Title: Can I call 911 to check if a cop is legit?

Question: Someone told me that if I get pulled over and get a feeling the cop is not a real cop, I can call 911 and they can check. Does this work? I wouldn't think there is any way for them to check.

Answer: In Ontario, Canada it's not only legal but a family friend, an OPP constable, actually recommended this to my sister when she used to commute at night by herself. Answer #2: Absolutely, and this is recommended by many police departments. They can check because the people who answer 9-1-1 calls are either the very same people who dispatch the cops or are in very close contact with them. Answer #3: Absolutely, in fact if your being pulled over in a remote area you can call 911 and verify if it’s a legitimate stop and go to the nearest public place to pull over.


Title: Hospital withholding ultrasound information and photos.

Question:
I'd like to start this off by apologizing because I don't even know if this is a legality issue and for my grammar and format, I'm on mobile.

My fiance and I have a little bun in the oven for the first time. My fiance, the one who is baking said bun, currently has MediCal Partnership for her insurance and we are going to NorthBay Healthcare. We had our first appointment roughly a month ago and that's when we scheduled our first ultrasound. We were told we'd hear the heartbeat and get to come home with a photo. Today we show up for our appointment and when my fiance is called in, I stood up to go in with her and the person told me that I cannot come in with them. Frustrated and confused, I sat in the waiting room for 10 minutes before my fiance comes out and says its over. We got no picture and my fiance says that they said they couldn't show us anything until we see her doctor next week.

The lady who helped us described that there was a new rule that went into place a couple of weeks ago that restricts them from sharing any info and she couldn't even tell us if our lil bun was ok. She just said that people who "come to us for this reason" can't see anything. Thing is though, we made the appointment at the orientation before any of my fiance's bloodwork so what is the "reason"?

So first, is this even legal? I'm sure it is, but it's mindboggling how vague they were.
And second, is there an official at the hospital I could talk to understand what this new rule is? I can't see the point of withholding this kind of information. It's causing unnecessary stress for my fiance because we have no clue if there is an issue with the lil bun.

Thank you.
Topic:
Medicine and Malpractice

Answer:
 I'm not in the same jurisdiction as you, but where I am only doctors will deliver test results/diagnoses. Ultrasound/x-ray techs won't tell you anything, too much risk of an angry patient if their interpretation turned out to be wrong.

If it was your first ultrasound your SO is pretty early along I assume? There won't be much to see on an ultrasound at that point.


Title: Facebook is asking for a Government ID to confirm my account, doesnt seem like a scam and not sure what to do.

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 That is something that they do occasionally. Facebook wants people to have accounts with their real name and not nicknames. This is how they clear out ones that sound fake. You show them that your name is actually McLovin and you get back access to your page. Answer #2: This is a legit thing they do. It's their "authenticity" program. Native American names trigger it all the time, and they've gotten some flak for that.  Names like "John Lone Elk" or "Lance Brown Eyes"  don't sound like real names to whatever algorithm they use.  They've also run afoul of transgender groups, as many transpeople do not want to use their given name.Answer #3: You're overthinking this. Facebook already have plenty of ways of definitively identifying you if they wanted to, which would provide them with much more information. They could contact your ISP and identify you that way. They could hire a gumshoe to chase you down in meat-space based on the photos they have. Their algorithm probably had a pretty good idea of your entire identity before you even had an account.

This is just a formality for their name system; it doesn't make you any more legally vulnerable than you already are.Answer #4: Wow. Request appears legit.

https://www.facebook.com/help/community/question/?id=1467141580244808Answer #5: What do Facebook know about you when you sign up?

- Your name, your date of birth and a picture of you.

What do they want to see to verify the account?

- Your name, your date of birth and a picture of you.

Hope that helps...


Title: Friend being sued by Capital One for credit card debt

Question:
Denver, Colorado

My friend received two summons by an attorney representing Capital One, Machol & Johannes LLC. One is for $3000, the other is for $1200. The summons are not real summons with a case #, but are summons written up in advance by this attorney before they file the case. I am trying to help her and have some questions.

1. My main concern is that they list court costs and attorney fees in their complaint. If this actual goes to court, how much money could that possibly cost? Is it better to just settle in advance? Is there any negative to waiting to settle after they file a real case?

2. Is this just a scare tactic and they don't usually file an actual case?

3. I had her call them and try to come to a settlement. Their offer was $3400 to take care of both. I had her call the next day and offer $1400, which they completely refused and said they're not even close. What % will they usually settle for? Is there any good tactics to make them come lower? I told her to mention she'll be putting the money towards an attorney to file for bankruptcy if they can't settle.

Any help is appreciated

Answer:
 She's going to file for bankruptcy over $3400?  That's absurd.

They offered to knock 20% off of her legitimate debt.  That's a pretty fair offer considering she actually owes the money.


Title: Received duplicate item I ordered. Do I need to return it?

Question:
So I ordered an item online that came with a missing part. I contacted the seller, and they stated they didn't carry just the part, so they sent me out a full extra order with a return label. I got the part, and sent back the rest of the order as I agreed to.

However, I received *another* full order a few days later. I contacted the seller again to let them know this, and they said they would send me another return label, which they did. Except it's the exact same return label as the one I had already used, and UPS says they can't ship it because the label has already been used.

I looked up FTC rules on unsolicited orders, which says unsolicited orders received are legally the property of the recipient (including "honest shipping mistakes"), but I'm not sure if this applies here. I'm in Georgia and did find state laws on "unjust enrichment" but it looks like it only applies in similar cases where I receive an order that was *paid for by somebody else* and sent to the wrong address.

Should I contact the seller again and get *another* return order? Is this legally mine to keep? Ethically I'm borderline, because I feel like I should return it as I already tried to do, but this is now the 3rd fuckup on this single order and I'm kinda tired of dealing with it.

Answer: What the hell is wrong with the world when this is a weekly question, and people ask advice on what to do and vehemently reject it and try to make arguments saying it is their property and they should get to keep it?Answer #2: Unordered merchandise is when you get something out of the blue and then they expect you to pay for it. You had a relationship with this merchant and they made a shipping error. Yes you should ask them for a new return label.


Title: Upstairs neighbor's dog is urinating onto my patio.

Question:
I want to apologize ahead of time, as this will be my first submission on reddit outside of comments. So if something is jacked up, it is an honest mistake. Also, I am in Georgia.

Over Labor Day weekend, I had a knock on my apartment door from two maintenance men asking me if something had tipped over on my patio. The below resident made a call saying something was dripping through. I never use my patio, the only items out there were a cheap fold-able lawn chair. I told them no, but would double check. When I checked my patio had been stained, forming a crude right triangle on my rectangular patio. I told them that it was coming from above mine and that they needed to ask the person above me.

I forgot my initial attempt at contact with the office of my apartment. I do know that I attempted to call Fri-Mon but was unable to get ahold of anyone being a holiday weekend and all. Tuesday I spoke with someone and was told the manager was in a meeting and that they would return my phone call after that was finished. I never got a phone call returned. After a few days passed I followed up and was told they would contract someone to come by that week and pressure wash my patio because they could not. No one came by that week and when I called for an update, was told that the entire complex was scheduled to have the patios pressure washed the first week of October. That first week went by and they actually pressure washed the breezeway, which was no help.

About two weeks ago I sent a lengthy email that was more stern that this post explaining my frustration. I was called a few hours later, was told that they sent a cease and desist letter to the above neighbor, and had two men come by to clean a day after I was originally told over the phone. They dumped water over the stain and scrubbed bleach over the stains. They said the stains on the siding would require treatment and that they would be back later. They took some pictures, that was the first time anyone came by to look at the damage.

Another two weeks went by, I informed the manager that the above neighbor still left their dog out there, so any work that was done was essentially undone. She then told me that the maintenance men said that they believed that some of the damage had to have come from my dogs, but she would follow up with her manager to see what they could legally do.

I have two, two minute long videos I recorded over the past two days where you can hear the dog walking upstairs on the patio above me. I have stains, running to the top of the patio, roughly 10 feet high, and a visible stain coming from above that almost perfectly matches the stain below. I never let my dogs out there, I rarely ever go out there.

I've never gotten a lawyer before, and have never dealt with a situation like this. I was hoping to buy a house in the next few years, so rental history is still very important to me. Plus I don't want to be hit with any damage fees. Does anyone have any advice on how to handle this situation?

Answer:
 I don't know what the laws are in Georgia, but you might want to see if this is something for Animal Control. I had a similar situation. Document everything.Answer #2: Small update.

My apartment manager is wanting to see the videos I recorded. It sounds like she didn't know I had them, I could have sworn I told her about them, but they are in the process of being sent now.Answer #3: This sounds stupid, but have you tried just going up there and knocking on their door and explaining the situation? In any case, though, the type of people that let their dog piss on a balcony may not be the most reasonable people in this world.

What state do you live in?


Title: [CALIFORNIA] Tenant moved out after 5 days because of ants, claims "habitability issue"?

Question:
California. I am renting a house from the owner. I then sublease bedrooms in the house to subtenants. I'm basically the landlord to them they all have leases directly with me. There's been some REALLY hot days lately, unusually hot for October. We've had some ants, many people have when it gets hot. We spray, and put ant bait traps. There's been some in the kitchen, and in the bathroom. The food in the kitchen cabinets has been left untouched by the ants, the ants are just by the trash can / sink. The guy just decided to move out, into a 12 month lease after just 5 days of being in the house. Never once complained about the ants, just said he was moving out. Now he is coming to me and saying he won't be paying rent until a replacement is found because of the ants and it being a habitability issue. He never once brought up the ants, the ants were a minor nuisance, and were being dealt with. I think he wanted to leave for other reasons.

Are ants really a habitability issue? Wouldn't he have to give us notice and give us an opportunity to fix the problem (which we did, ants are gone!).

Answer:
 Tell him he can pay or you can sue him.

I seriously doubt a judge is going to agree that a few ants make a space uninhabitable.


Title: [US-MD] Assault and attempted theft with video of person, their car, and plates. Police say there's little they can do.

Question:
A car cut me off yesterday, and my horn and high beams upset the other guy. He got out of his car and punched me (with what looked like brass knuckles on) through an open window. I followed him for a couple minutes (wanted to call 911, but my phone didn't have a signal). He approached my car again and I started taking video -- I have a clear shot of his face, him trying to climb into my car through the sun roof while demanding I hand over my phone and punching me, and video of his car.

I filed a police report after getting home, but the cops say that since he was out of state (Delaware) with a temporary license place, they can't do anything about it. Even worse, the cop said that unless it's aggravated assault or worse, detectives don't follow up.

What are my options here? Call Delaware authorities? Hire a PI?

Answer: Even if you call DE authorities, I don't think they'll be able to do anything if it happened in MD. DE won't have jurisdiction.


Title: I just found out that my parents spent my $5000 trust fund from their very close friend that was dedicated specifically to either getting me to college or kick starting my business.

Question:
They claim that they spent it on an emergency, without my knowledge. However, they refuse to pay me back a single penny of it. Is there anything I can do to at least get my $5000 back? I’m currently 14, if I try to talk to them I’ll get shot down instantly, and I have no way to talk to a lawyer or attorney about it. I’ve been planning my life around this $5000, knowing exactly how I plan to spend it and planned to use it very well to help me start making money.
Topic:
Wills Trusts and Estates

Answer:
 You can’t plan your life around $5000.

It’s maybe a semesters tuition and definitely not kickstarting a business.Answer #2: >they said they spent it on an emergency 3 years ago, but I can’t think of any possible emergency that would have taken place in that time

You would have been 11 at time. I imagine there's a lot your parents wouldn't tell you at 11.

Your recovery is going to depend on what kind of trust it is. If it's a trust set up for your needs, your parent's as your guardians could have *needed* to spend that money in order to continue to provide for you.Answer #3: What [type](https://estate.findlaw.com/trusts/types-of-trusts.html) of trust? Who set up the trust? What were the conditions of the trust? What paperwork was involved in the trust?Answer #4: My question is, what kind of trust was this? It will depend on what the trust explicity said. While it sucks, I'm not sure you have a leg to stand on here, especially considering the dollar amount.Answer #5: $5000 is not a trust, it's a savings account. It sounds like you had an emergency that required use of that money, which is exactly what savings is for- emergencies. Let it go.


Title: Need help on what to do for me and a friend, he took my car late at night while I was asleep, got pulled over they searched the vehicle and found coke that isnt either of ours

Question: So the title basically explains it all, my friend took my car to a gas station to get a drink while I was passed out on his couch, got pulled over for the headlights not being on, vehicle got searched by the first officer who didnt find anything, then a second who said the back was covered in coke and that he found a bag of it in the center concil. It for sure it either of ours and were stuck on what to do

Answer: How can you really be sure it was not your friends? I ask that because the police are not going to buy the “we don’t know who that cocaine in my car belongs to” story.   Constructive possession is the operative phrase here.   You need a lawyer.  And not the same one as your friend.


Title: My ex-wife keeps taking our child to unneeded dentist/doctor appointments, and enrolling her in elective programs, without my knowledge or consent.

Question: My ex and I share 5050 Legal, and 5050 Physical custody of our daughter.  I am liable for 70% of Medical/Child Care costs, on top of my Child Support.  My ex has taken our daughter to the dentist to have major work done, without me knowing about it until the bill comes. She also enrolled her into a summer camp without me agreeing to it, (she already goes to the YMCA every day) and she is claiming that I need to pay her for 70% of school lunches, when under the MN Law, 518A.26 SUBD 4, Basic Child Support should go towards that.  My question is, am I liable to pay for the dentist and camp even though she didn't properly communicate and consult with me?  Also, I should mention that the dentist she took her too has a greater out of pocket expense and the one that Me, my wife, and step daughter all go to is covered better under my insurance.

Answer:
 Does you decree state that the medical care should be provided by a doctor you both select, or place limitations based on insurance networks? Because if the only thing it states is that you're responsible for 70%, I think you're stuck. Although you can certainly try and come to an agreement about it.

I'd say you shouldn't be responsible for the lunches, but that the camp could reasonably be counted under child care if she's going to the camp in lieu of care.


Title: Craigslist Buyer threatened to call the FBI

Question:
This buyer sends a check. I check it in. Next day I go to the bank and they say it’s a scam. The bank says they will send the money to the person. The person asks me to only send 2/3 of the amount back via money gram. I say the bank will the send the whole amount. The guy emails me and says he called the FBI with my personal info. What should I do ?

 Location = Ithaca, NY

Answer:
 >This buyer sends a check. I check it in.

Do you mean that you deposited the check into your bank account?

>Next day I go to the bank and they say it’s a scam.

Do you mean that the bank said the check wasn't any good?

>The bank says they will send the money to the person.

That doesn't even make any sense.

>The person asks me to only send 2/3 of the amount back via money gram.

Any money that you send by MoneyGram to anyone related to this will be lost and you will never get it back nor trace where it went.

>The guy emails me and says he called the FBI with my personal info. What should I do ?

The guy is not going to call the FBI.  You can simply stop corresponding with the guy because it sounds like he's just your garden variety scammer who sent you a fake check (a **VERY** common scam).Answer #2: Tell him you have a close contact at the fbi and to reference case #3697211 when he calls so this issue can be expedited. Answer #3: Ignore him.

Even if he did call the FBI, they have more important things to investigate than Craigslist check scams. He might as well contact the "cyber police" since they will [comment removed].


Title: Want to make an anonymous tip to child services. (WA). Please dont upvote.

Question: There is a situation at my apartment complex and I want to make an anonymous tip; I can't find anything in my search. Any sites?

Answer:
 Just a note given that you don't want people to find this post, delete this post asap now that you have your answer. By telling people to not upvote you, you ended up in controversial and people still see your post lol.Answer #2: Contact DSHS.

[Report Child Abuse - WA](https://www.dshs.wa.gov/ca/child-safety-and-protection/how-report-child-abuse-or-neglect)

Call 1.866.ENDHARM (1.866.363.4276) from a payphone.


Title: Threatened into cashing altered/fraudulent check, what can happen? [Massachusetts]

Question: Throwaway for obvious reasons. I was approached on the street the other day by a man who was wearing obviously stolen clothes (stickers and tags still on them, don't know what he was thinking) and he somehow knew my name and where I lived (college). Told me a sob story and implied he would somehow hurt me if I didn't comply with what he asked me to do, which was go to the nearby ATM and cash his check and withdraw the same amount for him. The check turned out fake (big surprise), and was returned recently as altered/fraudulent. I did my best to act friendly with the man so as to not anger him, and I'm not interested in pursuing the guy down as that would just lead to more trouble. What I do want to know is if the fraudulent check could somehow cause more trouble for me down the road, maybe later if I try to open my own bank account apart from one linked to my parents or something like that, or if criminal charges could be brought or something. Help me please :(

Answer:
 This story does not add up for a variety of reasons. You are more likely to get useful advice if your story adds up.Answer #2: Contact the police and file a report.  Depositing fraudulent checks could cause problems for you, but a police report where you lay out how you were threatened will help in avoiding those problems.

Seriously, you got robbed. Why wouldn't you call the cops?


Title: Landlord showed up, barged in without notice. Shoved me out of the way of the door, looked around quickly, left when he saw me calling police

Question:
Hello, I've been having problems with my landlord. Today, he showed up without notice, and when I told him that I didn't want him inside, he pushed the door open, pushed me out of the way, and started walking around my apartment. I called the police, and he left.

I'm concerned he'll do this when I'm not here, and just my wife is home. This isn't the first time he's been in my apartment without giving notice. What are my options?

Also, I'm a 26 y/o male in New Hampshire, USA

EDIT: Thank you, everyone who replied. You guys exceeded all expectations I had in mind, we will be seeing how much of this advice we can follow. I like how most of it doesn't contradict any other part of it, and I appreciate everyone taking time to give me good advice. I might make a thread to let you guys know how it goes in the future. Thanks again.
Topic:
Real Estate law

Answer:
 Pretty sure what he did was illegal. In NH he needs to provide proper notice. You also have a right to break your lease as long as you properly document everything. Grab a police report or phone record to prove that you actually called.

http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/chart-notice-requirements-enter-rental-29033.html
http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/tenants-right-break-rental-lease-new-hampshire.htmlAnswer #2: File a police report. It sounds like he committed a crime. This is some form of illegal entry. Pushing you out of the way may technically be assault. Having a copy of the police report will improve any attempt to break your lease should you choose to do so.Answer #3: Get a chain for your door so you can open it without granting access?  Don't open the door for the landlord since he has a history of pushing his way inside?  Call the police if your landlord shows up unannounced?

EDIT: Accidentally a word.

Answer #4: Hidden cam time.Answer #5: What was he looking for?


Title: [WA] Friend swerved to avoid a deer and flipped her car. She got a ticket for wheels off the road. Is this common?

Question: It just seems like such a weird situation to hand her a ticket as she was being loaded into the ambulance. Do people normally get a ticket after an accident?

Answer:
 She can go to court and explain and see if they drop the ticket.

Yes people can get tickets after accidents. Answer #2: I live in the number two county in the US for car/deer accidents.  The state police recommend not swerving for deer.  Instead you should "brake hard and do your best to anticipate hazards".  I can see a Michigan judge upholding the ticket.  No idea about WA.


Title: [USA] [TX] What kind of trouble is my friend, and our group, opening up with this sexual contact with a minor?

Question: A friend of mine is in a Kik group with me where we sext with others, post photos, etc. Apparently a minor ended up joining the group and my friend chatted with them in a private message where they mentioned they were 17, the age of consent in our state, and then sent my friend a few nude photos. The 17 year old wanted to meet up with my friend to have sex. My friend was concerned about the 17 year old's request for nude photos, as well as the one they sent without asking for it, if that matters and the conversation they had. What kind of trouble are they opened up to by engaging in the conversation, by having the photos, and by sending photos back? Also, what kind of trouble is the rest of us in the group opened up to by having the 17 year old's photos in the group chat? I don't know who it is and I don't think my friend told anyone else. I told my friend not to delete the private message thread just in case my friend needs it later. Is that the right thing to do? We can't delete specific images or messages from a group or private chat. The only way to get rid of it is to delete the entire message thread with the 17 year old and for us to quit the group and rejoin. I'm a little concerned with the possibility of a child pornography possession charge for my friend as well as the rest of us. It's weird that a minor is able to consent to sex at this age, but the law draws the line at that same minor taking nude photos. Anyways, any help would be very appreciated. I made sure not to use any identifying pronouns to be on the safe (paranoid) side.

Answer: Possessing and Distributing child pornography. Your friend should delete the feed because this is going to come back on him just as much as it would on the other person. Doesn't matter, however, because all this data is stored.


Title: If a mother wrongfully goes to jail then and loses her parental rights to her child, can she get her rights back when she is found innocent?

Question:
Just a question about this because it happened in my family. My cousin was arrested when her son was about 6 months old. She was convicted of a bunch of crimes and was sent to jail. She then lost her parental rights to her son and the father got full custody. Then 3 years later she was found to be innocent and exonerated. Now normally in Alaska where she lives you can't get your parental rights back ever if they are taken involuntary like hers were. In her case the father didn't fight her and he helped and was okay with her getting her rights back and having shared custody.

My question is what would have happened if he wasn't helpful and tried to fight her? My cousin had no criminal record before she got exonerated and she never used drugs or abused her son or anything like that. If she had not been wrongfully arrested she would have never lost her rights. In a state like Alaska (or any other state where the law doesn't restore parental rights) could my cousin still have gotten them back since it wasn't her fault that she lost them in the first place? Was just curious how it works. Thanks.

Answer: Termination of parental rights is permanent, as far as I am aware. If she tried to sue to get some type of visitation, and it wasn't thrown out on summary judgment (because of the previous TPR action), the judge would consider what is in the child's best interest, not mom's.


Title: Friends arrested in Spain for possession of fake currency (exchanged using reputable service), what can be done? An unfortunate mess anyone could get into :(

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 the majority of legal questions and legal help redditors deal with US law, i have yet to see any question or answer deal with Spain

i would not rely only on this subreddit for advice

consider other subreddits or even other sites

subreddits that you could consider /r/spain /r/europe /r/askeurope (and maybe others, but i wouldn't know them) but keep in mind these subreddits are less law oriented


Title: Bought house and finding out past sellers did work without permits and screwed up

Question:
Michigan, USA

&#x200B;

Long story short, I bought a house back in December. I called a plumber to come out and do some servicing on the sump pump. The plumber takes a look and tells me he cannot do the work because the sump that was installed is totally illegal and does not allow proper access for him to even get to it to do the work. We would need a new sump or have them knocking down walls to get to it.

&#x200B;

Two sellers ago, the house was flipped by a handyman who I'm guessing never got the city permit that is required to install the sump pump. The plumber was so upset by the previous work that was done that he seriously thought I should sue. At this point, I wouldn't even know who or for what exactly.

&#x200B;

I don't want to go after anyone, but I also don't want to be stuck with paying $3,000+ worth of work because someone tried to get away with something. I realize I am now the owner of the house and people find issues all the time, but I'm just looking to confirm that there is or isn't any options I have legally. Mostly worried about what I will have to do when I sell the house.

Answer: There is no legal recourse since the house has changed ownership twice.


Title: I hastily bought a car and realized after that it did not comply with California laws about smog checks

Question: Hello there! So I bought a car from my friend's brother's neighbor  and I realized after that she sold it to me illegally. I was told that I would need to get the cosmetic damage to the front of the hood repaired and that I would need to get a smog check. However, I drove the car back to where I lived and everything went downhill from there.  The car did not have a valid smog check pass certificate with it when it was sold to me and it did not state on the bill of sales about the condition of the car. When I asked the seller and her husband what I should bring with me for when I would meet with them, the husband told me to bring oil so that he could change it for me. When he checked the oil, he told me that the oil was fine and that I should save the oil for later. I tried to go get the car smog checked, and the worker would not test it because the check engine light was on and he could tell from the condition of the car that it definitely would not pass. My mechanic friend that was supposed to go with me checked the car later that week and told me that the car was in terrible condition. The car would not at first turn on until he fidgeted with something and then he told me that the oil was like PUDDING and that a lot of the parts looked kinda new but were put in improperly.  I contacted the seller and told her that it is illegal to sell a car that does not pass the smog check, and if a car is sold that does not pass the smog check, then the seller is responsible for the repairs to that car in order for it to pass. I also told her of another better option where she can give me back my money and then she could retire the car to the government because it would not pass the smog check for the same amount of money that I bought the car for, but she told me that she did not have my money and that she would give me the money after she received the money from retiring the car. I held onto the title to guarantee that I would get my money back and I had a friend drive the car up to her area and told her to let me know when she is free to sign a contract stating that she will pay me back. She took too long and did not reply to my calls and messages, and the car got towed because the registration was expired in 2014. Because I could not register the car under my name, because it would not pass the smog, and I still have the title, the seller is getting charged for the towing and impound fees but cannot release the car because I have the title. This has been happening since June, and I have been trying to contact them and keep them updated about the entire situation, but they do not reply to my calls and texts promptly. The seller and her husband are still insisting that they did not do anything wrong and believe that I am responsible for everything and that everything is my fault. Does anybody have some advice on what I should do next? If you need more background information, I can reply to your comments. I know I was stupid in trusting my friend because he insisted that everything was alright and I shouldn't have been so hasty with this matter.

Answer:
 In California, you're not allowed to sell a car that does not pass smog check.  They will have to take the car back and return your money.

They'll probably fight you on this and not want to do it.  You'll have to take them to small claims court.  The judge will order them to return your money to you and you will sign over the car.

You will also be able to sue them for any money you put into the car or any money they cost you by lollygagging. Talley up the money you're out, including the money you gave them for the car and use that when you file in small claims court.


Title: Can a 17 year old in Dallas legally refuse to see a psychologist?

Question: I'd rather not disclose the details, but I'm being made to see a psychologist in the coming weeks.  I've seen him in the past and I felt he was nice enough but was not helpful.  One of my concerns is that it's about 20 miles out and I would have to chunk out time and gas money to see him.  Mostly though, I am mad at the principle because they are doing it out of spite.  I know there are some people who will say that I should use the psychological help but I've made my decision and just want to find out if I can act on it.

Answer: Who is trying to make you see a psychologist? You can probably refuse but there could be consequences.


Title: Do I own real property with a mortgage?

Question:
Location: FL, USA

I'm inclined to say no, but I'm just looking for resources/clarification.

I bought a house over a year ago with help from a lender.
A few months later I was in a minor car accident with no reported injuries and vehicle damages claimed against my insurer at under $1,000. Then the other driver was involved in another accident later that month and now she is trying to take my insurance company or me for everything possible.

I have to fill out an affidavit stating my real property. Does my home that I'm paying the mortgage on count?

Answer:
 Yes, you own your home.

The lender has a lien on the property, but you own it.  Which is why you pay the taxes each year, etc.


Title: Is it illegal to rub my towel on my dog, and hand it to my sister's dog-hating boyfriend?

Question:
I know this is a really weird question, but I want to know if this is technically legal.

My sister has a boyfriend who hates animals. He hates our dog and refuses to touch it, and if she brushes against his leg he will go to the sink and wash himself. He is not a germaphobe and he doesn't have any kind of psychiatric conditions, he just absolutely hates animals of all kinds. He's also an emotionally abusive jerk who makes my sister (who does have bad self-esteem issues) suffer to no end.

He's coming to visit with my sister this weekend, and he will undoubtedly use our shower and our towels. I want to rub one of our towels, which he will presumably use, on my dog. She doesn't shed, she's clean, and it's not like I'll rub her feces on the towel. It seems to me like a bit of harmless but satisfying vengeance.

The question though... Is what I want to do illegal in any shape or form? I know he won't be able to tell, but for moral reasons I don't want to be breaking any laws.

Thanks!

Answer:
 > for moral reasons I don't want to be breaking any laws.

If the law is all that keeps you moral, you're not.Answer #2: You’re going to be the guy here in two weeks, saying that your sister’s boyfriend yelled at your and/or said mean things about you after a “harmless prank” and can you sue him.

Seriously, grow up. If you sister is being abused, called the police. If you simply don’t like or don’t approve of her boyfriend, you can tell her, but beyond that it’s not your business. It’s certainly not your place to seek “vengeance” and it's a terribly lame attempt at vengeance, if you feel wronged.

You should also consider the possibility that neither party, including your sister, will see it as a joke, and you’ll drive your sister further away.

Finally, drop the moral attitude. You're looking to be a sneaky wanker to your sister's boyfriend. There is no moral high ground.


Title: I'm not asking for advice, but have you heard that Paul Walker's daughter is suing Porsche for his death?

Question: [deleted]

Answer: If you aren't seeking advice or asking a legal question, try /r/law.


Title: Process for taking ownership of an abandoned car? [Texas]

Question:
[deleted]
Topic:
Other Civil Matters

Answer: You can find the owner and buy it.  Otherwise the state has the right to impound it and you can buy it at auction if they can't locate the owner or he refuses to collect it.  Private citizens can't claim abandoned property on their own.


Title: Texas - Arrested and "banned" from a hotel. Was the cop just trying to scare me?

Question:
Hey guys, I'll try to keep this short and sweet.  Last year in August I was arrested at a four star hotel in Dallas, Texas for inappropriately touching someone. While I was being arrested one of the police officers told me that I was now banned from coming back to the hotel for five years.  He used a term for this, but I cannot remember what he said exactly.  I've attempted to look up what Texas does about trespassing, but I couldn't really find anything relevant.  Does anybody have an idea about what the cop was talking about?

tl:dr - Arrested in Texas at hotel, cop told me I was banned for 5 years and used a word for it.  Trying to find more information about it.
Topic:
Criminal Law

Answer:
 ಠ_ಠAnswer #2: It is very possible the police officer was just informing you of the actions of the Hotel.  The Hotel may have their own policy, which is banning you from their property.  If you enter the property after you have been told you're not allowed to, then they may call the police on you for trespassing.Answer #3: Did you get kicked out of AnimeFest for groping cosplayers?Answer #4: ᶘ ᵒᴥᵒᶅAnswer #5: Most likely the hotel management banned you from the premises, and the police were informing you of this.  The hotel is private property, and the management has the right to ban anyone they want (with certain exceptions).

If you violate the ban, you would be guilty of trespassing and subject to arrest.


Title: SC- Update Number 3- Hotel Stay, Overcharged, Asked To Leave, Hotel Forged 2 Documents Sent Them To Credit Card Company, I Called The Cops

Question:
Past Posts [one] (https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/comments/2urwbj/sc_stayed_over_a_month_at_a_hotel_for_a_job/) [two] (https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/comments/2v47zm/sc_update_about_hotel_stay_charged_a_different/)

So, as the title states, I found out that the hotel had forged my signature on not one, but TWO documents.  They had sent them to my credit card company saying I signed them.  Documents: One being the hotel's policies (fake signature), and the other an authorization for the amount I disputed (fake signature).

The funny thing is, the signatures don't even match each other's...one has my last name and part of my first (I suppose they were confused), the other "my" full name.  BOTH are crazy different than my signature.  They weren't scanned or used photoshop (even though they had 5 previous signatures on file)...it's like they didn't even try to #1 know my name to sign, and #2 make their forgeries match each other.

I called the police and they said they were going to look into it.  They said if they go to the hotel, odds are their documents will "disappear".

I'm compiling my Driver's License picture with signature and several other copies of my signature for the credit card company.  I'm also thinking about contacting the BBB about this and corporate for the hotel.  I may consider suing them since this situation is crazy and I am out the money to transfer to another hotel.  I'm pretty sure if criminal charges go through, the credit card company sees how ridiculous this merchant is, I would have a good chance at winning and settling.

If you have any advice/warnings/comments/suggestions, I'm open-

Answer:
 BBB complaints really aren't useful unless the business cares about PR. Complaining to their corporate office would be a wise idea.Answer #2: Contact your attorney general's consumer protection office.Answer #3: IANAL, but if I were the hotel manager in this situation, I would be really scared if you started talking about how this technically amounts to fraud, and that in SC that's a class D felony punishable up to 15 years in prison.  Prison time always scares people.  But heck, my advice might be terrible, just a thought thoughAnswer #4: Don't expect charges to be filed not only do they need to prove it was a forgery but thy need to prove who did it and without a confession or witness to testify it's not going to happen.Answer #5: (edit: I'm not a lawyer, I'm not in South Carolina.)

At the very least, OP needs to file a dispute with his credit card issuer, when the charge posts to the card.  He needs to keep *everything* he has, including the incorrect signatures he received copies of, and he needs to give copies of it all to his card issuer when he files the dispute.

OP: Be polite to the staff, don't accuse them of anything further -- they're trying to make numbers, and you want them to think that they've gotten away with it.  But they haven't.  For something this egregious, they could very easily lose their merchant account, and be forced out of business as a result of it; however, you can just wait and your bank can resolve it all once you give them the documentation.


Title: Store is trying to change price after I bought something online.

Question:
I purchased a musical keyboard off of their website for $749 with free shipping.  I received a confirmation email of my order with the price.  Shorty after, I received an email from customer service  saying their was a mistake on their website and they couldn't sell it to me for that.  They offered me a 15% discount off the price which would come to about $150 more or $50 in store credit if I just wanted to cancel the order.

I wouldn't have purchased the keyboard from them if google shopping tab hadn't lead me to their site at that price.

What is the best (easiest) way to hold them to this price?  Should I just response to the email and say no you made a mistake you need to ship the keyboard?  Should I just take the discount and call it a day?

Answer:
 > What is the best (easiest) way to hold them to this price?

You can't. So long as you get a refund, you have been made whole. I'd take their offer for a refund and store credit, because that's way more generous than they need to be.


Title: "And you can't do anything..."

Question:
There is a child, 10 or so that comes with his parents to various events that I participate in. He regularly hits, slaps and threatens me when nobody is watching. I've talked to the parents, but nothing has been done and the child just says that there is "nothing i can do because he's a kid and you can't hit me back."
What can i do? What is wrong with this country that there is nothing i can do to stop this harrassment?
I'm not in fear of my safety, there is no reason for "self defense", but I just got punched in the groin and legally I just have to accept that?

Answer:
 You can attempt to get the family banned from the events.

You can get the police involved.

What are the circumstances where the child continuously and repeatedly, across multiple events, approaches you and hits you?

What is your location?Answer #2: First of all, private events have broad latitude about admission, and that includes school events. So your first recourse is to get the event(s) to kick the kid out. Feel free to video him.

Second, you also have the right to not go to those events. The threat to walk  (and take your money with you) might convince the folks running the event(s) to do something, and getting more people to walk with you will increase that chance.

Finally, if you are ever actually injured, the parents are liable. You might also point out to the event management that refusing to remove someone with a history of violence at their events may make **them** liable as well.

Edit: More finally:

Step 1: Get video of the kid kicking you in the nuts

Step 2: Send to America's Funniest Videos

Step 3: ProfitAnswer #3: Have you spoken to a trusted adult? When you don't know what to do or you feel someone is touching you inappropriately, you should find an adult that you trust like a police officer or firefighter or teacher and ask them for help. Answer #4: Have you considered not allowing the child to be near you?


Title: Is it illegal to knowingly trade in fake games to GameStop?

Question:
I ask because you can buy fake Pokemon games for like $3 on eBay and then trade them into gamestop for $20 but it sounds like a quick way to end up in jail for money laundering or something

Also I'm in Florida

Answer: Yeah that's fraud for sure.


Title: Period leaked on boss' chair, panicked, lost and need help!

Question: A few hours ago, I was sitting on my boss' chair at the office. I'm a student on internship in that company. So the boss kinda let me sit at his place in the office since he's away. The office is not that big so many people would notice if I were to do something weird. I was on my period. I knew it was overflowing but the dumbass within me didn't move an inch so my period leaked too much on my boss' chair. At that time, there were too many guys so I kinda panicked. I lost, can't think off anything else. I tried to cleaned the stain by it didn't come off easily because lack of tissues. I panicked again and without thinking I put my boss' folder on the chair and go out of the office. I went to another place where I could stay for a while until 5 p.m. I didn't bring any spare pad, so I didn't change beforehand. It was my fault, I admit it. And I feel very stupid. Before I went home (my father takes me home since I don't have any license), I saw my boss (he was away when things happened) and he suddenly walks away as if he doesn't want to see my face. I bet he already knew and is angry with me. I'm afraid he'll tell other people about it. Now I'm home and is still feeling guilty over what I've done. What would you guys suggest me to do? I'm still lost and feel very guilty. I'm starting to think many negative and immature thoughts. I know first thing first I have to apologize to my boss tomorrow and clean it (if the chair's still there and intact) but for now, what should I do? Btw, I don't have my boss' contact number for now because I just got into his department today. So yeah, stuffs happened on first day. I bet my reputation's torn and he'll judge me real hard. Please help me, I need a peace of mind. I know I'm at fault but there's nothing I can do until tomorrow. How should I clean it if there's no hydrogen peroxide? Can I just use cold water? I thought about using saliva but.. It's my boss chair.. Please help!

Answer: I don’t think this is the right sub for this kind of question, but I would suggest trying baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. That should help lift most of the stain. Then if there is still some left, dawn dish soap and warm water on a rag. Lightly scrub it and then pat it dry with a towel. If that doesn’t work try talking to your boss about it. It’s a natural thing and I can’t foresee any repercussions coming from you telling him what happened. Just try to stay calm and know that this isn’t the end of the world. Answer #2: Legally speaking you dont need to do anything.  I'm sorry this happened to you.


Title: [MA] "Settle this without getting insurance involved"

Question:
Got in a very minor fender bender this morning trying to get around a disabled vehicle parked in traffic. Probably my fault, everybody's fine, nothing more than a little paint transfer. Feeling dumb but I'm insured, so I called to report it right away, recorded my statement, uploaded photos of both cars, the whole nine yards.

Now this afternoon I get an email from the other driver that she'd like to "settle this without getting insurance involved." I told her I had already talked to my insurance and they're trying to get in touch with her, but I'm curious--what's the motivation for not dealing with insurance? Has this happened to anyone else/have you used this tactic when in a minor accident where you believed the other party was at fault?

Topic:
Insurance

Answer:
 > what's the motivation for not dealing with insurance?

If insurance companies aren't involved, no one's rates go up.  Payment can be faster, too.

The downside is that you have to do all of the wheeling and dealing yourself; and, if the settlement isn't done right, further issues may crop up.


Title: [Ontario, Canada] Woman in my condo building slashed my tires and caught on camera, arrested. Almost a year later no trial, no refund for tires. Moving do to additional harrasement. How to get refunded for the tires?

Question: So as the title says...I moved into a condo I bought in August 2014. An African woman living here I'd befriended and occasionally had sex with became irrational when I said I wouldn't be her permanent boyfriend and so she slashed my tires. Caught on camera, arrested her.  Also despite a restraining order she came to my floor and wrote asshole on the door afterward but I have no camera proof. I'm leaving to get away from the madness, but how do I get paid for the tires? She works as a nurse so I'm curious, would being charged affect her career?.  She isn't going to move because she is obsessed with me. My new gf wont come over anymore because of her. I have even reported to the police that I've seen her close to the outside of my place of work the one day...seemed like she was looking for me. Police say she'll most likely get off Scott free because she's enrolled in anger management. Any thoughts suggestions? Will I ever get paid? I feel like if rolls were reversed and i was a woman and a man was stalking me something would have been done by now and I'd be refunded the damages but the police don't give a fuck about me.

Answer:
 Criminal charges are not going to get your money back. You need to file a civil suit in small claims court.Answer #2: Take her to small claims court.

What does her race have to do with the story? Not sure why you mentioned it.


Title: eBay Buyer Stole My PS4 - Ohio

Question:
A few weeks ago, I listed my PS4 on eBay. It sold, I shipped it, and I eagerly waited for the funds to become available in my PayPal account after it was delivered.

The same day the PS4 was delivered, I got a message from the buyer saying that it wasn't working correctly. He attached a picture of his issue to the message - in response, I sent him some troubleshooting tips so he could see that it in fact *does* work before he concluded that he received a defective item and initiated a return. (Note: the buyer's issue was a common problem with a quick fix - no reason it shouldn't have worked if he tried it) He never replied to my messages asking him if the troubleshooting worked. Eventually, he started a return request through eBay.

I got an automated message from eBay stating that I had a certain number of days to refund the buyer if we couldn't resolve the issue, *blah blah blah*. I waited it out. I continued messaging him, asking if he had any luck getting the PS4 working. Still, no reply. At this point, I could tell that he was blatantly ignoring my messages for *whatever reason*. After the "certain number of days" was up and I was due to refund the buyer, he escalated the return request to a case/dispute. The return case was settled in his favor, requiring me to go ahead and give him the refund - part of that being that the buyer would return the item.

Fine, whatever. I'll refund the buyer, he'll ship the item back, and I'll sell the PS4 to a more competent person. Right?

Well... I waited a week after issuing the refund for the PS4 to show up at my doorstep. Nothing. I sent the buyer a message asking if he had shipped the item back. Of course, no response. I called eBay and told them that the buyer didn't ship the item back after receiving his refund. Unfortunately, there was nothing they could do on their end but provide his phone number so I could contact him in a more direct way.

I called his number and the first thing I said was, "Hi, is this ____?" to confirm his identity. He said, "Yes." *As soon as I told him my name and brought up the PS4, he hung up.* After he hung up, I texted him and he replied saying that I had the wrong number.

I wholeheartedly believe that the buyer bought my PS4 with the intention of saying it didn't work so he could get a refund and keep the item. The kicker is that he doesn't have any negative feedback - all positive with comments about how he "paid immediately" and "responded quickly".

I reported him to eBay (with no response from them yet) and filed a complaint with all of his info to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (no response from them yet, either).

I want to take legal action, but I have no idea what to do. I just turned 18, moved into my own place, and decided to sell my PS4 on eBay to pay some bills. I've done some research about filing a small claims lawsuit, but I don't know what steps to take to do that when the buyer lives out of state. I live in Ohio and the he lives in New York. I don't have the money to travel to New York, so how should I go about taking action? Am I just fucked? Any advice is appreciated.

Topic:
Douche

Answer:
 Something went wrong in the ebay resolution center. They are not supposed to issue the refund until after the buyer returns the item. Call ebay on the phone and see if they can resolve this. Tell them he never returned the item. They would have required him to provide a tracking number when he shipped it. He should not have gotten any refund without a tracking number.

In the future, if a case is opened, send all communication through the resolution center, not directly to the buyer.


Title: Im 18 and the police are saying they are going to take my license

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 well they legally can do that. sorry dude. you might need to take a drivers ed drug and alcohol seminar. they are like 8 hours but i  think you can split it up 4 and 4.
Answer #2: Wait, you accept the punishment but also don't want the punishment? God you sound whiney.
You're getting off fairly light probably because taking your license is the maximum they can do for the minimum they can prove based on the video. If you were caught in the act, losing your license would be the least of your issues.
Grow up and be WAY more responsible than you're being. Also, find smarter friends who don't allow you to be as reckless and idiotic as you were.


Title: I want my medicinal records destroyed. Ex is trying to get a hold of it and ruin my reputation

Question:
My ex boyfriend is trying to get a hold of my medical records for a sensitive/private procedure I did for the purposes of ruining my reputation. A doctors office called to verify if I had sent a letter requesting release of my info which I did not. He tried to impersonate me and request this info to be released. I know it's him because he's the only one who knew about this procedure and he has told me before he would "expose" me. Thankfully there are measures in place to verify my ID however I still don't feel safe because he's also forged my signature for an asset that belonged to me so I'm worried he'll go to great measures to get my private info.

Can I request to destroy medicinal records? I'm located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Thanks
____________________________________________________

UPDATE: thank you all for the heartfelt great advice and support you gave me. The overwhelming support and encouragement from you has brought me to tears. Since posting this and reading your comments, I've done the following:

1) booked an appointment with Victims Services & the prosecutor to let them know what's going on so they can take measures to try to ensure the abortion is not brought up in courts and possibly charge him for impersonation. I'm also going to request a gag order.

2) Given my doctors office a written letter stating that I require them to mandate any requests of information be released in person ONLY to me when I verify my ID. Unfortunately they wouldn't delete the records.

3) Thanks to your kind words of encouragement, gotten more emotionally prepared to face this asshole even if he does bring it up in courts. :)

Answer: They are not your records to destroy. Tell the doctor thar someone is trying to illegally access them so they know. Then ask for a copy of that letter to take to courtAnswer #2: I can't speak to Canadian law on the subject, but now is an excellent time to ensure you have multifactor authentication enabled everywhere you can (such as Gmail), and to change all your passwords to something complex.Answer #3: http://victimservicestoronto.com


Title: Received a debt collection letter, disputed it, now have a copy of a contract I didn't sign with my signature forged on it?

Question:
I went to a free gym class over 2 years ago with a co-worker. They told me it was free on the phone when I called to set up a time. At the end of the class if we wanted to become members we could talk pricing. The only fee was $10 for wrist wraps, which you had to pay upfront because they don't lend out wraps. I paid cash, knowing ahead of time that day was free. I had my debit card in case I decided I wanted to sign up. Hated the class and told them, no I wasn't going to sign up or give any of my bank info. That was that, or so I thought. Fast forward to 3 weeks ago I received a debt collections notice for around $380. I sent a dispute letter knowing full well I never signed up for anything. The class wasn't very good, and both me and my coworker realized it wasn't for us.  But now I have a copy of a contract not filled out by me, but with some details I gave them over the phone (they said it was for emergency contact info). But they don't have all the info. The signature looks like mine but everything else (like the date next to it) is clearly a man's handwriting (I'm female and have neat handwriting).  I only remember signing a waiver before the class. So I'm wondering if they somehow copied that onto this document? Should I just continue to dispute this via letter, and see if this ends up in court? It's honestly turning my stomach that they've been charging me for 2 years for classes I've never attended. My only witness quit over a year ago and we have lost contact. I'm not even sure if they are going through the same thing. TIA for any help on this.

Also just to add, their YELP and google reviews have complaints of people being charged or not being allowed to cancel memberships even with 30 day advanced notice. It seems like a shady company.

Answer:
 If they forged your name on a contract, they committed identity theft. Take a copy of that contract to the police and fill out a report. Answer #2: > The signature looks like mine but everything else (like the date next to it) is clearly a man's handwriting (I'm female and have neat handwriting).

As a side note, don't say this when discussing your case. It distracts from your point and makes you look silly. Plenty of women have terrible handwriting. All you need to say is that it doesn't look like your handwriting.Answer #3: Threaten them with a lawsuit under your state's unfair trade practices act. Most states have one, and most include an attorney fees provision, meaning they will have to pay your full attorney fees if you win. Most likely they will back down if they think you are serious.Answer #4: OP have you checked your credit reports to see if they are there?

https://www.annualcreditreport.comAnswer #5: NAL, but shouldn’t OP file a police report for forgery and identity theft?Answer #6: > their YELP and google reviews have complaints of people being charged or not being allowed to cancel memberships even with 30 day advanced notice

Is this a large chain or just a single gym? If the former, there may be a good class case here.


Title: Public park says no commercial photography, is it legal to sell a few of my photos I took there?

Question:
USA, Texas.

My post got removed from legal advice because it's off topic so I'm posting here.

Like the title, can I go into a public owned park, take a photo of a flower and sell it.

There are a few places I need to get video of and the signs are worrying me.
Also slightly related but more complex. I'm a part 107 pilot and had to get a waiver to take off in another park I need footage of (which is fine, I understand that the government can regulate taking off and landing of sUAV but they can not say anything about flying in national airspace)
So looking at the waiver, it says there will be places I'm prohibited from flying, which though not legally binding I believe since the national airspace laws. I'm willing to follow because I need to take off and land in the area.
But they told me I have to pay the city money if I want to sell the footage I take, (the reasoning being that the park is owned by the people, for the people, or something like that)

Edit: I was told in the other sub, that the park can have rules, ie. closing times which if you break can result in a trespassing charge. But to my knowledge, the right to go on to public land at any time is not covered by the constitution, but the right to photography is.

Answer:
 > But to my knowledge, the right to go on to public land at any time is not covered by the constitution, but the right to photography is.

You're wrong.

They're both in the Constitution, but neither is absolute.

> Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; **or the right of the people peaceably to assemble**, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

So you have the right to peaceably assemble in a park.  But if it's after hours, you can be charged.  They can limit WHEN you can peaceably assemble in the park.  Just like they can limit when/how/if you can take photographs there.


Title: Is it possible for me to call the police for somebody trespassing if I'm the dependent of the homeowner? What if another dependent gives them permission?

Question:
Long story short, my sister and I live in a house my father inherited from his mother while they live in their own house in another state.

My sister regularly brings over a very rude and alcoholic friend who is very loud and has on more than one occasion broken property of mine. So two days ago we got into an argument and I told her to leave the house or I would call the police. My sister says they couldn't do anything because I'm not the homeowner, and thus can't tell anybody to get off of the property. My father is in Afghanistan and my mother is attending a funeral, and I have yet to be able to contact either.

Is this true? Even if I'm only a dependent, I should be able to tell somebody they're trespassing, no? What if my sister says they can come? Does that override me?

Further, what if two spouses have the same disagreement and co-own the property? Is it still trespassing if one wants you to leave but the other doesn't?

Answer:
 Yes, you can call the police against a trespasser.

However, your sister has just as much right in the property as you do.  So, her friend is not a trespasser and is instead a guest.


Title: First Car Accident, Legal Advice Needed

Question:
So long story short, I was on my way home from work, and the weather wasn't the best, it was drizzling when i left work, the speed limit is 55 mph, about halfway home it broke out into a sudden downpour, within a few seconds of this i had pumped my brakes to reduce my speed within reason to 45, all while going uphill, at this time i had hit a unlevel piece of pavement which had pulled my truck towards the oncoming lane and i started to hydroplane which made me veer off into the ditch and climb a tree with little impact to the truck because the air bags didn't deploy. I received a citation for [257.627](http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?mcl-257-627) under the description of this it says Basic Speed- Too fast for conditions. Obviously i want to fight the ticket because i did the best of my ability to control my vehicle. The officer didn't witness the accident and i feel that hearsay evidence/mistake of fact play a role in this. I am open to any advice in fighting this as much as possible. I only have 8 business days until i can turn in the ticket with denied responsibility. I can add pictures if requested but i don't think its necessary.
Topic:
Traffic and Parking

Answer: You hydroplaned and wrecked. That pretty much proves you were going too fast for conditions.


Title: Junior in high school facing 1 and a half years of parol

Question: I’m currently a junior in high school they brought drug dogs to our parking lot and my truck got flagged out. They searched the truck and only found a bottle of vape juice and a pod for a suourin air they said they were gonna charge me with a Underage Tabacco charge 2 to be exact because I wouldn’t say where I got it from. Later that day they called me back into the office and said if I get into any trouble that could result in an any form of a charge I will be charged with the pervasive offense and one from a year before when they found a vape on me. Can they do that or are they just fronting help

Answer: Stop talking to the police.  Tell your parents you need to speak to a lawyer.


Title: So a dumbass friend asked me this and I have no idea- about banking and cash

Question: So a friend of mine(not the hypothetical "Yeah so like totallllly a friend" its actually not about me) has a friend who wants to deposit large amounts of cash in her bank account every month for use later. Thats all she knows. She doesn't know if its legal or not, and she isnt smart enough to ask questions because she wasn't very sure she wanted the answers. Anyway, the friend wants to deposit around 1000 US dollars in her account per month and withdraw it at a later point. I know its fucked, but what are the laws on this? Shes worried about the IRS looking into it because she isn't paying taxes on it, and people thinking its drug money. I know I haven't explained it very well, but ill answer any questions I can about it. Im in central Florida if that makes any difference.

Answer:
 No she doesn't want to get involved in this at all.Answer #2: The friend of a friend can use her own damn accounts. There is absolutely no good reason she should be using your friend's accounts to carry her money.

It's not that it's against the law _as such_ - it's the things you've already identified:

* It looks like structuring, which is a felony, if your friend's friend is doing this with enough money.
* It looks like money laundering, which is also a felony.
* It looks a _lot_ like unreported income for your friend, if the IRS ever audits her for any reason. An extra $12,000/year of unreported income would land your friend in some very hot water, and it'd be a huge pain to counter most IRS arguments that the money represents taxable income.
* It creates a bunch of liability risk for your friend, if the money is ever seized or mistakenly spent out of their account before they can return it to their friend's friend.
* If your friend is giving her friend access to your friend's account, then her friend can clean her out and your friend would have to sue to recover it.Answer #3: I would never let somebody deposit their cash into my bank account so they can pull it out later.

This smells of money laundering, particularly if the bank account holder works.Answer #4: She could just hide her money in the mattress like other people doing shady things.


Title: Boss fired me after crashing company delivery truck due to his negligence of proper fleet maintenance. What can I do?

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 NYC is largely at-will employment, meaning you can be fired for any reason (outside of being a member of a protected class), no reason, or even a fabricated reason.

Your boss' character has very little to do with whether or not his firing you was legal.  It's completely legal to be a penny-pinching ass.

Look through [here](https://ag.ny.gov/labor/can-you-be-fired) and see if anything jumps out at you, though it doesn't look like it will.Answer #2: You can file for unemployment. Though you may think it's a dick move to fire you it's not illegal.


Title: Is there anyway to stop my ex from having an abortion?

Question:
From Ontario, Canada

My (now ex) gf and I were together for 2 months before I got her pregnant. Before we had sex, she told me that if she were to become pregnant that she would terminate it, and I stupidly agreed thinking that if she did become pregnant she would change her mind. That being said I don't exactly want kids right now (but I'm more than willing to raise this child) but I hate the idea of an abortion. Her reasoning for wanting an abortion is that she wants to finish highschool, she thinks she will be a bad mother, and many of the women in her family have had complications in their pregnancies that have resulted either in the death of the mother or baby.
I don't have a job but I plan on getting one, and her parents have told both of that they would support us regardless of what we choose (abortion, or keeping it).
I would like to keep it, but she is very against it.
We got in a huge fight and broke up and now she's saying that she's having an abortion with or without my permission, is there any way I can legally stop her?
I'm 19 and she's 16, if that's important.

Answer: She has multiple very valid reasons for sending the pregnancy. Leave her alone.Answer #2: No.


Title: Cyberstalking and defamation of character

Question: [deleted]

Answer: You and the wife are both nuts. Leave her alone.


Title: [Maryland] What are the boundaries for temporary peace order?

Question: If my friend is under a temporary peace order, can I talk to the person that pressed the peace order ?

Answer: Are you doing this to relay messages from your friend? You are free to talk to anyone, but sending messages through third parties is quite often a violation of the order, and your friend will get in trouble. Stay out of it.


Title: [North Carolina] Can my property manager deny my Emotional Support dog because of her breed?

Question:
Hello and thank you for reading, this is going to be kind of long! I just got an apartment a few days ago and this apartment complex allows dogs but has breed restrictions. One of the breeds they do not allow is a German Shepherd or a mix of the sort but my dog is a German Shepherd mix. I got a letter from my psychiatrist stating that I'm under the care of this psychiatrist, and she prescribed me an emotional support animal because I have a mental disability that affects at least one major life activity. It also says that any landlord/property managers please make a reasonable accommodation to allow my emotional support animal to live with me.

So once I got this letter, I then forward it to my property manager and went to the office to talk to her in person about it. However the conversation did not go as I expected.

She told me I still cannot bring my dog because she was a German shepherd mix. I then told her that the letter said to please make an accommodation to allow me to live with my emotional support animal but she told me she could only make an accommodation for the fee and the weight(even though the weight limit is 100 pounds and my dog is only 50 pounds, so I don't really see how that counts as a change of rules) but that the policy was that they cannot allow an aggressive breeds whether they are service animals or emotional support animals. She was talking to me in a rude manner the whole time but I guess that doesn't really matter. So at this point, I just told her okay and walked away because I was getting pretty mad.

After this whole ordeal happened, I looked up the Fair Housing Act and the U.S. Department Of Housing and Urban Development.

The U.S. department of Housing and Urban Development document states in section I section 504, that assistant animals are not considered pets but are considered a medical tool. Therefore, breed, size, and weight imitations may not apply. A determination then assistant animal poses direct harm to others or would cause substantial physical damage to property of others must be based on an individualized assessment that relies on objective evidence about the actual animal's conduct - not a mere speculation or fear on the types of harm/damage might cause and not on evidence about harm or fear other animals have caused. conditions and restrictions that housing providers apply to pets may not be applied on assistance animals.

So my question here is, can she deny my request because of my dogs breed or is that considered a unreasonable accommodation? What are my rights here? What are the next steps I should take? I read somewhere on a forum that property managers can deny the reasonable accommodation to breed restrictions if their insurance does not cover the breed, causing the apartments insurance to rise the price which would then be considered unreasonable. Is this also true? When my property manager denied my request she did not mention it was because of insurance but it was because of the policy that they have in place.

Thanks again for reading! If I left any information out or you have any questions just let me know.

Answer:
 In the future, this is something you take care of before you sign a lease and move in.

Like others have said, ESAs and service animals are two totally different things. Service dogs are considered medical equipment, and ESAs are not.

I'm wondering...did you get your dog to be an ESA or did your psychiatrist write this letter after your LL told you you couldn't bring your dog? I don't want to sound mean, but if you're using the FHA as a loophole, you have no recourse whatsoever. Landlords and property managers are wise to that kind of thing by now.Answer #2: Breed restrictions are often mandated by insurance providers, which is why the landlord isn't going to buckle on this. I'm not sure why you didn't do this prior to moving in/signing a lease.


Title: went to best buy with my dad and got flagged by FBI for trying to buy 4 unlocked Samsung galaxy s6. Help?!?!?!?! (Central Florida) explanation below

Question:
So me and My dad went to Best buy today to buy 4 unlocked Samsung Galaxy S6's  they were onsale for 449$ and my dad prefers that we buy our phones unlocked.

well we were about to buy the phone and gave the guy his credit card.  and than he said that he had flagged us and that we would get a call from the FBI because its against the law to buy more than two unlocked cellphones at a time...  the guy also said that federal law says that.  and he continued to flag my dads name.

My dad tried explain that we are a family of four and that this was our Christmas present.  the guy wouldnt let us buy four phones so my dad apologized and we bought my sister the laptop she wanted and we left.

my question is. did they actually flag down his name for being some kind of criminal for trying to buy 4 phones for his family?  or was that some kind of Scheme so he didn't buy 4 Galaxy S6's

TL;DR
went to go buy 4 unlocked galaxy s6 for 449$ at bestbuy.  dude said it was illegal to buy 4 at a time and activate them under the same plan.  flagged my dads name to the FBI.

thank you for any help in advance.

Edit #1.  we went to another best buy in Orlando and we got the galaxies.  the employee who said that to us is currently being reported to corporate... what he said isnt true at all and i will drive up to sandford myself to personally talk to the GM of the store regarding the issue.
however props to the employee people in Orlando that were so nice and discounted our phones even more and gave us 1 free wireless charger and half off otterboxes

Answer:
 >well we were about to buy the phone and gave the guy his credit card. and than he said that he had flagged us and that we would get a call from the FBI because its against the law to buy more than two unlocked cellphones at a time...

are... are you a brown person? This isn't a thing. There's something wrong with that employee.


Title: What would happen if a minor r*ped an adult?

Question: Like what if a 16 or 17 year old boy drugged and raped a woman who was 20 or 30. Who would go to prison? It wouldn't be statutory rape right? This is a legal question that has always been on my mind.

Answer: The minor would be charged with rape, thats it.


Title: [IN][USA]The school my wife teaches at does many sketchy things, but now they are putting students safety and education at risk.

Question:
Sorry for the uninformative title, I'm not sure how else to word it. I'm going to make this an extreme TL;DR, because I could easily fill 40k letters going on about this. I'll try to keep it brief. We've tried going to the school administration, but we are out of ideas, and short of finding a new job we don't know what else to do.

My wife works at a charter school. They do many sketchy things, such as have a behavioral coach with no relevant degree or schooling, and hire teachers with no experience, and not fire teachers who bomb so bad that parents pull their students from the school. They've not suspended children who assault other kids, while the behavioral coach yells at and suspends a 7 year old girl with an IEP who removes herself from a negative situation so she doesn't get in trouble. My wife has approached her principal and the administration, but gotten nowhere. As this is a charter school, we don't know if there is a higher body we can approach? My wife doesn't want to just abandon her students. Now, with a little background, I will move on to the larger, current issue.

My wifes classroom totals around 25 students, with 5~ special needs students, as it is an inclusive school (though they do have a special ed team). My wife recently was given an additional special needs student, who I will refer to as Q. Q is violent, disruptive, and unwilling to even attempt to participate in school. Q has harmed multiple students, ranging from breaking their things, to slapping them across the face, stabbing them with pencils. In two weeks my wife documented over 20 examples of her harming her fellow students. She screams at the top of her lungs, destroys the classroom, and is basically uncontrollable and wild. My wife has spoken to the behavioral coach, the special ed team, the principal, and the administrator, to no avail and has been offered no help.

She has sent her to the special ed team, as that is their job, and they send her back because they "can't handle her" and tell my wife not to send her to them so often. She has sent her to the behavioral coach, as clearly these are behavioral issues, and he takes her to the special ed team, while calling my wife a gossip for "telling everyone her problems" and saying she "clearly thinks he is a resource room"

My wife has told all of this to the principal, but has gotten no assistance.

Are we out of options? Are there legal options? Is there a higher body over charter schools than the administrator?

Thank you for any and all advice, or if you know of a better place i could ask. I will eventually take this post down, but for now it will remain and I will be replying to everybody.

Answer:
 Charter schools are the snowflakes of the education system.  They have very little regulation and are free to hire pretty much whoever they want.

If Q can't behave or attacks another student, call the police if the management isn't willing to step in.  Do this for anyone who assaults someone else.

Your wife should find employment elsewhere.


Title: [Pennsylvania] Neighbor blocking driveway with inoperable cars.

Question:
My Father passed away in 2014 and I inherited his house in Pennsylvania.  The house has a parking area behind it, but the driveway, and therefore only access to the road, is situated entirely on the neighboring property.  My father had an agreement with the neighbor to use said driveway, as had all previous owners, and had been doing so for a continuous 25 years.  The lawyer who handled my Father's estate made sure to include this in my deed for the house, so that we would have perpetual use of the driveway.  His new neighbor (previous, long-term neighbor died) had already been living there for a few years before my Dad passed, and had not been blocking the driveway.  But, now that Dad is gone, and I live in Ohio and only get up there a few times a year, he has completely blocked the upper end of the driveway with junk cars that can't be started.  So, when we visit this time, we won't be able to drive our car to the parking area behind the house.  I have pointed out to him that he is blocking our access, but he just says they won't start and he can't afford to fix them.

Ok, so here's my dilemma, I don't want to be a bad person, and I need those cars towed, but I'm not sure how to proceed in the most simple, and nicest way I can.  He has two younger kids.  I don't think they are well off, but I think his claim to not have the money to move the cars probably isn't true.  Also, I think he has abandoned the house, as they were completely trashing it while living there.  There is literally trash all through the kitchen and likely rest of the house, so it's probably ruined.  My realtor thinks he is dropping his kids off in the driveway for school, but picking them up and driving to some other home now.  So, he might not be living in the school area, but sending them to the local school, which will get him in trouble if he's caught.

Anyway, do I need a lawyer to deal with this?  I would pay for the tow myself (something like 2-4 cars), but is it best to have legal counsel for this?  What would the lawyer do, send a letter notifying that he is not legally allowed to block the driveway and the cars are being towed to allow access?  Is there a better way to do this?  I'm not trying to get the guy in trouble, I just want access to the driveway.

Any advice/ideas would be appreciated.  Thank-you for your time and consideration.

UPDATE:  My husband and I have decided to contact the original estate attorney and see how he can help us.  It's possible the property is abandoned and the taxes may not have been paid, so there's that bit to figure out regarding  who owns or is responsible for it.  I will update the story once we get the ball rolling and (hopefully) get things resolved.

Answer: Tell him he can have a towing company move the cars or you'll call the city code enforcement office and ask them to inspect the yard.


Title: UPDATE: My Landlord is trying to evict me "effective immediately" Boston, M.A

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 1) yes
2) not unless you lose in housing court

To document your attempt to pay, get a cashier's check from your bank made out to him before the due date.  Or send a personal check via certified mail.


Title: [New York State Residential/Family] How do I protect my son from abusive mother?

Question:
Girlfriend got caught cheating so she went panic mode and filed for custody, and served me with notice to vacate (when we bought the house, she had better credit so I didn't put my name on the mortgage, this is what happens when you trust people).

Anyway notice to vacate ended March 31. I'm still here, custody hearing is May 10, I'm assuming she's going to file for an eviction lawsuit.

She is financially and emotionally abusive and has no interaction with our son whatsoever, sometimes on weekends if I REALLY push she issue she will give in and spend some time with him. She tells him I don't love him and that he shouldn't love me. She tells him to say she is his favorite.

1. How do I prolong this eviction process as LONG as possible? I am NOT leaving my son with her to be abused. He does not deserve to suffer at the whims of her failing mental health. (I documented as much as I could remember of her cycle of doing this, especially every time she cancelled our credit cards and I had to leave groceries at the counter, and the times she went out to get high and fuck at parties while I was home taking care of our son)

2. After I do get evicted, how do I protect my son from her? Is there something I can do now?

3. EDIT: This new guy is a drug dealer, that's how they met, he brings weed into my house around my son, and I have no problem with MJ (though I do not smoke) but not around my kid, especially the sketchy people that sell it on the street. She's trying to tell our son that this guy is his new, better Daddy. How do I make it so he can't come anywhere near my son?

Topic:
Custody Divorce and Family

Answer:
 1- eviction is going to do nothing but hurt you. You are already in violation of court orders. Do you think a custody judge will think you are perfect and she isn't when she is following the law and you are not?

2- you file a counter to get custody suit and deal with this on court. Not by violating the court orders. You are not doing this right and it will bite you in the ass.


Title: How likely is that the police or prosecutor will drop charges after the victim doesn't want to pursue any further?

Question:
I was invited over to my friends house recently for his birthday get-together. Everything was going easy peezy. A few drinking games here and there. Everyone was having fun that night until I took a few extra shots of Jager and became belligerent and hostile to everyone at the party and was trying to start fights for no reason with my buddy and his friends.

They just wanted me out of there. But since they didn't want me driving like that and with Uber being shut down nationwide they went with summoning the police. Police came. I went to jail. Charged with disorderly conduct - fighting. Have a future court day set.

Talked with my buddy the next day after getting bail. He said *he's not pressing charges*. In these sort of cases, how likely will the prosecutor/police drop the charges or dismiss the case?

Answer:
 >He said *he's not pressing charges*.

He's right. The state presses charges, not the victim. Your friend's wishes might come into play with regards to a criminal proceeding, but there's no guarantee the prosecutor will care what he wants.


Title: My parents filed an eviction suit with the courts and they never provided me with a formal written notice.. [Illinois]

Question: Which is not the correct procedure. How will the judge know if they never did or not? I wouldn't put it past my parents to lie that they 100% did or even go as far as to have a typed up notice to say "See! here is our copy." and then try and pass it off as " Oh Dreamer probably lost it in his messy room."

Answer: Why do you feel entitled to a free place to live?Answer #2: One thing to add: if your parents are forcing you out, it is better for you if you go willingly without having the court force you to leave. Eviction proceedings, like all other court actions, is a matter of public record, and if a court evicts you, you will have difficulty in renting your own place as landlords will be reluctant to rent to a person with an eviction on their record.Answer #3: What are you hoping to accomplish?


Title: Found little over $1,000 cash. Person that's claiming it, says it was over $3,000. Not true..

Question:
Found it in a store around 8 pm, their power had gone out and they we're shutting down early for the night. It was chaotic.  Found the cash in a envelope on a counter, along with regular papers( it didn't belong to the store, it was obvious)  Tried to take it to two police stations but they were closed. Called 911 to find out what to do. Said turn it in the next day.  Turned it in about an hour after they opened.

Fast forward a week. Received call from police wondering where cash is. Told them it's been turned in. They called me back to confirm and to tell me it's short. Says "victim" doesn't want to press charges, only wants money back.  This is bullshit. He's lying about the total amount missing. Didn't take even a finders fee.  Should I be worried? What happens now?

Tldr; Found some cash. Asshole is saying more was found and I kept the rest. That's not true. What happens in these cases? Should I be worried?

Answer:
 Most likely it's a scam. Unless they can prove you stole from them, just ignore it. If the police keep pressing it retain a lawyer.Answer #2: Nah, there's no case here. You're all good. It just doesn't make sense why you would turn it in in the first place if you wanted to steal some money. Unless there is some actual evidence that you stole it, don't worry. While yes, there is no evidence that you didn't take it, there is also no evidence that you did.

tldr; You're fine, there's no case.Answer #3: First, stop talking to the police. Second, say that you will be more than happy to answer any of their questions after consulting with legal counsel.
Answer #4: Let's assume that somehow it could be proved that the original envelope contained $3000. Perhaps there's footage from a bank of someone taking out $3000 and putting it in an envelope.

How would the police prove that it was OP who stole 2000/3000? This person is clearly careless with their money. Maybe it was stolen by someone else. Maybe it's in their sofa. Maybe they spent $2000, lost $1000, and are trying to scam op.

I can't imagine op losing in criminal or civil court.

Answer #5: You are fine. Answer #6: Are you even sure it's the police calling you?Answer #7: Do a search for the incoming phone number, It may not have been actual police.

If it wasn't, absolutely take it to the relevant precinct. Cops probably would take impersonating an officer seriously.Answer #8: Call the non-emergency police number and ask if the number that called you belongs to the department. It could be the owner impersonating the police which would be a huge crime.


Title: [New York State] Can a cop not search places of your vehicle that have a reasonable expectation of privacy without a warrant?

Question: Glove box, trunk, places you can't see in plain sight. I learned they needed a warrant for such searches in a legal class I took, but I've heard the contrary from other sources. If I'm right, can you refer me to the case where this was made law?

Answer: They can search with probable cause, no warrant required. That was Carroll v. United States, if memory serves.


Title: [MO] Girlfriend and I bought a house. Moved a roommate in without a lease. (Story inside)

Question: We bought the house back in March. We had originally moved in a friend of mine as a roommate to help pay for the mortgage. We charged him a flat $250 a month. Around the middle of April his girlfriend started staying the night and staying during the day while the rest of us were at work. Our utilities drastically increased. It's getting to the point where it's costing us money for them to stay. What steps do I need to take to either tell them to leave or increase their rent which ever they would prefer? I would need their rent to go to $450 a month. Does not having a lease handicap us in this event.

Answer:
 Nope.

Give them 30 days notice that you will be raising the lease/demanding they sign a lease agreement. If they rebuff, give him 30 days notice he will be evicted for violating the oral lease by brining in a 3rd party.

If he is a nice reasonable guy, you can just ask for the 200 bucks now and sign an new lease. But given you are asking us, methinks you don't think this sensible thing will be recieved sensibly.
Answer #2: $250 rent?

WHAT YEAR IS IT?

Seriously... that's... a deal.Answer #3: >Does not having a lease handicap us in this event.

Yes, not having a lease handicaps you.  You may have been able to include certain provisions that would have been helpful.

Currently, your friend is a month-to-month tenant, and you need to provide [one month written notice](http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/missouri-notice-requirements-terminate-month-month-tenancy.html).  If he does not leave, you can continue with eviction proceedings via the court.Answer #4: This situation sounds weird, like you aren't speaking with the couple living in your house.  What did they say when you mentioned that, hey, the utilities went up with the other person living here?

I'm just imagining you sending them a really spergy notice to vacate or change in rent without ever talking to them.  Instead, have an adult conversation, write down what you agree to, and have all parties sign it.  If you can't come to an agreement then give them notice to vacate.


Title: Dating an employee who works for your former treatment center.

Question:
I was in treatment about 13 months ago for alcoholism. Recently, I ran into a woman that worked there (she still does) and we conversed a bit. It came out that we were both attracted to each other.

Apparently, she (or any other employee)!cant associate with me for 2 years after my discharge f on the facility due to an agreement signed with the facility, or due to HIPAA.

Is there any way around this so she doesn’t run the risk of losing her job, or worse?

Answer:
 >Is there any way around this so she doesn’t run the risk of losing her job, or worse?

No, in every state except Montana, her employment is at will.  So, even without the contract she signed, they could fire her for dating you.


Title: Underage drinking charge at 20, cops trying to contact my parents.

Question:
I got an underage drinking charge because i was a .03 behind the wheel. Lucky break i know, i had a beer earlier and was just going around the block. Long story short i pulled over to check my tire cause it said it was low and this cop pulled up behind me and gave me the whole 9 yards of test just because i live in a college town in PA, on campus, and it was late. I blew over the legal limit into the breathalyzer and he only decided to give me an under age drinking charge. My friend in the car got the same. Then he asked for both of our parents names and numbers, i gave him the wrong number.

Now he called my friends father at 7am and left a voicemail that he would be calling back later that night to talk. I gave him the wrong number so idk who he called or talked to, does he have the right to go searching and tell my Father? I can take care of the issue by myself and dont need the lecture from my dad since he would probably disown me. Was the cop just being a dick or does he have a legal right to go and find my dads number to call him and tell him my case specific info? If so why would he go through the trouble.

Answer:
 > Was the cop just being a dick

He did you a favor by not arresting you for DUI. He could still arrest you for it if he wanted to.

The charge you did receive is a matter of public record, he can tell anyone he wants.Answer #2: > does he have the right to go searching and tell my Father?

Your arrest is public record.  He can tell anyone he wants to.


Title: [FL] What are the chances my mom will get nothing in the divorce

Question: My mom asked my dad for a divorce in March and he agreed. She left the next day and moved to talahassee where my dad has consigned for her apartment, as she had nothing to her name and no job at the time. She works at Wal-Mart now, making $900 a month. My dad is very wealthy. He makes over 150K a year, has property and other assets. He has had a lot of time to send my mom divorce papers and he hasn't, what are the odds that he has been hiding his money away and how successful would he be in it? My mom has been as stay at home mom for 18 years, is my dad really going to be able to walk away with everything while my mom is left with nothing?

Answer:
 It appears it may be cheaper to keep her and she is willing to stay married but have her apartment paid for in exchange for not filing for divorce.

Answer #2: >what are the odds that he has been hiding his money away and how successful would he be in it?

What are the odds of Leprechauns to Unicorns? Exactly! We know as much about what he's doing as you do.

>is my dad really going to be able to walk away with everything while my mom is left with nothing?

Your mother should retain an attorney, and in the process, would likely be granted alimony.Answer #3: > My mom has been as stay at home mom for 18 years, is my dad really going to be able to walk away with everything while my mom is left with nothing?

No.

Essentially, in the divorce, the court will take into account:

* The length of the marriage.
* Both side's financial ability and needs.
* Any sacrifices made for the marriage (eg, she was a stay at home mom, so she sacrificed quite a bit).
* The marital assets and incomes.

Florida is an Equitable Distribution state, so a lot of factors are taken into account. A good primer can be found [here](http://www.divorcesource.com/ds/florida/equitable-distribution-in-florida-dissolution-of-marriage-3703.shtml).

As she is still married, she has full access to the marital assets, and thus should be able to hire a lawyer with those assets. If her husband is denying her access to the assets and preventing her from affording a lawyer, contact [Florida Legal Aid](http://floridalegal.org/), since her monthly income is below the threshold for civil legal aid.