Title: [MA] Unemployment denial hearing coming up; I lied on my resignation letter to my former employer, and may have ruined my chances

Question:
Let me first start by apologizing for the long title; I just didn't know how to title it without it sounding like clickbait, so I figured being upfront about the issue straightaway would be a good start. It's a bit of a long story, so please bear with me. I'll do my best to keep it short, but there's a lot of relevant information.

I am in Massachusetts.

## Background
---

*Please note that I wish to keep this as confidential as possible, for privacy reasons, so I am only disclosing necessary information.*

I worked for my former employer for a total of two years and eight months, in an office exclusively of females, effectively making me the only male employee in the department. This detail will be important later.

During interviewing, my job description was laid out plainly and straightforward. For the first 8 months or so, everything was fine. The department began to undergo some changes; people got promoted, moved around, structures changed, job duties changed. I had a new supervisor in the office.

Now, my job had its own duties, but part of my job was picking up other duties as needed, within reason and within my ability. I understood this from the beginning, there were no illusions about that. However, it grew into a troublesome situation and I'll do my best to explain it in plain language.

Essentially, I ended up being saddled with work that no one else had time for, or pretended to be too busy to do. Passing the shoe around the office was fairly common, unfortunately. Now, this additional work was on top of my regular duties. I worked 40 hours a week at minimum and worked overtime when I was able; it wasn't often due to other obligations, but if I was available, I'd do it.

I was given more and more work to the point where it was impossible to complete in a normal, 8-hour work day. I had discussions with my supervisor about my concerns, to which they replied, "Don't worry about it, just do the best you can and we'll figure it out."

Eventually, people got busier and were less inclined to offer help. And when they weren't busy, they pretended to be so no one else would be saddled with extra work. This was also common in the office. I was unable to complete the work before the day was finished, but I always made sure to get my own duties done before tackling anything on the side, unless I was told to suspend a project to work on something more time-sensitive.

It got to the point where my work would carry over into the next day and eventually, I was consistently pressured by my supervisor into working more overtime, even after explaining that I was unable to do so due to other obligations. I grew uncomfortable and spoke with the manager, but due to their lack of direct involvement, there wasn't much they could do. One of the executives in the office was my mentor and confidant, as we connected on a spiritual level and we're still friends to this day. I would often retreat into their office to seek guidance or reprieve from the stress and discuss the problems I was facing and how to persevere. None of the efforts I made were able to bear fruit.

It's worth mentioning here that I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety ten years ago and I've been struggling with it since. I've been seeing a new LMHC since December 2017 and regular sessions have helped me keep my ailments under control. I also see a chiropractor on a regular basis due to an injury I sustained 7 years ago that's eventually caused spinal issues to begin.

While our department was in the process of reconciling, we ended up having to relocate old documents to a storage room. I was consistently requested to assist in this. I helped a few times, but the heavy lifting and bending was causing trauma to my back, resulting in two emergency visits to the chiropractor due to strained muscles and one instance of almost slipping a disc. I requested that I no longer be tasked with physical labor in that manner due to my issues and offered to provide a note from my chiropractor explaining the damage that the physical work was doing to me. Physical labor was not part of my job description.

It was at that point my supervisor made a comment of, "Well, I figured since you're a guy, you could do this. I can't exactly ask the girls to do it, but I'll just have to figure something out."

So was that light discrimination? Gender bias? I didn't think that was appropriate, but of course, it's all hearsay.

Due to pressure to work overtime, disappointment from my supervisor, side-comments, and general toxicity, I fell into a depressive state. I had crippling anxiety about losing my job and not being able to afford to support myself. I grew to suffer from panic attacks, mental breakdowns, and insomnia. I was referred by my LMHC to a psychiatrist, but I did not want to be dependent on medication.

It was then that my LMHC and I went over my case file and I realized that for 6 months straight, our discussions were about my job and what it was doing to me. My LMHC implored me to seek alternative employment, so I did. I spent the remaining months of my employment seeking new opportunities, but nothing came of it. It eventually got worse to the point where I couldn't take it anymore. I had a breakdown in counselling and I knew I had to leave.

I researched unemployment eligibility and according to MA law, if I quit and had a good cause/compelling reason or personal reasons that are urgent or compelling, I would remain eligible for benefits. I spoke with my LMHC, an unemployment lawyer in my area, and my parents (for personal counsel), all of whom suggested I resign and file for benefits to have an income until I can secure a new full-time job, as the health decline I faced should be considered urgent and compelling.

I went into work the following Monday, tendered a resignation stating that I was unable to give a two week notice due to a new job and my last day would be Wednesday. I wanted to finish the last project I was working on and leave on a good note, as my parents always taught me. I lied on my resignation letter so I wouldn't have to be pressured into staying for another two weeks. While the company was at-will, I faced consistent pressure and I believed I would have been pressured into staying for the standard two weeks, and if I refused, I would leave on a bad note and not be able to use the employer as a reference for a future job; especially with the experience and skills I gained working in that field. I was desperate and wasn't thinking clearly.

## The Present
---

Fast forward, my unemployment benefits request was denied, with my former employer citing my resignation letter where I lied, stating that I was leaving for a new job. I motioned to appeal the decision and a hearing was scheduled; the hearing is coming up soon. My LMHC wrote a certified letter verifying my claims and acting as a witness that I did not leave the company for another employer, but for the urgent and compelling reason to preserve my own well-being. My LMHC is also participating in the hearing as a witness.

It's worth mentioning that while I have not had a new job, I did interview and begin to train for a new position a few weeks after I left my former employer. However, the job turned out to be unlike what it was proposed to me; I learned that the salary was substantially below minimum wage with nearly unachievable commission incentives and I wouldn't have been able to make a living wage; just as well, the commute would have run me over my mileage limit on my leased vehicle in 12 months (with 30 months remaining on the lease), which would have ended up costing me more money than I was making. Two days into training I discovered this and passed on the job.

I've been unemployed since the end of September and haven't been able to find a new job, despite over 50 applications and four interviews in the past two months. I even went through two staffing agencies, against my wishes, but I need to work.

Having the unemployment benefits rejection overturned would help me tremendously, but I feel as though my decision to lie on my resignation letter to my former employer may have ruined my chances. I originally planned to own up to the lie and explain myself during the hearing, but I wonder if it'll be futile; the hearing officer may just think if I lied once already, I might lie once more, even though that is not the case. I'm an honest, good-natured person that was just desperate to get out of a horrible situation.

Again, I'm sorry for the super long situation, but I felt as though all of this information was necessary to receive the most applicable advice possible.

Did I ruin my chances? Is there any way I can atone for the desperation-fuelled dishonesty? Part of me feels like I'm overreacting and having my LMHC as a corroborating witness is sufficient to win the hearing.

I would be eternally grateful for any advice anyone could provide, and thank you for taking the time to read my situation.

Answer:
 No one is going to read that massive wall of text. What I got out of it is you quit and are trying to claim unemployment, which isn't going to go over well to begin with.

Your job is doing whatever your boss tells you to do. Physical labor isn't something you can say no to just because it wasn't written down when you were hired.

You chose to leave this job. They did not abuse you in any way, legally speaking. And yes, you may well have shot yourself in the foot by lying. If you compound it by telling more lies, someone will catch you out and the consequences will be worse than they already are.


Title: My Dad passed away due to pancreatic cancer in august 2018 and had a lot of tax debt. He was legally still married to a woman he wad separated from for years before his death. Am i responsible for paying his debts?

Question: My Dad didn't take care of his debts before he passed and I paid over $11,000 in taxes for him thinking I was responsible for everything. Then we found out he's still legally married to this woman in town for the past 16 years. I used all the money left to me to pay that back. There's late fees and fines that have been sent to me to pay because of it. I have no more money and a 3 month old baby that costs a lot.  Someone mentioned legally she would be the person financially responsible for his debts even if they were separated because they are still legally married. I do know that if she wanted to collect his social security checks, she could since they've been married for so long. I'm not sure what to do.

Answer:
 >My Dad didn't take care of his debts before he passed and I paid over $11,000 in taxes for him thinking I was responsible for everything. Then we found out he's still legally married to this woman in town for the past 16 years.

Why would you be responsible for his debts under either scenario?

His estate is responsible for any debts.  After the estate is exhausted, the creditors are out of luck.


Title: Food stamps and college

Question:
Hi,

I’m posting this here because I haven’t been able to find any information online about my situation. I am a low income college student and I have applied and been approved for (after a long tedious process) for SNAP benefits. I work 20+ hours a week during school and over the summer so I satisfy all the work requirements necessary. My parent is not really helping me financially so this is why I need to access these benefits.

My question is: I have now gone home for the summer break, in a state that is different from where I live for college. The benefits only work in said state. Should I call to cancel the benefits for the three months I will be gone? It was really hard to get the benefits so I don’t want to run the risk of me doing something illegal and losing the benefits because I really need them during the school year. On the flip side, should I save the summer benefit money for when I need them during the year?

Thanks for any help!

Answer: Do not cancel your benefits while home for the summer. SNAP will keep loading your monthly amount while you are out of state. When you go back to college you will have a few months worth of benefits on your card. Then just go back to your normal day to day life. If you cancel then you will have to go through the process all over again and there is a good chance it will be harder to qualify the next time.


Title: Alcohol being served at my party - Law unclear

Question:
I want to hold a "rave" party after my school exams, a large number of people will be 17 (underage for drinking) at my party. The party will be held in a hired warehouse that doesn't have a problem with alcohol being drunk. However they are unaware of the age group attending. I'm 18 (adult in Western Australia) and want to know on what kind of responsibility i have here. I'm not serving alcohol at my event and i'm also not advertising it as BYO. However, just about everyone will bring something to drink for themselves.

I'm well aware of the legal side of serving alcohol and i will not be serving it at my event.

 Thanks for your help

Answer: Not sure about there, but here, you’d get slapped with at least a charge of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor, and anyone underage caught with booze would be nailed with a Minor in Possession.


Title: My job is forcing us to wear trackers and sign a paper saying we will pay for them if we lose them? (Ohio)

Question:
I work at a major hospital in Ohio. Last week they introduced tracker badges and were forcing people to sign a paper saying if they were lost or damaged they would have to pay $75. I don’t mind wearing the badge, I do, however, mind signing a paper like that for something I am being forced to wear. Is this legal? I’m in Ohio and just wanted to know if a company can do that?

Thanks!!

Answer: Nothing you describe is illegal. Answer #2: Umm yeah this is very legal. Most places would make you pay for a mandatory work phone or laptop. A tracker is a safety feature, time sheet and work study data collector rolled into one... its an admins wet dream. Answer #3: If you lose the badge they can't make you buy a new one. But they can fire you for not buying a new one.


Title: [KS] Received more than paid for

Question:
Items that I had picked out online ahead of time were waiting for me to pick up at a store. The cashier brought the items out and bagged them up while I was paying, and then I left. Upon inspecting my purchase later I found that one of the items I had been given was very similar, but more valuable than the one I had paid for.

What does the law require that I do in this situation? I have done a fair bit of searching, but all I can find is that goods ordered online and shipped are not required to be returned. Oddly, I can't find anything about goods ordered online, then purchased in-store.

Answer:
 Moral answer: return the item.

Practical answer: congrats on your fancy new item.

Legal answer: I'm not really getting the concept of how something was bagged that was scanned as something else, but generally speaking, pricing errors on purchases are judged in the buyer's favor. If they gave you a crappier product, you could go complain, but there is really no recourse for them for undercharging you 99 cents on a sponge. They can't claim it as stolen property because they completed the sale and you were not acting maliciously or with any knowledge that what you received was the wrong item. Their recourse is firing the bagger, not breaking down your door and demanding you return it.

Once it's in your hands, the deal is accepted and the "contract is sealed", so to speak.


Title: Stuck with bill after unwanted ambulance ride

Question:
Edit: added location, sorry.

I live in Indiana and I have a bill in collections for an ambulance ride that I tried several times to refused. I was having terrible chest pain at my work and I told them I  could drive myself to the hospital and they told me they were going to call an ambulance. I said no I don't want an ambulance because I can't afford it. The doc on site said I have no choice and I repeatedly declined.

After they called the ambulance I tried to refuse to get in but they told me it wasn't my choice. I was in too much pain to argue and got in the ambulance.

Is there anything I can do to avoid paying this outrageous bill I have? Or am I screwed?

Answer:
 >The doc on site said

There was a literal doctor on site who said you needed to take an ambulance. That's all that needs to be said.

Ask for a payment plan.


Title: My mother has terminal cancer and her husband just asked for a divorce; how will this affect donations and other funds raised for her? (BC, Canada)

Question:
My mom will be going through the divorce with a divorce attorney, so this is just for my curiosity. She has stage 4 cancer and about $30 000 has been raised to help with her costs of living and some alternative medicine treatments (she is also undergoing conventional medical treatments). Her husband makes significantly less than she did, but since the first symptom of her cancer was a broken spine and she was a dental hygienist, she no longer works. I understand that their income is considered shared even though she made more, but do these gifts/donations count as income that he would be entitled to half of?
Topic:
Custody Divorce and Family

Answer:
 Checking here, http://www.divorceincanada.ca/equalization.htm

It says:

"... property that the law allows you to keep for yourself

• This property includes gifts and inheritances received from someone other than your spouse during your marriage, money received from an insurance company because someone died, and money you got or have a right to get as a result of a personal injury."

So.. maybe she can keep it all?  Hopefully someone else has more info.


Title: [US - CT] Neighbor's chickens invade my yard; worried about potential repercussions if god forbid my dog gets one?

Question:
Hello, /r/legaladvice!

Our next-door-neighbor keeps chickens.  Up until very recently the chickens were kept in a fenced-in pen, as we'd complained to him before about his chickens wandering all over our yard; I'm not sure what happened but that pen is all of a sudden gone and the chickens are free roamin' again.

Yes, I am obviously going to go talk to him about this because if I wanted chickens in my yard, I would have chickens.  They're destructive little assholes and I don't want them on my property.  If that doesn't work we'll do what we've done in the past when we've had problems with this and call animal control if we have to.

My question in the meantime while we sort this out pertains to a hypothetical situation - we have a GSD mix who isn't usually aggressive towards other animals but has a) never seen/really interacted with a chicken and b) tends to overreact when he feels like his turf is being invaded.  The dog has a run out back, exactly where I keep spotting these chickens.  Hypothetically speaking - if something happens to one of the chickens on *my* property, through the fault of my dog, am I legally liable?

Just in case it's useful, I'll add that he's *never* off-leash or off-run in the yard, because it's not fenced in, and his run prevents him from getting too near to the property line on any side.

Answer:
 Your dog can eat trespassing chickens with no repercussions. If your dog chases them onto the neighbors property to eat them it becomes a problem.Answer #2: If your dog eats his chickens on your property - you're in the clear.

My advice: Put up a camera watching your back yard.

Honestly in a situation like this I'd be less concerned with legal repercussions and more with your neighbor doing something to your dog if it were to eat a chicken(s).

 Knowing that he's under surveillance would help mitigate the chances of anything along those lines.

Answer #3: Good luck! I know this doesn't add a lot but I have chickens in my back yard.

My neighbors are pretty chill, and one of them hopped our fence once in the couple years we have had them. Neighbor came over and let me know and we removed her. He told me he was worried that his dog might kill him- I reassured him if that happened, it would have been the chickens fault and no worries if it did happen. I'd come clean up the aftermath.

I apologized for the inconvenience and made sure to bring him some fresh eggs every now and then.


Title: [NJ/PA] Just found out 5yr old son is not mine, have been paying child support

Question:
Hello Reddit, I am posting this question for a friend who received the results of a "peace of mind" paternity test today.

Five years ago my friend received a phone call from a (newly) ex-girlfriend alerting to him that she was pregnant. Being a stand up guy the two got back together and tried to make the relationship work. They stayed together until the baby was born and later split up (within the first year). New Jersey handled the custody and child support hearings. About two years ago the mother moved to Pennsylvania without alerting the court.  Neither mother, nor my friend, live in New Jersey now and the case was never moved. My friend now lives in CA with his new wife and new born son.

Upon seeing his new born he had a gut feeling his 5 year old may not actually be his. On the advice of a lawyer he conducted the paternity test (called a "peace of mind" test) and learned he is not the father.

He is devastated but will be pursuing the removal of his name from the birth certificate and the termination of his child support payments.

He is wondering what he can expect through the courts. We've heard terrible stories of men who have been lied to about paternity being held responsible for continued child support payments because the courts like to keep a support system for the child.

The mother is a bit rough. Fresh neck tattoo, knuckle tatts, a single mother, but does have the support of a well-off family. My friend and his wife are living with her (his new wife's) family just trying to make ends meet with their own new child.

They will be hiring a lawyer but want to know what the first steps should be. Does he keep this a secret from the mother(is there a reason) or must he immediately state his findings? Are they in for a big fight (how expensive/experienced of a lawyer should he be looking to hire). Will the judge for sure order a court appointed paternity test based on his independent finding or could even that be denied? Any chance for repayment of the five years or child support payments? Any reason they should push for the case to be moved from NJ to PA?

Thanks for your help. If there are specific questions that I cannot answer I will get the answers directly from my friend. This is all very emotional for him but I fear time is of the essence.

Answer:
 This is going to be very area/fact specific.

He needs a lawyer **Immediately**.

There have been numerous cases of courts deciding that the guy in your friend's position who have decided he needs to keep on paying child support, because the child would suffer in the absence of it.

He's not getting any money back, forget that.

Let me repeat: It is possible that your friend will be ordered to continue paying child support in this case.

Lawyer.  Now.Answer #2: >Any chance for repayment of the five years or child support payments?

I am not a lawyer, but I sincerely doubt this will happen.  Support is for the child and generally the courts will not give a fcuk that "your friend" has been paying for a child that was not his 5 years after the fact.  Support is for the well being of the child.  If he was really concerned, the friend should have conducted the DNA test day 1.


Title: [IN] Was doxxed by army recruiter, continuing to receive unwanted dick pics

Question:
About a year ago, I tricked an army recruiter into thinking I wanted to join the military, and then never showed up for the meeting with him. He responded by sharing my phone number with a lot of troops, who are still sending me unwanted dick pics.

I've blocked upwards of 100 phone numbers, and the harassment is continuing. Do I have any legal recourse, or do I just have to keep blocking?

Answer: If you know the recruiter's name (and rank)/location you can try contacting a nearby Army base to see if they can help you find his commanding officer to file a complaint. You should be able to google the name of the base and "base operator phone number" to get started.


Title: Oil change shop didn't update their records. Now my truck is listed under someone else which in turn threw a red flag on my Car Fax as an odometer roll back which will not allow me to trade it in. Michigan, USA.

Question:
 I found the truck of my dreams and was ready to pull the trigger. As the dealership pulled my car fax on my current vehicle (I planned on trading it in), they found a red flag. A potential odemeter roll back. I thought to myself, " no way, that is crazy". Upon further research I found out that the owner that had my current truck prior to me visited a mom and pop oil change facility and apparently when they got a new truck, the mom and pop shop didn't update the VIN number to their current truck when they brought it in for service. So now under my VIN it shows the truck went from 67,000 miles to 18,000 miles resulting in the car fax red flag.

I'm currently working with car fax and the mom and pop oil change place to resolve this. But it is not an easy nor is it a timely process. So now, I play the waiting game and am worried that my truck of my dreams will be sold and slip away because of this massive error. Do I have any legal ground to stand on? I drove over 3 hours round trip to test drive/buy this truck and can't until this gets cleared up which could take weeks!

Answer:
 While not something that fixes the legal issue, could you talk to the dealership about you putting a down payment on the truck to hold it for you?Answer #2: This will get resolved, in time unfortunately.

Personally, I see this as a great test on the part of the dealership. Wanna know if they are worth doing business with? If they offer the same deal to you in a few weeks once this whole wrong data entry situation is corrected.

If they try to fuck around, go to another dealership.Answer #3: So I own an auto mechanic shop and we report to carfax, whenever there is an issue with mileage or a VIN # being incorrect all we have to do is call carfax with our business account # and give them the correct information. They tell us not to worry. It happens all the time and it will be updated in the system in 24 to 48 hours. So if the shop gives them a call it should be resolved in no time.Answer #4: Your only recourse would be if you have any damages.  The gas you spent driving over there is all I can see.


Title: Is it illegal to voice record a session with a therapist?

Question:
By court order, I'm required to see a counselor appointed to me by a PO, but she is extremely disrespectful and not cut out for the job. I'm not gonna go into detail (unless you really wanna hear the stories), but it's been her word against mine and I'm tired of it. I want to record it and show it to my PO and her supervisor so they can finally give me someone else to work with for the remainder of my time there.

Will I get in trouble for doing this? I'm in CT, USA.

Answer:
 Connecticut is a two-party consent state so, without their permission, unfortunately you can't.Answer #2: Maybe to take this from a different angle.  Why not bring in a recording device and tell them you will be recording the session so you can go back and listen to things to try and help yourself more.  Maybe knowing she is being recorded will make things better? If your therapist refuses to see you because you want to record the session to help yourself surely that will give more ammo when you approach your PO.  At our hospitalalltherapy sessions are recorded by the doctors (patients are informed of this)

Edit:I'm not a lawyer but could you start recording and say "I would like to record this session so I can review it later to try really utilize these sessions to their fullest" then if she says no, you have that on recording and obviously cut it at that.  Or even do the phone company "hey therapist [their name], I wanted to record this session (while pointing at th3 r3cording device) so I can come back to it tonight and really digest what you are helping me with"


Title: A Kirby Vacuum representative, who was here to repo my roommates vacuum just started yelling at me, insulted me and threatened to assault me. (Southern IL)

Question:
My room mate bought a kirby sometime back. I was not apart of it at all, my name is nowhere on any of the paperwork. I don't really ask her about her finances or anything but I'm guessing from the nice visit I just had that she isn't exactly up on her payments for this giant bulky vacuum.

It started with me being asleep and suddenly woke by someone, from what it sounded like, punching my front door. Not knocking, not even a police knock where they put their whole bicep into it, this man was assaulting my door. I jump out of bed, put on clothes (inside out btw) and run to the door because it sounded like an emergency.

I open my front door (not the door he was "knocking" on) and see an elderly white dude looking at me and asked if my room mate was there. I tell him shes not here and that I think shes at work.

"Shes NOT at work, I was there. Where is she?"

I explain that I'm not sure where she is but I can try to call her.

"Do that."

Ok... So I call her, no answer. I call again, leave a voicemail and explain to the guy she wasn't answering but that along with the voicemail I'll also leave her a text if he wants to give me a number to give her.

I want to make this clear: At this point I have only been polite and confused. I have not, at any point given any indication that I'm annoyed or...fuck, anything. I was confused and thought the dude was like an uncle of hers or something. I honestly thought someone was in the hospital.

"Well you need to give me the vacuum or I'm not leaving."

I explain that the vacuum isn't MINE and that it belongs to my room mate. I also understand why he is here all of a sudden. I tell him he'll have to get her to give it to him because not only am I not involved but I don't know who he is. I once again ask him for his or another phone number to give to my room mate so she can get this settled and not have an old ass man practicing his boxing routines on my goddamn glass front door.

Then...

"I don't understand why they sold a vacuum to someone who lives a dump like this."

I'm sort of stunned. This IS my house. I have two room mates who live in separate bedrooms. It is however...ya know...MY house.

I open the door (the screen door? its glass? I don't wtf to call it. The damn screen door.) and walk out to the porch with the guy. I close the both the doors behind me and tell him that since my room mate isn't here that I couldn't help him. I tell him I'm not trying to make his job harder, but I didn't feel comfortable giving him something that belongs to my room mate, even if she hasn't been paying for it. I then ask him to leave and try to contact my room mate by her phone number.

"She doesn't answer when we call."

I ask him if he could tell me the number they have. He opens his little book he has, reads off a number that isn't my room mates. Infact the number was just one number off.  I tell him that doesn't sound right but I'm not sure.

"Well you need to give me her REAL phone number."

I tell him no, I'm not doing that. I don't go about just giving out peoples phone numbers or any other information for that matter.

"I'm gonna stand right here until she gets back."

I, once again, tell him no and that he needs to leave.

"I've been dealing with losers like you all week and I haven't lost ONE vacuum. I'm staying here until she gets here."

Me: No, you need to get off my property right now. I've done everything I'm willing to do for you, guy. Please go.

Him: You can't kick me off property that you rent, dumbass.

----

I want to explain again to everyone: Up to this point I haven't been rude (at least I think), I haven't been aggressive, I haven't anything other than polite to this guy, but from here on out that all goes out of the door.

Me: Dude get off my porch, get off my land, right now. Go.

Him: You don't own this. You rent. I'll get off the land once a landlord comes and kicks me off.

Me: I own this. I own all of this. This is my house, my land and you're officially trespassing. If you don't get off my fucking porch right goddamn now I'm calling the police.

He backs off my porch and stands in the yard and crosses his arms.

Me: All the way off my land. Get the hell out of here. You can wait for her in the fucking road for all I care but you are NOT getting back on my land. Fuck off, man.

He then walks aggressively back up on my porch and "squares up" with me. His nose is like an inch away from mine.

Him: I'm retired Navy and I can handle myself in a fight. You don't scare me, loser.

I back up, get my phone and start to call the police.

A little more information: I live in a SUPER small town. The closest police are about 45 mins away and they are made up of people I went to high school who aren't...um...well I'll say I was surprised to find out they were police.

After I start fiddling with my phone he goes and stands in the lot next to mine...which I also own.

Me: Thats also my property. You're still trespassing.

He then...kicks? the ground. Like he curled his leg up like he was kicking a ball and then like...drug his foot across the ground? I dunno how to explain it.

Him: I'm 71 years OLD! I DON'T NEED TO BE OUT HERE FOR SIX GODDAMN HOURS WAITING ON SOME LOSER TO GIVE ME A VACUUM THAT SHE STOLE.

Me: What the hell is your problem, man?! Get the hell out of here!

Him:YOU'RE A LOSER!

Me: I'm the loser?! You just told me that you're 71 years old and your job is repoing fucking vacuums, you psycho!

Him: YEAH WHY DON'T YOU GET A JOB!

At this point the police answer and I tell them I need a car sent to my place ASAP because theres a guy losing his mind on my property.

I look back at the guy and he's in his van and pulling off. He's looking at me as he pulls off, rolls down his side window and yells

Him: I'LL BE BACK! WITH A WARRANT!

I just sort of give him the "wtf are you talking about" look and tell the cops that he's pulling away. I give them his vans make and model and a partial plate number.

I...I don't know what to do at this point. Please help.

TLDR: Room mate bought a vacuum, not sure whats going on with her finances, old 71 repo man threatens me, calls me names, kicks my yard, loses his mind at me, threatens to bring a warrant.

Edit 1: This is the first time I've ever seen him or anyone else from kirby here. I wasn't aware that she owed money for a vacuum and I have never been contacted by anyone from kirby about this before. This is incident number one for me.

Answer:
 I think we may have stumbled on something worse than a Kirby vacuum salesperson....Answer #2: >the screen door? its glass? I don't wtf to call it.

That's called a storm door, just an FYI.Answer #3: Next time he comes on your property, call the police.

If the police is 45 minutes away, you may want to consider getting a weapon and learning how and when to use it. Just in case the salesmen breaks down your frontdoor with an axe to get the meth kirby. Answer #4: The very second he refused to leave your property, you should've called the police. Have you been able to speak to your roommate since this happened? Are you *sure* this is just about a vacuum and not like, a vacuum full of meth? (I just finished Breaking Bad last night, bear with me..) I think you and your roommate need to call Kirby. If your roommate can give Kirby her information, I'm sure they can look up who sold her the vacuum and who would be coming after her for money. That is, assuming it's actually about a vacuum..

Did the police ever come and take a statement from you? Answer #5: He won't be back with a warrant. He probably won't be back at all. If he shows up again, call the police and don't answer the door.Answer #6: I guess you've done what you can. Good job. If he shows up again call the cops.Answer #7: What kind of vacuum is this that is paid for in installments and they send repo people out for? Tell your roommate to give the vacuum back and then go buy one at Walmart for $50.
Answer #8: Oh man OP, this is starting to sound good. Update us when you can.


Title: Car dealership sold me the wrong car.

Question:
Okay - first of all, I know I'm stupid. I know nothing about cars.

I bought a brand new 2016 Toyota Camry XLE 2016 yesterday. It was supposed to be a V6. I test drove the car I was supposed to buy last week - the right car. After that, I did all my haggling through text with my sales guy (he's awesome, I think this is a mistake), and came in yesterday to buy the car. Note that through text the exact make, model, edition, and engine are specified - Camry XLE V6 2016. I assumed that they knew which car I test drove, so I was excited (first time car buyer) and signed all the papers, made my down payment through credit card and personal check and signed my vehicle buyer's check. After I went outside to get the car, I asked my sales guy to pop the hood. I asked, "This is a V6, right?". He said yeah. So I happily drove the car home.

Today, driving my car home, my best friend was driving my old car behind me. She called me and said, are you sure this is a V6? It only has one muffler. I KNOW NOTHING ABOUT CARS. So we checked the sticker they put on the car and lo and behold, 4-cylinder. Yep - drove out with the car I didn't want.

I signed all the papers with the VIN number for the wrong car. Did I trust people too much? It's Sunday and the car dealership is closed. Is it possible for them to screw me? What are my rights?

Update: Car dealership made a big mistake on their part. The deal was made on the four-cylinder, but I was promised the V6 the entire time by my salesman. So I brought it in today, and the manager was trying to get me to return my car. He then said that the manager that helped work my deal was not there today, so he asked me to come back at a different time.

I rose hell. I demanded that he called the manager that worked my deal and work it out. I mean, I took off work to get this resolved. So they ended up switching out the cars for me (after like what, 10 minutes of talking), and I was able to get the car that I originally test drove. All is well! Apparently I "made the dealership lose $3000", but whatever. No lawsuit needed. :)

Answer: does the contract address the car you got or the other car?


Title: Stolen car sold to me

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Yes you can sue the auction house for selling you the vehicle, especially if it was an insurance company. Answer #2: Work with them first to determine if it was a recovered car and simply mislabeled. If they refuse, or they were wrong, and the police will not give you the vehicle, send a demand letter for the price you paid to the auction house. If that doesn't do anything, you can sue the auction house for what you paid.

Depending on what you paid, it may qualify for small claims.Answer #3: Contact auction house and inform them of the error. Give them 24 hours to tell you how they are going to make it right. If nothing send a certified demand letter demanding return of your money. If nothing sue. Just document w/e you can from police showing you bought a car you could not legally buy.


Title: Is it illegal to post videos of others, particularly videos showing personal identifiable information such as a license plate, to YouTube?

Answer:
 In the U.S., it is legal to film in public, as people do not have a reasonable expectation of privacy in public. Someone taking photos or filming in public are generally free to post that content to YouTube, as long as it does not violate YouTube's terms of service.

That being said, there may be issues if you use someone's likeness, without their consent, in some forms of content, such as in advertising. Someone smarter then I am would need to weigh in on that.


Title: Questions about loaning to a friend [AL]

Question:
My friend and co-worker wants to borrow $10k from me to buy a boat.  He was quoted a rate of 26% at the bank, thanks to his nasty divorce doing a number on his credit.  I've offered to put up the money for 2 years at 14%, meaning $475/month.  I'm going to have a contact written up by a contact lawyer friend.  I've loaned him small amounts before, without a contract, and believe he's good for it.

What problems do y'all foresee, other than the obvious of him defaulting?

What tax precautions should I take?

Answer: This is an incredibly ridiculous bad idea.Answer #2: The bank is in the business of loaning money and by that interest rate they have some big doubts about getting paid back, you should take that as a hint.


Title: Local cop tells me not to walk up my own hill to home!(wv)

Question:
Local pd were just here not long ago telling me that me walking home was an issue. Apparently I am scaring kids in the morning walking home from work. I have no other option when I am being dropped off by other means of transportation. I ask the cop as to what I should do. His response? Stay back tell the kids get on the bus and/or find another alternate route. There is just one route up and down. The cop then proceeds to tell me that unless I want an order of protection placed against me from their parents that I need to find another way! What do I do? I dont drive a car due to PTSD issues. I have a lot of mental health issues including hellish depression and anxiety. This is bogus. All I was doing was walking home! Help!
Topic:
Other Civil Matters

Answer:
 Unless there is something missing from this story I would contact the police department can file a complaint against the officer in question. I would then require the police to explain what laws you have broken. In order to have a protective order filed against you there has to be a creditable threat, usually against a specific individual, in most states. I would ask them when threat you pose beyond any other person walking on the street.

My guess is that some over protective parent decided to complain for what ever reason they choose and the cop thought that I was easier to scare you into changing your behavior than dealing with the over protective parent.

Anther person in the post suggested recording the interaction with the police. I advise this and I would start recording the walk also just in case. People like to make up stories and video is hard to refute.Answer #2: Hang in their OP, and please ignore "the police are ALWAYS correct, and the op is leaving information out comments.

The guy is just trying to walk up the hill after a hard day at work. What is so difficult about believing his statement? If the OP suffered PTSD as a result of US military service, there are unique options available. How about demonstrating some basic human compassion instead of blaming the OP?


Title: Mentally Ill gun ownership - Louisiana

Question:
Hi r/legaladvice! I'm concerned about my mother owning a gun. Background: She has been involuntarily held at the mental hospital several times (my guess is seven). She has a history of threatening homicidal/suicidal behavior. I'm unsure of her diagnosis.

During her last hospital stay a relative went to her home and removed her gun(s). She immediately bought another handgun when she was released. Normally I would mind my business because I'm just over dealing with her. She is currently very angry with everyone for "abondoning her" after she threatened her sisters with a gun in December. She is now, for the first time, estranged from the entire family. Her Facebook is full of hate and bible verse laced threats. My fear is that if she does eventually kill herself she will take someone I love with her. I know she could just get another gun some other way if hers was taken but I couldn't live with myself if she hurt someone else in the family. Anyone have advice? I see Gabrielle Gifford's site but I can't figure out if thats a platform to report. TIA!

Answer: Call her local police department. If she has been committed by a court or convicted of a felony she is a prohibited possessor of firearms. Let them know that she is unstable, and has been making threats.


Title: What happens if a pregnancy results from porn?

Question: [removed]

Answer:
 The girl can just move to a certain fetish...

To answer your question though, the father is still liable. Consider it a job hazard!


Title: Apartment wants to force me to join Facebook group through addendum (UT)

Question:
The apartment complex I live in (Utah) gave everybody an addendum, which would require us to join their Facebook group and failure to keep that friendship on Facebook would breach the Residential Rental Agreement. The addendum also says that the owner can post all required notices on the Facebook page (like apartment inspections, rule changes, etc). The owner is also given permission to publish pictures of the residents on the Facebook page. This includes children and guests. Then, the addendum says that residents aren't allowed post anything negative about the complex on any forum or any Facebook page. The complex gives us until April 15th to sign it and 5 days after to join the Facebook page.

First of all, do I have to sign the addendum? What will they do if I don't sign it? I already have an existing contract they are trying to tack this onto. I don't use Facebook, so this would require me to get one and actively use it so I don't miss important posts. The addendum isn't clear what kinds of posts they'll make on the Facebook page. They could target an individual resident and call him out on breaking a rule in front of all the other residents on Facebook if they wanted to.

Secondly, giving them the right to take pictures of me whenever they want to is really creepy. This would allow them to go over to the playground and take pictures of all the kids if they wanted to.

And third, residents can't say anything negative about the apartments online? So, they could consider it a breach of contract if you tell your friends not to move into the complex because it isn't a good place to live.

Overall, the whole thing is incredibly controlling. I don't agree with the addendum, but I don't know what the repercussions are for not signing it. I'm moving out in June when the existing contract expires, so I don't have much more time here anyways. Giving them the right to take pictures of me and post them on Facebook without me knowing is a big privacy concern of mine as well.

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks guys!

Answer:
 In general, not agreeing to a new contract won't affect an existing contract. I'm not completely convinced this type of invasive behavior would hold up as a valid reason for eviction proceedings either. It may affect whether then LL wants to renew or not but that doesn't seem like it'll affect you. Answer #2: > Secondly, giving them the right to take pictures of me whenever they want to is really creepy. This would allow them to go over to the playground and take pictures of all the kids if they wanted to.

If the playground is a public place where you would normally expect to be seen by other people, they can likely already do this.

Answer #3: If you are already on a fixed-term lease (as opposed to a month-to-month contract) then you can't be forced to sign the addendum until your lease expires.

Some of what is in the addendum may be illegal.  Inspection notices usually have to be given in writing, not electronically.  The part about taking pictures is fine, they already have that right anyway.  The gag order about saying negative things is also ridiculous.Answer #4: Are they offering to give you anything in return or is this a completely one sided contract? It does not sound like you gain anything at all by signing this addendum, so don't sign it. Answer #5: What if a luddite without Internet lives in the complex?Answer #6: Say you have an abusive ex and that's why you aren't on Facebook, especially not with locational data.  It's a safety issue.  In some places, addresses of cops/judges/DAs/victims are protected by state or local laws.  It might even be illegal to disclose their home address.


Title: Anti-Food Sharing Law?

Question: Hey r/legaladvice! I'm not sure if this is the best subreddit to be asking but here it goes. My friend and I had plans to go down to Atlanta on Christmas Day and hand out some pizza to homeless people. But I remembered reading about the gentleman in Florida who was arrested so I decided to look it up and turns out that food sharing is also illegal in Atlanta. So I was wondering if anyone could explain the details of this law to me? I can't seem to find it. Thanks guys!

Answer:
 I'm reasonably certain that there are masses of options for food on Christmas Day for the homeless (this being the time the middle classes flood into help in Soup Kitchens and the like). Personally I like the idea of the people who give out socks to the homeless. Answer #2: The FL situation stems from a local ordinance from that particular town. It is not FL state law.

You can call the non emergency number for the Atlanta PD and ask.


Title: If I found the wreckage of an alien spacecraft on my land, would I have legal ownership of it?

Question:
Suppose I own a bunch of land out west and on my land I discovered the wreckage of a flying saucer. Do I legally own it, and get to do as I like with the technology (assuming it doesn't violate existing laws like for weapons and such), including selling or leasing it to companies for reverse engineering?

Would it make a difference if it was recent wreckage versus something from long ago, like the mid 1700s before the US became an independent nation?

Answer:
 I think that, "finders keepers" aside, you're only keeping it as long as it takes for the government to show up, say the words "national security" and then load it into a truck and drive away.Answer #2: Depends on if you can gets the death rays working before the agents show up.

You’d also have to deal with the Intra Pan Galactic Space Salvage Treaty of Alpha Centauri.

There would also be tax issues and possible hazardous material implications.


Title: [AZ and DC] Boss taking money from my paycheck for items someone else stole

Question:
So this weekend, I brought a couple volunteers with me from Arizona to Washington, DC/Virginia to staff an event for work. One of those volunteers ended up stealing a bunch of stuff, which we ended up finding. It was mostly personal stuff (an iPad, some Adderall, etc) but some of it was $120 in company money. My colleagues and I ended up calling the cops, and they ultimately told us that since everything that was reported missing was found, all they could really do was escort her out and ban her from where we were holding the event.

I planned on telling my boss after the fact that all this had happened, because in my eyes it was resolved. Today he emailed me to tell me that he heard of this from another of my colleagues, and says that there is $315 missing from his wife's purse, and that they can't find two trophies valued at $250.

He says that he'll be deducting $565 from my paycheck because of this, because it's someone I brought, and because I "let her go".

Now, the only thing in my employment contract is a non-compete and something saying that I'll be paid reasonably often. It's not a real formal company. But I'm questioning whether I can be held monetarily accountable for this other girl's actions by him in this way.

FWIW, we went through all of her stuff and didn't find these trophies, though she did have about $300. I assumed this was because she pawned my unrecovered engagement ring, since I was under the impression she only had access to our cash box and not his wife's purse (and I didn't know we were missing $300).

I'm taking her to small claims for the engagement ring. Should I just let my boss (who will soon be ex-boss) deduct this money, and then add that to my small claims case? Is he even allowed to deduct money like this?

Answer:
 Do NOT, under any circumstances, ever, ever, EVER show any agreement to your boss taking money out of your paycheck.  If he has the legal right to do it, he doesn't need your consent.  If he doesn't, then the ONLY way he can get off the hook is if you agree to it (even if you do, that consent probably still isn't worth anything -- but to protect yourself as much as possible, never say "okay... just take it out of my check").  So no: don't say he can take the money, even if you're adding it to your civil suit later.

And in the meantime, you should contact the Department of Labor and a private attorney.Answer #2: Arizona requires [written authorization from you](http://www.azleg.gov/FormatDocument.asp?inDoc=/ars/23/00352.htm&Title=23&DocType=ARS) for any deductions.  If they are a soon-to-be-ex-boss, don't authorize it.


Title: [META] Mods have been increasing their activity - thank you!

Question:
I've been a longtime reader of this subreddit over the last couple of years or so, and as I'm sure everyone has noticed, or has found this sub because of this, /r/legaladvice has been linked to /r/bestof at least 2 times that I've seen in very recent history. This has obviously driven a lot of traffic our way, because, let's be honest, this sub is unique in its interesting content and insightful replies from our regulars (yes, you too, /u/Zapopa).

Since this influx, I have noticed our moderators really stepping up their game by deleting comments for bad advice or irrelevant posts, and by locking threads when necessary, when generally in the past, bad advice would just get downvoted or ignored.

I just wanted to thank the moderators for taking the time to keep /r/legaladvice a great subreddit. I know it takes time out of your day to, well, moderate such a high volume of comments and posts. You are greatly appreciated!

For locationbot: I'm from Michigan.

Answer:
 It doesn't hurt that there are three new mods on duty.Answer #2: On the one hand, I like the increased mod activity to weed out the worst top-level comments. On the other hand, I miss seeing what the truly idiotic among us have to say. Every time I see one get deleted with the reason being horrible advice, I just really want to know what they said.Answer #3: While I am not on the moderation team, I like to think a little piece of me is in the heart of every moderator.  In that sense, I am happy to take credit for the recent improvements around here.  I will gladly accept your thanks and accolades.  You're welcome.Answer #4: I like the increased mod activity because I have seen some advice on here that would get the OP worse of. (Than again I have been guilty of not thinking for two seconds before opening my mouth and giving advice in the past (A thank you to all who corrected me, because I am still learning and will keep on giving advice here when I feel comfortable enough that I am correct))

I am a little bit in dubio about r/legaladvice getting mentioned in r/bestof because on the one hand it makes this sub easy to find for people who really need legal advice but on the other it also brings out the trolls.Answer #5: ALL ....what is our official toast sign? Do we have one? I don't want to say hail if we don't hail. We should vote on this.

P.S. Sweet offering to the LocationBot God.


Title: [NY] Being pushed out of job for an encounter with police I had while not on the clock

Question:
I'll do my best to be succinct without being *too* informative, and would like to thank you all in advance!

I work as a waiter for a group of restaurant owners I've known and (happily) worked for for years. I am paid off the books, which suits my lifestyle, and in a town with a private (not county) police force. The owners work hard to cultivate a positive relationship with said police, including buying them free meals. After work one day last week I went out with some coworkers in the aforementioned town, got very drunk and had a disagreement with the local cab company. I was asked to leave the cab stand by the dispatcher, and did so without incident. Outside I was greeted by 4 local officers who wanted me to go elsewhere to await the new cab I had called for. I explained I wasn't hanging around to cause trouble, just waiting, but they then threatened me with a loitering ticket. My patience thin, I implied that if I recieved one their superior may recieve an ethics complaint for accepting free food from my employer, who I stupidly named. They backed off, I went home, and I went to sleep thinking that I'd never consider the situation again. However, one of the officers mentioned to my bosses that because of the run-in and my threat they would no longer be coming into the establishment, which thoroughly upset them. I have been given no shifts on the new week's schedule and, having seen this done by them to employees they didn't care for before, most likely never will again.

Do I have legal recourse against my employer for this petty revenge? How about the local police force for bringing this to my employer's attention at all? Will being off the books come back to bite me if I litigate?

(My first post on reddit, let me know if I flubbed anything)

Answer:
 >Do I have legal recourse against my employer for this petty revenge?

Nope.  You're an at-will employee and may be disciplined or fired at any time for any non-discriminatory reason or no reason at all.  Negatively impacting your boss's business and reputation in the community seems like a perfectly legitimate reason to punish you.

>How about the local police force for bringing this to my employer's attention at all?

Nope.

>Will being off the books come back to bite me if I litigate?

You won't be litigating because there's no claim here.  You either need to ingratiate yourself with the owner to get your hours back, or begin searching for another position.


Title: I need help finding the cheapest, fastest divorce possible in NC.

Question:
My soon to be ex husband is on a dangerous downword spiral and I need to get him out of my life. We are divorcing because he cheated on me for years, refused counseling, developed addiction problems, contracted hiv and then moved out of the house suddenly.  We have already divided up our belongings and all I need is the divorce and his name off of the deed to the house, he's willing to stay on the loan. He says he will sign anything I send him and I can't seem to find anyone who doesn't want to force me to go after him for money he doesn't have. He recently wrecked his car, got a DUI and lost his job and even though I'm broke from him blowing through our savings I feel an urgent need to sever all ties before he does anything else I have to deal with the consequences of. What is the fastest, least expensive way to do this?  We have no children and have decided who is keeping which pets. I don't want revenge, just to get away from his self destruction.
Topic:
Custody Divorce and Family

Answer: Sounds like you want an [uncontested divorce](http://www.divorcesupport.com/divorce/North-Carolina-Uncontested-Divorce-3573.html) where you sign a separation agreement & get it filed & he signs an Acceptance of Service.


Title: MiL intends to violate FiL’s visitation rights over their 17 yr old son during Thanksgiving by bringing him across state lines to visit family.

Question: So my MiL and FiL are divorced and live in Arkansas. My wife and I live in Texas. My MiL lives with her 17 yr-old son (biological to her and my FiL), and they’re coming to visit my wife and I here in Texas over thanksgiving. However, my wife and I have recently learned that, according to divorce documents, this year is my FiL’s turn to spend time with my BiL for thanksgiving. My MiL is fully aware of this, but, due to a current no-contact order, my FiL must go through his lawyer to her lawyer in order to officially “remind” her that it’s his turn this year with his son. My MiL still intends to bring my BiL with her to visit us (though there’s no telling). If she does bring him, how should my wife and I respond so that we don’t get into any legal trouble?

Answer: You are not responsible for the actions of others. You are not a party to the divorce decree, it’s not your problem and you are fine.


Title: Landlord is trying to charge me 3 months of rent after lease expires, help

Question:
I need some legal advice related to a rental lease, here is a quick background:

My lease ends on 6/30/2018
The lease term states: “The tenant must allow listing with a realtor 90 days prior to the end of the lease and showing during the period”
We did not hear from landlord about lease renewal or listing/showing
On June 4 we send an email to landlord saying: “We would like to renew the lease for another year, can we discuss the details? “
We did not receive a response until June 7 therefore we started looking for apartments and found one
On Jun 7 landlord responded “We can renew the lease”, at the time we are in the process of applying a new lease so we did not respond to landlord
On June 8 landlord emailed again and called, I did not pick up the call but responded in email “Sorry I am in a work meeting and can't pick up your call. Can I give you an answer by the end of the day”
At the end of June 8 I notify landlord that I will move out

Now landlord says “ You notified on June 4, 2018 that you are going to renew the lease and then on the close (8:15 pm) of June 8, 2018 after delaying my response to your renewal request for several days, you have indicated that you have decided to move out.  In this case, whether you move out on June 30, 2018 or not, you are responsible for rent until September 8, 2018 which is 90 days after your notification unless we find another tenant before then.”

My initial questions are:
1.	Does he have case here or not?
2.	If he does not have a case, what would be the legal action if he does not refund my one month deposit?
3.	One complication, when we signed a lease, the lease requires landlord to deposit in a NY bank account (I live in NYC), however landlord did not have a NY bank account but a Suntrust account opened in VA/DC. Would this complicate the recovery of the deposit?

Thank you!

Answer:
 Does the lease require 90 day notification for intent to renew and intent to vacate? or just 90 days for intent to vacate?Answer #2: deleted  ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^0.2902  ^^^What ^^^is ^^^this?]85587)Answer #3: I doubt you are responsible for rent until September, but you can't wait until June 8th to give notice to vacate if your lease ends on June 30th.

Normally leases go month to month after they end without notice to vacate, which would leave you responsible for July rent.


Title: [CA] Property Management Sent us a Nuisance Letter about a Strong Odor

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 > My question is what can I do?

Stop stinking up the building.  That's really all there is to it - you cooked smelly food, stunk up the building, people complained.  So stop doing it.Answer #2: I think the real issue is: They say they don't allow any smoking, but you then say you "smoke mj".

Lawyers, can the landlord prevent smoking medical marijuana on their premises in CA?

(I can tell you from a non-smoker's view that stuff is freaking awful and I hated when our neighbors were smoking every night. If I were in an apartment complex I definitely would have complained.)Answer #3: Left out the important details -- what did you cook?  Answer #4: If it's that Norwegian fermented fish stuff you're going to lose.Answer #5: Don't cook foods that stink up your apartment?

This isn't rocket science.


Title: Child support US CA

Question: Ex girlfriend is requesting child support which I'm happy to pay for given they're my children, however I think she's lying to me about the amount she is owed. She stated I owe her around $800 for 2 children with 50% custody split however she believes that she won't be required to work and that's why she claims she gets so much. I make 3300 before taxes pay $260 for medical insurance for the children and I and $200 towards retirement. Any advice is appreciated

Answer:
 You need to consult an attorney and get an order entered with the court.

The amount of child support is determined by your income, primarily, and the number of children.


Title: Underage Possession of Alcohol, can they tag me?? (California)

Question:
So last night at around 10 or 11 PM, my friend and I were sitting in his truck just hanging out. The truck was off and the keys were NOT in the ignition. My friend pulled out a beer from the back seat, that I did NOT know was there because the beer was covered by blankets, and asked me if I wanted one. I said sure. He and I both drank one beer each.

After about 30 minutes of sitting in his truck, a sherriff rolled up on us, and instantly lit us up. My buddy got out to say high. I dod as well shortly after. When I was getting out the cop asked me my name and as I told him, immediately "detained" me. He asks us if we drank and we both said just one.

He then says that he going to search the vehical (a '95 Ranger). He makes us both do the breathalyzer. After 15-20 mins he lets me out of the cuffs (he never cuffed my friend) and tells us that we both are charged with Underage Possession of Alcohol and that we have court in December.

Now, tell me a few things guys, can he search the car just like that? Nothing was in plain view since the beer was under blankets, and the empty bottles were under the seat. He pulled the bottles out to ask if they were ours then put them on the floor and took a picture of it. Faulty evidence? (My secondary question)

Also, since the beer wasnt mine, can I still get convicted of underage possession? (My main question)

Now, I may have missed something so if you have any questions, just ask. Would LOVE some help. Thanks fellas.

(Personally, I think he threw out our B.A.C. because they were so incredibly low, WAY less than .01)

Answer:
 You admitted to having an open alcoholic beverage in the car. So yes he can search.

You possessed the beer at some point because you drank it. So yes you can be charged with it.


Title: Did Bob commit a tax felony or just a mistake that can be corrected?

Question:
My friend Bob has a cash heavy business. He does not always desposit his cash into his bank account because it gets tedious to constantly make trips to his branch so he keeps his money in his safe- but he always reports his income and normally has a professional to help him keep track of everything monthly. Last year, he decided he'd keep track his expenses on his own. Bob got really high last month and remembered that he forgot to file taxes for 2017 and assumes that in his high induced paranoid state, rushed to get his taxes done (hilarious I know). For 2017, he used H&R Block to file last minute (again, a month ago). He knows this because the next day he found his tax return in his car with an excel sheet (with the same format he'd used in past years) of his expenses and income...however the numbers were vastly inaccurate, specifically he accidentally claimed he made waaaay more than he actually makes. Like over 500k more and he's pretty sure his expenses were not accurate either. He found out he now owes 300k in taxes (due to his high income an him being self-employed ) and freaked out.

Did he accidentally commit a felony? Or is this not a big deal as long as he fixes his mistake with his accountant? Is this even a big deal: can't he just say that his income really is what he claimed since it's just a cash business and he did not deposit all of it?

Answer:
 Bob needs to take some of they money he spends getting really high and hire a CPA to file amended returns for him.

Bob should not try to play “eh they probably don’t know” with the IRS. As they very likely do. Answer #2: Its "hilarious" that Bob got into a car so high he doesnt remember and drove to H&R Block?  I would have used a different descriptor...Answer #3: He needs to contact the IRS and ask for a chance to refile accurately. If they agree, he needs to go through a professional to do it, not do it himself. If they won’t, he needs to consult with a tax attorney to find out what can be done to correct these mistakes.


Title: Accepting a vehicle as a collateral for a loan in Ontario?

Question:
Hey everyone.

A friend of mine has fallen on hard times and needs to borrow a significant chunk of money.

He has offered his car as collateral, as in he will leave the car in my possession and not drive it until the loan is paid.

I normally would not consider something like this, but for such a large amount of money, I also believe it is necessary.

The question is, what sort of steps do I need to make this legally binding and what paperwork would need to be done that would transfer absolute ownership of the car to me in case he can not pay?

Thanks.

Answer:
 Is he willing to sell you the car? That's far better for you, and simplifies this whole exchange.

Even if he physically leaves the car with you, it's useless to you. You can't sell it: it's not yours. Similarly, you can't force him to sell it, without suing him - and if you sue him in small claims, you'll generally be awarded confirmation of the debt, not ownership of the car. If he signs a promissory note, you could file a lien against the title to the car, but even then, repossessing and selling the car will cost you time and money.

If the amount he wants to borrow is less than the value of the car, buy the car from him and agree in writing to sell it back to him at a fixed price if he pays it in full within a specific timeframe, or just buy the car outright. If the amount he wants to borrow is more than the value of the car, don't loan him the money - either give it to him outright, or tell him you can't afford the loan.

Realistically, someone this destitute isn't going to repay the loan. How much hassle are you willing to deal with to collect a small fraction of the money you lend?


Title: TSA agent repeatedly stroking crotch because of an error alarm in their explosive device spectrometer.

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Looks like you got the full security theater treatment. While I'm sure it was dehumanizing and unpleasant experience, the TSA agents "followed procedure" so unless you want to drop a fortune on legal fees in a case against the feds. I say let it go.Answer #2: >When did I consent to being searched by some 18-20 year olds with no idea what they are doing?

More of a question than an answer, but I thought it was implied consent since you have no legal right to fly. By purchasing the ticket you're agreeing to security screening.


Title: Equal pay/gender/age discrimination question (in SC)

Question:
Im a 20 year licensed attorney that had to flee the state I'm licensed in with my young son due to an abusive marriage and impending homelessness. The only people who could take us in lived in a different state and I am not going to be eligible to take the bar here for a long time. I was unemployed at the time and broke.

I got a job in May at $12 an hour to do accounts receivable and handle HR matters (not payroll), with the assurance my pay would increase as the company grew. It's now over 80 employees and has employees in 4 states.

I've been sending out company wide memos as "HR assistant" since I never got an official title since I've been here.

I was put in charge of working with our health insurance agent to get health insurance quotes for the annual renewal.

I was also told I would be developing health and safety policies and procedures along with another employee. He changed his mind on that other employee's role but I still tried to with the regional managers on the health and safety requirements.

I have also been acting as de facto in house counsel, responding to unemployment/Eeoc claims, workers comp claims, drafting and reviewing contracts, etc.

In August I was told the company would pay for me to get HR certification and asked to review and revise the employee handbooks, develop job descriptions, etc.

Halfway through September my boss tells me he's hired an HR manager.  He's also told me I won't be getting a raise anytime soon.

I was the only woman working for the company until one was hired at a location in another state. She quit about a week after the conversation with my boss but threatened a discrimination suit alleging among other things that she was told women don't get promoted in the company. As my job is to "cover their ass," I did a quick survey of employees/positions/compensation and found over 50% of the employees made more than her, although she was paid commensurate with people in her position.

However, I also discovered *I* make less than over 50% of all employees and about 50% less than the lowest paid person in a role commensurate with mine, and likely will be paid less than 1/3rd of the HR person coming in.

As the "in house counsel" I brought this potential issue to my bosses' attention. A lot of noise was made about me being just an administrative assistant, that all the admins they've had in the past (at prior companies) always reviewed contracts, that my legal advice had been "voluntary", and dead out asked if I felt I was treated unfairly. I said I wasn't coming to them as me but in the same role I had with prior complaints, it just happened the issue this time was me and told them I felt they needed to consult outside counsel on this case and I couldn't advise them about what to do. I said I didn't feel I was treated unfairly because I didn't want to get fired.

I'm also a 45 year old woman with 20 years professional experience and a law degree. The person they hired is male, graduated college in 2012, has his HR certification and a ba in business management.  He is a family friend/fraternity brother of the owners. No applications were sought for the position.

Another person was hired for health and safety, is male, graduated same college as everyone else in 2011.  He makes 2x what I do with another $350 for a car allowance.

I was eligible for insurance at the beginning of September but don't have it yet. When I do I'll take home less than $250 a week.

Even on what I am getting paid my son and I are still dependent on friends for a place to live. I don't want to get fired but I'm pretty sure I'm going to be soon.  Even if I don't I know I have to make my claim within a certain time limit.

What the hell do I do?

Topic:
Other Civil Matters

Answer:
 Do you have any proof that you're being paid less because of your gender or because of your age?  That would be all that matters.

It's legally fine for them to take advantage of you and pay you less because you don't negotiate your salary well.  It's legally fine for them to pay you less because they simply don't like you but your function is necessary so they want to keep you around.  It's fine for them to pay their frat brothers more than you for the same work.

It's only not fine when the decision is based on your gender or age. Answer #2: Get massive amounts of therapy. You are not in house counsel no matter what titles you like to give yourself. Nothing you are describing is really that much different than my two assistants do. You may have difficulty imagining yourself as a low level clerical person but that's what you are and that's the position they hired you for. You probably did a few extra things because you could. And gender discrimination? The fact that they hired a personal friend and fear bro actually works against your argument. They didn't hire a MAN they hired a FRIEND who happens to be a man. It sort of eviscerates your discrimination argument. An owner can hire a friend whenever they want.

It sounds like your experience with your ex has caused you to focus on things that are merely transference of this issue where it doesn't belong. Get some therapy and find a job with the responsibility that you believe you are entitled to.


Title: Ex-politician suing a broke 20 year old college student for $50,000+ (Illinois)

Question:
There was a car accident two years ago involving me and an older gentleman. The statute of limitations in IL is two years I believe, and the accident happened Oct 21st, 2016. I was served with the papers on Oct 20th, 2018 (go figure) stating he is seeking $50,000+ for damages. After the accident, he did not show up to the court date, was given a reschedule date, and did not show up on that date either. Now exactly 2 years later he is deciding to sue me for vehicle damages (even though the insurance already covered it) and injury claims.

After doing some research on him I found out he is an ex IL politician, who is very well off. He has a history of VERY shady business. I can provide an article, but my point is he's sued plenty of times before and seems to be very relentless. He probably has the best of the best lawyers as well.

I have nothing. My account balance currently is somewhere around $220. The 15 year old commuter car I was driving was wrecked three days ago, and we will not be receiving any insurance money for it. I have no job, go to school full time, and I live at home with my parents. I have absolutely ZERO assets, or income. I have potentially another 3.5-5.5 years of school minimum, depending on what degree I decide to pursue.

What can happen here? What do I do here? I have nothing to offer, or have taken away from me. Can't squeeze blood from a stone.

Answer:
 Inform your insurance company immediately.Answer #2: Suing you for vehicle damages after insurance already covered it? One key piece of evidence would be the document he had to sign to get the payout from the insurance company - it almost certainly has the provision that the payment is in full satisfaction of the claim.Answer #3: Him being shady or in politics or rich doesn’t has much to do with the situation. Ideally if he has good lawyers then they will see you have zero assets or money and drop the suit. Either way your gonna need a lawyer. Answer #4: IANAL but this doesn't make much sense to me.  From what you say it seems like he filed a claim with his insurance company and received a payout for vehicle damages.  From my understanding as someone who has worked as an assistant in insurance law for a couple years, that "debt" is now the insurance company's and they can file a subrogation claim against you that your insurance company should then respond to by settling/retaining an attorney for you.  But at this point he already has the money for his car so I'm not sure why he's suing you unless the repairs exceeded policy limits and even then what kind of car is he driving that damage is $50k over a policy limit?!

&#x200B;

Regardless, I feel like your next step should probably be to contact the insurance company you had at the time of the accident.Answer #5: This is the sole purpose of having insurance. If your insurance paid, you're not personally responsible.


Title: Swore at a friend in front of a teacher

Question: Im in grade 10(15 years old) and I accidentally said “are you autistic?” Instead of “are you stupid” to a friend as a joke. A teacher heard me and asked for my name. Would i get in trouble since technically she was like eavesdropping to our convo and it wasnt directed at her and people say much worse stuff at school.

Answer:
 This isn’t a legal matter and that completely depends on your location and school policy. Answer #2: > I accidentally said “are you autistic?” Instead of “are you stupid”

Man, I hate when I accidentally mistake autistic and stupid up. They just sound so similar and it's so easy to make that mistake... /s

Eavesdropping in a public school is not illegal. School's are given a huge amount of discretion when it comes to punishing students (because teenages can be assholes - I know I was).

This isn't a legal issue. Answer #3: It's up to the teacher or school. This has nothing to do with the law.


Title: Was in an accident that I don't think was my fault, what should I do?

Question:
 I looked beside me as I was starting to go through the intersection to see as I wanted to switch lanes. No one was there. As I proceeded to go through the intersection, going 45 MPH no one was beside me. Once I crossed through the intersection, I looked to my side and I started to switch lanes. I felt and impact from behind pushing me forward (as you can tell from the paint damage, the impact was pushing me forward). The only way she could have been there and could have been pushing me forward was if she was going far above the speed limit.

Received a citation for failure to avoid an accident.

Can I request video footage from the traffic cams on the lights? What are my options. No one was hurt, but I feel it is unjust and as I young driver, I know it will greatly increase my insurance for a long time.

Cross-posted since I wasn't sure the correct sub.

Answer:
 You unsafely changes lanes in front of another car causing an accident.

You can certainly request footage but you likely have no way to force them to provide it. You can hire an attorney to try to get a court order to force them to give you the camera footage.


Title: If i manage a club with a capacity of 300 but owner insists i sell to 330, who is libel?

Question:
In the event of an incident or just a random inspection?
edit - I'm in the UK

Answer: this is going to be really tough to tell without a specific statute. You've got two potential problems. First, a violation of whatever statute if you get inspected, second a negligence suit if someone gets hurt because of overcrowding. For the former, i wouldn't venture a guess, but for the latter, you would most likely be potentially liable along with the owner. You can't knowingly break a law and put people in danger and use the "just following orders" defense. If you had a good faith basis to say "I really though 330 was okay because my boss said so" you'd be in a different position.


Title: Is the car legal mine?

Question: I bought my dads car off of him at a “family discount” for 1k when the car was easily worth 5x that amount. He says he saved 1k I gave him for my college savings account, which he has complete control over. We kept the license plate and registration and everything else the same to save money. The car is still in his name which makes my insurance payments lower. Now he’s threatening to take the car back, but since I bought it is it technically mine? He said he won’t give me back the 1k because it’s for college but I have no control over my college account anyway so I feel the money is still being withheld from me. I live in Florida if that makes a difference.

Answer: You don't have the title, it's not your car.


Title: (VA) Am I entitled to tips as a server?

Question: I work at a resteraunt that primarily specializes in delivery and take out. I take phone orders, take care of dine ins, and pack up food for delivery. My employer pays me 8 dollars an hour, and she says because she pays me more than minimum wage she keeps all tips from take out and dine ins. Im aware of the dubious legality of this, but a friend told me I cant do anything because im not specifically a server and do other tasks. Is this true? And if its not, how do I approach her about this? I cant say with absolutle confidence that she even knows shes breaking the law and I am the first person to ever work this position in the resteraunt.

Answer:
 Either you are entitled to tips paid to you or the tips are pooled to all eligible employees.

Either way your employer is almost certainly not entitled to said money. Answer #2: Are tips collected in a pool and distributed, or does a manager or owner actually take them as restaurant revenue ?

Managers and employers are almost never eligible to receive tips or share in a tip pool.

Because you are in Virginia, your employer can either pay you minimum wage or more, or [they can pay you $2.13 an hour plus tips \(and make up the difference if that's less than minimum wage\).](https://www.minimum-wage.org/virginia/tipped-employee-minimum-wage)

Those are their two choices.    Paying you $8.00/hr and confiscating your tips is not a choice.

Exactly who is a tipped employee can be tricky to define when cooks and dishwashers and bussers are included in the tip pool.   But it's not a difficult call when you're the person interacting directly with the dine-in and take-out customers.   If you're the one smiling at them when they fill out the tip line, it's clear that you're a tipped employee.

"But I also do things other than serving" might make you a dual employee.   So if you do the accounting and fix the icemaker and sweep the parking lot for more than 20% of your work hours, you can be paid a non-tip wage for that time but must receive your tips for the rest of your time.


Title: [SC] My mom's neighbor tried to run her over this morning

Question:
My mom lives in a fairly nice development. She also does search and rescue as a hobby and has two well-trained German Shepherds. As an idea of their training, my mom can have Fred sit and stay while she walks entirely out of his vision a good 1/4 mile away and he will not leave until called. The other dog is similarly trained. Because they are high activity dogs, my mom will walk them twice a day around the neighborhood.

A few months ago, my mom was walking the dogs when a neighbor's dog came tearing out of their yard. My mom's dogs are very well trained so she just turned them around they managed to escape without issue. A few weeks later, it happened again and my mom was bitten as she placed herself between the dogs. She filed a report with the appropriate agencies and left it. Then it happened again. Apparently this dog has bitten 3-4 people in the neighborhood. So it was finally taken away.

Then the letter came. The dog owner put a note in every mailbox but my parents describing how my parents basically had their very loving, wouldn't hurt a fly, dog taken away. Everyone in the neighborhood is on my mom's side, so she found out about the note the day it was sent and made a copy. I encouraged her to buy some security cameras in case she is crazy enough to poison the dogs when they're outside (fenced back yard, they aren't loose).

My mom was out for her morning walk with the dogs today (after daylight, wearing reflective gear anyway), and the woman got into her car, backed out, and then gunned it so that my mom had to jump out of the way. She obviously called the police. The Sheriff's office called her (they didn't go over!?) and she said she was just tired and didn't see my mom. My mom has a neighbor who wants to write a statement but the sheriff's office isn't interesting in taking it. Apparently the woman routinely drives to close when my mom is out walking, flips my mom off, and had clearly been escalating the behavior. The response from the sheriff was to simply not walk in that part of the neighborhood. It's a small neighborhood, just three streets. My mom is actively losing weight (~110 pounds over the last year and a half!) and her dogs need regular exercise, so "don't use most of your neighborhood to walk" isn't terribly practical advice. For safety, she's doing so. But the police don't seem to care at all that she actively seeks out my mom to threaten her with her car, or as happened today, actually try to run her over.

I'm not sure what her next steps should be here. Would a lawyer help in this situation? Or is it premature for that? One of the neighbors indicated that this woman's mother went through a serious mental health decline a few years back and had similar concerning behaviors, so it seems she's mentally unstable. I'm really worried she's going to kill my mom.

Answer:
 > she actively seeks out my mom

Nothing in your story says that. Seems she harasses your mom when they cross paths. Asking your mom to stop crossing paths is reasonable. You can try to get a legal action concerning the harassment but common sense says stay away from that house.

How bout your mom walks elsewhere and lets see if that ends it or not.

>  One of the neighbors indicated that this woman's mother went through a serious mental health decline a few years back and had similar concerning behaviors, so it seems she's mentally unstable.

Good lord what a reach. Like, no and how dare you. Her mom suffers so now she must be mentally unstable? Comon. This sort of unreasonable, hyperbolic statement really hurts the notion of your mom being utterly innocent in all of this.


Title: Commercial property requesting to sign over land to them, when they are encroaching on my land by 2ft.

Question: I recently received a letter from our neighbors who are trying to sell their commercial lot stating that they need for us to sign over 2 ft of land to them in order to sell their lot. They recently did a land survey and they have encroached on our land by 2 ft or so. They have said we need to handle this within 10 days or they will seek legal actions that would cost us and them money. Not sure how to go about this, because we are a small mom and dad  commercial store. Any advice would be grateful.

Answer:
 Get an attorney of your own to help you negotiate.

If the encroachment is long-standing, expect that the advice will be to make them an offer to _sell_ them that strip, pending approval from your local planning commission (if needed) and with them bearing the majority of the costs. If it's more recent, your attorney can help you pressure your neighbour to remove the encroachment.Answer #2: Encroached how?  Do they have a parking lot that is encroaching onto your property?  If so, that is easy - you can mark it and require them to tear out that part of the parking lot.

Is it a building?  In which case, they potentially have an adverse possession situation, but if it hasn't been very long, you can go after them for how much you have now lost.

Is it a vacant lot?  If so, they can only sell the land they actually own.
What is on that lot?  It matters.


Title: [New York- SYRACUSE] Landlord is trying to make me hire out for the 'damages' (painting walls) even though she has my $1200 deposit.

Question: I'll try to keep this short. We moved out of the apartment Feb 1. We gave appropriate notice. 2 things are left-- 3 accent walls are painted and there is a small hole in the wall where our TV was mounted that needs to be patched. Other than that, the place is very clean. Landlord called me today screaming about the paint. I said "well, you have my $1200 deposit, so isn't that what that's for?" she said no, that's not what it's for and it's going to be way more than that to fix the issues. I got 3 estimates from painters for the job and they all came in $3-400. Landlord wants ME to find someone to pay to fix it all, but when I asked her for written confirmation that we will get the $1200 back when all is done, she refused and said "you're not getting anything from me" (in terms of a written confirmation) I asked 3 times and explained that I need the confirmation in writing to move forward (so that I don't pay out of pocket and then get screwed by her trying to keep the deposit anyway) It's a huge mess and at this point I almost want to just say F-it and lose out on all $1200. I truly don't think there's much she can do if we did that. The damages add up to nowhere NEAR $1200. Anyone have advice? Other things to note: It does say in the lease that we can't paint. (whoops) and our technical lease ended in August and we never have signed anything since then.

Answer:
 > In
Syracuse, within 3 weeks after the lease ends, the
landlord must either return the security deposit or make a claim. This claim must be presented to the tenant as a
written list identifying, with specificity, each claim to
which the security deposit was applied. If the landlord
fails to provide the tenant with a written, itemized list
during this time period, the tenant is entitled to return of
the full amount of the security deposit (PCC § 27-125).

How long ago did your tenancy end?


Title: (CA) my friends parked car was completely destroyed on Christmas.

Question: It is so obviously her ex boyfriend. I can go into details if necessary but she has no proof. The tires were all slashed, he keyed it but went above and beyond and put Xs all over it. And he specifically took the time to remove the decals he had gotten her. What can she do without proof? What are her next steps? Thank you for any advice.

Answer:
 >It is so obviously her ex boyfriend.

Ok, great so you have proof?

>but she has no proof.

Okay then.

She can file a police report and notify her insurance.Answer #2: Police investigate crimes. If the ex obviously did this they'll have no trouble convicting him. If they find no evidence they won't.

She can file a claim with her insurance regardless.


Title: Becoming a cop

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 OP:

#DO NOT LIE ON THE APPLICATION

The police can forgive a mistake from a long time ago, but they can't forgive dishonesty now.

If you'll lie to get the job, there's no reason to believe that you won't lie AFTER you get the job.


Title: Manager constantly posts chastising and personal notes for all employees (and customers if they care to look) to see. Is this legal? (Ontario)

Question:
Before I delve into this I just want to say that I'm a college student that knows absolutely nothing about legal things, so please keep that in mind if I come across as stupid.

I have a part time job at a locally owned and run grocery store and I've been here for about a year now. My manager isn't very approachable and tends to be very busy when she's around so we very often leave her notes to ask her things or let her know certain things. We will fold these notes up, put her name on them, and then tape them onto the back counter. Recently, she took a note that an employee wrote her about shifting down to part time because she was going back to school and put it into the scheduling book that we all use. Now everybody has read it and knows this personal information about her. She writes notes about our performance and posts them openly where everyone, including customers, can see them. She names specific employees in the notes and it is very embarrassing for some of us.

Is this an okay thing for a manager to be doing? If not, what should I do to make it stop?

Answer: It's bad practice that is indicative of poor communication and management but I highly doubt it's illegal.


Title: If someone gets hurt breaking into your car, are you liable?

Question:
This is absolutely hypothetical to start off with, I just thought about it while laying in bed.

If someone smashes your window to break into your car and cut some self severely, could you carry any liability?

Or say you live in a high crime area and you “booby trap” your car with something like a tack in the passenger seat so when they sit down to rifle through your stuff, they get stabbed in the butt. Could you get in trouble?

Answer: Booby traps are illegal. This went to Supreme Court in US. If the crime perpetrator hurts themselves without a booby trap being present, then that is their problem.


Title: [CA] Is she “officially” my dog?

Question:
TLDR: 5 months ago, found abandoned dog, then located prior owner, who informed me via text inability to keep dog and gave me original adoption documents. I kept dog. Despite multiple requests, prior owner hasn’t filed change-of-ownership with City or Microchip company. No contact received in 5 months. Is it rightfully my dog, and does Microchip company have right to refuse to change info?
—-

We are in the process of changing the ownership info for microchip for our dog, “Nanny.”  *This is proving to be difficult*, because they don’t want to get sued for wrongfully changing ownership info. To do so, we
1. MUST provide documented proof that the original owner relinquished ownership (which we believe we have),
2. In event that documented proof is insufficient, show that we have passed either reasonable time period/statute of limitations (?) for the prior owner to reclaim the dog, or some baseline of providing care to the dog.

Background: On March 29, 2018, we found an unfamiliar dog on our cul-de-sac, “Nanny.” She did not have identifying information. In an attempt of good faith to reunite the dog with owners, we immediately canvassed 4 square blocks around our neighborhood with “Found Dog” flyers, as well as putting a giant sign on our lawn. That afternoon, we were contacted via phone by the prior owner of Nanny, “Ms. G,” (with whom we were unacquainted, but she had been notified by another neighbor that we were looking for owners).

During this call, Ms. G informed us that she had moved because of dire financial problems and couldn’t take Nanny with her. I verbally agreed to shelter Nanny until any of us could find a new home, or I decided to keep the dog. __If it matters, the entire phone conversation was on speakerphone with my unimpeachable
husband listening closely.__

I requested that __any/all original documentation of ownership (including original adoption paperwork) be delivered to my home__. Ms. G did so that afternoon, I have kept all of these documents.

__In follow up text messages, which I also kept for records__ between 3/28-3/31 2018 with Ms. G, SHE wrote about the need to find a new home for Nanny. I agreed that one option could be for me to become the new owner, which I obviously did.

Since then, I taken her to the veterinarian for her many *very overdue* shots, regular trips to the groomers (she was DIRTY and covered in fleas when we found her), provided a special vet-prescribed diet,  and showered her with love, toys, and top-notch care.

Here’s the rub: I requested multiple times for Ms G to update the ownership change with The City and the microchip information. None of that has occurred, and we don’t have faith that it will given that we have had no contact of any kind from Ms G. since 3/31/18.

I recently was successfully in getting the City to update their records to show I am the new owner. Microchip company is next, and they’re more difficult because they don’t want to get sued.

I’m concerned about the ability to successfully get microchip updated, and also about Ms G being able to attempt to reclaim Nanny.

What, if anything, do I need to worry about here, and for how long?
Topic:
Other Civil Matters

Answer:
 Dogs are property in CA, so ownership, legally speaking, belongs to whomever can make the better argument for it in court. You have an extremely good argument the dog was abandoned permanently by the previous owner.

You sound very much like who would win if that were to happen. But it almost certainly will not, as the value of a mixed breed is approximately 20 dollars, and you sue for money, not ownership.

Microchip companies can make whatever rules they wish about changing the name. If they require more time or the previous owners consent or cooperation, you simply need to wait on that.

You can also potentially have the old chip removed and re-chip the dog if you can find a vet willing and the current chip database administrator will not transfer information despite your vest effort to show ownership.