Title: [USA-Michigan] For the past 6 or so years, my parents have been using my SSN to open credit cards, and they’ve ruined my credit.

Question:
Not only have they done this to me but also to my siblings. They opened cards with two businesses that I know of, and I’ve received warnings in the mail for not paying my balance—altogether about $7000. They have no intention of paying the balances since they’re broke, and when I bring it up they avoid talking about it, let alone apologizing. I don’t know what to do. I know they won’t pay it back, and even if I wanted to, I don’t have the finances to.

I don’t want to report them and have them sent to jail since I have two younger siblings living with them (early teens) and neither myself or my other siblings are financially stable enough to take care of them. At this point, the only option I could think is to declare bankruptcy and change my SSN.

Is there a way I could get rid of the debt without having to pay it, declare bankruptcy,or turn in my parents?

Answer:
 >Is there a way I could get rid of the debt without having to pay it, declare bankruptcy,or turn in my parents?

The short answer is no. Not unless your friend wants to permanently move overseas.

What the parents are doing is patently criminal behavior, and they need to be reported. The credit card companies and lenders don't know that fraud is being committed, because they've been convinced they have the correct personally identifying information for these accounts. Therefore, to even hope to get the debts erased and/or your friend's credit bureau saved, there has to be a criminal paper trail.


Title: Stuck in smoking apartment & wanting to get out of contract

Question:
A couple months ago I resigned my lease with my apartment complex for the upcoming year(2018-19). The first year I lived there I had no real complaints & my roommates and I got along great, hence why I resigned.

When I resigned my lease, they upped the price of my apartment but they had warned me a couple days in advance and luckily it wasn’t a problem for my family financially. Then when I got my first roommate assignment, they had paired me up with a drug dealer, a smoker, & one other random person. I went to the office and informed them I wanted a roommate reassignment & a couple weeks later they did.
Then the real problems started...they put me with two smokers again. My lease specifically states that I’m in a non-smoking unit but this is the second time now that they have put me with a smoker. So I mentioned it to them again and they said they couldn’t do anything except ask the roommates to stop..obviously they didn’t stop and I have asthma so this is a health concern as well.

It’s been a couple months and I still can’t get out of my lease and I’m currently living with two smokers in a very overpriced apartment. I’m not happy with how they have handled it and won’t let me move into  another unit or get out of my lease.
Topic:
Contracts

Answer: If your lease guarantees you a non-smoking unit and they aren't enforcing that, you may be able to break the lease and move. Have a local attorney review the lease and advise you accordingly.


Title: Should I plead guilty or not guilty to an unwarranted destruction of peace misdemeanor?

Question: I live in Grand Rapids, MI. Last night I threw a house party with ~25 people. At 1:00 am the police came and issued individual citations for "Allow Premises to Destroy Peace of Neighborhood" to me and my three housemates. We made sure that no one was outside our doors being loud and we checked the volume of the music from the street before and during the party. We believe we do not meet the criteria for the tickets we received. Would it be in our interest to plead guilty and settle this simply, or do we have a chance to plead not guilty and have no charges applied?

Answer: Do you believe the police randomly showed up at your house?


Title: [MD] Sister recently gave birth to baby addicted to drugs

Question:
My addict sister (early 20s) gave birth last week to her first baby. She claimed she was clean through the pregnancy, but admitted to being on methadone right after the baby was born. I noticed she had numerous small bruises on her upper arm right before she gave birth. She claimed that they were from using heroin years ago. They did a urine test on the baby, I don't know the actual results, but with the bruises, I think heroin is going to be likely in addition to the methadone.

When I saw the baby right after the birth, neither her or her boyfriend seemed especially interested in him. I know that she was in pain, but she really just did not seem to have any enthusiasm, or want to hold him. She was released after 48 hours, but the baby will be in there for at least 6 days.

She was living with my father who has since kicked her out after confronting her about why the baby is still in the hospital. He says he will let her move back in, when she can give him plans on how she intends to get clean. His opinion is that the baby should put up for adoption as soon as it can. When she was living with my father, her part of the house was constantly a wreck, and she made zero efforts to clean before her due date. She's been living with him for a little over two years, before that she stole thousands of dollars worth of items from my parents. They sent her to rehab about 4 years ago, but it did not seem to make a huge difference.

Both her and the baby's father have suspended licenses and drive around a car my father lets them use (he was just made aware of her suspended  license today), and neither have their own place, they are currently staying with his family. I believe the father is clean, but not certain. I know that the hospital is required to contact DHHS if the baby tests positive, so I was just wondering if anyone knows what can be expected from that process in the state of Maryland? Who will they want to interview? What condition would make CPS consider rehoming? Any info on what Maryland requires for treatment if she does lose temporary custody and wants to regain it?
Topic:
CPS and Dependency Law

Answer: CPS will give her many many chances to regain custody, unfortunately.  If you can talk her into voluntarily giving the baby up, it would probably be for the best.


Title: [WA] I'm asking for a friend who is disabled, can the landlords rent out to someone else after saying they would take care of her?

Question: So her lease was up but she had every intention of continuing the lease. She was in contact with the company setting up another contract then they told her too bad essentially and now she is homeless. This kind of crap happens all the time with this company and it sickens me to my core. They can't get away with this, can they?

Answer:
 "saying they would take care of her" or "being in contact setting up a future agreement" or "every intention of continuing" is unlikely to be enforceable like a signed lease.

&#x200B;

In Washington State, fixed-term leases end on their end date.    There is no statutory (State law) requirement for a landlord to notify the tenant of the termination of a fixed-term lease, or any law that automatically makes a holdover tenant into a month-to-month tenant.

There may be some different rules if her rent was subsidized (Section 8, etc).   If she paid rent for the month after the lease ended (and the landlord accepted that rent) then she may have entered into a month-to-month "holdover tenancy" with different termination notice rules (20 days before the end of the month).

Even the City of Seattle's very strong "Just Cause Eviction" law does not apply to fixed-term leases.Answer #2: Landlords are not under any obligation to renew a lease once it is over.


Title: Home I’m renting might be foreclosed due to landlord not paying the house payment.

Question:
The other day (May 10th), my landlord told me the house was going to be foreclosed next Wednesday (May 15th) because he was unable to pay the amount he still owed on the house. We pay monthly rent to him directly and I keep every receipt. My contract with him is only based from month to month, it isn’t a 12 month contract or anything like that.

My question is; if the house goes under foreclosure what’s happens to us? Do we simply move out? Can we get our money from previous months back? Is it legal to give us such short notice?
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer: You would have to be given notice by the new owners, same as you would now. No you aren't entitled to any past rent back why would you think you would be? You got to live there.


Title: (Also posted in r/auslegal) My boss is putting together many small sales to create large sales, is this legal?

Question:
I live in Australia.

I work in retail. My recently promoted boss has been suspending customers sales and adding other customers sales to it unbeknownst to the customer. My boss does not (and cannot) give these customers receipts. She uses the split payment option to do this and she is adding up to 10 credit/debit card and cash sales and processing them all together to make them look like larger sales. It started out small so that I didn't notice it at first, but now her performance indicators (average dollar per transaction, amount of products per transaction) have dramatically improved. Every time she is in the store by herself she does this. I have been secretly printing off the register journal each day and documenting these transactions.

Is this fraud/ illegal?
Who can I take this to outside of my company ? (as I do not feel comfortable talking to upper management nor do I have faith in them to act on this.)

Edit: Added my location

Answer:
 This seems like something that could get the boss fired, but not arrested.

Is this costing any customer more money, or is it only improving the metrics?Answer #2: This isn't legal advice but workplace advice to you. The terms you're using sound pretty familiar to a place I know. If you work for a company with the name of a fabric in the name or any of its owned brands (please don't confirm if you do in a reply as I don't want you to give away anything personally identifiable), there is a confidential LP/HR hotline you can call to report issues like this. You should be able to find it with some digging under Loss Prevention or Policies and Procedures on your intranet if the number isn't already displayed in your store. Apologies if this doesn't apply to you or is too vague but as per the rules I can't PM you/ask you to PM me to give you better info.


Title: I am one of two people suing someone for damages caused by a motor vehicle. How do I make sure that I am paid first after judgement? (Florida)

Question: I am a business owner. A drunk driver hit the building I own with his vehicle caused substantial damage because it was a flatbed type truck. He did not have insurance. He had also hit a pedestrian about a block away from my building. Both myself and the pedestrian have sued him for damages. This happened back in 2009 but the lawsuits have been dragging on and were delayed several times due to his criminal charges and various appeals. Now they are close to be resolved. The driver doesn't have much in the way of money and it looks like once his remaining money or assets are taken to settle the judgement he will most likely be judgement proof and unable to pay anything else. How can I protect myself and make sure I am paid as much as possible before the other person who is suing him? All this happened/is happening in Florida.

Answer:
 What a thoughtful member of society and brother to all men you are! Maybe if you settle first you can grab the money to fix your building so that asshole with two broken legs and a concussion doesn't get to it first. Answer #2: Legal Advice:  You can't really.  You could settle your case voluntarily, but I doubt that will happen if the guy has limited assets.  Otherwise there's no legal avenue to claim dibs on his assets before someone else with a judgment.

Life Advice:  Jesus dude, I'm not even sure what to say here.  You were fully compensated via insurance and are suing for "stress", while this poor woman lost a foot.  If you don't see an issue there, ask yourself this:  Would you trade your own foot in exchange for avoiding the stress of rebuilding?  Before you answer, know that if you say yes, you're lying.  Answer #3: On the one hand, this is /r/legaladvice and not /r/moraladvice. And I'm sure your damages were extensive. But man, you're one cool operator when you're trying to talk about taking money from a pedestrian slammed by a flatbed in order to get money for your broken sign and store front, which I'm sure have been long repaired. In the meantime, can that guy even walk?


Title: Lady threatening to find me.

Question: Hey so I'm in sort of a weird situation. My location is Ontario, Canada. Tonight I ran into someone I know bit don't really talk to (we'll call him Tim). So I know Tim from highschool and he is a couple grades younger than me. I'm always on the lookout for someone to sell me LSD or Shrooms as psychedelics are hard to find around my area and I know Tim is a drug user. Tim tells me that he may be able to help me out in the future so I got him to put his number in my phone. I text the phone number the words "Hey dude, text me if you ever run into Lucy or Shrooms". After about 15 minutes I get a phone call from some lady asking who I am, how I know Tim and so on. I really didn't want to talk to her so I just hung up. This got her furious and she begins to barrage me with text messages saying how I better hope I don't run into her and so on. I don't really know her son too well apart from saying hi to him when I see him, so I don't really care that he's getting in huge trouble. My concern is that Tim's mom wrote to me that she has a friend in the police department and that she's gonna find me by tracing my number. My question is, is there any legal way that they can do this? I really don't want to deal with this woman so I hope not. Also, is there any way that I could get into any sort of trouble just for asking Tim to help hook me up? This is a pretty unique situation for me so I don't really know what to do. I appreciate any help you guys give me!

Answer:
 I highly doubt ( and I mean highly highly doubt) she will "trace your number."  If she does get your number, so what? Don't talk to police if they contact you, and don't talk to or interact with this crazy lady .

Oh, and stay off drugs. They're bad for you.


Title: 10 cent coin dropped from my front door, should i be worried?

Question:
So today when I was trying to shut my front door, it didn't shut, so like any normal person would do, I tried to slam it shut and a 10 cent coin fell from the top, should I be worried?

Also sorry if this isn't the sub to ask this type of question but I figured it would be.
Topic:
Non-US

Answer:
 This sounds a bit like a trick thieves do when scoping out your house.  The coin tells them whether you came back, or are on vacation.  The fact that you caught it means that you are probably ok in the short run, but I'd up your security.Answer #2: I'd call the local police non-emergency number & let them know. Notify all your neighbors, be sure to talk to any who are home during the day & ask them to keep an eye out. Some may not be aware of this trick & their houses were scoped out too. Leave your tv on during the day, loud enough that it can be heard by someone at your door. Light timers are a great idea, get several. I also use [this](https://www.amazon.com/FakeTV-FTV-11-US-Bright-Burglar-Deterrent/dp/B00BTKGHDE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1541008414&sr=8-1&keywords=light+that+simulates+tv) in an unused room at night, whether I'm home or not, using a timer.

And a friend gave me his old large work boots that I leave by the back door.

After my house was broken into, some sahm neighbors started parking their cars in others' driveways so it looked like every house had someone home. They also were really nice about taking up others' trashcans right after trash pickup or grabbing packages left on porches.


Title: [NY] [NYC] Can someone explain Castle Doctrine to me?

Question:
Not going to get into specifics but sometime in the next few months me or my Dad need to watch our property while it’s being sold. My Uncle is mentally ill (his name used to be on the deed to the house but he took his name off the house, my name and my mother’s name are on it now) he is delusional, he thinks he is entitled to live in that house, even though his name isn’t on the house anymore and we intend on selling it (we would rent it but we’re afraid he’d scare renters away so we have to sell it.) He’s broken in once before he busted down a door once to enter the home while nobody was home at the time (there was a fire we are remodeling it and we don’t live in the city anymore) so either me or my father are going to have to keep him out and away from the home until it can be sold. I’m afraid of him (he’s tried to kill me when I was a infant) I own a rifle and am willing to hold him at gun point if need be until the police arrive. Or threaten him to leave if I have to. I don’t want to kill him he’s a sick man who needs help but if he attacks me I have to defend myself in my home. I just want to keep him away from the place until it’s sold so he can’t I don’t know destroy it on us or something?

Can I threaten him with my gun to stay away without getting in trouble? Can I get in any legal trouble if I hold him at gun point until the police arrive or god forbid I do have to shoot him get in trouble if he breaks in?

Answer:
 Neither threatening him nor holding him at gunpoint would be legal. If you aren't in imminent danger of death or maiming, you generally shouldn't even have your gun out of its holster or in your hands.

Guns are not a way to say "I'm really serious." They're a way to kill. The law treats them accordingly, and the only time when you can legally kill in self-defence is if you reasonably believe someone will die or will be seriously injured if you don't _immediately_ act with deadly force.


Title: [Ontario] Got a crown & porcelain veneer from dentist 3 weeks ago. Bit into a beef patty and it broke today. Who is liable / how do I approach the dentist?

Question:
Title says it all. I had root canal therapy (went to the dentist 3 times to get it cleaned). The next one, he made a mould for my soon to be porcelain veneer. I asked if I could forgo it because it's in one of my tooth in the back so no one can see it anyways, even when I smiled. He advised porcelain veneer is not all for looks, but also because it holds the crown in place. I didn't fact check, I relied on his knowledge... I came back the next appointment (3 weeks ago) and he put the metal crown and porcelain veneer in place. I've been careful not chewing too hard on that side. Today, I bit into a beef patty, a soft minced beef patty - and something cracked. Thought I ate a bone in the patty, but it was a part of the porcelain veneer...

Is my dentist responsible in any way? Will he charge me again - it was ~800, even with insurance, it was expensive. How can I approach my dentist to get the best possible outcome?

Edit: Thanks everyone for your advice. I feel much better about it now. I left a msg for the dental office since they're closed on weekends. Hopefully all goes well when they bring me in. I've been getting my teeth cleaned with him for the last year (he makes me come 3-4 times a year). I just really want this to be over with, with as minimal bad blood possible.

Answer:
 I had almost an identical thing happen to me, though my crown broke while I was asleep. I called my dentist and he replaced it for free. A reputable dentist should stand by his work and replace the crown at no charge. Answer #2: Give the dentist a chance to make things right. Call them up, mention that it broke while eating something soft. He can probably fix you up with a temporary cap in the short term, and get a proper replacement in longer term that'll last.

This kind of thing can happen, sometimes the crown's got a defect in it that's not visible, etc. It doesn't mean the dentist did anything wrong, necessarily, and the hard work of a crown is the initial drilling and root killing, and the cast's already been made, so you shouldn't have much trouble with cost even if it does wind up costing something.

I've got 3 crowns (two molars, one front tooth (skateboards are cool kids!)), and I've had two of them get chipped over time, it happens.


Title: My friend's landlord just left her this - This is illegal, right?

Question:
http://imgur.com/0oWgPJX

I just learned about these landlords. Apparently they have cameras on the outside of the house...and in common spaces inside (said to be turned off). Landlords also enter the house whenever they want. They left this letter tonight while I was visiting.

We're in Oregon. I had a girlfriend who had to deal with this same thing in college. But, the school had a laser that took care of that. I don't know who to contact now. Can anyone help get us started?

EDIT: I meant lawyer, not laser. But I'm leaving it.

Answer:
 What is the point of having a camera in the common area if it is turned off?  I outright don't believe that.

Also, I thank you for not fixing your typo.  The thought of a college incinerating bad landlords with a laser is cool.


Title: [CO] Landlord violating building code while upgrading apartment. Options?

Question:
The apartment I've rented for a few years transferred ownership this past winter, and they are performing some upgrades to the unit. One of these is installing an evaporative cooler with a new circuit on the breaker box. The problem is the breakers are the old Federal Pacific Stab-Lok type. The main contractor is trying to get around replacing it, which from my understanding is a violation of both local and state building code. He verbally told me he's gone through 6 or 7 electricians to get the project done. One of these electricians told me about the code problems via text message.

What options do I have as far as reporting this and getting the owner/property management company to fix this? Would I be risking eviction if I refused to let any further upgrades be completed until existing code violations/safety hazards are addressed? My lease has a clause forfeiting my right to sue them, arbitration only.

I would move if I could, but the only other rental company in town is more negligent in my experience. Individual landlords are a rarity. For now I'm getting a safety deposit box in case my unit burns down.
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer:
 In my city, you can tip off the fire marshall anonymously, and they would be all over this.  The fire marshall is one of the most terrifying and powerful law enforcement bodies for anyone to deal with.

Or, call whoever is responsible for code enforcement.  Big cities will have a giant department for this.


Title: Tenants Ex Kicked in the doors at my building.

Question:
Hello, My tenants ex boyfriend (who has recently moved out of the same apartment) kicked in the doors and entered her apartment in a drunken rage. Fortunately, he did not get physical with her.  She called the police and they came to the scene and helped file a restraining order as well as putting out a warrant for his arrest (he ran off before the police arrived).

I want to make sure he is legally barred from coming to the property and I am also planning on suing him for the damage.

Should I call the police so that I can file my own report as the landlord (for breaking and entering and whatever other possible charges may apply), or should I just ask her for her report number and get a copy of it? Is there some kind of restraining/Trespassing order that I can apply for as the landlord to keep an individual away from my property?

Thank you

&#x200B;

This is in Syracuse, New York

Answer: You could probably file a trespass order against him, and if you want, press charges for any damage to the property. I'd suggest calling the non-emergency number Monday and talking to an officer.


Title: Under my consent, can my employer convert my overtime hours to volunteer hours?

Question: I work for a NonProfit business in North Carolina. If I consent, would I be able to tell my employer to convert any overtime hours that I have to volunteer hours? I tried looking online but nothing matched my case.

Answer:
 If you were performing your regular job duties during those overtime hours, and you are a non-exempt (hourly) employee, no.  Under the FLSA, your employer must pay you for all hours worked.  Your consent does not exempt your employer from the provisions of the FLSA - you cannot waive the requirement that you are paid for all hours worked.

If your employer is a non-profit, you may be able to volunteer for your employer performing services unrelated to your job function.

See http://www.pbpatl.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/When-May-an-Employee-Also-Serve-as-a-Volunteer.pdfAnswer #2: No.  Not at all.  Not even close.

The DoL says that an employee cannot be a volunteer if what they are doing is the same, similar, or even related to their job duties.

This is a very important thing and there is no way for you to wave this.Answer #3: No. Otherwise every employer would be "convincing" their employees to consent to that.


Title: United Airlines denied me boarding and are lying about why. Their story keeps changing. What are my options?

Question:
Thank you for taking the time to read this.  I feel I have a solid case, but would love your perspectives on that and if I should pursue this.

Last month I was flying with my fiancé from Michigan to New York on United Airlines.  We arrived at the airport 50 minutes (neither of us had checked bags and she has pre check) before the flight and used the kiosks to check in under different reservation numbers.  As we did it at the same time, I was given a seat and she was told the go to the desk and talk to the agents.  When we did that they said we couldn’t board the plane because they were leaving early to avoid weather, and if they waited the flight would be cancelled.  They said the plane doors had already shut and they were about to take off.  I pulled up the weather and there were no storms between Michigan and New York so this wasn’t possible.  When I pointed this out, the agent said we had to wait to speak to her supervisor. After a 10 minute wait he said my fiancé could not board the flight because she was too late, then he asked why I had not gone through security because I had a seat. When I told him the story about the plane leaving early he said it was my fault that I didn’t go through security so they couldn’t help me.  His reason for my fiancé not getting a seat shifted to she got their too late, despite us getting there at the same time.  As we were sorting this out another employee walked behind the supervisor helping us and asked if we are “the volunteers”.  I am familiar with overbooking compensation laws, and felt the airlines was trying to lie their way out of paying us both 400% of our one way fare due to their overbooking.  I contacted the airline and tried to pursue a case for 400% on both our flights since their agents wouldn’t let either of us board the flight.

Here we are almost 2 months later and I finally got some traction yesterday.  Someone from their corporate team responded to the case stating my fiancé was denied boarding because she got their too late, and that I volunteered to not go through.  I pointed out we got there at the same time so that was false.  Additionally I was starting a new job the next day, so I would have gone through alone had they allowed me because missing my first day on the job reflected very poorly.  In response to me pointing this out, they changed their stance and claimed my fiancé couldn’t go through because she arrived too late to check a bag, but I had still volunteered.  Neither of us were checking a bag and I told them they could verify that based on our flight the next day.  After this I told them I was tired of being given the runaround and they were clearly lying about it.  I told them I would be pursuing a lawsuit against them in small claims court if they did not want to own up to it (I have been consistently pursuing this for 2 months, this is just the first time someone actually gave me real responses).  Their response was the flight was not overbooked, and we were got their too late so they could not do anything.

My last response was we were there plenty early in accordance with their contract of carriage which states we had to be there 30 minutes early.  Either they overbooked and bumped us from the flight involuntarily, or they broke their contract of carriage.  To no surprise, there has not been a response.

What are my next steps?  Is opening up a small claims case against them worthwhile?  400% of each ticket is $1,600 and I am happy to follow through out of principle more so than money.  Do I stand a chance and have a solid case?  I also don't know which I should pursue, overbooking or breaking the contract.  Can I do both and see which one sticks based on their evidence?

I have emails from them stating we were there too late to check in and it is our fault for checking a bag so close to take off. If they go through blaming it on us and can prove the flight was not overbooked, I have proof they broke their contract of carriage and we were there plenty early based on phone calls to customer service 45 minutes before the departure time. I also have screen shots showing the flight did not leave early and that the weather was perfect that day.

I believe the desk agents blatantly lied in their notes in the system, I just don’t know why they wouldn’t let us board.  They also were incredibly unprofessional laughing and telling us it wasn’t their problem we couldn’t get home that night.

Please let me know what you would recommend.  Thanks

TL:DR  Showed up 45 minutes early to a flight, desk agents wouldn’t let us go through security and lied about why.  Claim it was our weather then said we were just too late.  They are pulling out desperate excuses as to why it happened that I can prove are false and they keep changing their story.  What are my next steps?

Answer:
 You have to be at the gate 30 minutes prior, not in the airport.   Given security and the size of many airports, if you get to the airport 45 minutes early -- without boarding passes -- there's no guarantee you'll be at the gate by 30 minutes.

You also need to review the contract of carriage carefully regarding jurisdiction, venue and small claims.

If there's nothing in there saying otherwise, you're welcome to take your shot in small claims.


Title: Can you successfully sue somebody for crossing a lane while driving and almost hitting your car?

Question: Minnesota

Answer: No. You have no damages


Title: Can a sports stadium be sued for monopoly behavior with their concession stands?

Question: Just out of curiosity, would sports stadiums concession stands count as an illegal monopoly? They don’t let you bring in your own food, then if you want food you are forced to buy their $10 sodas and $15 order of 3 chicken tenders...

Answer: No. Carnivals, movie theaters, etc all do the same thing. They aren’t forcing you to buy their products and you’re choosing to frequent their park. Their property, their rules


Title: [CA] What is the legality of divulging the results of personal research to foreign military entities.

Question:
I apologize if my post appears to be terse and/or cryptic. I'm trying to avoid leaking too many bits of information about myself.

I am computer science researcher at a private institution. Perhaps its a University or private firm. The important piece of information is that I am neither a contractor or employee of any federal or state governments.

Now, say I was to make a discovery outside the scope of his employment. More specifically, I made this discovery during independent research I conducted during personal free time unrelated to my occupation.

If this discovery had potential implications regarding military/security, would it be legal (i) to sell this information to a foreign military party the United States isn't currently at war with (assuming that I were to pay taxes on this money and do whatever else I was required to)? (ii) If not, would it be legal to release this information to that same party for free?
Topic:
Treaties and International Law

Answer: You absolutely need to consult an attorney with experience in this area who would be bound by a duty of confidentiality to you before you go any farther than just wondering about this. I would expect that such an attorney would charge for an initial consultation after which you and the attorney could decide if actual representation is advisable.


Title: My employer is trying to bully me into doing something I believe is illegal. (NM)

Question:
Sorry that this is going to be a little confusing; I'm doing this on my phone at work. I work for a small, Mom-and-Pop computer service/sales store, and I manage the sales department. To start, I would describe the place as a very hostile work environment.  The owner and his wife will yell at the top of their lungs at us, and will verbally abuse us.  Monday, the owner/my boss tells me that we're going to start working with a company that is going to help us with our review scores or something by bulk emailing our clients surveys regarding the service. I have no problem with this other than I think it's going to piss people off to get nagging surveys from us. He then told me that me and a co-worker/friend are going to be in charge of getting customers entered into the database so that it can send them mail/SMS messages. I was only slightly annoyed by more work at this point, but when I looked into what my coworker and I would be doing is where the issues start.

Basically, we are entering first and last names, phone numbers, and customers' emails into a form that looks like they should be doing it; It has a box that's automatically check "I agree to be contacted," and has a Terms of Service that you accept by submitting the form.

We discovered this on Tuesday. Instantly, the other employee and I were very against this, and I was at home enjoying my day off when the owner confronted the other co-worker. He explained our concerns to the owner, and the owner yelled at him and told him that we have to do it.

The next day, my Coworker had off.  The boss comes to me, and i explain the concerns to him, and tell him about a system that my co-worker today came up with where we can get customer's permission to enter them when they pick up their computers. He yells at me and calls me names, and says to go ahead and enter the ones who agreed.

Today is Thursday, and we were both working again. This morning, the owner comes in and asks us if we entered the customers from the previous day yet.  We tell him that we entered the customers that agreed, and he flips his lid, telling us that we have to do what he says to do, and that we won't be implicated in anything.  He says he has some legal document that states they are able to do this without customers' permission, and tries to justify it by saying that businesses that send him spam mail can't be sued. I tried to explain to him at this point that it's not the same thing, and that you have to be given the opportunity to say no to these kinds of things, and he starts yelling and cursing and saying I'm just trying to lose his money.

It crescendoed with us telling him we didn't feel comfortable doing what is the computer equivalent of forging someone's signature, and he told us that they're are other places we can work if we're not going to do what he says. Some of the other employees came to our defence and said that's not grounds for termination, and it'd be illegal. He then managed to get even angrier, called us all "fucking useless morons," and steamed off saying other horrible things about us.

Ten minutes after that, I'm considering just driving home; I shouldn't have to deal with that kind of abuse, and he calls me, my friend, and the other friend into his office and proceeded to give us some sort of justification for him doing this without permission and apologizing for yelling.

My question is, what do we do now? He still wants us to keep entering these and his wife is being just as nasty. We don't want to do something we feel is illegal, or at least egregiously unethical. Is there anything we can do to protect ourselves and avoid a wrongful termination? If it changes anything, I've got the entire 16 minute meeting in his office recorded on my phone, and I believe in New Mexico that could stand as evidence for something. Any advice for us Reddit? Where do we start?  Thank you so much in advance.
Topic:
Business Law

Answer:
 I work in email marketing, and the CAN-SPAM act is a pretty contentious subject.

The way it's interpreted in most organizations is that if you have an existing business relationship with a person, sending them a transactional email  such as a receipt, customer satisfaction survey, etc. is not a violation of CAN-SPAM even if they haven't signed up for it. If you proceed to send them promotional messages, then you're spamming (by the legal definition). Regardless, you must put your actual physical address and a functional unsubscribe link into the message so that if they don't want to hear from you again they won't.

So, sending a satisfaction survey one time to someone who did business with you is probably legal.

It may however be a terrible idea: If it's been a long time and they don't remember why they're getting the survey, they'll probably mark  it as spam. And if that happens more than about 0.5% of the time, then ISPs will start blocking ALL your mail. If it gets any higher your bulk mail vendor, if they're smart, will suspend your account, because if too much mail from their servers is marked as spam, ISPs will start blocking all their OTHER clients too, even the legit ones.

TL;DR: Probably legal, but... start looking for a new job anyway.


Title: Do I have a case if I was fired from a major bank for complaining about reordering transactions in my account to maximize overdraft fees, and the same institution has subsequently had to pay over $400 million in settlements for the same practice?

Question:
I was fired from a major financial institution specifically (they showed me print out of my own email at the firing) for complaining to Bank of America customer service for reordering my checking account transactions to maximize overdraft fees.  I would have had 1 in the proper order and it was like 8 because I'd $2 and $3 ones came last.  I was fired back around 2004.

EXACTLY the thing I complained about has resulted in major class action judgments or settlements resulting in over $400 million in payouts.

Do I have a case to get my job back/damages/ or at least get taken off my HR record?

I was told I would never be eligible to be hired there again so also potential employer asks them this they will say 'no' and that looks bad as well.

edit:
Location: Charlotte, NC

Answer:
 You're not going to be able to file any type of wage claim for something that occurred 13 years ago.  You also won't be able to bring any type of court action forward.

It's BofA's choice whether they want to make you eligible for rehire.  You cannot compel them to phrase things a certain way to anyone who calls to inquire.  You also can't compel them to keep records in the manner in which you agree.

I also doubt that they share your rehire status with any 3rd party in the first place.  Banks and other large corporations typically avoid that because it's not worth their time.  When employment is verified it's usually start date, end date, job title, and sometimes pay but only with your specific permission.Answer #2: I'm fairly sure that the reordering of transactions to maximize fees was LEGAL in 2004 and was prohibited by some of the same rulemaking that accompanied the creation of the CFPB.

It doesn't matter. They are entitled to fire you for complaining in your role as a customer about a bank policy regardless of whether the complaint is valid or not.


Title: Connecticut, USA. How much trouble can my moron friend get in for selling beer in public?

Question: His current plan is to go to a public beach on Memorial Day, with a cooler full of beers, and sell them to people for a few dollars each. How illegal is this? In my very not a lawyer mind, it sounds like illegal sale of alcohol without any sort of permit, open alcohol in public (he plans to be drinking while he's doing it to look less suspicious), and a very high likely hood of selling to someone underage.

Answer:
 I had a hard time finding the penalty for selling alcohol without the proper permit or license.

However, selling to a minor carries a $1k fine and/or up to one year in prison. Bear in mind that that could be *per violation.* Assuming the penalty for selling without a permit is the same (just a guess, but it seems reasonable) he could get 24 years for selling a case.Answer #2: Not certain of the laws in your state but almost all states only allow alcohol to be sold by specific retailers who have a license. There are also likely rules on where it can be sold, off site sales are often not allowed. Then there are taxes. Beer is taxed. If you sell beer but don't collect taxes, they can pinch you for that as well. There are rules against selling to minors and providing alcohol to drunk people. There might even be some liability if someone he sells to gets into a car.

All in all, a very bad idea.Answer #3: Tell him his plan is idiotic. Memorial Day the beach is guaranteed to be well patrolled. If it's a state beach, I can guarantee the police won't be sympathetic to him.

FWIW, alcohol is expressly prohibited on state park beaches.


Title: [Boston Ma] tried a VR headset that wasn't released yet as a demo from the manufacturer, immediately had vertigo for he next 12 days. Missed work and money.

Question:
Any advice?

Edit: device set to release 10/13

Answer: Did you go to a Dr? And did you sign any kind of waiver before trying out the headset?


Title: [Ohio] I crashed my car into a pole. The property owner wants me to "fix" her lawn.

Question:
I'm not sure where to post this but a few hours ago I slipped and crashed into a pole. There was no major damaged, besides my right mirror. The property owner came out and called the cops. They complained about the tire streaks on their lawn, but its just a little mark. She told the cops to tell me to fix it or she will call the insurance company. What happens if she called the insurance company? That I made a little mark on her property?

 Should I obey her and "fix" her lawn or should I just ignore her and let her call the insurance company?

EDIT: I added some dirt to what I damaged. Thanks for the advice everyone!

Answer: No one can tell you what to do. You damaged her property with your digging up her grass. It isnt like she can wash it off. So, you can pay or let your insurance pay.


Title: If a police officer stops you for no reason do you have to acknowledge him?

Question:
I was out on my usual timed 4 mile run when I saw bright cop lights from the end of the street I was on, .7 mi away. As I got closer I saw that there were 3 cops, all with their lights strobing. (The cops lights in my city are exceptionally well lit and hurt my eyes every time i see them) I turn at the street corner continuing down my normal route as I call across the road to them (This is at 11:30 at night) "Those lights are disturbing people you know" and a couple of seconds later "So turn 'em off maybe?" One officer yelled to me "Quit yelling" and I just continued on my way. A couple of blocks down the road an officer rolls up and shines his spot light on me. He opens his door and I said to him "I haven't done anything wrong, I haven't broken any laws, I don't have to stop" and continued my jog. (I had been running for over 2 miles non-stop, not going to quit now) For some reason the officer got out to pursue me on foot, after about 20 yds or so I stopped. He caught up, grabbed me and put me in handcuffs, saying "You're going to jail." I was charged with Evading Arrest and spent the night in jail (wtf). Did I actually "evade arrest" or am I not at fault here?

The bond costed $1000, of which I had to pay $165 to go home the next day. Is there a way I can make all of this go away (I really don't want evading arrest on my record) and get a refund for the cost of the bond?

Update: It has been 16 days since my arrest and still no court date. The lawyers seem to be too expensive for me and not as confident as I would hope. I think I'm going to apply for indigent counsel. Thoughts?
Update 2: I was arrested December 21. It is now February 7. I still have no court date.

Answer:
 I wanted to read you this quote, from a case called *Florida v. Royer*, 460 U.S. 491 (1983).

This is Justice White of the Supreme Court of the United States of America, the highest court in the land.

>The person approached, however, need not answer any questions put to him; indeed, he may decline to listen to the questions at all and may go on his way. He may not be detained even momentarily without reasonable, objective grounds for doing so; and his refusal to listen or answer does not, without more, furnish those grounds.

I thought it might be inspirational to you to see the protections that people are fighting for, for your benefit, every day.

There is a lawyer in Texas somewhere who is going to take your case and beat it. When that happens, remember that it isn't about what you think is "right" or "wrong". But rather, it is about the protections afforded you by the constitution of these United States.

The people who fight for those rights; the people who stand in between the police and the constitution; the people who defend people like you, often for free; the people who have dedicated their lives to defending the rights of the common man against the weight of the state; those people are called lawyers.

So next time you think to yourself that lawyers, the people who are hopelessly dedicated to protecting you while you sleep, are only good for this:

>Not even sure what getting a lawyer will do for me (Get rich quick? lol idk).

Think about that quote above.Answer #2: Hey don't forget to update us when you have a lawyer, and what he says and what happens at your first appearance.

I'm serious. That's the price for free advice. Update us.


Title: Me and my friend shook a street sign off it’s pole. Can we face legal troubles?

Question: Aight so me and my friend are in high school. I’m not really worried about school problems. But me and my friend were screwing around outside school and we’re shaking this street sign, and it legit just fell off. Is that considered like vandalism or something. We’re in California.

Answer: Did it seem like vandalism to you when you were doing it?


Title: Rhode Island - Buying unoccupied house with tenants' stuff still inside

Question:
I'm buying my first house (whoo!).

The house is currently unoccupied, but was rented to two families previously (there's an in-law suite). Both families are gone.

Their stuff (mostly odds and ends) is still there.

So, uh, legally, can I throw it away? I know landlords aren't allowed to just throw away abandoned property, but with everyone moved out, there aren't any leases transferred to me. I don't know the tenants' names, let alone contact info, and I definitely am not holding any security deposits that I can apply to the packing and storing of their stuff.

This seems a little murky to me, so can anyone shine a light for me?
Topic:
Real Estate law

Answer:
 When did they vacate? Did the previous owner give the tenants written notice to come and remove their property, setting a reasonable deadline for doing so (such as 30 days from the date of the notice)?

If so, and if the former tenants have not removed it, then it's likely abandoned and you can dispose of it. If not, and if they vacated recently, you should find out from the previous owner how to contact them and let them know they have 30 days to get their things, and that if they don't, you will consider the property abandoned and dispose of it.Answer #2: We let our realtor know that we wouldn't sign any closing documents unless the house was cleared of all the crap and the yard was cleared of debris.

They only left one junky bookshelf and we called that a win.

We were actually shocked they got all the tires out of the yard. They must have hired someone ;) Answer #3: Your closing documents can have a clause that the house is empty and swept clean upon your final inspection and acceptance.


Title: Online training off the clock, without compensation. Is this legal?

Question: I work at a GM dealership. My service manager is telling us we have to do our required online dealership training courses off the clock from home, without reimbursement. Is this legal? I'm in Missouri for what it's worth.

Answer: If you aren't salary then you need to be paid.


Title: What are my options dealing with student loans taken out in my name without my knowledge or consent?

Question:
(Currently living in Florida, but all of this took place in California)(Might be better suited to the civil or criminal tags, let me know)

Here's the situation. When I was living with my family, my (high earning) dad offered to pay for my college, no strings attached. After two years went by, I moved out on my own (because my dad is a terrible person) and promptly discovered that he had forged my name on 4 student loans (and several more as a cosigner) without my knowledge or consent. I immediately contacted law enforcement and they basically told me since the money went to my schooling, I should drop it. But I would not have chosen to go to school at the expense of that amount of debt, and I was explicitly told by my dad that he was paying out of pocket. I couldn't get the police to care and I had way too much on my plate at the time, so I dropped the issue. I'd been monitoring my credit and the loans were being paid off, so it really wasn't much of a problem at that point.

Now, fast forward two years. I recently got a letter from Fed Loan (the first and only letter I've ever gotten about the loans, as my parents have been withholding mail from me) saying that I now have 6 loans (two of which taken out after I stopped going to school, which I suspect required my dad to forge school documents for as well) amounting to 25k, and they are all being defaulted on. My parents are now homeless due to gross financial mismanagement and their second bankruptcy, so I'm sure my dad couldn't make the payments no matter what I hold over his head.

Now add onto that situation that I am in 70k of medical debt that has all recently gone to collections and had the account closed on my credit report. I posted about that in /r/personalfinance in [this post](https://www.reddit.com/r/personalfinance/comments/3ls13p/what_are_my_options_as_a_20yo_with_70000_in/).

After making that post, I decided that my best option would be to ignore the debt and wait 7 years for those accounts to roll off my credit report, and get a credit card in the meantime to try to inflate my credit a bit. I have the CapitalOne QuicksilverOne card already on it's way in the mail. But this did not take into account the immediate danger of the loans even more severely crippling me financially.

I am wanting to take legal action against my dad for the financial abuse (and so is my brother, who is in a similar student loan situation), and somehow salvage my credit. What are my options, and what is the course of action I need to take?

TLDR: my dad has taken out 6 loans in my name without my knowledge or consent and now he is close to defaulting, putting my credit in serious danger.

Topic:
Credit Debt Bankruptcy

Answer:
 [Here are the instructions TransUnion, one of the major credit reporting firms, gives for people who have been victims of identity theft.](https://www.transunion.com/personal-credit/identity-theft-and-fraud/report-identity-theft.page)

Most of those apply to you as well. Report this to the police. Get a copy of your credit report and contact all the lenders who have fraudulent loans. Document everything.Answer #2: >  decided that my best option would be to ignore the debt and wait 7 years for those accounts to roll off my credit report

Unless the holders of the debt get a judgment on you before the SOL runs out. Ignoring is the WORST thing you could do.

You are in way over your head. You can speak to law enforcement about the forged student loan documents keeping in mind this will put your father in the legal cross-hairs (as in fines and prison) for identity theft. You may be able to declare bankruptcy to get rid of the medical debt. Your credit is screwed.Answer #3: Based on your two posts, you should sit down with someone who understands student loans (like someone in the financial aid department of your school) and explain your complete financial situation to them.  Most of your loans are probably not dischargeable in bankruptcy, and you seem more interested in your credit score than in the reality of being close to $100K in debt.

WRT the loans that you claim your father forged your signature on, it seems to me that ultimately your choices will be to insist that this was fraud, or accept the presumption that you signed for these loans and that you have to pay them back.


Title: HELP Urgent, Recovery Email in PA. Cheating Stepfather

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 You do not have permission from him to do any of those things. So don't.

Also, why do you or anyone need written proof? You know he did it so just let them divorce and move on. Absent a ton of money in a pre-nup, proof really won't do much legally.

Edit: so your state may care. [Link](http://info.legalzoom.com/cheating-affect-divorce-pennsylvania-24442.html) but if he is dying of cancer there is no spousal support really.


Title: Live in Berkeley, CA. Went back to Boston for family business. Car was legally parked but was towed for being parked in one spot for more than 72 hours. Now I owe $1200 in storage fees. What are my options?

Question:
I live in Berkeley. I parked my car on a residential street that doesn't require a parking pass and traveled to Boston for family business for a few weeks.

On the 9th, my car was towed because someone complained and said my car was there for more than 72 hours and it was towed. I received a letter in the mail in CA that my gf opened and sent me a screenshot.

Apparently you can't park more than 72 hours in 1 spot in CA (22651K)?

WTF is the reasoning behind this? How do people go on vacation?

What are my options?

Answer:
 > WTF is the reasoning behind this?

To stop people from leaving private property on public land where space is a premium.

> How do people go on vacation?

They park their cars in secure places that they have legal right to do so.

> What are my options?

Pay fines or be penalized further.
Answer #2: >WTF is the reasoning behind this?

Probably so that streets don't become free, long term parking lots.

>How do people go on vacation?

Driveways, garages, private parking areas that aren't the street, etc. etc.

>What are my options?

Pay the fee and get your car back ASAP because the fees will just grow daily.


Title: California: Question about something I saw happen at a funeral (family member kicking reporters out)

Question:
Hey r/legaladvice. I witnessed something at a funeral the other day and was just wondering about the legality of it (posting with a throwaway in case anyone who was at the funeral knows about my reddit account).

The other day I went to the funeral of my wife's co-worker. He was murdered. Before the funeral started a family member went to the front of the church and pointed out some reporters who were in attendance. She told them to leave or they would be arrested for trespassing because they were not welcome. She then announced that if anyone else was from the media and didn't leave and it was found out who they were they would also be charged. The minister came and stood beside the family member and said she agreed with the family and the media wasn't welcome at the service. After the service they had a fake hearse leave the parking lot so the reporters would follow that one (which they did) before the real one left and at the cemetery the police were there and they told the reporters were told to stay outside the gate across the street and people were there with giant boards to block them from seeing the people by his grave as much as possible.

My wife's co-worker wasn't a public figure, he was just a regular guy who got killed by robber. It wasn't a hitman or serial killer or anything that would seem "exciting" to the press and the public. There wasn't any protestors like what happened in Orlando where they needed to be blocked. I am just wondering if it was legal for the family to go to these lengths to bar the media from the funeral. I don't blame them at all but I'm wondering the media could push back at this or go after them legally or something?

Answer:
 Yes - both the church and the cemetery are private property and (with permission from the owners of the property) the family were well within their rights to refuse entry to anybody - including the media.

On a personal level - not only is it legal, but it's disgusting that it would even be necessary.


Title: How to lift a no contact order?

Question: Basically, my boyfriend and I had a scuffle because he had been drinking. Things escalated and I called the police. I’m naive and didn’t know he would be arrested and I didn’t even want that. He saw a judge this morning in jail who gave him a no contact order with me and I don’t want that. We live together and I am in no way afraid of him. What should I do? This happened in Broward, FL.

Answer: You can’t lift the order. Only the judge in his criminal case can.


Title: I am being sued by a former babysitter location: Oregon

Question:
Using a secondary account for anonymity reasons. Lane County, Oregon

TL;DR: former babysitter is suing me for $20,000 claiming unpaid wages and lawyer's fees.

In 2018 my wife enlisted in the Army Reserve. To help me with managing the house while she was at BCT and AIT (we have 5 kids) we hired a babysitter/nanny from [care.com](https://care.com). We agreed on pay, etc with an oral agreement. The agreement was working from Jan 1 - July 31 2018. She quit, without notice, May 11 2018. In her resignation letter she calculated out what we owed her, her calculations were $3,944 for what she alleges is unpaid wages and "sick time". Prior to "hiring" her, we (my wife, babysitter, myself) all agreed that we would keep this job under the table. I did not want to have to pay the associated expenses with having an employee since I'm not running a daycare business and this was temporary work to help a new resident establish herself and get on her feet. We were also on a fixed budget for childcare and did the math to show her that if we were responsible for payroll tax, unemployment insurance, etc that would eat into the amount we could pay her. So the options were essentially; official job with less pay or unofficial job with more pay. She chose unofficial job with more pay. We paid her a monthly wage, plus provided housing, and paid for water, sewer, garbage, internet. I told her when she quit this represented breaking the agreed upon terms of contract early and we would no longer pay her wage or rent+utilities.

While working for us, she did not meet basic job expectations, possibly filed a false CPS report on me (agent strongly hinted to my wife it was the babysitter), and in general made my life much more stressful.

Fast forward to Jan 30 2018. We received a demand letter from an attorney (looked him up, he is actually an attorney, etc) alleging that we owe her $20,000 ($5,000 for lawyer fees).

Step 1: talk to an attorney - I will call one from the OR State Bar lawyer referral service. I get 30 min for $35, then regular fees apply. I want to use this time efficiently, since finances are a concern, any specific questions I should be asking? Like the possibility of classifying this position as an independent contractor?

Step 2: follow attorney's advice. Yes, that's the idea. However, as finances are a concern I am preparing to represent myself. Yes, legal aid is something in OR, however they do not handle "fee generating cases" where lawyer's fees are paid out from the case. Also, the office nearest me has a priority list and put food, shelter, medical care, and income at the top of the list and this case isn't in those areas for me. Is it possible to just use an attorney for advice and still represent myself? (We just went through a custody battle with my wife's ex so I am somewhat familiar with the rules of court, appearance, etc. Decorum is not an issue.)

The demand letter asked for a response in 10 days. Could I just send a letter saying I dispute the allegations and will provide further documentation in, say, 30 days? I still have the resignation letter, text messages, emails, etc. Anything written was saved considering her letter threatened legal action. What are the legal consequences of ignoring the demand letter?

Also, as a nice complicating factor, my wife is technically under active duty orders for an upcoming mobilization. If she is named as a party on the suit, would her active duty status delay the proceedings?

Thanks in advance!

Answer:
 Yeah, doesn’t matter that you agreed to anything “under the table”, you need to pay at least minimum wage or the agreed to wage, in full through the last hour she worked, as well as overtime pay. You can’t make an agreement contrary to law. You also owe the IRS, and need to give her a W-2, because I can guarantee she’ll probably file a tax return indicating she wasn’t supplied with a W-2 and no taxes were withheld.

You likely need an accountant and a lawyer here.


Title: My employer has forbidden me to discuss wages with other employees and I suspect I am getting the short end of the stick (TX)

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Discussing your wages is a protected right under the national labor relations act.  The act also set up the national labor relations board to protect this right and handle complaints about workers rights.

Most states also have a labor relations board under some name.

If fired for something protected under the act you may be entitled to compensation, you would have to file a complaint.  You may do so even if you have not been fired as well.Answer #2: The NLRA protects employees, allowing them to discuss wages. However, if you are fired for discussing wages, providing any evidence it will be very difficult.

Being an asshole is not illegal.Answer #3: "I feel like I need to at least make sure I'm being paid fairly"

Your employer is under no obligation to pay you what your coworkers are being paid.  If you agreed to a wage and he's paying you that wage, that's "fair."  Answer #4: Discussing your wage is a legal right you can file a complain to your state department of labor. If you get fired for doing so you can sue. However you can be fired for anything else let's say you get caught discussing wages and the next day you break a tool you bet your add they can fire you for breaking the tool. Now it gets murky here because you can claim the real reason was you discussed wages. But it something to keep in mind.


Title: Mom who I don't live with is trying to extend child support past my 18th birthday so my dad will have to continue to pay, what can I do?

Question:
I live in Washington.
I haven't lived with my mom for over 7 years. I turn 18 on the 17th of this month, and my mom is trying to extend the date that my dad has to pay child support to until I graduate in 2017. She provides no assistance to me or my grandmother whatsoever and I think it's wrong that she gets money from my dad for it. Is there anything I can do?

Edit: I just called the department of child support and left a message for my case manager about this entire conundrum. Waiting on the call back.

Answer: I think this is a problem your dad is supposed to address. I imagine he'd appeal the extension based off what you stated. Answer #2: If you haven't lived with your mom in 7 years why hasn't your dad gone back to court about child support yet? Is it actually getting paid to your mom? Is she getting government assistance based upon you living there? Is your grandmother?


Title: Just hit a big deer going 120 kmh, airbag didnt deploy.

Question:
Major damage to driver side of vehicle, when I hit the deer there was a loud pop from inside my cab and it proceeded to fill with white smoke that smelled terrible. Now it says service airbag but the airbag didnt deploy. I also got a call from OnStar right after the accident notifying me that they got an airbag deployed notification and if they should call an ambulance. My shoulder really hurts from the seat belt  (which is now seized) but other than that no apparent injuries. I took pictures of the deer (which went flying about 30 feet over a barricade) and the damage to my truck. I called the police and filed a report and I'm just waiting for a call back from my insurance. BRAND NEW 2016 SIERRA, I bought it with only 46km on the engine. Do I go into the dealership and freak out? Just looking for advice thank you for responding.
Topic:
Canada

Answer:
 You should definitely contact the dealership that the airbag failed to deploy when the charge went off. You don't want to "freak out" as you may be one of, if not "the", first folks to see this happen.

As for legal stuff, unless they knew there was an issue and did not address it, there's not much to do. It's not like you can "test" every airbag by setting it off, so 1:1,000,000 chances will happen sometimes.
Answer #2: >Do I go into the dealership and freak out?

That is how you don't get what you want.

You attract more bees with honey than vinegar.


Title: I'm the sole Distributor of a Product and it's being Ebay'd into my Country [AU]

Question:
Sorry for title Gore I don't know how to put it succinctly.

Essentially, I've had a contract with a company for over 10 years whereby I am the sole distributor of their brand in my country (Australia).

Recently the CEO retired and his son took over of this company. I believe he doesn't care, and may even be encouraging, people he is distributing to, to sell their products to my client's clients wholesale price (I am the middle man selling to stores, which then sell to customers).

These people have their own websites with my products listed in Australian dollars (targeting my demographic) even though they're selling from places like United Kingdom. They are also selling through mediums like eBay.

Is there any way I can start a kerfuffle with my distributor to get him to deal with these people like his father did (Legally speaking)? And/or is there any way I can get eBay to take down products being listed or prevent them from shipping to Australia? Take down the websites selling the product or prevent them from distributing to Australia?

I've had this business, and built up the demand for the product, for over a decade and I'm being pushed to the point of looking for other opportunities. I'm a man going into my later years, I can't start another business from scratch. I just can't.

Thank you kindly for your help.

Answer:
 As someone who has experienced a similar problem my suggestions are thus:

* Free shipping: you can, they can't.
* Hype the shit out of the above, and it's speed vs international parcel
* Announce that you're the only one shipping domestic
* Warn customers about high loss rates on international parcels and tariffs. (if that applies in AUS, not one of the countries I do).

Most people don't want to wait for international shipping. Legally though you're pretty much SOL other than perhaps a breach of contract by your vendor.


Title: Public Defender vs Hiring an Attorney (Glen Allen, VA)

Question:
So a very good friend of mine got 4 charges last night.

-Possession of Marijuana
-Possession of Alcohol under 21 years old
- 2 Charges of Fake Identification

Should  they hire an attorney or stick with with a free public defender? Also they are a first time offender but this is 4 charges so what could the possible outcomes of this situation be?

Answer:
 You don’t get a choice. If you can afford a lawyer, you don’t qualify for a public defender. Answer #2: >Should they hire an attorney or stick with with a free public defender?

Usually when you can afford to pay an attorney you have to much to quallify for a public defender.

>Also they are a first time offender but this is 4 charges so what could the possible outcomes of this situation be?

That would only be guess work over here, his lawyer would be way better suited to answer that question.Answer #3: If they can afford a lawyer, I would reccomend hiring one over using a public defender.


Title: NY. I just flushed my ex's weed down the toilet in our home.

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Legally, she has no ownership interest in that marijuana.

If you had stolen it, she would not be able to sue you for its value, nor make a valid criminal complaint about the theft of her property.

Your testimony about her verbal threats are probably sufficient for police to accept a criminal complaint if she does damage the house or your car.   It's not perfect, of course;   it's not proof that you didn't do the damage yourself then claim she did, right ?   But it's more than nothing.

Any chance a store that stocks Nest cameras is still open at this hour ?


Title: Supervisor Talked About My Medical

Question:
My supervisor talked about my FMLA medical issue with his wife, then she went to her work and talked about it with my grandma (who goes there as one of her customers). Then I go to my grandma's and my grandma starts asking me questions about it. I never needed or wanted my family knowing my business involving time off work.
Is there anything I can do about this ?

Answer: Talk to your supervisor's boss and HR about your supervisor's conduct.


Title: [CA] Threatened with firing for not being precise down to the minute on the time clock

Question:
So our workplace recently had an issue with the Department of Labor. As a result, we got a new timeclock system (before we were just filling out sheets and the boss was copying information off them and destroying them).

Our office manager doesn't really know how to use the system and we've been told we have to clock in and out *exactly* on the minute we're supposed to be there and leave. We have to take our breaks *exactly* on the dot and we can't clock in and our a minute before or after we're supposed to.

If this were an ordinary place, I'd say they were just uptight and try to keep reminders on my phone.

The problem is the kind of work we do is at a center for therapy and as such we're often talking with clients and we can't just blow clients off because "it's time for my lunch." We also try not to clock watch as much as possible because the clients have a fixed amount of time with us and we've found it makes people anxious to constantly be checking the time.

As such, getting to a certain spot in our building *exactly* at a certain time isn't always possible, especially if we want to do our jobs well.

This has been happening for a few weeks and at the last staff meeting they said they would start docking pay and firing people who didn't comply.

We feel really stuck here and we're not sure what to do or if this is even legal.

Answer: It's stupid but legal. Your office manager should google "FLSA rounding" to learn about how rounding 7 minutes in either direct is legal. If you were fired for this dumb reason you would file for unemployment and look for a new job.


Title: (Ohio) Tough childhood and school staff never took any action or interest. Was this legal?

Question:
I grew up neglected and emotionally abused and have dealt with (diagnosed) depression and PTSD from my childhood for most of my adult life. I now am living a life I never thought I would have and have a beautiful family. As my kids have gone through school though,  it has become obvious to me that the school I went to was not as involved with me as they should have been, though I am not sure what a school's legal obligation is. Trying to find info it seems that a school may not have to get involved with a child's life outside of school unless there is evidence that something is wrong. If that is the case, I feel in retrospect that it had to have been painfully obvious.

My dad went to prison for 3.5 yrs at the beginning of my high school years (October of 9th grade. I also started school early and was only 13 at the time) and was on the front page of the local paper (it was a very large drug bust in our county and big news at the time). My mother was an extremely bad alcoholic and was in the paper for a couple DUIs while I was in school as well (her husband going to prison did not help and it sent her into a drug and alcohol filled downward spiral for most of my high school years, leaving my sister and me to fend for ourselves). I ended up being ostracized by most people at school, and bullied by a few. This began my depression and I ended up embracing the ostracization as a way to protect myself from the shit that had enveloped my life. (I could tell you dozens of different stories that would back up the case of it being obvious that something was wrong. For example, I never knew how or where to get my locker combination so never used my locker. How is it that a flag would not have been raised by somebody at the school when a 13 year old child is wearing his coat the entire day and carrying around every book he has every day?) This turned me into a nobody at my school. I didn't take care of myself and nobody noticed. I didn't talk to people and nobody noticed. My grades declined and nobody noticed. I honestly do not recall ever even meeting a guidance counselor, if the school even had one. I had zero attention on me and nobody to help me get through this dark part of my life. At a time I should have been preparing for my future, I was all alone with nobody to care about me. I had no idea about what I was supposed to do. SATs, ACTs, college.... nobody was there to guide me, I was too depressed to ask for help (I honestly believed that I was doing the right thing for myself, being the way I was. I never even considered taking an SAT or something because nobody ever considered me).

Once I graduated, a couple months after turning 17, I got out and never looked back. I did not think of the school or the people I went to school with and went on with my life; got a job, worked my way up, got married, had kids, made decent money for a guy with no college or support system. Fast forward and, coincidentally, my brother in law marries a girl from the same town I was from. She graduated 15yrs after me but told stories that reminded me of how shitty the school was. I now have begun thinking about how ludicrous it was that not a single teacher or counselor from my school ever talked to me about anything and I that I was able to go to school for 4 years without any sort of support from anybody at school. I understand that teachers have many students and a lot on their plates, but we were a pretty small school and, looking back, my situation was way, way outside the norm and should have been noted by somebody. My life, though better than I could have imagined, is still so hard and I can't help but feel that schools must have some responsibility in a situation such as mine to do the right thing and this is why I began to think about the legality of it. Perhaps I should continue blocking the memories out about the disservice that was imposed on me, but part of me can't help but think that those teachers and counselors that ignored me for years also ignored others in need, and are possibly still doing it. It just wasn't right and maybe those parties involved need to be made aware of the problems they caused by their indifference. Maybe I am just a whiny bitch who needs to forget about the past. Maybe I could have done something but it is now too late (graduated in 95).

I apologize if this is a bit rambling. I have never addressed any of my past problems in writing and putting it down into words is a bit more difficult and emotional than I would have imagined.

(TL;DR)- Home life sucked. School didn't care, though it was obvious, and it contributed to a very difficult life for me.

Edit: I guess the main question is, does a school have a responsibility to
 address visible cases of neglect in a child and if so, what is the recourse for schools who do not? There must be some sort of minimum requirements for school employees and positions such as counsellors.

Edit2: I am aware that people's perception can be very different, and I would have not thought this if it was not obvious to me now how obvious it must have been to others back then that there was something wrong. (Also note that I never had a parent attend teacher conferences and as far as I know my mother never met a teacher of mine or ever entered my school, which should raise a red flag to a teacher).

Answer: Time to move on.  Are you seeing a mental health professional?Answer #2: Yeah the educational system isn't the tool for addressing childhood poverty/abuse. Social services maybe, but you have no legal recourse here. Just learn from your experience and try to do right by your own family.


Title: Someone is threatening me after a tinder match

Question: [deleted]

Answer: Scam.  What does (s)he want in return for not posting your private bits all over?


Title: Company golf cart broke down, they want us to use our personal vehicles.

Question:
Hello, I am a Security guard commissioned from a chain company to a Lumber plant in my home town.
For our "rounds" We are supposed to have a company issued golf cart which has now broken down in the hands of the cleaning lady (she used our golf cart to drive into the plant to get their van which I think is retarded)
Anyways... They are wanting us to use our personal vehicles in the plant to drive in these locations, keep in mind this is a fully functional lumber plant, and I don't want to do it. We aren't payed gas or wear and tear on our vehicles, it's not in our contract, and am not paid enough to even think of considering it, but I have to and I don't want to be fired.

Is there something where I will be covered for damage or flats or anything that happens to my car on clock in the plant, when in our contract says nothing about having to use our own vehicles, and says we will be issued a company golf cart for this job

Sorry if none of this made sense but thanks for any help possible

If it matters I'm located in Texas, United States.

Answer:
 Is the contract between the security company and the lumber plant or do you have an individual contract? Maybe escalating this with the security company would be the way to go. If the cart’s required it’s required. They are not rare or hard to obtain.

I am not a lawyer, not an auto insurance specialist and not in Texas but I can’t imagine damage or liability would be covered by your personal auto policy in this situation.

It sound silly but I’m serous when I ask if a bicycle would work to get around temporarily?


Title: [MI] Tip jar money at work is spent on Christmas party at the end of the year. Is this legal?

Question:
Work in a restaurant.  There is a tip jar at the counter.  At the end of every year, the store manager uses the tip money to throw a Christmas party and buy everyone gifts.  There's usually a little bit of cash included, but this is at the manager's discretion as to how much.  Some employees would rather have the money, but this is not on option.  Is this even legal?

Edit: I should mention this is a pizza place where there is no waitress or waiters, so people pay when they order.  I don't know if it's relevant, but I thought I should mention in case it is.

Answer:
 No, it's not legal. Contact your state department of labor. Hiring a lawyer won't get you enough money to compensate you for hiring a lawyer. Or just explain to your boss that it's illegal and to return the compensation to the staff. Up to you.Answer #2: Most likely management cannot do this.  You will have to balance a desire to report them with the likely possibility that they remove the tip jar altogether and/or illegally(but usually hard to prove) fire whoever reported it. That said you likely will get the money from the jar eventually, but it probably won't be a ton of money unless this was a really nice party.Answer #3: Whoa, whoa, whoa. Everybody slow your roll here. It reads to me like OP is a cashier. A cashier is not a typically tipped employer per MI law and as such isn't legally entitled to be tipped out.

The owner is actually doing you a huge favor. You know that if you were a tipped employee you would have to claim those tips on your taxes, right? It's certainly more fair to everyone (cooks aren't entitled to tips either) to pool the money and have a party. Sorry OP, you're not a tipped employee.

Answer #4: That is pretty scummy.
They take your money to pay for a christmas party that no one wants to go to.

But...they can force you to not take tips at all.  They dont have to allow their employees to accept tips.  So fighting it may not get you anywhere.


Title: If a serious stalker gets caught and charged, do they most likely go to mental wards or prison?

Question: 'Merica

Answer:
 Let me give you the most common and most accurate legal answer you'll ever get:

It depends.

I'd say the odds are better towards prison, but YMMV.


Title: Major HIPAA Violation

Question: I just tried calling my doctor’s office to get an update on what’s happening with my treatment. When I was in the office last, the head nurse gave me her extension so I can speak with her directly. She told me to dial * before her Ext #, but when I did that, it took me to her messages. I only listened to 1.5 before hanging up, because I wanted my wife to hear what was happening. I heard patients’ names, DOB, and medical info. Needless to say, I am extremely disappointed in this lack of security and am concerned about my own information having possibly been heard by others. I left a message with the nurse, but what recourse do I have?

Answer: Well, first call the office and tell the office manager that her nurse gave you the incorrect extension information.  Most HIPAA violations are human errors and you want them to correct this ASAP. Being annoyed and not calling doesn't help anyone. Yes, if you make a formal complaint, they may have to pay a small fine.  Errors like this, if the first time, generally are $100.00. However, please do your fellow patients a favor and make sure the nurse was thinking about checking her vm and misspoke and isn't giving everyone the incorrect way to contact her.  Answer #2: You can file a complaint with the office or with HHS, but there is no private cause of action allowed under HIPAA.


Title: Acquaintance may be in an abusive household. Want to make sure contacting CPS will be successful.

Question:
First I would like to apologize in advance if things are a little vague but I wish to preserve anonymity as much as possible.

Background:

My sister has an acquaintance (I will call them Robin) who is probably in an abusive household. Currently, Robin seems to be subjected to verbal/emotional abuse and strange punishments. For example, Robin's parents will often take away most of Robin's clothing. There is a history of abuse though, and it used to be physical and possibly sexual. Those at least seem to have been worked through with the help of a therapist. Also, it seems that the family has been investigated by cps before, but nothing came of it. Everyone lives in Florida.

I have two questions. First is, does it seem like Robin's situation is good enough to be rescued by CPS? We don't want a situation where CPS investigates, determines that the case is not strong enough, and then Robin is left to face the parents. I am told Robin does fear for life.

Second, Robin has siblings, however they are not abused. Robin would still like to save them from the environment. If CPS takes Robin would they also rescue the siblings?

Thanks in advance for any advice. I can try to clarify points if there are any questions. If this question doesn't belong here I would appreciate it if I could be directed to a better subreddit.

Answer:
 > We don't want a situation where CPS investigates, determines that the case is not strong enough, and then Robin is left to face the parents.

You can't guarantee that, ever, regardless of your statements.  You can make your report and see what happens.


Title: Pregnant driver t-boned by uninsured motorist.

Question:
Hi all,

(In OR) My wife was driving when she was hit on the driver's side by an uninsured driver who ran a red light (driver was cited for running the light and for no insurance). The injuries to her are pretty significant as well as they found fetal blood in her which means something happened to the baby (but it's nearly impossible to determine what with ultrasounds). It has been some time from the accident and my wife is recuperating. Baby is due shortly. The other driver has no assets so it is just us and our own insurance company to work on a solution.

We have the max coverage for everything including uninsured coverage ($xxk per person). I've had enough experience to know that insurance companies want to protect as much of their money as possible. They said they'll put the driver into collections for everything.

The main question I have is, does the unborn child count as a person? A high risk doc mentioned that we may not see injuries for up to 3 years (at the developmental stage). The insurance has already started using the word fetus rather than child.

Two concerns I have is the cost associated with going after more money may be a wash (from some searching online I don't see a precedent). Secondly is the concern of being dropped by the insurance (I assume that means we will pay a higher rate going somewhere else.

I lean to getting a lawyer if there's a significant chance of getting anything just so that we can have it in a growth fund to hopefully grow to help if anything happens.

I guess a final question is, does my child have the right to go after the at fault driver in the future (or open up it's own so insurance claim once it's born (I've read minors statute goes to 18y/o+ 2 years) or is this a grey area?

Tldr:
Pregnant Wife in not at fault auto accident

1. Does unborn child count as a person in auto coverage?
2. Would a lawyer roughly cost the same as the potential settlement in this scenario?
3. Should I worry if my insurance drops us if we pursue more than what we are offered?
4. Does unborn child have right to sue other driver (or open up it's own claim on the auto insurance?

Thank you all for any tips, advice.
Topic:
Insurance

Answer:
 1. This question is moot since injuries will be assessed after the birth and if attributed to the accident will be part of the claim.

2. This is going to get complex so at minimum a consult would be a good idea.  That being said, if you know the person that hit you will never be able to pay a dime AND you know the max limits of your policy a lawyer might not be needed.

3. Who cares?  You are not at fault in the accident, and there are other insurers willing to insure you.

4. See #2.  If the other driver is never going to have money, and you've exhausted the policy of your own insurance, a claim really isn't going to be beneficial.Answer #2: >The insurance has already started using the word fetus rather than child.

That's because typically the *legal* definition of fetus lasts until birth.

I'm unable to find anything in Oregon law that explicitly defines fetus, but the wording in [this document](https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/BIRTHDEATHCERTIFICATES/REGISTERVITALRECORDS/Documents/DefLiveBirthFetalDeathITOP.pdf) indicates that this is the case in Oregon as well.

Do not look at this as them trying to dehumanize the baby. They have to stick to proper legal definitionsAnswer #3: I was an auto insurance claims adjuster for 5 years and am still comfortable dealing an negotiating with insurance companies but if this is the was my wife I would absolutely be getting a lawyer. There are some major potential injuries and issues.


Title: (WI) One of my roommates wants to move out and is being asked to be released from the lease. How do we go about this in an amicable way while still protecting ourselves?

Question:
Here's a bit of background: There are six of us living in a five bedroom flat on the second of three floors. The total rent is $2,550 per month (not counting cable, electric, or internet). Two people split a room, so the way we have worked out rent is such: Four people pay $485/month for a single room, while the two who are splitting pay $305/month each. The roommate in question has a single room. For a variety of reasons, the rest of us do not wish to sign a new lease with him for the 2016-2017 lease cycle.

Long story short, he did not take it well and is now looking to move out. He asked us to release him from the lease, but the two tenants who currently share the room cannot afford the $210/month increase that would fall upon them (rent for the remaining five people, if he is released, would increase to $510/month each). Does anybody know what the protocol is for getting released from the lease? I don't believe it is specified in the lease, nor do I believe the landlords are willing to go through the process. If I am correct, a release would need the consent of the remaining five tenants and the landlords.

Also, I am checking with the landlord to see if this roommate has paid his share through the remainder of the lease. I vaguely remember him saying he did, and if so, he could be released without the other rents changing (theoretically, I'm sure he may be entitled to some reimbursement).

So now I'm here, and hoping somebody can give me some advice to control a situation I feel is rapidly going into a tailspin.

TL;DR Don't want to live with a current roommate for the next lease cycle. Roommate didn't take it well and is now looking to move out. Wants to be released, what do?

Answer:
 >If I am correct, a release would need the consent of the remaining five tenants and the landlords.

You are correct. All parties must agree to dissolve a contract. If you do not want to release him, you do not have to. He is responsible for rent until the lease is up, unless someone is found to take over his portion of the lease.Answer #2: The most amicable way would be for him to find someone, that you all agree on, to take over the lease. Might not be the correct legal way but most likely the landlord would agree since he/she would not be affected.


Title: Denied from Walmart a second time 7yrs later due to felony

Question:
So long story short, I was convicted of a felony in 2013 (happened in 2012) for reckless conduct with a firearm. The charge itself is a misdemeanor, but the firearm involved resulted in a class C felony.

Walmart was the first place I applied to after being released in Jan of 2014. I was denied, understandably, though I was still hoping they'd accept me with how well I used my time incarcerated (worked an outside job because it was a pre-release facility, ran the AA and NA programs, tutored inmates for their GED, etc.). Fortunately I ended up getting a far better job that I stayed at for a couple years shortly after.

I did pretty well thereafter, later on getting a job where I made good money, realized a whole hell of a lot better of a life I ever could have with Walmart, stayed sober for 6yrs and so on. Never thought I'd have to bring myself back down to Walmart again, but unfortunately I relapsed and just went down the rabbit hole over the past year.

I applied to an entry-level position a few weeks ago because they were hiring en masse due to the COVID stuff. I thought after JUST under 7yrs of conviction, how could they possibly deny me AGAIN because of that. Sure enough, the background check was delayed, and today I received an email simply stating they found "more qualified candidates".

They obviously denied me because of the felony. I live in CA, Walmart is supposed to be an EEO employer. Do I have anything at all against them, or would it be fruitless? I've been unemployed for several months and currently living out of my car. Out of all places, I really can't believe Walmart would deny me, are there seriously NO felons working at any Walmart? It's been almost 7yrs, and more than 7yrs since the actual incident.
Topic:
Employment Law

Answer: Legal convictions are not a protected class under Equal Opportunity.   Unless they rejected you for a specific reason protected under law, they can reject you for just about anything else.


Title: Unwanted advances being made on me

Question:
Location: Tallahassee, FL

So at school there is this girl that is making unwanted advances on me. (I’m a boy just to make it clear.) She comes up to me from behind and gives me hugs. She also winks and licks her lips when she looks at me. I don’t know whether to consider these as sexual advances or not. The thing is that my teacher doesn’t seem to notice and my classmates don’t really care about this. The thing is that I don’t want her to do this to me and I don’t know how to respond to this so can I get any advice? Thanks
Topic:
Other Civil Matters

Answer: Tell her you aren't interested


Title: (US) My son's wife (estranged) passed away on Saturday. Her family did not inform my son. What are his rights/responsibilities? How can I help?

Question:
My son and his wife, both residents of Oregon, have been married for six years, living apart for the last twelve months with the intention to divorce. My daughter in law was diagnosed with a severe case of MS about three years ago. Her illness was largely the reason for the split. I won't bother with the details as they aren't important. There were no other parties involved, the decision to divorce was mutual, and the separation was amicable.

My son discovered the news by accident last Tuesday when contacted by her medical marijuana grower, who informed my son that his wife's crop was going to be ready soon. My son has been picking up his wife's prescription and driving 90 miles to deliver it to her, once  a month. He'd been trying to contact his wife, but she wasn't picking up, returning texts or voicemail messages. This is not unusual behaviour. My daughter in law was moody. In the past she would often decide she didn't want to speak to friends or family members and would just freeze them out and refuse all contact. So my son assumed she was in mood, and gave her contact details to the grower, asking the guy to call him back and let him know if his wife was okay, having an MS episode, in the hospital or whatever.

The grower rang my daughter in law's phone and her grandmother picked up, informed him that my daughter in law had died, and said they didn't want my son to know. The grower called my son and gave him the news. This news has hit my son hard. Her prognosis was ten years, not twelve months. His wife's death is completely unexpected.

We are sadly lacking in additional information. My son is grieving, barely able to cope with the news of his wife's passing, let alone sort the details. We have no information about where or how she died. No idea where her body is. There's been no obituary. How do we obtain that information if her family is refusing contact? What are my son's rights and responsibilities?

Debt: My daughter in law has been quite cavalier about racking up debt for the past year, convinced that she would die before she had to pay it back. I assume that debt will now become my son's as the surviving spouse. Their finances have been entirely separate for the past four months or so. Meaning they no longer share banking, and neither has access to the other's accounts. She has been receiving social security for her disability. Presumably my son needs to inform the SS office as well as her bank?

Death Certificates. I assume he'll need some. How many? Where do we get them? Whom do we need to give them to?

General advice for dealing with the clannish and hyper-religious family of an estranged spouse? I never met or spoke with her parents. Surely they're not allowed to shut him out of the decision making process. Again, what are his rights as a surviving spouse?

I hope I am asking the right questions and that this is making sense. Though my son and his wife were not a good fit together, I genuinely loved my daughter in law, and am also grieving. I live in the UK and am frustrated by the distance and wondering what I can do to help son. Any guidance would be welcome.

Edit: Grammar and spelling.

Topic:
Wills Trusts and Estates

Answer:
 Do you have any input as to why her family doesn't want him to know she passed away? The whole matter seems a bit fishy, are you sure they aren't lying about her death? Maybe they just lied to the grower to keep him from calling anymore due to negative opinions of the drug... Why hasn't your son called and tried to inquire about this with them?

 He probably doesn't owe debts that were hers alone: https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/debt-marriage-owe-spouse-debts-29572.html