? Assuming the protesters are simply standing in an intersection.

Answer:
 I feel like we need a "protests FAQ" in this sub. Here's my answer to OP's question, and some proposed content for the FAQ:

**Can I murder a protester?**

No.

**But what if they were in the street?**

Still no.

**But I really want to.**

Nope.

**If I post about it on social media, can that be evidence against me?**

Yes. However, if you post the following to your wall, it prevents prosecutors, police officers, and lawyers from using your information: "I do not give Facebook permission to use my posts as per maritime law section 5843 codified 1438 delta bravo subsection gamma."

/sAnswer #2: Could they be used as evidence?

ABSOLUTELY


Title: I posted on Instagram about gender equality, but my manager tells me to delete them (Or)

Question:
I posted about gender equality the other day. I said that “Women need to work harder to be recognized”.

My boss told me to delete the post because our company is for equal rights. Is he allowed to control me like that? What laws does this “cross”? I just want to legally choose what I want to post, especially when it comes to equal rights.

Answer:
 You can legally post anything you want.

Your employer can decide they no longer want you to work for them.


Title: Nightmare Neighbor: Upstairs Neighbor Throws Rocks At Our Window Or Bangs On The Ceiling Whenever We Have Sex. California.

Question: We've been going back and forth with this guy now for over a year. We have met with him +  the apartment complex management, but he stonewalls them. He's a weird creepy mysognist who refused to speak to, answer, or even make eye contact with my wife at these meetings, and kept trying to preface everything as "man to man" while only acknowledging my actual existence. Also would not allow his own wife to attend meeting. He doesn't protest talking, tv, etc, but very loudly protests sex. We aren't loud, abnormally frequent, etc. My wife is mortified, our sex life is suffering as a result. Reported most recent incident involving throwing rocks, but he denies it and management says "he said she said." Police are so far not helpful. Wife feels sexually harrassed. I'd really like him kicked out because the idea of this creeper listening to our sex makes me naseous, but I'd settle for the behavior stopping. I'm not friends with this guy and couldn't care less about ruinung the relationship. Any advice?

Answer: How does he know when you're having sex?


Title: Being sued by pedestrian, claims I hit him

Question:
(this is in the USA)

Some time ago I nearly hit a pedestrian near my employer as I was making a left at an intersection.  This person also works at the same company, although I did not previously know them.  At this intersection there are no crosswalks, no sidewalks, no streetlight, no traffic light, and I had neither a stop nor a yield sign to follow.  This person was crossing the street I was turning left onto very close to the road I was coming from.  It was early in the morning and dark, and they were wearing dark clothes.

Immediately after slamming on my brakes I open the window and ask if they're ok.  They tell me yes, I did not hit them because they "jumped out of the way".  A few minutes later I see this person inside our employer, and I ask again if they're ok and they said I did not hit them.

Later that day a police officer shows up to make a police report.  He didn't seem concerned and noted this person was wearing dark clothes and generally seemed ok.

I would see this person at work off and on, and I pretended like it didn't happen; he seemed fine.

A few weeks later a lawyer at my car insurance company calls and asks me about what happened.  They told me they would keep me informed about what happens, but I haven't heard anything.

Now, well over a year later, a courier knocks on my door with a summons that says I'm being sued by this person.  It states it may not yet be filed with the court yet, and I have a period of time to respond.

I'm shocked.  I haven't had so much as a speeding ticket in the last decade.  He's claiming pain and suffering, medical expenses, etc., damages well into 5 figures.  What do I do?  Is it likely that the insurance company denied him and this is another way to rouse my insurance company?  I will call my insurance company, but was looking for general advice/what to expect.

Thanks

Answer:
 > Now, well over a year later, a courier knocks on my door with a summons that says I'm being sued by this person.

Provide that information to your insurance company.  They'll almost assuredly defend you here.


Title: Bail out or not? Been threatened if I don't bail out the inmate.

Question:
Long story short - I was seeing a girl for about 4 months who was (still is) a drug addict.  Come to find out, she's had another bf for the past 10 years (off/on I guess) and he's a convicted felon (yes, felony charges, in/out of jail).  Needless to say, she's an "ex" now and they have their own life together doing whatever.

She was recently arrested and is in the county jail.  She's begging for her life to bail me out.  I flat out told her I will not help and she should be calling her real bf - felon and drug addict to bail her out.  I can't trust her worth anything, she's a master manipulator, will lie, cheat, and steal to get her way or anything on her hands (stole from me on several occasions).  She plays the game very well.

Now, her "bf" - this convicted felon - who just so happens to be out on bail himself for parole violation and illegal weapons charges (and a slew of other things according to what I could find online) is text messaging me on my cell.  How he got my #, who knows.  First he kindly asked if I could bail her out.  I said sorry, but she's not part of my life anymore and I won't help.  Next, he stepped it up and pretty much threatened me with bodily harm and my life if I didn't bail her out.  I kindly replied back for everyone to just relax and let me look into it.  He's since texted me a few more times with just rambling and I just blurted out that the bail bonds companies won't let me co-sign because I don't have a regular full time job.  I've ignored the rest of his rambling texts.

I could easily block his phone #, but that wouldn't stop him from coming to my home and shooting me.  He's that crazy and he knows where I live (thanks to my ex...).

Do you think I should notify the local police about this?  They were the ones that originally arrested him.  They know him as he's been arrested several times in this city and county.  What do you think?  Btw, this in California.
Topic:
Douche

Answer: Call the police and make a report. This seems like a no-brainer.Answer #2: Don't bail out the ex. Tell the cops that a violent felon is threatening you.Answer #3: You simply need to stop all communications with these people. Get a new phone number or buy a prepaid phone for your own use for a while. As long as you let these drug addicts in your life the more problems you will have. Answer #4: Dude, you are being played. Now I don't know your abuser, only you can, but my gut is you are being conned by some regular conmen. Why the hell did you actually contact a bail bonds company? WHY!?!? Thats such a spineless move. Luckily you finally did what gets a conman off a mark: You admitted your poverty. Thats why you haven't gotten another call, you finally said you are broke and theres nothing there for them to con. Change your numbers, go file a report. Never speak to these people again.


Title: Accused of Incorrect Time Sheet [Michigan]

Question:
Hi, I'm reposting this here:

I had a contract with a work-from-home company that was supposed to last a year; this is a W2 position.

6 weeks in, they fired me without notice despite good reviews. It was disappointing, but considering it's an at-will contract and they'd just notified all the employees days earlier that there was a work shortage, I wasn't shocked.

After I was fired, my last time sheet was returned and I was told that my hours were "incorrect." They're not, but seeing as I didn't work there that long, I no longer have access to their system and hours they have recorded for me, and the pay wasn't that great, I don't really want to rock the boat. I have only my own records, which...I don't know how much good that does me.

So, given that I've had 2 bombs dropped on me by them quite recently, I'm worried about the future.

I'm afraid that if I "correct" this time sheet with far fewer hours just to avoid any BS, it's going to look like an admission of guilt and they'll accuse me of logging incorrect hours on my last 5 time sheets too.

I've thought about just letting my last pay check go to avoid any trouble by not refiling the last time sheet. I have some other big stresses going on already.

Since time sheets are done through an automatic system, I can't explain myself to them.

What's the better option here? Legally, what could they do to me? I'm probably worrying myself silly over something small (they did, after all, approve my first 5 time sheets, but I know that's no guarantee they won't use this as justification to go back and throw more accusations).

Any advice on what I should do or what I can do to protect myself would be appreciated. I have never dealt with something like this before.

Answer: You should always complete an accurate timesheet. I would never advise somebody to do otherwise under any circumstances. If they fire you because of suspected timesheet fraud you can file for unemployment while you look for a new job.


Title: (Va, USA) is there anything i can do about being physically abused on camera and the school not doing anything ?

Question:
This is long, I apologize. Basically, I was highly bullied from freshman year to junior year (I moved in the middle of junior year) by my ex boyfriend and my ‘used to be’ friends. He threatened to kill me, physically hit me on MULTIPLE occasions in view of cameras at school (which they acknowledged), and verbally and sexually assaulted me on numerous occasions (one of which was caught on camera but I was punished bc it looked like I was enjoying it (when in fact I was trying to move away from him.) the ‘friends’ verbally attacked me as well. My life was miserable. At one point his best friend was giving me jeans back that’s he had borrowed from me years ago and hid alcohol inside of them to get me kicked out of school so said boyfriend could cheat on me. (I turned around when the jeans were given to me to have him put them into my bag because I have SEVERE anxiety and can’t stand to be late to class because you got punished at that school for tardies. Yes I know that was stupid looking back) this resulted in me getting questioned (without a parent present, I was 14) kicked out of school and charged with possession of alcohol. I had a school board meeting where I was effectively found “guilty” because of no tolerance and sentenced to 250 hrs community service, had to write two letters apologizing to the school board, and placed into alternative school where you were pretty much treated as a prisoner. I was told that alternative school would be less than a month. It turned out to be a full school year. When I finally went to court, the judge found me not guilty because the cops could not prove beyond reasonable doubt that I knew I had alcohol on me and also mentioned that my punishment from the school was outrageous because students who had done similar things and even brought WEAPONS to school were given lesser sentences than I was. (At most 15 hours of community service and a month in alternative school.) Keep in mind those students had track records of being in trouble constantly, and this was my first offense, I was an A student up until this happened. As a result of the bullying and constant death threats I had to move schools because the principals and guidance counselors I saw said they couldn’t do anything and that it was my fault it was happening. The only solution they had was to lock me and my ex boyfriend into a room together to “sort out our differences.” Which obviously did absolutely nothing. My mother wanted to press charges but never had the money to afford a lawyer. This all happened between 2014 - 2017. Basically now that I am of age, is there anything I could or should do?
Topic:
School Related Issues

Answer: Go to the police


Title: Workers Compensation

Question:
Hi everyone, I need some advice.
I live in VA and own a small business. One of my employees has been on workers comp for 6 months now. He injured his knee, so that’s fair. But we found him on camera taking equipment out of a van at 6am one morning. Someone told me that if you’re on workers comp, you can’t be on the business property. Does anyone know where I can find out more information on this or if it’s true?

Anything helps,

Thank you!

Answer:
 There's nothing wrong with him being on the property, it's *performing work* that would be the issue. I'm not sure if that is the case here, you post is a bit vague on that.

You can contact workers comp. You should have the file number and tell them what you observed and send them the video. They'll investigate because that is what they do. Other than that, it's really out of your hands.

One thing to consider tho is that while the worker may be injured, that doesn't mean that they are bed-ridden. Depending on what they were moving, it might be perfectly fine for him to be doing this. But once again, that's up to workers comp to decide.


Title: My disabled neighbor in a wheelchair has been stuck in her top-floor apartment for two months because the landlord refuses to fix the elevator and is trying to bully her out of her own home.

Question:
My best friend, who is currently in a wheelchair, is staying with me for a week here in Los Angeles. My building has one of those old school Titanic-looking elevators that has a sliding gate, and apparently it’s been “broken” since late March. For reasons I won’t get into, my friend has no other option but to stay with me right now, so the only choice we have is to help her crawl up three flights of stairs at least twice a day-- me grabbing the chair as she sits on each step and scoots her way up by using her triceps. When I'm not home, she does this on her own. She's thankfully extremely athletic, and is positive and finds humor in the situation, so she sees it as a mandatory upper body workout.

&#x200B;

Rewinding about six months ago,  I met a lovely couple in the building as I was waiting for the elevator. The woman was in an old school, non-powered wheelchair and clearly not able to get out of it without a lot of assistance, and her husband was pushing the chair for her. We made small talk as he pulled out a large block of wood to prop open the elevator door in order to get her chair in (the door slides shut unless you physically keep it pushed open with one hand). They were very nice and said they loved the building and have been living here for 13 years.

&#x200B;

Fast forward to April 2nd, about three or four weeks after the elevator was out of service. I texted the property manager two-ish weeks before my friend was coming to visit. The exact texts:

ME:    Hey \_\_\_\_, I hope you’re well. I saw the note on the elevator and am a little concerned as a family friend is visiting and staying with me next month for a week, but she is in a wheelchair. I’ve met a lovely couple in the building and the woman is in a wheelchair. How are they dealing with the lack of elevator and not living on the first floor?

HER:   We have already talked to the tenant. Thank you for your concern and they have made arrangements.

ME:    Ok! Was curious as I’m trying to figure out how to host my family friend as she’s from out of town.

HER:   As for your guest, I apologize that we can’t do anything at the moment. The elevator is working it’s just the city inspector doesn’t want it to be operational unless the repair they want is done and it’s a major work. They are just concerned to avoid future incidents.

&#x200B;

This morning, my friend ran into the husband. He asked how many flights of steps she can manage to get up while pulling her wheelchair with her. She told him she was on the third floor and has been managing, and then asked him where his wife was staying in the meantime.

&#x200B;

This poor woman has been stuck in their apartment on the top floor for the last two months.

&#x200B;

He said the only option the landlord and property manager gave them is to give them money to move out. Since they’re on fixed rent and have been in this building for 13 years, they can’t afford to live anywhere else in this area even if they wanted to move. They offered to put her in the elevator if she had an appointment to go to, but because of the attitude of the landlord, they’re scared that they won’t help/let her back in the building afterwards. They won’t give them (or anyone) a date on when the elevator will be fixed. It’s now stretched from being initially told one month to a minimum of half a year.

&#x200B;

I texted the property manager a few minutes ago asking for a general estimated time on when the elevator will be fixed and am curious if she'll give me a different answer. I’m absolutely fuming. I want to slip a note under every door of the building to make them aware of this situation and to text me if they know of any lawyers that can help them. The husband looked so defeated. What can I do to help/what can be done?

&#x200B;

TL;DR- My disabled neighbor in a wheelchair has been stuck in her top-floor apartment for two months because the landlord refuses to fix the elevator and is bullying her out of her own home.

Answer:
 I would think this is a violation of the fire code, so maybe contact the local fire marshal?Answer #2: I am not a lawyer. This is my first time posting on this sub so I really hope I don't violate any rules, please let me know if I do!!

I am a parent who has been having to fight some issues with my landlord for my kids with disabilities.

This is a violation of the Fair Housing Act and in this case a violation of the CA Human rights Act.

https://www.dfeh.ca.gov/Housing/

This link shows you what you need to do to file a complaint and the upside is you can file for her and get her help. If you are harassed by your landlord for helping her obtain her rights they will also protect you.

I am unsure of how it works in CA but in IL if you file under their Human Rights Act they automatically cross file with HUD. Or you can file with HUD instead but sometimes states have more protections than the Federal law does.

A quick google search shows a LOT of organizations that help with fair housing discrimination.

Good luck. This is absolutely infuriating and as a parent with kids with disabilities, I genuinely appreciate what you are doing.


Title: If I get called in 7 times for just 1 hour of work before being required to clock out over a 24 hour period, is this really considered "On Call"? Need help figuring out which specific laws to point to for this kind of situation. (Arizona)

Question:
several times a month, there are 1 to 3 day periods where "on call" work is required. Now, there are a few stipulations to this:
1.) there is always a 100% chance you will get called in
2.) there will only be 1 or 2 hours of work to do, then you must clock out.
3.) you WILL get called in many times over this period, with gaps between being called in ranging from 3 to 6 hours.

The work is tied to running tests on a product before it can be packaged, and the tests must be run before the next product can be made, which is why there is a 100% chance of call in but with variable gaps.

As my phone cannot wake me up, this effectively means that i will complete my 8 hour normal shift, then be unable to get an effective nights sleep before the next day.

 it also results in my often making the half hour drive home, only to have to leave an hour or two later to come back. If I have to drive to and from work five times in a 24 hour period on a weekend, effectively spending as much time on the road as I spend on the clock, am I required also to be compensated for hours spent driving?

 Please advise, and thank you in advance.

Answer:
 The federal standard for getting paid for on call time is if you can effectively use the time for your own purposes. This is actually a pretty high bar and would depend on what the actual terms of your on call status are.

How quickly are you required to respond to a call in? How much time are you given to get to work after you're called?

If you're being called in as frequently as you say in such a short period, you might argue that you are not off duty at all but are being "engaged to wait".

The only way to know for sure is to document what's going on and file a wage claim. The outcome will depend on how the Arizona Labor Department interprets the facts. Answer #2: Departments of Labor in general are quite aggressive in pursuing such claims. The number of calls to me would seem to indicate the time is not your own and you should be paid. IMO it warrants an investigation. I'd try to address the issue with HR and get something in writing from them regarding the policy as it applies to your particular situation. If that failed I'd file a Wage and Hour claim were I in that situation.


Title: Someone appears to have gone through my trash, but I'm using a rental house, so I don't own it. Should I call the cops a next time it happens or call my landlord now?

Question: Title is as says. Woke up this morning, all three trash bags from the trash bin were taken out, set up neatly on the ground and all the tops are untied and open. There is a little bit of trash around them but not a lot, someone clearly has gone through our trash. Call the landlord, or call the cops? I know the landlord can't really do anything about it, but it is their property. I am from Hartford county, Connecticut

Answer:
 First take copious photos from several angles and distances to preserve images of the crime scene, in case they return to spoil the evidence or a dog comes by and messes everything up. You might want to make copies and draw circles and arrows on them to explain what each one is.

I would also enclose the immediate area around the garbage and cans in "do not cross" tape to make it clear to passersby not to disturb the evidence.

If you're on good terms with your neighbors and landlord, you might want to canvass the neighborhood before the cops arrive, so you can give them leads right out of the gate. Might not be a bad idea to get quick recorded statements from them using your smartphone (but make sure you get their consent to recording first, just in case) - preserving those recollections while they're fresh can be crucial.


Title: [NC] acquaintance confessed she wants to commit a crime on my vacant out-of-state land -- what should I do?

Question: I own a small piece (15 acres) of rural wooded property in NC (I live in another state -- I inherited the parcel). An acquaintance from the area called me and asked if she could use the property to cockfight, which is a Class I felony. She said the property was perfect because it's rural and has a gate on the access road. I declined, but I'm terrified that she and her buddies will go down there anyway. I'm only able to visit the place once or twice a year, so it would be months before I discovered anything "off," if any evidence was even left behind. It's too rural to have neighbors or cameras checking the place. I could call the police, but I feel like I don't have any evidence besides "heresay." Plus, I'd be an obvious snitch, leading to possible retaliation against me (arson, for example) for no reason (assuming no arrests). She does own a game farm, but that in itself isn't illegal. I don't have a recording or any other evidence (photos, texts) except what she told me on the phone. It's a good ol' boys town, and I wonder if the cops would even  bother with such a call. Still, I am afraid I will be held liable if she ends up holding a cockfighting ring down there. I'm against animal cruelty, don't want to end up in prison as an accessory, or have my land confiscated. What are my options?

Answer:
 Install trail cameras next time you go down there. I would still notify local authorities in the area especially if it's a small town. They might have patrol cars that go in the area anyway so it can't hurt. Answer #2: Choices; keep quiet, possibly face legal complications OR notify the local DA your "suspicions" via a legal representative and stay free of charges. ("Friends" don't try to get you into legal complications.)Answer #3: Cameras.

... but also, lying is free.

"Sorry, no. I could never endorse such an activity, and my neighbour who checks on the property would definitely report it. There are cameras there, too."


Title: Do I have to pay rent for days my apartment had no heat or hot water? (Jamestown, ny)

Question: I signed a lease on/starting the 15th. The utility company couldn’t come out to turn the gas on until the 16th which also happened to be the day I hired movers. When the gas company came out they wouldn’t turn the gas on because the lines didn’t pass inspection. I still moved stuff in because I already had movers hired for the day. I called landlord and they said they would send someone out to repair. I didn’t hear anything from them so the 19th I finally called and asked if it was all repaired. They said yes so I call the gas company back and have them come out yesterday, the 24. (Soonest they were avail) They still wouldn’t leave the gas on because the boiler was unsafe. Called landlord again. Said they will fix. The next available appointment with the utility company isn’t until the 30th. Should my rent be prorated for the days the apartment was unlivable? It’s been down to 40’s at night (need heat) and I can’t live there without hot water to shower. I mean, I know it’s not the landlords fault the utility company takes a week to come out but also these things should have been in working condition before they leased the place.

Answer: You can talk to the landlord and negotiate it. If they refuse, you have the right to sue for rent reduction. See the NY AG's [Tenant Rights Handbook, Page 18](https://ag.ny.gov/sites/default/files/tenants_rights.pdf).


Title: French dude need to divorce from an american girl, how can I do ?

Question:
Hello lads,

I really need some help and I thought some of you could perhaps provide me some helpful information.

I am a french citizen and I married an american girl while I was an exchange student in 2013.

We were very much in love and we did this cause we thaught it was the only way to allow us to keep seeing each other after I had to come back to France finish my degree.

Anyway, when we started being away from each other even though I was calling her every day, the relationship didn't last and she cheated on me after 2 months.

We barely talk since then, and she doesn't care at all about divorcing. It doesn't bother her and she doesn't want to spend time trying to figure out how the hell we can get divorced.

I'm a graduate student now and I have a big loan to pay back next year, she's not wealthy at all either but I would like to start the process of divorcing as soon as possible.

Anyone who could tell me what should I do for getting divorced with low expenses ? I got married in Minnesota

I'm currently doing my internship in SE Asia and then will go back to grad school in France

Answer:
 You might want to start by hiring an attorney in the jurisdiction where your wife is located.Answer #2: Lads are boys. We're not all boys here.

Generally you can only get divorced in a state where either you or she is resident, and divorce laws have their own definition of residency (in Minnesota, one of you has to have lived there for at least the past 180 days/six months). It doesn't matter where you got married, but where you two are living now.

You could also look into the rules for getting divorced in France, although obviously you would probably have to wait until you're back there. If it's possible--that is, if you can get divorced in France when only one spouse lives in France--it's almost guaranteed to be cheaper. Here are some links:

http://www.la-croix.com/Famille/Couple/En-2017-divorce-chez-notaire-plus-rapide-mais-plus-risque-2016-12-27-1200813068

https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/N159Answer #3: I'm not certain about France but many countries will recognize a legal marriage from another country and will also allow you to file for divorce there. When you get back to France I would look into talking to a divorce lawyer there.Answer #4: > I got married in Minnesota

Divorce is a state-by-state matter in the USA.    Because you are not a resident of any US state, you will have to hire an attorney to represent you in filing for divorce in Minnesota (presuming your wife still lives there).

It does not have to be expensive to get divorced when there are no significant assets and no dependent children.   But it's not something you can easily do yourself if you are not present in the country.

The basic process is described here:

http://www.mncourts.gov/Help-Topics/Divorce.aspx


Title: I assume she has no say

Question:
I'm from Ontario Canada and my brother just seperate with his wife.  Years go my parents bought a house because they kept getting evicted, and they have been paying rent to stay there. My parents took the rent and put the money towards the mortgage and told them that once it's paid the house is theirs.

Now they are separated and planning to finalize their divorce and she is threatening to push for the house or a portion of it.

She has nothing of his in her name and the house isn't in either one of their names. And my entire family thinks she has no say in the house, I agree but would like the hear your opinions.

Any advice or opinions would be appreciated!
Thanks in advance!

Answer:
 >My parents took the rent and put the money towards the mortgage and told them that once it's paid the house is theirs.

This right there is why she may have a beneficial interest in the house or the money being set  aside by your parents, despite not being on title.

Your brother needs to consult a family lawyer and disclose this full arrangement.


Title: Management threatened to charge entire building for pet waste removal

Question:
So I live in a dog friendly apartment community in Washington State and during the winter people weren't picking up after their dogs.

Now that the snow has melted there are a ton of scattered piles of dog shit left all over the lawns.

Today, there was a notice posted on every door of every building in the complex reminding tenants of the $100 pet disposal fee if you are caught not picking up after your dog. Sounds reasonable, right?

In the final part of the notice, it reads that if the problem continues they will charge the entire building for a pet disposal fee if dog feces is found near the building.

My question is if this is even allowed or it is just a heavily worded threat. Some people in the building don't even have dogs and some people let their dogs go to the bathroom on the lawns of buildings they don't even live in.

I don't know. any advice is appreciated, I've been kind of upset about this all day.

Answer:
 They cannot charge you for anything not spelled out in the lease.  So, unless you signed a document agreeing to fines levied against the building as a whole, then you have no legal obligation to pay them.

Answer #2: This kind of tactic is sometimes used to get the tenants to report who is not cleaning up after their animals. As the other person said, unless it is spelled out in the lease or all tenants are legally notified prior to the occurrence that they will be charged as a whole, they won't be able to legally charge you.


Title: I just found out my partner of 7 years and wife for 5 months has been cheating on me with her daughters father. I need to know what my options are.

Question:
Important things.
•we live in Indiana
•we are renting a house,  both names on lease
•we have a son, 4 years old. Her daughter turns 8 next week.

I don't believe I can kick her out, because both names are on the lease. But am I within legal grounds to take our son and leave, go to my parents house until court? Am I allowed to keep him away from her?

I'm at a complete loss and no idea where to go from here. I have been much nicer about this whole thing than any reasonable person would be,  but one night in the house with her was enough for me to know I can't do it again.

Any and all help/advice/whatever would be appreciated. Thank you so much.

Answer:
 This is definitely "bypass Reddit, proceed directly to a lawyer" territory.Answer #2: Assuming you are on the birth certificate yes you can leave with your son. Going out if state is never recommended. No you cannot kick her out. Yes you can deny get access to the child until there is a court order. Judges may not look favorably on this though.

Yes you need to talk to a divorce and custody attorney today.


Title: Roommate dealing drugs. Can I get out of my lease? (California)

Question: I'm a dude living and going to college in California. In August I moved into a 2 bedroom apartment with 3 other other guys at an off-campus student-housing complex (the complex is not affiliated with the college). The guy I was randomly assigned to share a bedroom with turned out to be a drug dealer. He has weed, cocaine, heroin, and firearms in a safe in our room. Also pretty sure he's violating probation by being out of his home county and the cops are after him for possible recent criminal activity. I'm pretty freaked out by all of this, he is a disgusting human and I cannot stand living with him. I'm wondering if there is a way I can get out of my lease agreement, possibly by going to the police. I'm worried that I will get in trouble with the cops for him having drugs in our shared room. I have no clue if his possession of his drugs and guns will possibly be blamed on me because he keeps them in his safe in our shared closet. For obvious reasons, I don't want him finding out that I went to the police. My other housemates don't like him but they're too stupid to do anything about it. This lease is shitty and the housing complex is run by idiots and I just want out of it. I don't want to be around this housing complex if my roommate gets busted. I could easily move in to a room that is not being rented in my friend's apartment. I don't really want to deal with the hassle of going to the cops if it means landlord will evict my current roommate and assign another weirdo. I'm trying to use my situation to get out of my lease and not have to live at this apartment complex anymore. I am very lost on what I should do. If you guys can give me information on my options, I would appreciate it so much.

Answer:
 What do you think will make you seem more suspicious: a call to the police "hi my roommate is a wanted armed drug dealer and he's storing it in my closet in a safe I don't have the combination for" or the police finding him and realizing you kept this quiet.

If he's wanted they WILL find him. Call now.Answer #2: Going to the police might get *him* out, but it's unlikely to have any effect on your lease.Answer #3: > randomly assigned to share a bedroom with

Who assigned this? Can you go back to the apartment management for a reassignment?  They may even own other properties you could be moved to as well.


Title: [WI] Competition is implying in radio advertising that my annual price increase clause is "fraudulent". Do I have any sort of defamation case?

Question:
I run a small business in a service industry. In our contracts with clients we have a annual price increase clause, basically the rates we charge go up 2% after 12 months automatically. This is extremely common in service industries and there's nothing illegal or fraudulent about it.

A competitor recently expanded into our area and is running radio advertising comparing contracted annual price increases to a "frog in hot water" and then he says "don't fall for this fraudulent practice." Obviously this offends me as a business man, implying something that I and everybody else does is fraudulent, which I don't have to tell this board has a specific criminal and illegal definition.

He doesn't mention me or anybody else by name but advertising in our area saying something we do is "fraudulent". Before I pay for an initial consultation do I have a chance at a defamation case or is it worth it to at least write a strongly worded C&D letter?

Answer: If he doesn't name you or otherwise make it very obvious that he's talking about you in particular, it will be hard for you to make a claim for defamation and/or request an injunction.


Title: Got a phone call saying I was under federal investigation

Question: I got a voicemail this morning from a man. It said "currently under federal investigation, so call me back to get information and details about your case. My number is  xxx. It is very important to hear from you today. Thank you and have a great day". The number was a NYC number. Is this a scammer. I am a little scared right now.

Answer: Scam. No federal agency is gonna call you with that. If you call that number back he's going to ask you for something like an itunes gift card.


Title: If someone went John Wick mode on a bunch of corrupt cops who had all committed felonies, after saying they are under citizen's arrest, what would happen?

Question:
Lets say some cops raped several children, gunned down in cold blood several people, including an old lady in a walker for talking smack to them after they committed serious crimes against her and her family, and various other crimes frequently over years, and then committing misprision of felony, tampering and intimidation and coercion and physical abuse and abuse of power against witnesses and evidence, and many, many other acts of misconduct when citizens tried to get justice for the crimes.

And in this jurisdiction, someone could legally put them under citizens arrest, and present them to a magistrate judge.  So some person goes down, tells the cops they are legally obligated to comply, and to not obstruct the arrestor (which is legally founded under federal law), and presents them with a written copy of the laws.  And they start acting crazy, get pissed off, they make up bullshit and try to arrest this person who is actually a 9th degree black belt, and basically John Wick in disguise, and he uses reasonable force to arrest them.

And lets say one of the cops pulls a gun and is trying to kill John Wick, and John Wick punches them in their throat and fractures their trachea, and die by the time the fight with all the cops is done and they're all arrested for various crimes.

Would John Wick's actions be considered reasonable force under law?  My personal opinion is yes -- if someone pulls a gun on you and is trying to kill you, you're more than within your rights to punch them in the throat.  You could shoot them, with all intentions of doing so fatally, and be within your rights.

*Just to confirm what should be obvious here, I am not actually considering trying to do this.  This is hypothetical.*

I think the most reasonable answers will be "Report it to the FBI, the DA, the AG," etc., but then the question becomes, what if it's just killing people in cold blood and without reasonable cause, frequently, and those authorities demonstrate a de facto policy of criminal negligence.  And I think at this level, it is a realistic and faithful representation of the legal system where I live, in the USA.

Answer: He would be arrested, charged with murder, convicted in the fastest trial ever held, and then executed.Answer #2: Can you cite the federal laws you are referring to here?Answer #3: r/suspiciouslyspecific


Title: Dog claws not clipped adequately causing infection and vet visit.

Question: [deleted]

Answer: It's amazing to me that someone can be so blind to their dog's condition that they don't notice one of the dog's nails *growing into its paw*. You had ample time to get off your duff and take a pair of nail cutters to the dog yourself.Answer #2: Your responsibility if it's been left to grow. Answer #3: That would have taken a long time to develop.Answer #4: They may have some shared liability, but it's your responsibility to care for your animal.


Title: (CALIFORNIA) CAN I TAKE MY STEPMOM TO COURT/SUE FOR REPEATEDLY OPENING MY MAIL AND GIVING MY STUFF AWAY TO HER KIDS?

Question:
Hey so the title pretty much says it all.

My step mom has been going through my mail for sometime now (5+ years). When I was staying in the house she would say that she mixed up the names and thought she was opening my fathers or one of her kids mail (which is still illegal right?).

A very simple example: I ordered 3 hats off Amazon. Before they arrived i went of town for the weekend. When I got back 2 of the hats were in my room. One hat was missing. She told me she had put all of the hats in her son (my half brothers) room because she thought they were his. He claims he never had them.

Most frequently though: she hands me my mail and my bank statements have been opened and she explains it was an accident she thought they were my dads.

On top of that she also throws out my stuff. For context I lived with my mom until high school when she literally dropped me off at school and didn't come back. Long story short I eventually ended up my dads. Over time many of my things have disappeared only to re-appear with her children.

Currently my desk is in my half brother's room with all of my contents missing and his girlfriends stuff in it
My grandmother bought me a bed frame that is now at the house of her oldest child(my oldest step brother).

This is also true of clothing items I have purchased or have been purchased for me. Bicycles, skateboards, electronics, etc etc.

Can I sue them? Me and my girlfriend are moving and so much stuff i didn't think we'd have to buy because I already had it we have to buy because it has been taken and given to her kids.

Thanks in advance! I can add any details or answer any questions if need be. Tried to leave as much of the baggage out as possible and stick to what I have witness for and solid evidence/proof.

If you guys could even point me to the right type of lawyer that would be great!

Answer: How old are you?


Title: Can you kill rogue boa constrictors? A (n asshole) neighbor released one and well....dogs, chickens, kids, general hatred of snakes. - Houston, TX

Question:
Still have no clue what the “douche” tag is for, but my neighbor is definitely one.

One of our neighbors had a 6ft boa constrictor as a pet. Fucking nut job. Ones pets should not be bigger than one.

While I can deal with you being nuts in your own home, I draw the line at you releasing dangerous animals into my neighborhood.  And I really I can not deal you releasing a 6ft boa constrictor into my back yard (ok, technically I just saw him slithering down the street outside my house).

We live on a 30,000sqft  (so a lot of space for a snake to hide) just outside of the 610 loop for those familiar with the area (oak forest/garden oaks area) and we have chickens, deeply loved (smart) hunting dogs and a lab (snake might be able to outsmart, he real dumb), kids, and me (hubs too, but he is not super concerned.)

I called animal control and they were....less than helpful. “Well, if you catch it now we’ll come get it, but otherwise he’ll be gone by the time we get there.”

My husband’s solution is to just shoot it if he sees it. His aim isn’t that great so.....I think (besides it being illegal to discharge a weapon within city limit) that may not be the best option.

So, lawyers of reddit, or just people who know more about boa constrictor rights than I do, if I see this snake and can’t catch it (which, I’ll be honest, is not going to even be attempted), can I kill it?
Topic:
Douche

Answer:
 Practical advice - This critter is quite likely considered an invasive species in Texas.  You could try reporting this to the *Texas Parks and Wildlife Department*.  If they can't help, perhaps they can steer you to an agency or organization that will.

Answer #2: Don't you think that it might be wise to contact the owner before starting shooting stuff?Answer #3: If you have a dangerous animal on your property that is hurting/killing your own animals, you can legally kill it. Shooting it may raise issues due to discharging a weapon within city limits, but there isn't a law against you using a machete or hatchet to do the deed.

Has the snake harmed you, your family, or your animals?Answer #4: http://www.houstontx.gov/barc/wild_animals.html

“*a)  It is unlawful for any person, other than a police officer, an animal control officer, a member or employee of a humane organization approved by the director, or a licensed employee of a licensed pest control service to engage in the catching or impounding of animals.

(b)  It is a defense to prosecution under this section that:

(1)  The animal was unlawfully running at large upon property under the possession or control of the person catching it;

(2)  The animal was caught and held in a humane manner; and

(3)  The capture of the animal was promptly reported to BARC for the pick-up and disposition of the animal as BARC deems appropriate; provided, however, if the captured animal is a domestic animal, the animal was brought to BARC for disposition as BARC deems appropriate.”


Title: [US][PA] Wife divorcing me. Leaving me with nothing. Canadian in USA, No Credit, No money, 2 Kid. I'm a good father.

Question:
Wife wants divorce, have 2 children, we are both broke due to moving/immigration. Credit card debt $12,000. Student loan debt (me $17,000, her $30,000) No savings. One car, bluebook value $5000. I just moved here from Canada, have a Green Card, and have established NO credit.

She has just kicked me off our credit card, leaving me with no access to money. Our son and I were supposed to go to Canada to visit my family and so I could talk to them about financial help. She agreed to this, but the day before we were supposed to leave, she refused to sign the board crossing document, and said if I take HER car (in her name, I paid more than half) that she would call the police.

I just got a new job, haven't signed contract but making around $40,000/yr. Our children need daycare, which costs about $2000/month. She has somehow gotten a lawyer (probably borrowing money from parents) and wants to have the car, for me to pay her half of credit card debt outright, and for me to pay off part of her student loans. Need to start looking for a lawyer, car, build credit..etc.

As a background: We met overseas, she got pregnant and went back to the USA. After my contract was completed, I went straight to the US to be with her, in time for her to have the baby. From then on we moved around to try and settle, we worked hard to do what was right for our child. We had to get married for me to stay in the country with them. Was I perfect? No. But I made sacrifices for these past 5 years and everything revolved around the kids. Now this is happening. I'm so scared!

I don't even know where to begin. I'm looking at the budget and there's no way I can do this! She is going to move in with her parents so she doesn't have to pay rent. I unfortunately don't have that option. Where do I start?
Topic:
Custody Divorce and Family

Answer:
 You need to speak to an attorney.  For example, the car issue is one where she is full of bluster.

Relax a bit.  The first thing that will happen is that there will be a temporary order largely leaving things "as is".

It is unlikely you will have to pay her student loan debt.  Typically "The debt goes with the asset".  Since she has the degree, she takes the debt.

Answer #2: Seems like you have two issues, a divorce / custody issue and budgeting issue.

I suggest you cross post this to /r/personalfinance with some more details about your budget. Detail your monthly income, expenses, etc. and the people over there can help you determine what you can and cannot afford and where you may be able to trim some of the unnecessary spending in your Budget. Answer #3: Depending on the situation, I think she's totally screwed. Did she sponsor you for your green card? If so, *she* may be financially responsible for you for *ten* years. Check out this: http://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/affidavit-support


Title: Student Loans won't Take my $$$, Interest Building

Question:
I've been fighting with FedLoanServicing since August 11th of this year. I 'owed' $13,000, but I can't afford it. My grandpa is offering to pay it off in FULL. He said, "Have them send a bill in the mail, I'll return a check." He doesn't like computers, and frankly, I want a paper trail.

The bill NEVER arrived. I've called FedLoan SEVERAL times since then. None of the representatives could fix the situation. They kept "mailing" me NEW final payoff notices, per my request, for me to give my grandpa, and still they never came.

Today, I three-way called with my mother. The supervisor claimed they sent 1 PHYSICAL letter in August, but the U.S. mail "must have lost it." After that, every requested letter was mailed to my paperless billing account.

I don't look in the paperless inbox, frankly. I didn't know what it was until today. I opted into it in the past to make them stop sending 3 letters a week... Anyway, I said to the billing representative, "Having signed up for paperless billing or not, my inbox is not my grandfather's physical home address, as has been requested every time I've called." And secondly, when they said "I'm mailing it out to you." That's horribly misleading language. That doesn't sound like email at all. Otherwise the representative at each call could have said, "I'm messaging it" or "sending it to your inbox." All I know, they're screwing me.

My question is, how can I pay for my original bill that I asked to pay for in full in August for 13K, and not the interest that they are trying to charge me for that I don't feel responsible for? I feel like I have a court case even...

TLDR: Trying to Payoff Student Loans, Loan Company dodging me, Interesting Building!

  (my state: Illinois)

Answer:
 Their failure to mail you a physical bill does not exempt you from paying what you owe. It certainly does not exempt you from interest charges that accumulated during this time. ESPECIALLY given that you opted in for paperless billing. Unless they also locked you out of their online payment portal, you have no basis to claim that they "won't take your $$$."

Your grandpa could have cut you a personal check and let you pay the bill online through your own bank account. He could have let you guide him through the online payment process using his payment info. Even now, you could print off the bill that was sent to your paperless inbox and hand it to him. The fact that he and you have chosen not to avail yourself of these options is, quite frankly, not FedLoanServicing's problem.
Answer #2: By building a time machine and going back to August. You signed up for paperless billing. It's not their fault you chose that service. Just pay it in the method they're asking you to pay it.


Title: Roommate screwed me over on car sale

Question:
So i preface this by saying only serious replies please.  I was going to donate my old car to a charity because I got a new car and no longer needed it.  My roommate asked me if he could buy it off me and I told him he could buy it for $500, because that is what I would have gotten for a tax refund for donating it to the charity.  I told him that it needed to be smogged and registered and that he would need to take care of that if he was going to buy it.  He agreed.

The car had not been driven for awhile, so he told me he needed to drive it around to get the old gas out and he would take the car to his mechanic to get repairs before it would get smogged.  Weeks turned into months and major life events happened and he still had not gotten the smog and registration done.  I asked him again if he wanted to buy it and if not I would donate the car since it was the end of the year.

During this time, he had been driving it to work and I never said anything.  The car ended up getting towed from his work because of the expired registration. After the car was towed, my sister got sick and I was traveling to take care of her.  At this time, my roommate bought a different car and when I returned, he said that he already had people interested in my car.  He said he would "take care" of it.

My roommate agreed to sell the car to a buyer who paid for the repairs to get the car smogged.  After he got the repairs done, he took the car to get registered and found out it was $500-$600 for the new registration and did not want to pay that much to register it.  He then asked for a refund for the purchase of the car as well as the repairs. My roommate tells me that I have to pay this person for all of these bills or he won't give me my car back.  This led to a big argument and I asked repeatedly for the person's information that he sold the car to so that I could take care of it.  He refused to give me this information to spite me and said that I wouldn't get the car back and that I could take him to court if I wanted to.  He then threatened to sue me for the expenses. I suspect that he sold the car and forged my signature on the bill of sale.

I received another notice that the car had been towed because of the expired registration.  When I called the towing company, they told me the car had already been picked up which increases my suspicion that there was a transfer of the title, but the notice still had my name on it.  I think I received notice because the Sherrifs saw that the former bill of sale was under my name when I purchased the car. By the way, I'm in California.

Now I don't know what to do. Should I report the car stolen? Are there other options that I'm not looking into?  At the very least I want to diminish liability and I don't even know whether or not I am even liable. I can't afford a lawyer and don't know what my best options are moving forward. Please help!  Thank you in advance.

Answer: Report it stolen, immediately. The police are up all night.


Title: [USA-MN] I was T-boned in a lighted-intersection in March, and the other party was declared 100% at fault. Can I still pursue legal action?

Question:
Posting on a throwaway account for privacy reasons, as my actual Reddit account is linked to my blog.

I live in MN, which is a no-fault state. From what I have experienced, this indicates that regardless of fault determined in an accident, each party's own insurance company must pay up to 20k in medical damages for their own client.

In late March, I was driving through a lighted intersection going 45mph. Another driver ran a red light while going \~40mph and collided with the driver-side door of my vehicle. My car was totaled, and I sustained significant deep bruising and whiplash. I was not seen by a doctor for 2 days following the accident, when the pain really started to kick in. I had \~$4.5k in diagnostic tests run, and the results indicated that I was not in immediate life-threatening danger.

I then (STUPIDLY) proceeded to avoid going to a doctor, chiropractor or lawyer until 3 weeks ago. The experience was incredibly traumatic for me, and came amidst a flurry of tumultous life events including the death of a close family member and a huge promotion at work. Once I was seen by a chiropractor, we found that I had sustained neck and back injuries due to whiplash, which became more severe without treatment.

I am consulting with an attorney tonight, and am hoping to go after my insurance company for continued medical care, and the other driver's insurance company for pain & suffering damages. What questions should I be asking, and what should I bring with me to the consultation?

Answer:
 The diagnosis of a chiropractor does not hold much weight. What did an orthopedic physician say?

As for pursuing damages from the other party, let your insurance company handle that.


Title: Can't receive child support because son's bio father is stationed in another country? [USA - GA]

Question:
I have had a case pending through the Georgia Department of Children and Family Services for 3 years now and just received notice yesterday that I can't get child support from my son's father because he is stationed in (US Army) Germany. It took them two and a half years to locate the NCP (non-custodial parent) even though he was living in Florida for most of that time, and has just recently been stationed in Germany. I was informed that it's because of some law that he cannot legally be served the paperwork necessary to initiate a case. If I hire a lawyer, is there anything that they could do to start a case or anything I can do through the military?

Edit: Because I was told this information in person, I do not have a link to the specific law stating he cannot be served papers.

Answer:
 The Servicemember Civil Relief Act grants certain protections against serving new lawsuits if they are on active duty. This web page provides more details and contact information.

http://www.dfas.mil/garnishment/cseainfo.html


Title: Witness protection program

Question: My girlfriend has been working with the county on some drug trafficking cases, at some point the feds got involved. Now they want to put her in the witness protection program. She wants me to go with her. My question is: If I go with her and she is in the program, would I be considered "in the program" as well. I didn't see anything, I don't know anything about what she did or what she saw.

Answer:
 /r/legaladvice has no idea.

The whole point of the WP program is normal people don't know how it works.

I would assume based on a practical approach that you would have to change your name and hide as well because if they find her boyfriend states away they're gonna assume she is there too. Answer #2: This is something you need to discuss with your girlfriend's contact, if possible.Answer #3: Logically yes, but the details of the Federal witness protection system are not public knowledge.Answer #4: I think if you go with her you will have to cease all contact with anyone in your current life, to include family. Answer #5: You need to ask her to speak with her handler at the US Attorneys office. All request for WitSec are approved via the DOJ. There are strict rules in place. It may not be up to her if you can tag along.


Title: Legal advice for a foreigner [California]

Question: I have a friend who's been feeling like she's being harassed by the law because she's a foreigner. She says she thinks she's being watched online via email, internet history and through other telecommunications means. I know this person and she would not tell me this unless she really felt like she had enough grounds to suspect so and to confide in me. She's looking for employment and thinking about going back to school but is being harassed for doing so. Her family is not very supportive, does not have legal representation and no other means of support. Very sad but I thought I'd ask what happens to foreigners who are targeted and singled out in America. I don't know why anyone would know anything about her since she is a very private person. If this were happening, what types of legal support would she seek to obtain some privacy.

Answer:
 What evidence of this does she have?

I don't doubt that she feels this way, but the reality is that it is *very* unlikely that this is actually happening.


Title: wA: What lawyer handles veterinarian malpractice?

Question:
Location:WA

I will keep this short. We went to a popular veterinarian hospital chain late last year for a stomach bug for our pet. 3 different vets treated our pet and the first two were very incompetent. The third vet even mentioned that the first 2 vets did not run the tests they usually run which would have caught the issue early on. In summary, the entire process took a month and our pet passed away. What kind of lawyer deals with veterinarian malpractice (if there is such a thing)? Since animals are counted as property, actual damages are close to $2500 not counting emotional suffering. What kind of lawyer should I talk to? I want to know if general vet incompetence leading to a pet's death is a valid reason to claim damages.

Answer: I don't think there is such a thing as vet malpractice. You're right that pets are considered property and malpractice laws are written to protect humans. If your actual damages are $2500 you should be able to just take the vet to small claims court. A general purpose attorney should be able to help you with that if you really want, but small claims court is set up so that the average layperson can go to it without needing a lawyer.


Title: Sold a car with a lien to someone, and now I found out that person didn’t register with the DMV. Help?

Question:
So I sold a car recently to a buyer. I filled out the the proper spots on the pink slip to transfer the title and the lien to them and they just hand over the cash and drive off.
Now a few weeks later I’m getting calls from the bank saying I’m behind on paying and risk repo. I explain the situation to them and that didn’t help much. I don’t have a bill of sale or anything else other then a phone number and their first name. What do I do?
What happens if the car is found or not?
Topic:
Traffic and Parking

Answer:
 You can't transfer responsibility to pay the lien to someone else without the lienholder (bank) agreeing to the transfer.

You signed the loan agreement.  You owe the bank payments on the loan.  If you fail to pay on the loan the bank may repossess the vehicle, sue you for the debt, sell the debt to a collection agency, and/or report your failure to pay the debt to the appropriate credit agencies.