Title: Accidentally gave a EVERYTHING away

Question:
OK, so I need Internet right? I Google "CenturyLink, Myzipcode" and click the first link, look at the deals and see they look good. I call the number they provide, yadda yadda and I gotta get to the credit verification.  They already had my name and address,  I gave them my social.

They said there was a potential fraud alert, so they said let's try it with your drivers license instead,  so they have that now, too.

Long story short we are haggling over the price and he says 120, I told him I was thinking closer to 40.

Anyway the line cuts, and when I go back to Google to look for the number again, and the website I clicked on was not legit. I looked up the number I called and all the people said it was a fraud service of some sort. Idk what to do now, help?

Tldr: gave away my identity to, what I thought was, a CenturyLink agent.

Answer:
 Call police, contact credit reporting agencies to freeze credit.

If you are in USA https://www.identitytheft.gov/ your governemnt is here for you!Answer #2: NAL, IT tech with a tip: when looking at links on the internet, find the top level part of the url (the .com, .net, .org, etc) and look at the word to the immediate left of that. That's the company you are connecting to. So search.google.com is legit, google.search.com is not.


Title: US Forest Service Decal on Car

Question: Is it illegal to have the US forest service decal(full size like official one) put on your car? It's not a used forest service car, but just my daily commuter. Could one get into trouble for that?California, Utah, Arizona, western states etc.

Answer:
 While I don't know if it's strictly illegal, it's likely to piss off any actual Forest Service employees you encounter, and possibly make you a target for [crazy anti-government nutjobs](http://www.sltrib.com/news/1765127-155/blm-forest-service-employee-federal-employees) to boot.

Also, if your plan is to impersonate a federal official in some capacity or trespass or illegally drive a vehicle on Forest Service land, that is almost certainly illegal.


Title: [NJ] My coworkers and I aren't allowed to take breaks at work

Question:
I work at a private school in NJ as a TA.  I work for 7 hours a day.  I'm a full-time, salaried employee.

My coworkers and I are not allowed to take breaks.  We're allowed to go to the bathroom whenever we want, but otherwise receive no breaks or lunch hour.  We eat lunch in the classroom with the students and are expected to be working on social skills goals with them during this time.

I'm mentally exhausted from working 7 straight hours with no break (although I know it's not legally relevant!).

Is this legal? And if not, do I have any recourse?
Topic:
Labor Law

Answer:
 There are no break laws in your state. [Link](http://lwd.dol.state.nj.us/labor/wagehour/content/wage_and_hour_compliance_faqs.html#q44)

Find a new job with a policy that includes breaksAnswer #2: It's one thing to follow the law.  (No breaks required).  But at some point you'd think the employers would recognize the impact on their business.  High turnover, sick calls, producing bare minimum results, etc.

It's a bad business move for sure and very short sighted.Answer #3: It really is baffling to me as someone from The Netherlands to read how  badly workers are protected in the US. Over here the law says I am legally entitled to a half hour break if I work more then 5.5 hours. I can't even wave that right. If I work more then 10 hours, I'm legally entitled to 45 minutes. The norm in The Netherlands is a 1 hour break (15 minutes in the morning, a half hour for lunch and another 15 minutes in the afternoon) during a 8 hour work day.


Title: How does one divorce a lawyer?

Question:
I'm in the US. Husband is a very successful lawyer at a very prestigious firm. He said he will outspend me fighting if we were ever to split. How do I find a lawyer for myself? Is it better to find $$$ top lawyer or find someone affordable so I can stay in negotiations longer if I need to? What if all the lawyers here know him and or his firm?

Sorry I'm trying to be vague in case he reads this. No kids. I don't want alimony but I don't want to be run over either. Should I just give up and let him have it all so I can start over?

Answer: What he also knows but isn’t telling you is that if good cause exists, the Court can make him pay for your attorney as well as his. You can maybe even find an attorney who will start your case for not too much up front, based on the expectation of you being awarded attorneys fees.


Title: Crosspost from /r/humanresources ... not sure if I should be asking this subreddit or that one or both ...

Question:
Since we can only do text posts I'll link [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/humanresources/comments/3ewlbn/experiences_with_skillsurveycom/) and copy the text here:

Hi all.  I'm in the process of applying for a job and the potential employer has asked me to have my references use SkillSurvey.com to fill out what I was told would be a short survey (5 minutes, click, click, done).  I've just filled out the info they requested and now they're showing me what it is I just agreed to.  I'm not liking the looks of this at all and would like to get some feedback from people in the business.  I'm not sure this is legal ... part of my distaste is because they asked me to confirm consent *before* they showed me a sample of what it was they were going to be asking.

There are **26 questions** where the person making the referral is to click a radio button ranking me from 1 to 7 or Not Applicable, questions like:

Compared to others in the workplace, to what extent does <name here>
* Demonstrate dependability (e.g., report consistently, and on time, for work, appointments, and meetings)?
* Work in a disciplined and organized way to complete tasks in a timely manner?
* Consistently meet or exceed goals and expectations?
* Treat other people, including those of different backgrounds, beliefs, and gender, with fairness and respect ?
* Exhibit maturity and self-control, even in situations involving conflict or stress (e.g., does not threaten or abuse others, either physically or verbally)?

Then there are two yes/no questions:
* Were you involved in the decision to hire this person at your company?
* Would you work with this person again in the future?

And lastly, two essay questions:
* Starting with the most important, please comment on the top 3 ways in which this individual can improve his/her performance. We all realize that no one's perfect; in fact, we find that the majority of references provide helpful information in this section.
* Starting with the most important, please comment on the top 3 work-related strengths of this individual. Comments must be made in English only. Thank you!

..... this is far, far above and beyond any referral questions I thought an employer could ask during the referral process.  So my hunch was to go back and look at the consent form to see if I had just signed my rights away and allowed them to ask more than would otherwise be allowed.  Here's the consent wording:

    I hereby authorize <company name> to obtain and verify from my designated business and professional references (“My References”) such information about my background, prior employment and other qualifications, data and information (collectively “Information”) as Company deems relevant to its decision whether to hire me for the position for which I am applying.

    I endorse, acknowledge and authorize Company’s use of the SkillSurvey, Inc. (“SkillSurvey”) services and related technologies to gather Information from My References. I further authorize Company to contact My References on my behalf, which includes directly sending email on my behalf to My References to the email addresses provided by me and any other new or corrected email that becomes known to Company or Skill Survey in the process of attempting to gather Information.

    In consideration of Company considering my application for employment, I hereby release each of Company and SkillSurvey and their respective officers, directors, managers, agents, and employees from any and all claims, actions, suits, causes of action or damages (collectively “Claims/Damages”) that I may have arising out of the obtaining and verification Information. I also hereby release My References and any of their respective employers or related company/organization, and any affiliated officers, directors, agents, and employees from any and all Claims/Damages that I may have arising out of the disclosure of Information. I acknowledge that My References will be provided the option and opportunity to learn more about opportunities that may be available from Company or other third parties through the use of SkillSurvey’s service offerings.

... on one hand ... I don't have any fears that I won't get the job, and I am looking forward to working there ... but on the other hand, I think this is a pretty shady business practice and I'm not pleased *at all* that I've been required to do this as terms of gaining employment  ... particularly without getting to see what I was offering consent to before I got to see what they wanted to do with my consent.

Answer:
 Employers can ask anything they want.

The only time there's a problem is if the employer fails to hire -- or gives the appearance of failing to hire -- someone for being a member of a protected class.

The myth that employers can't ask for or give detailed information persists because so many (not all but many) people in HR departments are bobble-heads that will inadvertently say something inappropriate ("that person is so ghetto" which can lead to a claim that they were terminated for being Black, for example) that generally we don't let them say anything at all.


Title: Daughter came home from her mother's house with a cigarette burn on her face. Need advice.

Question:
Background:

Split with wife 6 months ago. Things have been tumultuous the entire time. Ex-Wife's step father lives with her and our 4 year old daughter. He has never liked me and has threatened my life in previous encounters.

When I picked up my 4 year old daughter for the weekend, she had a cigarette burn covered by a band-aid just below her eye. Her mother claims that a random woman at the park accidentally burned her. When I asked my daughter how she got burnt, she stated that her grandfather burnt her.

The burn is over a week old and still healing. There are no breaks in the perfect roundness of the burn, and it looks like it might have been held on for longer than an "accidental burn" would leave a mark for.

After consulting a pediatric burn specialist, it was noted that there was definitely cause for suspicion.
Confronting my ex-wife again, she is now claiming that I am "forcing a 4 year old to lie about her grandfather burning her".

On a more recent instance, the last time I picked my daughter up from her grandfather's care, she was standing outside of their apartment alone on the porch for an undetermined amount of time. It was long enough for me to grab her from the porch, walk her down the complex to the car, and strap her in before her grandfather came out to see where she was.

Her mother does not seem phased by the fact that our daughter could have been snatched from the porch, especially considering she lives in a very bad neighborhood.

I personally feel that my child is possibly being abused and/or neglected, but I do not want to take legal action without knowing.

There is no doubt that her grandfather burned her and my wife is lying to cover it up. My 4 year old has no reason to lie to me about who burned her.
My ex-wife however has stated that she has video of our daughter saying she only told me that her grandfather burned her so that I wouldn't be mad at her.

Should I go to court with this? Are there any legal sites I can reference to help me?

Any advice would be appreciated, thank you.

Edit: This is all taking place in Arizona

Answer:
 Call the police or CPS. I am surprised that the physician you saw didn't already do this. Answer #2: 1) call CPS. You don't have to have proof to call CPS, just a suspicion.  They will investigate.  You need to protect your daughter.

2) Document, document, document.  Take a picture of your daughter before she goes to her mother, and after.  If your daughter has any injuries, take a picture and write down when it happened, and what your daughter says happened. Write down every time her mother is late picking her up, or doesn't show up.  Call your daughter every evening she is with her mother, and note which adults are in the house with her.

3) Find out what you can about the step-father. Does he have an arrest record? Violence? Drugs?

If CPS finds no evidence of current abuse, you need the exhaustively document neglect. This will provide proof to the court that it is in your daughters best interest to have less contact or supervised contact with her mother while she is living with her step-father.

Good luck, and definitely call CPS. Its better to call if you are wrong than not to call if you are right.Answer #3: Take pictures of the burn for later proof


Title: In Iowa am I legally required to provide a fence or underground fence for my dog?

Question:
A new family has moved in across from me. They have been upset that my dog is often outside with me without being restrained by a leash or fence.

Long story short this is a dog that will not wander no matter the distraction.  They are aware of the circumstances but insist that I am being negligent.

This morning they told me that the next time they see the dog out without a leash they will be calling the police.

I live in a small town and can't find anything that specifically requires this on private property.  I do see rules indicating leashes on public property, but nothing on private.

Just wondering if anyone happens to know otherwise.

Thank you.

Answer:
 Pre-empt them.

Call the police non-emergency line and ask if you need a fence for your retired service dog if he's out with you only.

They're going to give you an answer or tell you who at the city or county to talk to.

And consider a security camera. Too many stories on here about asshole neighbors trying to do things to dogs.


Title: Maternity pay reduced while on maternity leave

Question: My partner has been informed that due to a policy change her maternity pay will be reduced by £4000 over the next year. Given that she had already started her maternity leave when she was informed of this is there a legal ground to contest it? We live in Scotland.

Answer: /r/legaladviceUK will be more helpfulAnswer #2: Citizens advice will also assist you for free


Title: (Arizona) My kid was falsely accused of sexual assault at school

Question: To keep this short...

Answer:
 > We also have downloaded her snap chat videos of her in classrooms being groped by other kids to show this isn't what it looks you, apparently she acts this way with many people at school.

"She's a whore" isn't a proper defense here.  It doesn't matter how many people may have groped her.  What matters is whether your son had consent to do it, and then whether those actions were appropriate in school.  The former is debatable, the latter is not - your son's behavior was inappropriate.

If the police choose to charge your son, he can provide his defense on the matter.  That can include subpoenaing the witness to testify.

You cannot prevent the school from taking the teacher's report, taking it seriously, or investigating your son.  Generally, high school discipline doesn't show up on transcripts, but may if the punishment is severe enough.Answer #2: You should consider hiring a criminal defense attorney for your son. He should not talk about this with any one except with his lawyer. You can't stop the teacher from reporting what she saw. Answer #3: There's not really a legal issue here. It sounds like you already spoke with a lawyer, so that's whose advice you should be following. If he is charged with a crime, hire a criminal defense attorney immediately.

>apparently she acts this way with many people at school.

This isn't a defense if you child is charged with a crime, FYI.

>The school cop told me it doesn't matter what the minors say, it's entirely up to the teacher who saw it.

This is true for the purposes of the school's internal disciplinary procedures. If the situation becomes a criminal matter, then this is untrue. Both children would be questioned and the teacher would be considered a witness.


Title: Ophthalmology office refused to see him after I paid for a visit because I had a child under 13 with me. They charged me for 2 visits I wasn't allowed to go to.

Question:
Correct title: Ophthalmology office refused to see me after I paid for a visit because I had a child under 13 with me. They charged me for 2 visits I wasn't really allowed to go to.   (On phone, sorry)

I'm in Texas. I had an appointment with a new ophthalmology office the other day. It wasn't the normal doctor I use for check ups but my normal doctor could not fit me in and this was an urgent matter. They said nothing on their website or on the phone, nor did the receptionist say anything when I paid my fee which was not covered by insurance.

I also didn't see a sign in the office anywhere.

A nurse pulled me to the back and as she was doing the eye exam, she mentioned they normally don't allow children under 13 to accompany people back to the rooms. I explained that I didn't really have a choice. This was an urgency thing and I didn't really have a sitter at a moments notice for a 30 minutes appointment. My son is 5 and a half and was being very quiet. He had a small tablet that was on mute and he played a few games.

The assistant or nurse went through her eye routine and my son sat in a chair on the far side of the room and didn't move or say a word.

She left and about 10 minutes later came back. My son had made a few noises, nothing loud while she was gone. We were just talking at a normal level.

She came back and said the doctor couldn't see me as they had a policy about kids not being in the exam room. I should it is a normal non sterile eye exam room. This isn't surgery. I had a scratch on my eye a few days ago that was healing and my eye was very dry. The other doctor I saw when this one refused to see me, looked at my eye for a few minutes and then gave me some sample drops to help with keeping it wet. Said it would be fine in a few days. Nothing major. I have taken my son to the OBGYN and they have never had an issue and I was wearing a paper gown at the time.

She said they really had a no kid policy period. I am not leaving a 5 year old in the waiting room alone so after some discussion and prompting by the nurse I left.

I went by the reception and asked about getting part of my fee back since I had not been seen by a doctor about my issue. She said that wouldn't be possible. I asked why I hadn't been told  weren't children allowed back there. She said that someone must have told me but if that was true why was I allowed back in the exam room anyway. Why was I allowed to check in? She said she had no idea.

Unbeknownst to me, the nurse, without asking the nurse had rescheduled me for 2 days later. I didn't ask to be rescheduled. I had already gone to another place, that didn't have a problem with a quiet child in an exam room and had the problem fixed.  I found out the day of the appointment when I got an automated call reminding me of my appointment today. I called the office to ask why I had been scheduled and to cancel. She said she could cancel it but since it wasn't 24 hours before then I would have to pay the fee for the entire appointment. I asked why I wasn't told I had been scheduled for a follow up. She said they probably did tell me and that maybe I just chose not to listen.

I refused and they said they would just bill me. I am going to get a bill for about $200.

Am I legally obligated to pay it? I already lost $200 and couldn't see the doctor.

I've looked over my paperwork, I have screen shots of the website. Nowhere does it say anywhere that you can't bring kids.

Edit: Title should say me, not him

Answer: Yes, you will have to pay that bill. Don't listen to that other poster, ignoring the bill and then telling the collections agency you don't owe it is terrible advice. It will damage your credit and you will still end up owing the money. You need to work this out with the original doctor's office before it goes to collections. You did receive some services, aka the nurses eye exam, so you will have to pay something. Ask for an itemized version of the bill and check to make sure that everything is billed correctly and that only services you actually received are on the bill. After that, reach out to the doctor's office and ask for a reduction in the bill if you want. But if you did receive any services, you will have to pay for what you received, even if you didn't stay for the whole appointment.Answer #2: Do they have your insurance info and SS number? Just wondering whether it's even possible for them to report this to your credit. Personally I wouldn't pay it, and I would also leave a nasty review of them online.


Title: Pregnant fiance is being told that she will not be allowed to work and will be forced onto disability. NY

Question:
My fiance is about 6 weeks pregnant. I wont say where, but she works as a mail carrier at a university.

Her superior just pulled her aside and told that her employer will not be able to accept her not being able to perform her job to the fullest, and so she will be forced to take a leave of absence and put on disability.

If i understand the law correctly (which i may not honestly), her employer should not be allowed to force her out of work, if she is able to continue working with accomodations.

If im wrong i am wrong, but i want to know if we have any legal recourse. This may heavily impact the future wellbeing of our child, and i am furious at my fiance being treated this way.

If it makes any difference, she is unionized.

Answer:
 > If it makes any difference, she is unionized.

She needs to talk to her union rep ASAP.Answer #2: > her employer should not be allowed to force her out of work, if she is able to continue working with accomodations

Generally (union contract matters so this is, again, general discussion) this is true if the accommodations are reasonable and the employee can perform the essential functions of her job. Employers and employees have been known to disagree about the definitions of "reasonable" and "essential functions".Answer #3: I don't know if this might be the case, but I had a potentially expensive medical issue come up, waiting on biopsy results, etc, which I talked about at work with a couple of people, including my supervisor. Later, supervisor's husband (he worked in HR) found me in the break room, and mentioned that I had some vacation days saved up and maybe I ought to use them... I kinda guessed that my boss told him about my medical situation, and it seemed very kind of him to suggest it.

I was so wrong! As soon as I got back from my long weekend, I had a note saying due to my vacation days, I fell into the part-time category and no longer qualified for my health insurance. They definitely knew what they were doing, and I was young and dumb enough to fall for it.

To me, your wife's boss may be trying to do something similar. I hope not, but just wanted you to know.


Title: [CA] Babysat the same children for 4 years. Employer refuses to pay final paycheck.

Question:
Tldr: Woman refuses to pay me for childcare the last week before I leave for home (~8 hours away)

To be clear, I was paid "under the table" but still have plenty of checks to prove my work.

The last week I was in San Diego before I moved home after College. I babysat for the wife (in the middle of divorce) 7 hours at $13/hr. Basically she got mad at me the last day because I got double booked by her husband since they don't communicate and I was supposed to babysit both children when the they had them separately, and no one told me.

The wife got pissed at me and decided to not let my girlfriend (who wasn't involved) say goodbye to the children before we left, as was the plan.

I texted the wife (have all messages if that matters) that I thought she was being "selfish and immature to take it out on my girlfriend" to not say goodbye to the kids she helped raise the last 4 years.

The wife and I go back and forth in text for the day, basically telling each other each owns faults (have it all on text, also not my proudest moment).

In the end, she says I am verbally abusing her and refuses to pay me. I also moved back to my hometown in central CA the next day she said she wouldn't pay for services already rendered.

Can I do anything to get my money? As far as I know, filing for small claims won't do any good, as I'm not in San Diego anymore and can't show up for court.

Answer:
 >To be clear, I was paid "under the table" but still have plenty of checks to prove my work.

Great, immediately file a wage hour complaint against the employer with the state department of labor and then **immediately** file a 1099 fraud complaint with the same entity.  The penalties for the employer here are substantial.  I get that /u/abortion_layaway is saying you could have exposure for false income statement reporting, but truth be told there isn't much value in enforcing anything against you because you're broke and you're not the attractive target.  The good news is that you also can amend tax returns for up to three years and claim refunds that are owed.  Because of your income, I wouldn't be surprised if you were owed refunds.  Pursue this with the free options (read: department of labor), fix your past tax returns, and never work under the table again.  It's never good for you, denies you critical protections like unemployment/worker's compensation/retirement, and inherently involves working for a fraud.

Edit:  OP - you can always speak to a CA employment attorney. I think you're underestimating how much is involved here.  You can [report the 1099 misclassification here](http://www.dir.ca.gov/letf/Reporting_Unlawful_Activities.html) and don't need help on that front.  [Here is where you file the wage claim](http://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/HowToFileWageClaim.htm).

The penalties are pretty enormous.  First, for refusal to provide you your last check, you're owed up to 30 days' pay at your [daily rate](http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/penalties-wage-violations-california.html).  That's a $3300 claim, give or take some cash.  California imposes [a fine between $5,000-$10,000 for the misclassification of you as a 1099](https://www.sfbar.org/forms/jdc/emp-ic-memo.pdf).  This is great leverage against them and their attorney will inevitably warn them about this.  There's a 40% penalty for unpaid employer contributions (over 4 years, a lot) to social security.  Push on this, they'll cave.


Title: My dad doesn't pay child support.

Question:
My dad doesn't pay child support. He owes a lot of money and it's hard for my mom. Is there anything i can do? I live in Ohio.
Topic:
Custody Divorce and Family

Answer: You have no power to force your father to pay. Your mother can ask child support enforcement for assistance in collecting.


Title: Ex Boyfriend Forced Me To Sign Contract, Now Wants To Sue Me

Question:
Hello Everyone!

&#x200B;

I'm in a tough spot and I don't know exactly how to approach this. I'm hoping somebody out there will, maybe not necessarily have the answers, but at least some guidance perhaps.

&#x200B;

I dated this guy since my freshman year of college for nearly 7 years. Our breakup was a long time coming, but I finally made the move and we had an amicable breakup while continuing to live together in our 2-bedroom apartment in NYC for convenience. He was always the ultra-stingy type and counts pennies like his life depended on it. For the last year or two of our relationship, he kept bringing up that I owed him money that he "lent" me in fronting payments for apartment-related deposits/rent, and travel expenses (hotels, airfare, etc.). Even though throughout our years together, I have always been more than happy to offset his costs for me by supporting him in household errands/groceries/dinners, paying for food on our travels, etc., I still gave him some ($100, $200) cash here and there sporadically. I always thought that we would end up together and didn't think too much of how much he badgered me for money, but it was definitely a thorn that was a defining factor in our breakup. We also had two cats together, all of the responsibility for pay and care was on me since it was my idea to get the cats, even though they are ours together.

Fast forward to just after the breakup, we resided together but we felt comfortable with each other as roommates because we were both working/busy so much that we barely saw one another. I have always been allergic to cats but loved them anyway, but my latest medical attempts (steroid shots, sublingual drops, urgent care visits, allergy testing, etc.) proved that my allergic reaction to them was intensifying and I was getting sicker faster - I was going to the urgent care for respiratory infections constantly that was triggered by my increasingly lowered tolerance to my cats. I had to make the decision to give up the cats, which was met with intense conflict with this ex-boyfriend who wanted to keep them (in spite of his lack of participation in their care in the past and then-present). The conflict got so bad, in addition to the inability to live with the cats anymore, that I gave notice that I will be moving out of the apartment. Unfortunately, I was not legally able to be released from the apartment lease without my ex-boyfriend's signature. He refused to sign that rental lease release agreement unless I signed a contract that he personally wrote stating that I owe him about $6,000. He made an entire excel sheet with numbers and receipts starting from 7 years ago when we went to Germany to visit HIS family (where I paid my $2,000 airfare to go meet them) of hotel costs. I was desperate to leave the apartment, stop paying the rent to that expensive apartment to save money by living back with my parents nearby, and leave the toxic environment to my health and mental sanity. So I wearily agreed and he made me sign his contract before he signed the lease release with me with the leasing manager that same day.

Fast forward again a few months, I am currently living in Seattle (I'm a travel NICU nurse on contract until the end of the year) and I have paid him about $2,200 - it was $2,000 down payment with $200/month until 1 year, and if by 1 year I cannot pay the remaining balance, it will accrue 4% interest (as per his contract). I tried to communicate with him respectfully that I am struggling financially to pay off my student loan debts, while paying back my medical debt for my past therapy sessions ($200/session), urgent care visits from getting sick because of the cats, etc. and hoped that offering him a final $1500 and close out the agreement would be enough. He rejected my offer and got into another conflict, and now I just refuse to pay him anymore. He has since continued to send me messages reminding me of the contract, sent messages to my PARENTS - with a widely loose narrative that portrays him as a hero and me as an irresponsible spoiled brat, and threatened to legally take action.

If anybody has any idea on what I can do to finally be free of this guy besides paying him anymore of my hard-earned money, I would be truly grateful.

&#x200B;

Contract:

Since 2011, there have been numerous lending of funds from the party of N--------- to

the party of C------, whether it has been in direct monetary exchange or covering the

costs of specific items of monetary value. Such items have been travel expenses, rent, and other

costs. In each instance, these occurred with a verbal confirmation of the repayment of debts,

which had been logged through digital receipts.

Additionally, both parties have cohabitated at the address of -----------

 since December of 2015, with a lease renewal of 1 year being going

into effect in December of 2017. However, C-------- has requested to be released from

the lease obligations, while N------- has requested the formalization of debt repayment.

For valuable consideration, the parties agree as follows:

1. Subject to Replacement Tennent Move-In, N------ agrees that C--------

shall be released from her obligations of the lease agreement, along with her legal ceding

of the right to the apartment as per the Related Companies Requirements.

2. Total accumulated and net debts is agreed to the valuation of $6,854.35, as per the cited

bank statements and transaction totaling. Note that this only includes only specified costs

that were agreed to at the time. Interest and other costs are not included, while security

deposits and rent differentials have been credited.

3. As a sign of good faith and agreement, the total value assigned for repayment will be

$6,000. However, following 1 year from the date of this agreement, an interest rate of 4%

monthly compounded shall take effect on the remainder of the balance. N---------

shall maintain record of this balance.

4. An initial payment of $2,000 will be made payable by check to N---------- upon

the execution of this agreement. Following this, the remaining balance of $4,000 shall be

paid by C--------- to N--------- on between the 1st and 5th day of every

subsequent month by Venmo payment at no less than $200 until the total balance is

repaid. Late fees of $25 dollars shall be assessed each month for missed payment.

5. Balances on postpaid utility accounts shall also be paid (ConEd, T-Mobile, Verizon) by

C----------- to N------- during the transition in accordance to outstanding

obligations.

6. N------ and C----------- will make good faith efforts to make a smooth

transition during the move out process and separation of joint accounts. This includes the

splitting of assets, the aiding of moving out, and the cleanliness of the apartment, to a reasonable extent.

7. The target move out date is March 31st, 2018.

8. No modification of this Contract will be effective unless it is in writing and is signed by

both parties. This Contract binds and benefits both parties and any successors. This

document, including any attachments, is the entire agreement between the parties. This

Contract is governed by the laws of the State of New York. Should either party dispute

the terms of this agreement, such matters will be resolved in an appropriate court of law

and governed by those regulations. Should a court decision void any part of this contract,

the remaining clauses will remain in full effect.

&#x200B;
Topic:
Contracts

Answer: TLDR: OP agreed to pay $6000 (in installments) to his/her roommate, with whom OP was on a shared lease, so that he would agree to let OP break lease. OP doesn't want to pay him any more money.


Title: City Worker is disclosing my personal dues to friends, family and anyone listening. How much trouble could they be in?

Question:
I recently over heard some co-workers talking about my past due bills through the small town I live in, and found out that our one and only city worker is talking about my regular (unfortunately) past due balance history with his bar buddies and family who in turn tell everyone else that will listen.

Do I have any right to go to the city council with this or worse a lawyer? I'm not one to make waves, but he spoke about my history and my parents. I can only imagine what else he's shared, and this has gotten all the way back to my place of work and is just running my name through mud.

I live in Iowa. Help is appreciated.

Answer: I would take the matter up directly with your city manager. While the information may not be legally privileged, it is most likely against their internal rules to spread that information around town.


Title: [urgent] Need expert consultation for a guest who travelled 1500 miles only to get turned back home at the US/Canada border

Question:
Title says most of it. I've been trying to contact lawyers but seeing as it's Sunday nobody is picking up the phone.

Long story short, she was turned away on the basis of a >5 year old criminal charge that did not even end in a conviction (possession of drug paraphernalia - adjudication withheld). She was taken for additional questioning when it became apparent that her visit would be for more than a few months.

The border guards gave her NO written documents starting why exactly she was denied, but a document was given to the us border guards. The Canada border guards told her that her return ticket (booked for March) could be used to catch the next bus back home. On the bus, the driver argued that there's no way she can use this ticket, and agreed to take her as far as Albany, NY, and then she was on her own. She would need to return to Melbourne FL.

I have her set up with a hotel room while we sort things out with greyhound and the ticket, but I feel as though she was turned away for no reason. I'm desperately looking for any legal advice I can get until I get in contact with a professional. This us quickly turning into the worst day of our lives, and we would love to change that. I can get clarification of any details from her if they are needed.

Thanks for taking time to read and comment.

Answer: She was turned away due to her prior criminal charges. That isn't shocking. It happens. Canada generally doesn't like people who break the law in their country. She doesn't have a right to go to Canada. There is nothing you can do today to get her to Canada today


Title: [MO] Tenant refuses to pay last month's rent in full; demands prorated rent because she "Doesn't want to pay for days she doesn't use". Threatened legal action.

Question:
Hey all,

I've been renting out a room to a 30 year old woman in the house that I own. She signed a month to month lease, which states:
> "RESIDENT agrees to pay in advance $625.00 per month on the 1st day of each month. This agreement shall commence on 11/01/16, and continue until 11/31/2016, on a month-to-month tenancy until either party shall terminate this agreement giving written notice of intention to terminate at least 30 days prior to the date of termination"

The tenant has decided that she's moving to Hawaii, and booked herself a plane ticket for the 19th of April. When she told me about it 3 weeks ago and gave her notice, I stated that her rent would not be prorated for the month of April. Fast forward to the first of April, when she did not pay her rent, but said her prorated rent was going to be paid before the end of the 5 day grace period I wrote into the lease. I have been going back and forth with her, standing my ground that the full amount of rent is due.

She said today that she consulted a friend who is an attorney and he thinks she should only pay what she has deemed to be the prorated amount because he doesn't think she'll be getting her deposit back. So basically, "Yeah, short him on rent because you're not guaranteed your deposit back". Now she has verbally threatened me with legal action if she has deposit withheld for rent owed to me due to her not paying her last month's rent in full.

I have quoted her the Missouri Revised Statues, [Section 441.060.1](http://www.moga.mo.gov/mostatutes/stathtml/44100002331.html):
> 4. (1) Except as provided in subdivision (2), the landlord or the tenant may terminate a month-to-month tenancy by a written notice given to the other party stating that the tenancy shall terminate upon a periodic rent-paying date not less than one month after the receipt of the notice.

Should I go ahead and lawyer up? I'm standing my ground on not prorating, but she is desperate for money due to the fact that she can't actually afford the move to Hawaii. I would have worked with her, but she has been shitty to me the entire time she has lived in my house, and thus I don't feel obligated to help her in any way.

Thanks in advance!

Answer:
 She owes you 30 days notice and must pay April's rent in its entirety. She is not entitled to pay only prorated rent.

>She said today that she consulted a friend who is an attorney and he thinks she should only pay what she has deemed to be the prorated amount because he doesn't think she'll be getting her deposit back.

Any lawyer who said this is a shitty lawyer who has no business telling her to take this approach. Which is to say: her friend who is a "lawyer" did not give her this absurd advice.

You are absolutely allowed to [retain the deposit ](https://www.landlordology.com/missouri-landlord-tenant-laws/)for unpaid rent.


Title: [CO] Just received court summons for a hospital bill that my insurance already paid...I have the proof, but do I still need to hire a lawyer to get this fixed?

Question:
Back in 2015 I had surgery due to a complicated miscarriage.  The hospital submitted to my insurance with incorrect information, thus causing tons of confusion for my billing.  After three years of confusion and battling the hospital/insurance company, we got it all settled and the hospital actually ended up refunding me for the payments I had made during the fiasco.

Well, come to find out, the hospital sent my account to collections and the collection company has just served me a summons (amount is under $3000.) I do have proof that both the hospital and insurance company told me my account was in good standing and we were settled up.

So, how do I handle this summons?  Do I seriously have to pay $165 to answer this summons with my proof for their screw up?  If I hire a lawyer and go to court and win, would they pay the legal fees?

Thank you so much for any advice.

Answer: Call your insurance.Answer #2: You must answer the summons and submit your proof that the debt has already been paid. Then you must show up on the day of the hearing. Failure to answer the summons will result in a default judgment against you. Ignore any advice that you should call the CA or their attorney. They will not work for you at all.


Title: [TX] Continued noise complaints against our neighbors (apartments), nothing seems to be happening, even though police are involved?

Question:
edit: /u/danisunoriginal  has belittled my problem in the comments and asked for an MS paint file to legitimize my problem. Hopefully the rest of /r/legaladvice is a little less judging...this is a real problem effecting my day to day life.

https://imgur.com/a/GY3IC

So I've lived in the same apartment for a little over 3 years. I'm on a year to year lease and have a pretty good relationship with the management and have never had a problem with neighbors, the complex, anything.  I like living here. 6 Months ago, I had a couple move in next to us, we share a common wall of the building.

Since they first moved in, loud music has been a problem. I can hear loud music and loud conversation when I'm in the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom closet. Loud enough and clear enough that I can hear every word of every song, and 90% of the verbal communication between the couple when they're fighting. Fortunately, I work nights, and their 'loud' times line up to times when I'm not usually there. They're loud in the late morning (9-11AM) and the late evening (11PM-1AM), which are times that I'm typically not in a part of the apartment where I'm bothered. It's always been a 'thing' for the last 6 months or so, but been easy to ignore.

Last week, it got hard to ignore. The music was REALLY loud, all hours of the day, and the arguments got hard to ignore. I heard threats to kill eachother, threats of violence against others, loud sounds of crashing and things smashing against the wall, etc. I called the management of my complex and they told me they would put the complaint on record and suggested I contact my city's non emergency line. I agreed, and called the non emergency line.

The non emergency line operator was super cool, and within 20 minutes, there was an officer here. Within 20 more minutes, 6 cars showed up, people went to jail, and everything was cool for a week. No noise, no nothing. I don't know what happened, who was arrested, or why.

For a bit, there were no problems. No noise from the neighbors, not a single bass rumble through the walls, no arguments through the vents, nothing at all.

That changed two nights ago. Loud music after 2AM, a lot of arguing throughout the day, I've heard stuff like 'fuck you', 'I'll kill you', 'ill beat the shit out of him/her/you'. I've called the non emergency line the last two nights to report this, both nights around 2AM.

I creep through the windows, and multiple officers show up, and within 30 minutes they leave and the music/arguments stop. This is obviously the best solution, but after an arrest 2 weeks ago and 2 nights in a row of police response, I don't see this stopping...I feel like I'm wasting my time?

I don't know what to do if this happens again tomorrow. What legal options do I have? Can I ask the police what is going on? Should I just keep calling the non emergency line?

I'm pretty frustrated and pretty lost. I don't want to get in the crosshairs of what appear to be crazy neighbors, but I want it to stop.

What legal repercussions/routes do I have?

Answer: The police aren't going to break down a door over a noise complaint.  Why aren't you directing your complaints to the management--that one party who controls the lease/rental agreement and has the power to evict noisy tenants?


Title: (MN) threatening a mugger with a knife?

Question:
I have a cheap $15 "butterfly" knife I keep in my purse. Only one side is sharp and the other is dull (someone mentioned to me that may be important, so I'm adding it). It's about 6-8 inches long? maybe a little longer.

I was on the bus sitting across from a woman on her phone, she was sitting in the seat right in front of the back door, and a man was standing behind her next to the door waiting to get off. The bus stopped and the driver unlocked the doors. The guy behind the woman then suddenly grabbed her phone and she fought him for it, holding onto it. I just kind of jumped up and drew the knife telling him to "fuck off," he jumped and then left through the door without the phone. I got off on the next stop.

This happened about a week ago, and it wasn't reported to the police (I don't think?) so here are my questions. Say if the cops were called and the mugger was stopped from leaving the bus, would I get in trouble for threatening him with a knife? What if I cut him with it? If he was not directly threatening me, would I be in trouble? What if someone was coming at me and I drew my knife and defended myself?

EDIT: Thanks for the suggestions, I think I'll find some pepper spray to replace the knife. I get in too much trouble with my knife, so I think it's time to leave it on a shelf and only use it when flipping it attempting to look cool and failing/trying not to cut self.

Answer: You should only draw a weapon as a last resort. This could have gone horribly wrong in so many ways. Answer #2: Ditch the knife and get pepper spray. Unless you've got some serious combat training, you'll most likely get stabbed repeatedly by your own knife after they take it from you.Answer #3: In case anyone is interested, yes butterfly knives and Balisongs are [legal in Minnesota](http://www.knifeup.com/minnesota-knife-laws/)


Title: Citing age restriction in state law to deny women tubals in NJ

Question:
Location: NJ

I'm posting this because I need help for a childed friend who is 20 years old. She is birthing her 2nd child soon and she asked the doctor to tie her tubes during the C-section, because she doesn't want any more kids.
Besides the usual bingos she got, i.e., she is to young, she will want more offspring, etc..the doctor refused, saying that in New Jersey (NJ) the law for sterilization is age 30 or higher.

I've never heard of this law in NJ, that you have to 30 or older to get sterilized. Has anybody here ever heard of a NJ law that denies sterilization to people younger than 30? I've been googling this, and I cannot find any reference to a law of this nature in NJ.

I think the doctor is giving my friend a load of horse manure so as to avoid complying with her wish to have her tubes tied.

If anybody knows about this so-called law, or has links, it would be much appreciated, as she will have the C-section soon. I'd like to give her information and ammunition that she can use to counteract this doctor.
Topic:
Medicine and Malpractice

Answer: It really doesn't matter.  The doctor can refuse to do the surgery if he feels the patient isn't ready to make the decision.


Title: California Ed Code - Do teacher needs to accept late work when a student cuts class (unexcused absence). Legal reference, and questions, inside.

Question:
Teacher here - there is a raging debate on my campus about whether we need to accept late work if a student cuts class. Here's what the California Ed Code says:

Education Code 48205

A pupil shall be excused from school when the absence is:

1) Due to his or her illness.

2) Due to quarantine under the direction of a county or city health officer.

3) For the purpose of having medical, dental, optometrical, or chiropractic
services rendered.

4) For the purpose of attending the funeral services of a member of his or her
immediate family*, so long as the absence is not more than one day if the
service is conducted in California and not more than three days if the service
is conducted outside California.

5) For the purpose of jury duty in the manner provided for by law. [Must be
approved in advance]

6) Due to the illness or medical appointment during school hours of a child of
whom the pupil is the custodial parent.

7) Due to an appearance in court

8) Due to observance of a holiday or ceremony of his or her religion, attendance
at religious retreats [Not to exceed four hours per semester; must be approved
in advance at least one day prior to requested release]

9) Due to attendance at an employment conference [Must be approved in advance]

10) Due to need to secure proper immunization. [No more than 5 days]

11) Due to attendance at an educational conference on the legislative or judicial
process offered by a nonprofit organization when the pupil's absence is
requested in writing by the parent or guardian and approved by the principal or
a designated representative pursuant to uniform standards established by the
governing board.

12) For the purpose of serving as a member of a precinct board for an election
pursuant to Section 12302 of the Elections Code.

Other reasons will be considered that are requested in writing, consistent with
CVUSD Board Policy and approved by the school.

* Members of the immediate family, as used in this section, means the mother, father,
grandmother, grandfather, or a grandchild of the employee or of the spouse of the
employee, and the spouse, son, son-in-law, daughter, daughter-in-law, brother, or
sister of the employee, or any relative living in the immediate household of the
employee.

Note: A pupil absent from school under this section shall be allowed to complete all
assignments and tests missed during the **absence that can be reasonably provided and,
upon satisfactory completion within a reasonable period of time, shall be given full
credit**. The teacher of the class from which a pupil is absent shall determine which
tests and assignments shall be reasonably equivalent to, but not necessarily identical
to, the tests and assignments that the pupil missed during the absence.

[Reference](http://www.ccoe.k12.ca.us/cms/lib8/CA01902876/Centricity/domain/55/sarb%20education%20codes/AttendanceCode.pdf)

To me, this section states that students who miss school due to an excused absence get to make up work for full credit, but what if they cut school and the absence is unexcused? They seem deliberately excluded from that section. We did agree that the students should be given the assignment, but we shouldn't have to give full credit for it. Can anyone help me understand the ed code here?

TL;DR - if students have an excused absence, reasonable time (which isn't defined and is up for debate) must be given for them to be able to earn full credit. What what if the absence is unexcused? Do we need to give them full credit for the assignment if they cut? (example - there is an in-class assignment and they cut. Do we need to give them full credit for the assignment?).

Any help is appreciated.

Answer: Not a lawyer but if the education code deliberately states that it applies only to excused absences and even defines situations which must be excused, it seems pretty clear that the statute only applies in those situations. If there are no statutes or cases saying that a teacher must give full credit for assignments missed due to an unexcused absence then it's really up to district/school policy.


Title: While backing into a parking space I left a small (paint) smudge on another person's bumper. I left my details and they have since called me to say that the repair work (via bodyshop quote) will cost $765. [Washington State]

Question:
I left a paint smudge on a bumper of a Subaru Outback ~ 4-6 months ago while visiting a nature preserve.

I committed my first foul of parallel parking when I accidentally hit another parked bumper, and left a small (white) paint smudge on their bumper.

I left my insurance details, license plate #, my name, and my phone number on the off-chance that they were super-affected by the small white line I left on their bumper (they had a few decals/stickers that suggested they took pride in their vehicle).

Fast forward 4-6 months, the owner of the car calls me to let me know that the body-shop she went to is asking for $765 to fix it (the paint smudge on the bumper).

I'm reaching out here to get a better understanding of what to do.

I'm happy to call it in to my insurance company and let them handle it, but this whole thing screams like some sort of scam to me. I'm 95% certain that fixing the smudge could be resolved with some sandpaper, spraypaint/paint, and about 45 minutes of effort.

I will include the entirety of the *second* voicemail below in case it changes something:

"Hi Mr. VideoGameParodies, this is [NAME] calling again about my car. You left a note on my car when you went to the [NATURE PLACE] when you hit my bumper while you were backing in. And it's about $760 to fix it. [PHONE NUMBER] [NAME]. [Reaffirmation of me hitting her car at [NATURE PLACE].

I'd like to note again that this happened 4-6 months ago... Honestly I don't have $760 to fix a paint smudge on a bumper and I'm very suspicious of the call as it seems to have come out of nowhere, considering the time-frame. I'm wary of any sort of related issues that the owner may be trying to pin me with. I took numerous photos of the incident and have them all backed up on my phone and cloud services.

The person above did call once before, in that message they stated that the body shop they had gone to quoted the similar $760 to fix the paint smudge on her bumper and was hoping to talk. I never got around to calling them back (3-4 days ago) and was greeted by this voicemail today.

In both messages they left me a work number rather than a personal one.

Anyway, I don't want to pay ~800 to fix a paint smudge, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Do I need legal council? Can I simply forward this to my insurance company? Should I just ignore it? The claim feels absolutely ridiculous considering the circumstances and affected item and the time elapsed between the event and the attempt at remuneration.

Thanks in advance!
/u/VideoGameParodies

Answer:
 I'd let your insurance handle it. Send them the pictures. They know how much things cost to fix and should this amount be too high they'll fight that for you.

As a side note, one reason that they may have waited is that it's getting close to the end of their lease and they don't want to be on the hook for the mark. Or they could just be lazy. Just throwing that out there.Answer #2: Bumpers are expensive to fix. I accidentally tapped my neighbor's bumper. I didn't think anything of it until I noticed a mark on my bumper so I when I came home, I looked again at her bumper and sure enough there was a little nick. She received several estimates (the damage was beyond just a mark) and the lowest was around $600 and change.


Title: My "friend" stole my moms car, tagged my house and robbed my house

Question:
I'm not sure if this qualifies as legal advice, but right now I need all the help I could get.

From the title I probably seem like a retard (figuratively), but I'll explain:
I used to be friends with this guy, another friend introduced me to him. I thought he was pretty cool when we first met, but boy now I know that's hes actually an amoral pathological liar. It started off pretty innocent, we hung together as a year or so passed we started getting into smoking marijuana. I mention this for later reference, but just in case it may seem so, we were never really anything near addicted maybe 1 or 2 bowls every 1 or 2 months. We just did it as a hobby.
But boy, as a young and naive kid whose always wanted to be a edgy (stupid) and rebellious (stupider) kid. Me and my two friends decided it would be a good idea to grow marijuana, and logically it would be grown in my backyard. In all honesty we were kids having fun and I never thought it would spiral into the shitstorm it has now. So we started growing, the first year we only had one plant and it was a male, so no yield. I don't know why I continued for a second year, probably because I'm stupid. But we tried to do it again the next year with two plants and one of them was actually female. It was before the harvest that I pissed him off, I had said word for word "If you act like a clown, I'll treat you like a clown", we didn't speak for three weeks until a day before harvest. He stole the harvest, I didn't really care to be honest but I mention this for future reference. He also tagged a penis and "bitchfuckerlol" on my fence. I didn't really care either (what can I say, I'm a stupid, nonchalant child). About 3 - 4 months later (in which we hadn't spoken much if at all) I found my house robbed. He took my old computer, some food and some alcohol. I didn't really mind the economical loss (since my family is relatively well off), but it was more the fact that he was in my house that really pissed me off. So I called called the cops, told them I thought it was him but they couldn't do anything about it (lack of evidence etc.). My other friend who introduced me to him, still talked to him and told me what he'd been told. So pretty much, the friend who robbed my had said told the other friend to try to convince me to grow again this year. I didn't want to grow, but I knew that if I refused he'd rob my house again and I didn't want that so I complied. That was this year, however half way through the grow (about 2 weeks) ago, I decided I didn't want to be involved with drugs or anything like that. So I cut down the plants (we had 6 this year) and threw them away. I told him that someone had stolen the plants. He didn't seem to angry, only disappointed. But anyway, my other friend had told me numerous times that "he's only is nice to people if they still have use to him, he's friends with girls since he might get inside them, he's nice to guy's that give him drugs". I guess my usefulness was used up and this led to the events of today.
This morning my complained that her car keys with my house keys and other keys we're missing. I thought nothing of it, my mom was clumsy and often misplaced items. However as she came back from work using a set of spare car keys, she complained that she didn't know where the keys had gone. That's when it happened my moms car suddenly pulled out of the my driveway, at first I didn't think to much of it but then I realized exactly what had happened. Presumably my friend had come into my house the night before and taken my moms car keys with two bottles of vodka. Then after organizing storage and things he's come back today and taken the car. I called the police, told them what happened told them I thought it was him. It's been a few hours now and I don't think they'll find the car. I don't know what to do. I know who he was hanging out with 2 hours prior to the stolen vehicle (presumably his accomplice since he has no place to store the car), but apart from that there's nothing I know. Anyone know anyway I can deal with my situation?
Topic:
Douche

Answer:
 > I didn't want to grow, but I knew that if I refused he'd rob my house again

So...in order to avoid being a crime victim, you decided to commit a felony?  That seems...illogical.

> Anyone know anyway I can deal with my situation?

Yes.  Stop hanging out with shitty people.  Stop committing crimes.  Install video cameras.  Continue calling the police.  If you have actual evidence of his guilt, you can file a lawsuit.


Title: What legal options do I have to stop somebody from stealing while the police drag their feet in North Carolina?

Question: For the past 6 months, somebody has been stealing from our business and two others next to us. The police have been contacted and have not done much. We teamed up to share security camera footage amongst local businesses after filing police reports and getting nowhere. We have footage of the same man, driving the same truck (highly recognizable due to age and paint job), stealing our trailer and mattresses and various things from the construction sites next door. Through the help of the community, we found out the guys name and address. We took photos from the street of his truck parked next to our stolen items at his house. The detective assigned to the case is off duty all weekend, so he's not being arrested and the case is not progressing. He's stolen MORE things last night despite bringing all this evidence to the authorities. We don't want to sit out there ourselves and confront him as we feel it would hurt our case. We requested they send a patrol car to watch the area, and they haven't. What can we do to help get him behind bars this weekend before more items are stolen?

Answer:
 What can you do right now that will be most effective? Hire a security guard.

Then get together and call your local elected reps. The police obviously don't feel your issue is a high priority. A call from a city councilmen or two  is likely to change that.


Title: Landlord says they did not receive the signed lease or rent check I mailed them.

Question:
My landlord usually takes about 2-3 weeks to cash my rent checks. It's been a month and February's check still hasn't cleared, so I texted them. Turns out they want me to issue a new check because they never received it. I've been burned 3 times before by a past landlord on this - I wrote a new check, and they cashed it, then found the "lost" check and cashed that, too.

I sent the rent check and signed lease by Priority Mail, but the catch is that it was to a PO Box, which is the only address I have for them. Tracking shows it was delivered a month ago. I can stop payment and reissue a new rent check, but I'm wondering about the missing lease. Is it valid if the signed lease was never received by the landlord?  For instance, if I decided to give notice, would I have the legal right to do so?

Prior to this new lease, I went 1 year without a lease agreement, so there's nothing to refer to for this particular instance (lost check fees, lost lease).  Since I have a copy of the shipping label, tracking that says it was delivered to the PO Box and copy of the rent check, is it unreasonable to re-issue a new rent check minus the $25 stop payment fee, or should I eat the cost?

UPDATE: Thanks for the replies.  I figured it out and did the logical thing, but am still curious if I'm obliged to sign the replacement lease since I've let the landlords know I did sign the missing lease?

Answer:
 I'm not a lawyer but the smart thing is to call the bank and cancel the check before writing a new check.  If you have been burned in the past, I'm not sure why you didn't do the obviousAnswer #2: Call the bank and ask for a stop payment on the previous "missing" check. Give them the check number, the recipient's name, the amount, and so on... Write your landlord a new check. If he decides to cash in the other "missing" check, the bank won't allow him to.Answer #3: I'd honestly just eat the stop payment fee and request that the landlord be responsible for it if it gets "lost" again considering it's going to a PO box.

I'm not sure on the lease part, but I would ensure the landlord knows that you tried sending back a signed lease and they didn't get it. You didn't specify a location but if it's a one-party consent state record the call when you explain what should be done about the lease so they can't screw you later.


Title: Who owns your limbs/organs/other assorted body parts after they're removed?

Question:
I live in Philadelphia PA, America. I'm very curious to know who owns your limbs when you lose them. If you drop your limb somewhere, someone finds it, and then you go knock on their door to ask for it back, are you protected by the law?

Do you have any rights to your own severed limbs or removed body parts at all?

Answer:
 Yeah, because limbs commonly just fall off.

You're listening to Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me, aren't you?


Title: Doesn't really make sense to me, can somebody clarify? [NEW YORK]

Question:
I have posted about this situation before but I have a lot more information and need some clarification. Just a little back story for those of you that have not read my previous post.

I left my wallet unattended in the lounge of my dorm building in college. One of the Resident assistants searched through the wallet to try and find out whose it was, and continues to search the whole thing after knowing it was my wallet instead of just returning it to me. He went through every single item in my wallet including going through, counting, and commenting about how much money was in there, in a public room with a few people in it. During his deep search of my wallet, he found a Fake Identification which was hidden behind two other cards that both had my name on them. (meaning that he had to have known it was my wallet before he found the fake id.)

I have done some research the past two days and have come up with a lot of things I think pertain to this situation. According to the Good Samaritan Law, it is legal for someone to go through a lost wallet to try and identify the owner of it; however, can he continue searching after he knew it was mine?

Also according to the Good-Faith Doctrine, if he had good intentions going through the wallet, and stumbled across an illegal item (Fake ID) he can report it to the proper authorities and they can conduct a search with probable cause or a search warrant, and use that item as evidence if need be. The issue with this is, he stumbled upon it, and "stole" it from me, when he should have contacted university police about it, and had them confiscate it.

I had a meeting today with the Resident Hall Director, and was informed that school policies overrule state and federal laws, even though it is a public state university. The school's policy says it is ok for a University Police Officer to take inventory of all items found in a lost bag/wallet/other storage thing. Does this also mean a Resident assistant can go through the whole thing and confiscate whatever he wants?

Also, the ID had nothing proving that it was fake, and the RA has no idea how old I am or where I am from, so what gave him the authority to just take an Identification out of my Wallet, because it has the possibility to be fake?

My punishment from the school for this situation, could range from a meeting with dean of students where he will slap me on the wrist and make me write an essay about why fake IDs are bad, all the way to a 1 year Disciplinary Probation. University Police told me that they can not charge me with anything because it is not illegal to have possession of the fake ID, only if I am caught using it.

So My questions are:
1-) According to the Good Samaritan Law, can the RA continue to search the wallet even after he knows it is mine?
2-) According to the Good-Faith Doctrine, can he confiscate it or does he have to contact university police to do so?
3-) Do School policies overrule State and Federal Laws at a public state university?
4-)Should I continue to meet with the RHD to reduce my punishment to nothing considering the situation?
5-)Can you clarify on everything?

Answer:
 There is no legal violation here on the part of the RA. The fake ID can be used against you in court or in a university proceeding.

You have no reasonable expectation of privacy to a wallet you left laying out on a counter in a public room.  Anyone could have picked it up and gone through it.  Someone did.  End of story.Answer #2: 1.  Not applicable.

2.  Yes he can confiscate.

3.  Yes, in the sense that in school disciplinary proceedings they only have to follow school policy...state/federal law don't matter.  School isn't a court of law.  They don't have to meet the same evidentiary/burden of proof standards to punish you in school.

4. You have nothing that will reduce your punishment to nothing.  You're at the mercy of the school.  You're spinning your wheels going down dead-end roads trying to find a technicality that is not there.  What will go a much longer way in convincing the school to go easy on you would be to act like an adult, own up to your actions and at least "act" remorseful even if you really are not.

You think this is the school's first rodeo with fake ID's?  They're not stupid.  And you trying to pull mickey mouse shit out of the air to try to get yourself off scott free will only make someone get pissed off enough to just throw the book at you.


Title: Cellular company not honoring out of court settlement.

Question:
In 2011 I sued my cellular company in small claims court. About a week before the court date there VP of sales called me and offered me two new phones and the ability to leave in the future with no contract penalties if I wanted to. I accepted since my issue was my phones not working and I would have the ability to leave in the future if I had more problems with them.

Fast forward to toady. I have moved from Colorado where Viaero Wireless is located to Florida where they have no service at all. I Port my phones out to a local cellular company and call to cancel out the account to find that the VP of sales no longer works there and that they only show that I was to receive new phones and nothing about not having to pay early termination fees.

My early termination fees are $700 should I just pay or should I file in small clams again?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Answer: Did you get it in writing?


Title: Suspicious activity

Question:
A cop just saw me on a street corner and stopped to watch me. I was only talking on the phone, but I obviously looked suspicious. He saw me going back into my house. How soon can I expect a search party?
Topic:
Drug Possession

Answer: Don’t worry. Once the weed wears off, your paranoia will go away. Per your story, there is no probable cause.


Title: Drugged and sexually assaulted 8yrs ago - What are my options?

Question:
[deleted]
Topic:
Criminal Law

Answer:
 I'm sorry that happened to you.

You can go to the police and make a report.

But because it's been a year since you saw the emails, be prepared for the possibility that the police will be unable to obtain a search warrant for the email because the information is "stale."


Title: [NYC] Subtenant Trying to Sell Abandoned Property

Question:
Hi,

I've been dealing with an angry former friend and subtenant who is bent on fucking me over. He moved out August 14th, to go live overseas in Taiwan, and he left his furniture behind saying "he'll just leave it."

I had a new sublet coming in to take the room today, when I was informed by the other sublet I have (3 BR), that the guy who left on August 14th just sold the furniture to a friend of his (who I do not want in my apartment). He said he would be picking it up soon.

I've no doubt that they made this decision in an attempt to sabotage my ability to market the apartment, and to potentially damage me financially by upsetting the sublet who's taking the room this evening- he paid last night.

Am I able to seize ownership of the property? Is his friend able to pick up the furniture from the apartment in his stead? If I claim ownership of the property anyways, would he have legal recourse from overseas? If he does bother suing over a small amount of property (2-300 tops), and I immediately forfeit, would it cost me?

I'm considering taking the jerk route because I've been burned VERY hard by this group since the move out. The sublet who left has slandered me irreparably within my social circle, to the extent that the guy who is purchasing the furniture (also a former friend) lied to me about wanting to take the room, and cost me 5 days of rent in may. I do NOT want that guy in the apartment- I'm wondering if instead of contesting ownership of the property, I could simply prevent his entry (could I lock my former sublets room?).

Another detail: the other sublet currently living with me has taken the side of the ex sublet, as they were closer friends, and he wouldn't have been financially accountable for losses incurred by ex sublet. He's been nasty towards me, and I'm wondering if anything in this mix would leave him vulnerable to eviction. If I barred entry to the guy purchasing the furniture, I'm sure the guy living with me would invite him in. Would I be legally allowed to block his MAC address from accessing the internet (he's a big gamer)?

I guess I'm mostly interested in legally stopping these guys in their tracks, and potentially ruining a few days. Thanks for reading this far. I appreciate any advice.

Answer:
 > Am I able to seize ownership of the property?

No. It's quite evidently not abandoned. Your tenant is taking steps to remove it, so you won't be able to prove that it was intentionally abandoned, even though it was intentionally left behind.

> Is his friend able to pick up the furniture from the apartment in his stead?

If your former tenant has returned possession, he no longer has the ability to lawfully enter, or to allow others to enter. He _can_ have his friend pick up the furniture, but you don't have to let his friend into the unit.

> If I claim ownership of the property anyways, would he have legal recourse from overseas?

Small claims suit against you.

> he does bother suing over a small amount of property (2-300 tops), and I immediately forfeit, would it cost me?

His filing fees, plus the $200-$300 sought in the suit.

If you don't want your former tenant's friend in the unit, that's fine - arrange to meet his friend outside the unit to turn over the property, and take photos of it all before it leaves your possession so that you have documentation that it was in good condition when you returned it.


Title: If I commit a 'crime' in space, could I be prosecuted on earth?

Question: I'm just curious what happens when crime is committed in orbit or farther out once space becomes more 'open'.  I assume you would fall under the jurisdiction of the host vessel but let's say I go into international waters and shoot down a private satellite or something, could/where/how would I be charged?

Answer:
 Yes. I believe space is governed by the same laws as [*international waters*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_waters).  You would be subject to the laws of the flag state of the vessel.

If you were to build your own rocket (outside of the US), fly into space, and shoot down a US satellite...well...let just say, I hope [you](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enemy_combatant) like [Cuban food](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guantanamo_Bay_detention_camp).


Title: [Pennsylvania] Roommate smokes weed, about to have a baby. Does their doing drugs put me at risk with CPS?

Question:
Basically my roommate smokes weed.

I'm about to have a baby.

If a neighbor called the police over the roommate smoking outside, would I be at risk of losing my baby?

Allegheny County in PA.

Planning to move away from clown roommates sooner rather than later but it wouldn't be until several months after baby girl is born.

Answer: Possibly, yes.  The fact that there is drug use in your home will not sit well with CPS.


Title: Doctor advised me a concern of mine was nothing to worry about and to forget about it, turned out to be a tumour

Question:
A year or so ago i talked to a doctor about a lump on my arm. He examined it and assured me it was harmless and would go away on its own despite being there for some time and growing. I asked for tests and he said it was not necessary. Cut to a few months ago and it began causing me pain, so i spoke with another doctor who rushed me in to visit a surgeon. I got it removed less than a month ago, and my results just came in saying it was a tumour and would have caused quite a few issues if I had waited any longer.
Do i have any options for filing a lawsuit against the first doctor for potentially putting me in a life threatening situation? Im located in Manitoba, Canada.

TL;DR Doctor wouldnt test a lump on my arm, turned out to be a tumour

Answer:
 Per https://www.legalline.ca/legal-answers/medical-malpractice/:

> Next, you must prove that you suffered an injury or loss.

What are your damages?


Title: Partner's employer signed him up for insurance without consent. Now we can't use ACA.

Question:
My partner quit his job briefly from mid-Nov 14 to mid-Dec 14. It is a complicated backstory, but suffice it to say he was welcomed back and received a few benefits he had been requesting for a long time, in exchange for returning as a new employee. He started back the first week of Jan 15.

Started back as a new employee, in that they started over his vacation calculations (1 week for every year of employment, he had been up to 4 before he cashed out and quit), gave him the 90-day standard window for insurance to start. He did not re-sign a single doc on his first day back. Simply showed up, the reinstated his pay at a higher wage, and he went to work.

We knew his eligibility for insurance was coming up around 1 April and we wanted to compare on the open market since I am also looking for insurance right now. He emailed on Monday to ask for a handbook so we could compare benefits and current rates, and he was sent an email response that he's already signed up and should receive cards shortly. We are floored. His email clearly states to HR that he wants a handbook to compare benefits as we are looking at the healthcare exchange. HR forwards that email requesting the overview TO COMPARE to the insurance administrator saying "is EMPLOYEE eligible for health insurance soon?" Administrator's response says "Yup! We have signed him up and he will receive his temporary cards in the mail soon!"

Now, they are saying he cannot cancel it and that ACA will not offer him anything because he isn't eligible since he has healthcare. No apologies, no explanation of why he was signed up without even requesting it.

What can we do? Is there anything we can do? Is this legal and acceptable? I met with a local guide yesterday and I/he can qualify for a plan with much much better premiums and coverage than the plan offered by his office. That was the whole point, and now he cannot take advantage of it until the next open enrollment period, according to his office.

Answer:
 Ask someone at the exchange you're using. When we had our second child, my company's insurance rep said her birth was a qualifying even only for HER to get new insurance, and that I was still locked into my (crappy) insurance through my company. Lo and behold, Minnesota's exchange didn't see it that way, and we dumped the old insurance the rep said was un-dumpable.

So, your company may be right, but I'd ask the people you're trying to buy insurance from if you're eligible, not the people you're trying to ditch.Answer #2: It's strange they're saying he can't cancel.  If he was enrolled in error, they can absolutely correct that error, both on the employer's side and on the brokerage side.  It's a pretty straightforward process.  I'm guessing he works somewhere with an HR person who is more of an admin assistant and doesn't know how insurance works.

As for the ACA, he may not qualify for a few reasons.  As another poster mentioned, open enrollment for the exchanges are over, and he's well outside the qualifying life event window from losing coverage in 11/2014.  He may qualify for subsidies, but that won't extend his enrollment eligibility any further.

I'd check very thoroughly with the exchange to verify he's even eligible to enroll with them before cancelling his insurance at work.  That may be his only option at this point.


Title: Recent ex works at a newspaper and ran a full page story about me being a pedophile, it's just revenge

Question:
So I broke up with my girlfriend of 6 years, about to be engaged when I found out she cheated on me. A friend linked me a video clip of her on a cam site being intimate with a guy on our couch. I  moved all my stuff out while she worked and sent her a text saying goodbye and a link to the video. She starts apologizing and claims it was to help her male friend make money, then once that didn't work she claimed he forced her and I should protect her better and at this point I blocked her number.

This was on Friday of last week, today I start getting texts and phone calls from my older relatives and friends who read the paper asking me wth is going on. I'm lost and don't know what they are talking about so I take a break at work and grab a newspaper, sure enough there is a full page story with my Facebook profile picture saying I am a pedophile and should be locked up.

I call the newspaper and speak to the highest up person I can speak to and ask him what the hell is going on and why is this in the paper. He apologizes and promises to print a front-page retraction tomorrow. Also I found out from a mutual friend of hers that she was escorted out of the building and fired at the end of the day around 5 hours after I called them.

How does libel or slander work for something like this? I googled it and one of the main ways to avoid it is to retract it and the paper said they will post a retraction tomorrow, technically today it's so late. Is this something I report to the police against her or is it purely a civil matter? I'm in Indiana. Also should I unblock her and ask her what the hell or so I just not so that if I am going to pursue other legal options?
Topic:
Other Civil Matters

Answer:
 One thing I didn't see mentioned is that ideally you want the retraction to be punished for several days, at least a week. You want to ensure that everyone who saw the original see the retraction, and that includes people who only read that paper once or twice a week.

Run this by your lawyer and have them send this demand to the paper if they agree.Answer #2: I'm not sure the retraction would be enough for them to prevent liability.  Hopefully its enough for you to avoid any negative perception of your reputation, but this could be a "toothpaste is out of the tube" situation where the retraction isn't going to stop, for example, prospective employers from seeing this if they Google you.  Not to depress you about it, but that could happen.

If you agree on any settlement, maybe you should see if the Newspaper can do some type of anti-SEO to bury this story from search engine results.  Answer #3: When talking with your lawyer, it's worth discussing whether filing charges for criminal harrassment would affect the civil suit it seems you'll obviously win.

Remember, getting paid doesn't protect you from this lunatic. At the very least, it seems like an immediate restraining order would be appropriate.Answer #4: IANAL disclaimer.

Agreed with other comments saying you absolutely not talk to her without it being with a lawyer present / through a lawyer. It may, however, be beneficial to unblock her that way if she tries leaving voicemails or texts that are incriminating, it gives you more material to go after her with.


Title: I'm so fucking tired of these god damn fire alarms [South Carolina]

Question: The apartment complex I live at has fire alarms that seem to just randomly go off all the damn time for no reason and it'll take them like 15 minutes to half an hour to get the damn things to stop. It's so loud iy hurts my ears. This has happened like 10 times since I moved in less than a year ago. I'm not sure if this is like a glitch or some dumbass in one room set them off. I'm also not sure if there's anything they can do about it because of some code but I'm bascially wondering if I can do anything about it. It's extremely annoying and I now just ignore the fire alarm because it's like "the boy wbo cried wolf". If there was an actual fire the alarm wouldn't even warn me any quicker cause I wouldn't do shit until I saw/smelled it

Answer:
 Destroying the alarm in your room is a very bad idea, as is ignoring the alarms.

Call the non-emergency number for the fire department, and ask to speak with the Fire Marshal about your concerns Answer #2: Don't tamper with the fire alarms.

Contact the local fire marshal and explain the problem.  Also, I'd suggest calling 911 and reporting a fire when the alarms go off.


Title: [PA] Are there any repercussions to quitting your job after receiving a bonus?

Question:
If this isn't the right place for this, I'll kindly delete it.

Anyway, my boyfriend is an engineer and has been wanting to quit recently. He's been working 70+ hours a week without overtime, trying to meet impossible goals the company has set, only to be called names (stupid, idiot, etc.) from a senior executive.
He wants to wait to quit until he gets his bonus (which at this point no one knows if the bonuses are going to happen, they're starting to suspect they were just dangling a carrot so to speak. If they were to get their bonus, I believe he said it'd be $10k) but if quitting right after receiving a bonus so large would put him in a difficult position (such as having to pay back the bonus or any other possible negative outcome) he'd rather just move on to the next best thing now.

Answer: If the bonus comes with an agreement to stay for a period after payment and he doesn't stay they could sue him.


Title: Since Trump won't implement Russia sanctions, and he won't tell us why, is there anything can be done or that’s that?

Answer: No one can force the president to do anything. The remedy for the president not obeying the law (generally; I'm not making a comment on your issue) is impeachment and removal from office by Congress.


Title: How complete can a ban on Internet-connected devices be as a condition for parole?

Question:
I know a person who was forbidden from owning or using an Internet-connected device as a condition of his parole.  (He was found to be in possession of an iPad and had to serve additional time.)

But how complete can such a ban be, especially in this day and age, where the Internet of Things is ever-growing?

Can a parolee be forbidden from using a touch-screen kiosk in a Wawa to order a hoagie?  It doesn't give patrons access to a web browser, but it _is_ an Internet-connected device.

What about using an Internet-connected parking kiosk ... or a smart lightbulb or garage door opener?

Answer:
 Do you know why he was banned for using internet devices? Usually that is related to doing something *horrible* with the internet. Do you see what I'm getting at?

That's the more important question here.Answer #2: I think it's pretty clear what is intended by the ban and what will be considered a violation.  A light bulb would not be an issue, but I can't see how you could use that light bulb without also using a smart phone or a google home or something else that *is* a violation.

I also am pretty confident that Wawa kiosks are not connected to the internet.Answer #3: Banned from internet devices.  Had an iPad.   Seems about as clear a parole violation as it gets.

As to other potentially connected devices.  Talk to the parole officer about it.  They will give clarification and the terms of the parole will drive what can and cannot be used.

Play with fire.  They deserve to get burned.  If not sure if it is fire or not they should ask to clarify.  How complete can the ban be?  As complete as the judge wants it to be.  Cause the alternative is no parole and back in jail.


Title: I was charge $245 by a CPA for a 30 mins phone call and one email.

Question:
I live in Dallas, TX.
11 months ago, I called a CPA for an initial consult. We had a 30 mins phone conversation in which he asked for my situation and he asked to see my last year's tax return which I have already filed. There is no mention that there is going to be any charge for the phone conversation or for reviewing the document. The next day, I emailed him the document and in that email, I also mentioned that I have recently opened a solo 401k account, asked him what is the maximum I could contribute to the account?
The next day he replied without giving me a specific answer, just saying that it's too early for me to be saving for retirement (which I don't agree). He also mentioned in the short email that he reviewed my last year's tax return. He can save me a lot of money on my self-employment tax. No mention of any fee that I have to pay him on that email either.
I have not email him back since then.

This past Thursday, I received an invoice by email billing me $245 for "Review information provided by My Name, Research and review solo 401K. Respond to emails from My Name." He never mentioned about any fees that he will charge me by phone or by email. I don't even know his hourly rate. He did mention that he will charge me $500 (a discounted price) if I do my tax return with him.

I feel like I am being scammed and I don't know how to go about in disputing the charge. I am worried that he will send me to collection if I do not pay him.

Answer:
 He should have gone over his fees and costs prior to doing any work for you, and you should have asked.  Having said that, he did do work for you, so you owe for his services.  Answer #2: You think you're being scammed because a professional charged you for their services?  LMAO ok.

Answer #3: Why would you think his services are free? It's reasonable to be charged for using his provided service.


Title: Camera looking into dressing stalls at a store where many school-age girls shop at

Question: I live in California and yesterday I went to a popular store for middle school/high school age girls. While trying clothes on in the dressing room stalls (sans bra), I looked up and made eye contact with a security camera that looks into at least two of the three stalls. Because it is illegal to have security cameras in dressing rooms in California AND they have footage of what I am sure are hundreds of young girls, is there any sort of action I can take?

Answer:
 Were these dome cameras with a tinted black cover?

I ask because I work in a field where I have heard complaints of this issue in the past. You may be able to see the "camera" from the fitting room but the most likely scenario is the lens is pointed out at the sales floor or in any other direction and is not capturing anything in the actual dressing rooms. Especially at a national retailer.


Title: [FL] HOA and landlord lawn maintenance issues.

Question:
6 Months ago we rented a single family detached house in central Florida. When we moved in we noticed and noted on the move in walk-through that the yard had weed issues and a few bare spots along the back fence. We were verbally told that we only needed to keep it mowed, watered and keep the flower beds in good order.

&#x200B;

Sometime in the last week the HOA sent a letter to the owner that the yard needed to be resod. They felt that there were too many weeds in the lawn, mentioned the bare spots along the back fence and that they felt that the timeline for using weed and feed and/or new seed to crowd out the weeds would take too long. They gave the owner 30 days to lay down sod. The owner sent that letter to the management company who then sent us a 7 day cure or quit notice. The owner and the management company want us to resod the lawn within the 7 days or move out and forfeit the deposit, pay anything not covered by said deposit (the difference in the sod and what we put down) plus the usual deductions and penalties mentioned in the lease.

&#x200B;

We don't have the 7 to 8k laying around for this, nor do we have the capital to move or put down a deposit on a new place in such short notice.

&#x200B;

The lease only mentions that routine lawn maintenance is our responsibility and that we would abide by the rules of the HOA.

&#x200B;

Were do we stand and/or how do we fix this?

Answer: Tell them that isn’t routine maintenance and the issues are noted on the pre-move in walk through. Make copies of that and save any pictures you have. They’d have to take you to court but it doesn’t sound like they have a case. Answer #2: Resoding a yard is definitely not routine maintenance. If they want to try and evict you it won't get done in 7 days. They need to go through the proper routes and follow the lease.


Title: An employee of a gas station sold my brother a lighter, even though he is under age.

Question: Hello, for background reference my brother is a 14 (13 at the time of purchase) year old, we live in Wisconsin, and the gas station is a Citgo. So basically a few months back, my brother wanted a cigarette lighter for a bonfire him, and his friends were going to have. I found out about this recently, and thought it was suspicious that there was no age minimum to buy a lighter. So I drove to the gas station, and asked an employee there (a different one then the one who sold him the lighter) if there were any age minimums on it. He said that minors can not buy it. I was wondering if he could possibly return the lighter, and get a compensation of some kind for the employee selling it to him, even though he looks way under 18. Thanks in advance.

Answer:
 There is no age restriction to buy a lighter in Wisconsin, and even if there were, the most that could happen is the store could be fined.  There wouldn't be any money in it for either of you.

If a store refuses to sell a lighter to a minor, that's because of a story policy, not a law.  Stores are free to refuse to sell a lighter to minors even though it may be legal.


Title: Need help with girlfriends ex

Question: Her ex left her and her 2 year old kid for 7 months now with no intentions of coming back (took all his stuff). A month ago her and I started dating he flipped out and stole my stuff, along with that he is a violent and manipulative person. She got an ex parte against him from being afraid of him and i don't blame her one bit. Now they are texting and talking between the two of them but every time she talks to him he immediately puts the blame on her and makes her feel like shit. Well with me pressing charges against him for stealing my laptop, roku XD, and my prescription adderall 20mg, he lost his job and now he wants her to drop the ex parte against him so he can find a new job (his field of work is in security), I told her don't drop it he's trying to get what he wants and theres no telling what he will do to me or her if she drops it. He's also promised that he sold all his guns to pay for a lawyer for court. Just last night she got a text from him saying he was going to kill himself so she could have money to support herself and her son. What is the best way to handle this? Also how can I make her see that acknowledging him is making things go for the worse?

Answer:
 > What is the best way to handle this?

She should stop talking to him, for one.  That doesn't help matters.  It makes no sense to have a restraining order and continue to engage him.  Either she wants him gone, or she doesn't.

Do they have a custody agreement or order?


Title: What is main difference between someone being gifted money for school and receiving a scholarship? [USA]

Question: I'm interested in the pros/cons on the receiver's end as opposed to the legal requirements to running a scholarship fund. I have a great idea to raise capital and not too concerned with the tax benefits of running a fund as opposed to gifting the money out. Please limit the comments to the receiver's end and thank you!

Answer:
 I can’t help but think I’m encouraging some nutty scheme, but here goes:

This is only a generalization, but for the recipient the likely real difference is how the money can be used.  A gift is, essentially, money given without strings attached (strings being e.g. I’ll give you ten dollars if you give me that banana).  So if you truly and actually just *gifted* a student $80,000 and said, “this is to attend NYU for a semester,” they could take the money and then open up a chain of banana stands and you would be shit out of luck.

Scholarships, on the other hand, can have conditions on them like “you have to use this for tuition” or are paid directly to the school (which is more typical if the scholarship comes from the school itself).  Obviously, this doesn’t apply to every goddamn scholarship in the universe, but if you’re taking about tuition-sized amounts, if you take the $80,000 and don’t go to NYU, the donee is probably going to have some strings attached to protect the use of that money.

Edit to clarify a little: the recipient of a gift can use the money for whatever they want, the recipient of a scholarship is/can be/typically bound in some form or another to use the money for tuition or other scholastic purpose.