Title: Is it legal to short a stock then reveal a large security vulnerability in the company?

Question:
Say there's a publicly traded security company and I'm bug bountying and I find a giant security flaw that would cause the stock to go down considerably. **Is it legal to short the stock with this exclusive knowledge and then publish the security flaw or is it somehow insider trading or something?**

In this scenario, the company and myself are both in the United States and I have no affiliation with the company. Also, even if I didn't benefit financially, I would still publish the security flaw to prevent zero-day attacks.

Edit: By "no affiliation" I'm mean I'm an independent white hat hacker that stumbles onto a giant security threat, just to keep the question simple

Answer:
 If you get information about the security flaws from insiders in the company, it's insider trading.

If you have a confidential relationship with the company through the bug bounty terms and conditions, it's insider trading.

If you are gathering information about the security flaws illegally or from an illegal source, it's insider trading.

If, however, you acquire the information from legitimate sources with no duties to the company and the information is essentially undiscovered publicly available information that you trade knowing and later accurately report, it is remotely possible that it may not be insider trading. The relevant case is Carpenter v. U.S., which is a Supreme Court case involving a reporter who collected public information and traded on it prior to publishing his articles. The Supreme Court split evenly 4-4 because of a vacancy, so his conviction was upheld, but another case now might well go the other way (so, after 7-8 years of sitting in prison, you might get your conviction overturned on appeal).

Edit: in that case, the reporter's conviction on wire fraud charges for the same conduct was upheld 8-0. So, although it may not be a securities violation, it is still illegal to trade on information and then publicize it.Answer #2: It's not somehow insider trading. It's literally insider trading.


Title: Ex got married again without divorce from first marriage

Question:
I have been with my partner for 6 years. He has been going through divorce proceedings since 2010 (she started the divorce so this is a mutual separation). She received her payout in 2012 but the divorce paperwork has not been successfully filed with court due to her derailing every court appointment with false allegations. At this point the divorce has not been granted. We just don't have the money anymore to chaise her in court.

She has gotten married to a new gentleman on July 1st 2017. Wedding dress, big bridal party, over 150 guests. So to my understanding she is currently committing bigamy. I called the Police Non Emergency Hotline to ask how they proceed with these kind of cases and was told they don't... But it's in the Canadian criminal code and people have been  successfully convicted with it in Canada.

What are my options?

Answer:
 > So to my understanding she is currently committing bigamy.

Only if the two of them signed and submitted a marriage license. Unless you saw them do that, you don't know that she's committing bigamy - only that she had a big party.

Your partner can follow up on this with his divorce attorney if he likes, and could swear out a complaint before a justice of the peace (beginning the prosecution process) if his attorney thinks it's a good idea. Your options are basically nonexistant unless you are in possession of copies of both marriage licenses, and even then your partner may not appreciate (or may not benefit from) your involvement in this.Answer #2: What's your goal? Is your partner paying alimony and would like to stop because she remarried?  Is she somehow violating another legal agreement involving your partner via this wedding?  Are you hopeful that you can use this information in court to get the divorce finalized?Answer #3: She may not have gotten legally married.  It's not unheard of to have big wedding ceremonies and events without actually doing the legal portion. There are various reasons people do it, but it definitely happens.


Title: Can I be charged by not reporting?

Question:
I’ve found a very close family member’s illegal substances and I’m worried. This may be a stupid question but it has me concerned. If I don’t report this but they are found, could I be charged? I picked them up to look at them.
Topic:
Drug Possession

Answer:
 It is not illegal not to report a crime in most states.

It's not illegal not to report such substances in any state.

The only risk is a minuscule one, which is that they find your fingerprints on it, identify you and based on that charge you with possession.  It is sufficiently small a risk that you can safely ignore it.Answer #2: No


Title: (Naval Law/USA?) Buy a ship, mount deck guns, provide security

Question:
This is (obviously) an unrealistic scenario, but if I purchased a large ship, say some pretty speedy 100m ship, and then mounted deck guns on it, or at least set up a large number of fixed-firing positions (ie machine gun nests), would that be legal? The idea here would be to provide maritime security for ships passing by pirate infested waters. Pretending that people actually contracted you to sail with their group of ships.

Would it depend on the law of the nation where the ship is flagged? Could you just not register your ship anywhere and sail flagless/unregistered? Or could you just register it in a country with very loose maritime laws?

As machine guns and rocket launchers are illegal in most countries, I know you couldn't just sail up to a port with this stuff, but what if you had a smaller boat that you towed, tossed all your guns on that and left it with a crew off the coast, in international waters, and then docked your boat for picking up supplies and dropping off people. That or using the smaller boat to make supply runs for your ship, while keeping all of the guns out of a nation's territorial waters.

Also, in the event you did accidentally sail into territorial waters, can a nation pursue you into international waters for arrest?

Essentially, pretending that you could make money providing security, are there any laws to stop you from loading up a boat with fire power and sailing around?

Answer: Hey, former Surface Warfare Officer in the United States Navy here. You are the kind of person we would have hunted down when I was on a destroyer, especially if you were sailing under the US flag. This is a bad idea.


Title: age of consent?

Question:
hello, i met a girl on tinder and we hit it off but i found out she's actually 17 (we haven't met or anything at all i'm just asking here to see what i should do) and i'm 21. the age of consent in my state is 16, so i think it would be fine to hang out and whatnot, but i'm in the military so i don't know if her being 18 is affected by that.

&#x200B;

any advice is appreciated

Answer:
 If she lied about her age, your best bet is to just steer clear of herAnswer #2: Are you sure she's 17?

She lied once, she may have fibbed on her age twice. Answer #3: Age of consent is only applicable if you're planning on sleeping with her. I'd steer clear just in case for 2 reasons

1. She lied about her age (sus)
2. She's a minor

EDIT: Here's a link to an article that may help https://www.avvo.com/legal-answers/how-does-the-age-of-consent-work--can-you-legally--2484127.htmlAnswer #4: Not worth the risk. Don't hangout with her. Answer #5: What state/country are you in? Either way it's kinda weird... I'd move on. You're an adult and she's a child still... Regardless of legality doesn't it feel weird she's probably still in high school? Like what would you have in common?Answer #6: If you're worried about it don't do it alot less stressful that wayAnswer #7: Plenty of other girls out there. Good rule of thumb, if you have to question the legality of something, especially like this. Steer clear like other commenters have said.

Catching a charge with a minor is incredibly life altering. If she lied about her age for 17, whose to say she's not 16 or younger? It can be hard to tell sometimes especially if your not thinking with the correct head.

Stay away. Answer #8: UCMJ puts age of consent at 16. That's the military's age of consent, which means you wouldn't be charged under the UCMJ. However, if she is under the age of consent of the state you reside in you can very easily catch a civilian charge, which would put an end to your military career quickly.


Title: What is the difference between brandishing a gun versus using it to deter a crime against yourself.

Question:
In most situations one can look like the other no matter the intent.
Topic:
Criminal Law

Answer:
 If you wouldn't fire, don't draw, basically. The presumption is that if you draw on someone, you intend to kill them, so doing so in a situation where you have no lawful justification for killing someone puts you at risk of a brandishing charge if you're lucky, or an assault with a deadly weapon charge if you're not.

The situations in which you can use deadly force in self-defence are _very_ limited.


Title: my dad might be a criminal, please help

Question:
Hey guys.

I'm having some serious anxiety about the schemes my father has been up to.  I'm pretty sure he's guilty of identity theft (or fraud?) and I'm extremely worried that his actions will put me in a shit ton of legal trouble.

He's a salesperson with a MLM (multi-level marketing) company (think Avon).  The way it works is the more people you have sign up and purchase the products on a consistent basis, the higher you rise as a business representative and the more you get paid each month.  Each "level" has a quota of the amount of people needed before you get to the next promotion.

My father has been at this for about two years.  The people he's had subscribe to this company sometimes cancel their subscription, so his business title/level varied wildly with each month's paycheck.  Just recently he hit a milestone, having reached a sort of "senior" status in the business ranks.  I congratulated him, a little surprised that he managed to keep a consistent customer base.

I found out that he had made fake accounts to boost his sales and his subscriber quota.  Now, short story here: I opened a credit card under my name for him, about three years ago.  In 2008/2009, he filed for bankruptcy, thus making him ineligible for other credit cards.  At the time, I didn't really understand or consider the potential consequences.

So, he made these false accounts and made purchases under these fake names under MY NAME and on my credit card.  And the company he's working for flagged him for suspicious activity.

TL;DR - my dad falsified business sales under my name

My questions to you are:

1) What are the potential consequences of his actions?
2) Am I considered an accomplice?
3) What's the worst case scenario and how do I prepare for it?

Thanks guys.  Please help with any answers you can about my situation.  If I'm leaving out any information that you need to know, please tell me.  I'll try to answer everything as quickly as I can.

EDIT:  I'm from New Jersey.

Answer:
 Take the credit card back now...  actually, have the credit card company issue a new one with a new number, and make sure you get that new card and keep it safe.   (From the sounds of it, you're probably young enough it would be better not to cancel your oldest card if you can otherwise secure it, but you do need him to not have the valid info.)  Your main risk is that you gave a card that bills you to someone who filed bankruptcy and can't have credit cards.  If he couldn't pay his own, what are the odds he'll pay one he isn't obligated to?

It may be quite difficult to get out of things he charges to it if you applied for it, purposefully let him use it, and let him keep it when you know he's using it.Answer #2: People who file for bankruptcy can certainly open credit cards.  Many will start receiving solicitations immediately upon discharge.

You're not an accomplice to anything. You dad is committing fraud.   Cancel the credit cards, maybe dispute the charges.


Title: [Tennessee] My girlfriend was robbed at her work 70$ cash. The employer said that the cameras were not at there spot and have chosen to do nothing but tell her sorry. What options do we have?

Answer:
 She can quit and find someplace else to work?

I'm sorry that this happened to her, but employers aren't responsible for damages incurred as the result of third-party criminal actions.


Title: My roommate keeps threatening to( and has) hit my dog because he has anger issues. His anger is uncontrollable and I can't enjoy my life while he still lives with me for the rest of the semester. What do I do?

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Next time he threatens you or hits your dog call the cops on him.

Report him to your university's disciplinary authorities.

If you are in university housing, request a new apartment from them.Answer #2: Didn't notice locale in your post.  Also didn't say whether school or private housing.

Some states have expanded domestic violence/restraining orders to cover animals/pets.  Not sure exactly what you can get an order to required wrt an animal.  Also, not sure what would happen if you asked a court to order your roommate to stay away from an animal living in his home.  But, it might be worth looking into.  Google "pet protection order" or "pet protective order" or some such and see if it's an option for you.  The bonus is roommate gets a domestic violence order on his record.

If in school housing, complain.  Tell them he has severe anger problems.  Tell them you fear for your own safety, if you ever do/did.  If not, tell them you are afraid it might escalate to endangering you.  Get your roommates to each file their own complaint.

Call animal control or whoever else deals with animal abuse, maybe even the police, and  report him.


Title: Woke up with a card from crime stoppers on my door.

Question: I woke up this morning with a card from crime stoppers asking me to call an officer.  It says it is reference to a question and answer my 15 year old son asked online.  I am not calling until after I talk to my son but is this a police tactic to get information against my son?  My 15 year old son is a good kid but he is a fifteen year old boy.  I am in Volusia County, Florida.

Answer:
 You do not have to contact anybody.

Answer #2: Spoke with my son he said someone ddos ed his minecraft server.  Kicking him off the internet.  Now if someone could tell me what a ddos is that would be good.


Title: Employer altered discipline report after signed by me. FL

Question:
Received a discipline report at work. Type of action to be handed down was written warning. After it was signed by myself, my Superior at some point added to the report. Inserted the work "fucking" into a statement they are saying I said. When I saw the document was altered after the fact, I was told it's not a big deal, and doesn't matter. That change made a statement being attributed to me seem a lot more hostile. No chance to counter this, or anything added after the fact.

When I got home after work, I was told by a manager I was suspended for 3 days, even though what I signed originally said written warning only. I don't know what else was altered. I have an unaltered copy that was signed by me in my possession.

What are my options?

Answer:
 Let me put it to you gently, if your employer is willing to alter written documents to this effect, what makes you think they will cover your ass should anything happen? Or even pay you fairly? etc etc.

Find a new employer.Answer #2: Not a lawyer. It doesn’t matter.

I can imagine it might matter if you get fired and they contest your unemployment claim. But otherwise hang on to your original and go about your life. Use these 3 days to job hunt. Answer #3: You can escalate to HR if your company has an HR department. Otherwise you can speak to your supervisor's boss (and continue going up the chain of command).

Generally speaking, signing this kind of document will only indicate your supervisor has had a discussion about the underlying performance/incident and explicitly is not an acknowledgement that the content within the document is accurate. Answer #4: IANAL. Florida is an at-will state and unless you signed a written contract when you were hired, they can fire/suspend you for any (non-protected) reason. There's nothing illegal about what they do with their own documents, internally.

As others mentioned, however, if they do fire you, they MIGHT try and block your unemployment claim by using this as a just cause for termination. In that case, you can fight it by having the original.


Title: [IL] Please help me figure out how I can pay a traffic ticket that I cannot read and the county clerk has no record of.

Question:
http://imgur.com/B2NRxEP

I’m in cook county IL. This is my first traffic ticket and it was given to me by the railroad police of Illinois. I posted here previously and was told to contact the county clerk. I have called or tried to use the online ticket search atleast once a day for the last month. I’m terrified this ticket price will double or my license will be suspended. I cannot read the ticket and I’m almost positive the police did not give me all the documents necessary (on the back it says to return the blue copy by mail to pay and I have no blue copy because I was not given one) who can I contact? How do I find out more about this ticket?

Thank you. If it makes a difference the ticket was for having my phone in hand.

Answer:
 Was it a local police officer, or an Amtrak police officer? https://police.amtrak.com/  Answer #2: >See instructions on **top portion, back side of gold copy**.

So what does that part of the ticket say?


Title: My dad's cop friend is withholding my backpack

Question:
TL;DR Cop friend of my dad took my backpack in to check it for bombs because he didn't like the way I threw it down

I'm going to try and make a long story short. My dad is a paramedic which means he often gets to work the fun places like football games, carnivals, theme parks, etc. Sometimes I go with him, because why not? Anyway during this particular incident we got into a typical father/daughter argument. Words were exchanged, voices were raised, it wasn't my proudest moment. I wanted to put space between us but I could't go into the park until, in my dads own words, "Toss your damn pack in the trailer first" so I did. I stormed up the steps to the trailer where the cops and paramedics wait, tossed my backpack onto a chair, and stormed off.

Still there? Okay well after I cleared my mind I went to go get some cash out of my backpack for food, but when I tried to leave one of my dads cop friends (I know they're friends because I have seen them hang out together without their uniforms) stood in the doorway and prevented me from leaving. Apparently I had "given him a scare" because my "backpack could have had a bomb in it". Looking back I guess I could see how my angry demeanor might have raised a few flags despite my age and small frame, but these days I guess anybody could be a "terrorist". I apologized and informed him I was only doing what my dad told me to, and maybe he should be having this conversation with both of us. He continued to stand his ground and not let me by, I almost pulled the "am I being detained??" card but figured I would let him finish his speech. I think the guy was abusing his power because he didn't like how I was talking to my dad, who everyone else see's as this charismatic leader except his own family. Honestly I would just let the whole thing go but the cop took my backpack in as evidence or something and still hasn't given it back. I had so many important things in there, including a laptop and I don't know when I will be getting it back. Is the cop right to do this? Can't I do anything about it?

Forgot to mention I live in Phoenix Arizona. And yes, I am aware of how crazy people are here.

UPDATE: Does r/legaladvice know what it's called when someone takes something that isn't theirs? Stealing. It's called stealing. That's what the cop is currently being charged with. Just because you wear a badge doesn't give you the right to abuse that power, thought you guys should know that ^-^

Answer: You need to talk to your father about it. It sounds like this is not a legal issue or police issue. It doesn't sound like your dads friend took custody of the pack in an investigation, he just refused to let you get it. Have your dad go get it. Answer #2: How long ago was this?  And where did the cop take the backpack in to?


Title: Limo Broke down twice during our wedding...had to Uber it to the hall.. Can I ask for a full refund plus damages?(Toronto)

Question:
To say the least it was a disaster. The limo broke down twice. First  where we went to take pictures(city location). We took a set of pictures and returned to the limo to go to the University of Toronto to take the remaining pictures. Once we got back to the limo the driver let us know that the limo's battery was dead. He ran around asking people for booster cables, needless to say that was incredibly embarrassing to happen to me and my new wife infront of our families and strangers on the street.

He ended up borrowing a booster from our photographer(which he has not returned yet) and eventually got the car to go.

We were 35 minutes late to UofT and we only had a one hour permit to take pictures, so that left us with 25 minutes to rush and take pictures.

If that was not enough after we left the limo broke down again in the middle of a very busy intersection in front of thousands of passerby's. This was beyond humiliating as the driver without wearing shoes for some reason is running car to car asking for jumper cables again.

At this point I had enough and ordered an Uber for my wife and I.

The silver lining were the people on the street. We were offered by multiple people for rides to the hall as we stood there alone her in a huge dress and me in a tux.

I want to ask for a full refund, the Uber fare plus 500 in damages... Is that too much? What are my options if he just says no.

Answer: What exactly are the damages beyond the Uber Ride?


Title: Divorce attorney died. Divorce wasn't final. (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA)

Question:
My mom's divorce attorney died earlier this month. Her divorce is not final and some paper work had yet to be filed. Assets still need divided and stuff like that. my mom had already paid him a decent amount of money. We are not wealthy people by any means.

My question is, is my mom totally screwed? Like is she going to have to find a new attorney and completely start from scratch?

Answer:
 She won't have to start from scratch, an attorney can substitute into the case and take over for her previous counsel.

As far as the money she's spent, it depends on her fee agreement. Did she pay a flat fee? Did she pay a retainer? If she paid a retainer, is there currently a balance remaining? Does her agreement say that the retainer is refundable to the extent it is not depleted?

Has she tried contacting the firm the attorney works for, or his staff if he is a solo practitioner, to ask these questions? Answer #2: Some attorneys have a succession plan in place where another attorney will take over their cases in the event of their death. In some states, the state bar association/state supreme court will assign attorneys to wrap up the deceased attorney's cases. Contact your state bar association for more information.


Title: Car was stolen while in valets possession

Question:
I live in an apartment (Lawrence, Kansas) where the parking is run by a valet. We pay $50 a month and we are not allowed to park are own cars even if we want to.

This morning at 4am my car was stolen. Thief broke into key room stole 5 sets of keys and my car.

There is a parking spot lease. It does say they are not responsible for theft. The thing is the contract is written as if it were a normal parking lot. there is no mention of the fact it is a valet and they don't let you park your own car. The fact that they are in possession of the keys and car I think this changes things

Will I be able to get the apartment company to pay me? Car is worth about $10,000 I also had about $1500 worth of stuff in the car. Also what about a rental car in the meantime? How does this work? Where do I go from here?

Thanks

Answer: Have you called the cops?Answer #2: I would call your auto insurance company and your renter's insurance company (for the personal property in the car) and start with them.


Title: [Texas] Considering putting down a deposit to hold a house rental...site unseen

Question:
Hey /r/legaladvice,

So my husband and I live in a Texas town that is rapidly expanding and the housing market cannot keep up so rental properties pop up and disappear very quickly, especially the ones in good neighborhoods at lower rents.

We found one such house on craigslist of all things and got in touch via phone with the owner. He informed me he could show the property as soon as July 5th but no sooner as he's out of town and the tenants are still there. I was also informed there was one person who had beat me to contacting him and said she was going to put a deposit down after seeing the lease. He told me he'll call me if she decides not to.

So, hypothetically, if we're given the opportunity to put a deposit down to hold the place before seeing the rental property and being able to verify that this house is in fact available for lease and that he is the landlord...is there anything we can do to protect myself in case this is a scam of sorts?

Answer:
 Absolutely do not do this.  One of these scams is that the 'landlord' isn't the landlord, and he'll disappear once you pay the deposit.

Besides, what if the interior sucks?


Title: Fraudulent Lien holder?

Question:
**Forgot to mention - This is in California**

Last week I asked a question about a car I just bought from a private party that I found out had a lien holder on it. I went to the DMV on Friday and got the car placed in my name. Nothing was said about a lien holder and apparently there is no lien on the car.

I found an old document (certificate of lien sale less than $4000)  that shows that the car was picked up by a towing company, and then placed in auction. The document shows that letters were mailed to both the lien holder and registered owner, who both failed to pick up the car from the tow yard. The car was sold in auction.

My husband called the company that supposedly was the lien holder. The receptionist proceeded to tell him that their company went bankrupt (around the same time the car was placed in auction by the towing company) and they opened a new shop in a different city. When the company went bankrupt, she said the owner placed liens on all the vehicles. She still has the title and was adamant on getting us to bring the car down there so "they can figure everything out." Not going to happen.

So my question is... are they being fraudulent? That's what it seems like to me, but I don't know a lot about liens and lien holders. The DMV said that they are mailing a title to me... should I do anything about this company that supposedly still has a title on my car? When I called the DMV and gave my plate number they said that yes there was a lien, but when I went and placed the car in my name there was no lien on the registration, only my name and on the "application for title" they wrote 'none' on the lien holder section.

Also, doesn't a Certificate of Lien sale prove that the lien holder is no longer the legal owner of the vehicle?

Thanks in advance for any advice

Answer:
 I am a claims adjuster who handles a fair amount of impounded vehicle in California.

I wouldn't say it is fraud, as that's a specific legal term and it usually requires a whole lot of intent.  If the company closed, they may have not received the letters and may not now their lien is no longer valid.  So it's not necessarily fraud, but you have no business or duty to deal with them.

Your freshly minted new title will supercede the title they hold, as they forfeited their interest (the lien) by failing to respond to mailings [that accompanied the HTVR7](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/?1dmy&urile=wcm:path:/dmv_content_en/dmv/pubs/brochures/howto/htvr7) and the tow yard auction.  The tow yard had a lien based on their service of storing the vehicle, and that effectively ursurped the finance company who did not protect their interests and did not respond to the letters.  Even if they claim they never received them, it's not a valid argument for them to contest the lien sale this long after the fact.

I would just patiently wait for the new title, and call it good.  Once you get a new title on it with a more recent date than theirs, that old title is basically trash save for a few VERY rare circumstances (auto theft rings, VIN cloning, etc.... none of which should apply to you)  Keep any of the old documents you have just in case the ancient lien holder decides to poke their nose around again.   But I wouldn't sweat it.


Title: trespassing dispute- plz help :(

Question:
Hello people,I'm not very good at writing so sorry in advance, but I really need advice concerning a trespassing dispute.

Let me set the scene.I Live in Kansas.I work a security guard at a nightclub. the nightclub is located in a shopping center.the

basically one night i got off work early and decided to have a couple drinks,(and I did) and to go get pizza from the pizza place (also in the shopping center). While in the pizza place me and security guard who works for the shopping center property got into a altercation, I don't think the details are important, but eventually he told me to leave or I would get a trespassing warning, I complied and started walking home, when the security guard came running up behind me trying to arrest me, we fought,I tried to run home, the security guard followed me, the cops were called,the cops listened to our stories and let me go.

fast forward two months: I'm at work tonight when who do i see but this security guard, who promptly calls my managers and tells them that I can't come onto shopping center property, because It's trespassing, and he will call the cops, my managers have put me on leave from work.

so basically my tl:dr is what defense do i have against this? Is there anything I can do?- keep in mind
 -I was acting in self defence when me  and the other security fought, but I was drinking that night and am much younger than the other man, I have no proof for my stories.

also keep in mind- very important- when the other security guard went to arrest me or detain me or whatever. I was not
on shopping center property, he was following me and tried to arrest me on the sidewalk. again its my words against his though

another question? assuming that everyone sides with the other security guard is there anyway I can still be allowed to go to my place of work since its on their property?

also remember this happened about two months ago, and i'd like to try to keep the police and courts and univloved as possible

if you've read this thanks, and if you can help thanks

sincerely, Halptheweirdo

Answer:
 > While in the pizza place me and security guard who works for the shopping center property got into a altercation, I don't think the details are important, but eventually he told me to leave or I would get a trespassing warning

I think the details of what your drunk self did to draw the attention of the security guard are VERY important to your story.

> and i'd like to try to keep the police and courts and univloved as possible

This leads me to believe that those details are VERY, VERY important.


Title: Mid-career switch to law [y/n]?

Question:
Lawyers of reddit, please tell me if going back to law school would be a dumbass idea. A little background info:

I've worked in the tech industry for about 20 years. I've reached a terminal advancement level I don't find especially fun (senior/mid management in a functional area I don't love) and I've been thinking about finding a path towards something more rewarding. I've also been fortunate to make enough money that tuition costs or post-graduation salary do not need to be my primary concerns.

I have a strong working background in network security (although I am by no means a hands-on expert at this phase in my career), and it seems like there should be good opportunities for a lawyer with that background to do good in the world at this point in time. I don't have a good sense, however, of whether that'd be particularly accessible to an older grad.

What do you think?

Answer:
 It you have a STEM degree,  you could get into patent law as a specialty with your background.

I had several middle-aged classmates in law school, and one 50+ doctor who "just wanted a change". Age isn't a bar in the legal field. The biggest bar that may arise is in the actual work approach. Most tech-field people I've met like their job because there is always an answer or a fix - that isn't the case in the law. People and their problems can be messy, stupid, and illogical. But if you think that is something you can handle, then take the LSAT and start considering what types of law interests you. Then talk to lawyers in that field so you know what you're getting into.


Title: URGENT! Friend has been blackmailed into being raped but the blackmailer did not stop and now they want to report it to the police without their nudes being leaked to their father

Question: My friend was raped yesterday by her ex boyfriend because she was forced to by some unknown black mailer (might be her ex boyfriend but not confirmed). The blackmailer has naked photographs of her which he threatened to send to her father and that would destroy her life at home so she decided to let the rape occur. Her brother has also been threatened if she didn't comply. The blackmailer hasn't stopped and she wants to report this to the police without her father knowing. We live in Canada. She is 15 years old. She's freaking out and asked me to handle this for her. A few days prior she was also asked to make out with her ex and she was a video of that. The blackmailing occurred on Instagram DMs

Answer:
 If she is 15, then the blackmailer is in possession of child porn. Call the police. Answer #2: sounds like the ex boyfriend is cat fishing her, contact the police immediatelyAnswer #3: She needs to call the police and her parents right now.  This will not stop.  Once you show a blackmailer that they have something of value and that you will comply with their demands they will never stop.  Silence isn’t something that can be purchased, it can only be rented as your friend is quickly finding out.  While certainly having to admit to your parents that you have sent someone nude pictures is embarrassing, being repeatedly raped, which is what will happen if your friend does not take action as soon as she can, will be far worse.  I am so sorry she is having to make such a terrible choice, but her physical safety needs to be placed above embarrassment and anger of parents.

I would typically not recommend reporting a rape where the victim has decided not to, the decision to report is typically the victims, and the victims alone.  But here there is in ongoing risk that she will be raped or otherwise hurt again.  So if your friend will not report this please consider telling a trusted adult, be it your parents, a school teacher, or even the police, what is going on.  Your friend is in res danger and needs help from the authorities.  Also encourage her to seek help from a therapist or rape survivors group.Answer #4: CALL THE POLICE NOW


Title: Plastic firearm in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Question:
I know it is legal to make firearms for personal use and not distribution, and that firearms must have a minimum mass of metal so it shows up on metal detectors.  I remember reading somewhere that some jurisdictions have laws against zip-guns (guns that use a nail as a firing pin, or stuff like that).  I can't find where I read that anymore, so I can't provide a link.

I want to know:  Is there any reason that a plastic gun, if it includes the required metal and is hot for distribution, would be illegal in Milwaukee, Wisconsin?

Answer:
 So long as you are compliant with Wisconsin law, in this case over 18 and not a federally prohibited person, it is legal to produce your own firearm.

Starting with an 80% AR15 lower is probably the easiest way to assemble your own firearm. Remember it is the receiver of the AR15 that is the firearm (according to the federal government).

A plastic firearm is a bunch of work with limited results.

IANAL.


Title: My wife's job holds her hostage...

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Are those five hours continuous? How are they restricted to the park? Is it a conscience issue that they aren't permitted to leave, or will they be fired if they go runs personal errand during that time?

The question comes down to this: are they "engaged to wait" or "waiting to be engaged".  If it's the former; they're owed pay for the break time, and overtime. If it's the latter; they aren't. It's a very [fact determinate](http://www.wilsonelser.com/writable/files/Newsletters/epl_enewsdec2010_copy1.pdf) question; with a lot of factors to consider.

What is the level of control the employee has during their breaks? Are they permitted to do personal activities? If permitted to leave, do they have to stay within a given geographic area, or leave contact numbers so they can be recalled? Are they on call to respond to emergencies while on break? And so on.

Answer #2: She should speak to the [Missouri Department of Labor](http://labor.mo.gov/DLS/General/breaks).  They can help answer your questions.


Title: Man approached my parents, paved their driveway and charged them $10,000 in one day. More work was completed than initially agreed upon, is there anything that can be done? [GA]

Question:
This afternoon my mother was approached by a man who claimed to have just finished a paving job up the street from their home. He reported that he had some left over tar and would be willing to pave the first part of their driveway for $2.00 a square foot. The man reported he didn't have much of the materials left and could only do a portion of their 500ft (~13ft wide) driveway. He told my mother at that time he thought he would be well-under half and estimated $200-300.

My mother agreed to this, but did have to leave for some errands for the next hour. When she returned the workers had already paved over half of the driveway. The man in charge told her he’d called for a second truck to "finish the job" and that the entire length of their driveway would be done within the hour. He pushed for payment at that time and told her it would be just over $12,000.

My mother called my father to come home from work early and discuss this. My father was unable to do so, but did speak with the man on the phone-- at which time the man offered to lower the price to $10,500 if he could receive payment today. My parents agreed to this and my mother wrote a check. My mother initialed piece of paper stating she agreed with the price and work that was done, but she reports the man handed the paper back to her without keeping a copy himself. My mother wrote them a check, but informed him that due to their military banking (father is retired army) they probably would not be able to cash the check until Monday.  She stated the man seemed disgruntled but finished and left.

Now, several hours later, my parents are unable to find any information about the company. They were given a business card, but the number is a cell that no one answers. The business itself does not have a  website or information in the yellow-pages. My parents began researching and learned such tar should not have been laid down in winter as it compromises the integrity, as well as learned of several nearby scams where the “tar” does not hold up, or washes away.

My parents never intended to spend that large amount of money, and now they are worried about the quality of the work done. They placed a stop on the check, and do not believe it has been cashed yet.

My parents are older and I was not aware of this situation until it had passed. That is a large amount of money for them and my mother is worried sick. We've arranged for a third party to inspect the driveway to see if it is up to par with what was promised. Nothing was done in writing aside from the paper my mother still has. Realistically is there anything that can be done?

Answer:
 Sounds like a scam.

I wouldn't entertain them any further.  It sounds like you probably won't hear from them again.  If they ever deliver an actual invoice then dispute it and do not give them money.  If they persist then contact your attorney general's office concerning how they are operating their business.  They can sue if they're serious about collecting, in which case they would need to convince a court that an unsolicited job of $200~$300 turned into $10K and this is somehow legit.Answer #2: Stop check is a very good idea indeed.

They should renew that (most banks expire it after a few months), or move their money.

$10K was crazy pricingwise.  https://www.fixr.com/costs/pave-drivewayAnswer #3: Sounds like you just got visited by the [Irish Travelers](http://www.thetimesnews.com/article/20150721/news/150729815).  I would put a stop payment on that check pronto, move all your money to a new checking account, and close the old (so you don't have to keep renewing the stop payment).Answer #4: OP you need to consider taking control of their finances. Your mother sounds to be getting old, to the age where one wrong scam will leave her penniless. Answer #5: Why did your mom sign a check for 10k on a $300 job? Was he threatening her or...?Answer #6: I'll add one more to those saying "step in and take over their financing" to the extent possible. Voice of experience here.


Title: Can a judge force you to allow a child to travel outside of the country?

Question:
My ex asked to be allowed to take our 10 yr old to Mexico in court.  The judge has ordered me to sign a consent form allowing the travel.  What happens if I don't sign since I don't want to give consent?

edit: location Atlanta

Answer:
 Your narrative jumps from you being asked for permission straight to being ordered by a judge. We need to know what happened in the middle. Answer #2: The judge can sign an order that allows your ex to take the child regardless of whether you sign the required document. Then, instead of the document with your signature, your ex will just show the court order to whoever needs to see it, and then he/she and the kid will be on their merry way. You, however, will likely be sitting in jail for contempt. Answer #3: Is possibly losing some or all of the custody you have worth making this a hill to die on?

Do you think your child will not enjoy international travel?

Even *my* jerk of an ex agreed and signed so I could take my daughter to Canada. What's your problem with the trip?Answer #4: >What happens if I don't sign since I don't want to give consent?

The judge can sign for you. Answer #5: This is OP's other post, for background:
https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/comments/3eerg3/judicial_misconduct/Answer #6: Yes, he can.  If you don't do it you will be found in contempt.

Why don't you consent?Answer #7: If you refuse to follow a valid court order you will be held in contempt of court. Usually means jail time until you comply.


Title: Can my school get my facebook messages?

Question:
Okay, so im under investigation by my deans for cheating on a high school test. Some information as to what happened lies inside my facebook messages, which i, and those who recieved deleted. That means that the only place they are stored is with facebooks servers.

Can my school ask facebook for those messages?

Would they need a judges order?

Would a judge give them this order if they requested?

I go to public school in new york if that helps thanks.

Answer:
 I can't imagine Facebook handing those over without a subpoena, and I would have a hard time believing your school would get a subpoena for those records.

Oh... and quit cheating.


Title: FMLA and Adoption [US]

Question:
I know that FMLA allows for 12 weeks leave for covered parents when adopting a child, but I am having trouble finding information about the biological parents.

Are both biological parents entitled to 12 weeks of unpaid leave even if they are no longer the legal guardians of the child?

Also, since I'm on the topic of FMLA and newborns, what happens if the child dies during the 12 weeks? Does the FMLA protection end immediately?

Answer: I not believe so. FMLA for baby leave is for bonding. Bio mom would get her medical/disability leave based on the doctor and that is it. Bio dad gets nothing.


Title: Warrant out for my arrest but I was never charged with anything

Question:
I was accused of causing a "$500-1500 theft" at the department store I worked at. They called me into the office and the loss prevention team asked me a lot of questions about the supposed theft. After, they called the police and the officer barely said anything to me. He asked for my ID, gave me a card with the case number on it, and said some one would be contacting me about a court date. All of this happened about 3 or 4 months ago and today I have a letter in my mailbox saying theres a warrant out for my arrest and that the "Bond Amount" is $1500. I'm confused on how there can be a warrant for my arrest when I wasn't formally charged of anything. I never got a call or letter to appear in court, just this warrant letter. I realize that my best course of action is to call the department and inquire about it but I wanted to ask what advice you guys could give me so I dont get screwed around.

I'm 20 years old and this is in Texas.

Answer:
 >I'm confused on how there can be a warrant for my arrest when I wasn't formally charged of anything.

A warrant for your arrest is based on probable cause. An officer needs to give the judge sufficient evidence that suggest a crime was committed. He doesn't need to formally charge you with anything, he just needs enough evidence that suggests you committed a crime, which in this case, there seems to be.

An indictment, information, or complaint are formal charging documents that are filed by the prosecutor. That usually comes after the officer collects the evidence and brings you in.

Your best course of action is to obtain an attorney. He'll be in the best position to come up with your plan of action.


Title: Parking Citation, Can I fight it? (Probably not, but I want to make sure.)

Question:
I live in the grand city of Los Angeles. On my street, street cleaning passes by on Wednesdays and Fridays from 8-10 so the signs are clearly posted saying no parking during those times. Today I got home from school and the time was 9:53. I decided to park, because I had heard from a meter maid that parking 5 min before the posted time is allowed. I rushed home to take a dump, as I always do after school, but as I opened my door I saw the meter maid, who appeared out of nowhere, writing me a ticket. I know that extenuating circumstances can be used to fight one of these and here are some points I could *possibly* make. Oh and the ticket says I'm in violation of section: **LAMC 80.69BS No Park/Street Clean**
1.) I really really had to use the restroom
2.) I was parked at 9:54 only a minute before the allowed time, if thats true. The meter maid before might have been lying
3.) I'm a college student and $73 is a lot
4.) Parking is hard to find on my street, so you gotta take what you can get.

Answer:
 1- not an excuse to violate the law

2- the sign says ten, not tenish or around ten or kinda ten.

3- not an excuse to breaking the law

4- not an excuse to breaking the law


Title: [Fl] lighter "exploded" in my hand, almost burned my house down

Question:
[deleted]
Topic:
Personal Injury

Answer:
 What exactly do you want here? You knew it was leaking and used it anyway.Answer #2: Um...you used a leaking lighter which has _flammable_ liquids in it?

Consider yourself lucky.


Title: Need legal advice on what to do I threatened someone.

Question: The other night my wife admitted to cheating I threatened to kill her beung stupid then fell down crying cause I was so hurt.  Now she is trying to hold it over my head and black mail me with it into buying stuff.   Should I just go to authorities and telk them what happened and turn myself in.1st I know it was wrong but I woukd never harm my wife I just can't believe she woild do this.  Please help so hurt she woukd cheat then do this. (Sc loc)

Answer:
 > Should I just go to authorities and telk them what happened and turn myself in.

If you want to.  It wouldn't really help anything.

If you don't want to do what she's asking you to do, call her bluff.  You might be able to file a complaint with the police about blackmail, but that's unlikely to go anywhere.

Your best bet is to get into some counseling(individual and couple) and consider separating yourself from the situation for a while.Answer #2: >Should I just go to authorities and telk them what happened and turn myself in

That is a terrible idea. Do not do this, unless you want to be facing charges. Answer #3: I would say it's pretty obvious she didn't take the threat seriously and fear imminent death or harm (which is a required element for some charges in some jurisdictions). But, since you haven't listed your location after [being asked 4 times](http://i.imgur.com/CpQ2kKB.png), it's kind of hard to say. Answer #4: Not legal advice, but it sounds to me like this relationship needs to end. Does not seem healthy at all.


Title: Could be sued for a job review

Question:
Hi guys,

I left my job and posted on indeed about my experience. I used a throwaway account to write the review just to be cautious (didn’t really work out) and I didn’t use any names or specific events that could be traced back to me. However, I’m assuming it’s the time frame that points back to me? Anyways, I received an email saying that I violated some policies (IT policy and Non Compete policy) and was told that I had to take down the review to avoid the lawsuit. I tried to find the agreements I signed in my email but nothing was sent to me. So I have no reference to see what I signed. But I don’t understand how they could know it was me besides the time frame. Could I really be sued for this even though my post is anonymous? I’m a little scared since I don’t know the legality of this. Any helpful response would be great! Thank you for your time.

Answer:
 You can respond and say "please send me a copy of whatever agreement you claim I broke"

Companies sometimes threaten to sue former employees but don't go through with it because it's not very cost effective.


Title: My Tenants are Refusing me Access to My Property to Meet Workmen. PM Emailed Me Monday Saying He'd Confirmed Appointment. (Details in Body of Text) Would Someone Opine?

Question:
This is in Alabama

I've given my PM 60 day notice to end relationship for property management services.

Tenants aren't happy about it (I won't speculate as to why--conflict of interest).

tenants requested maintenance on toilet.

I scheduled an appt. for Fri. through AHS.

PM emailed me confirming appt. through tenant.

tenant broke handle on stove.

I scheduled appliance repairman for same timeframe.

tenants emailed PM last night (he fwd. me email) saying that they would be gone for two days with dogs loose in house and couldn't guarantee pets' behavior. refusing me access to property.

lease, and Alabama landlord tenant law, state tenants can't unreasonably refuse access (lease section is in OP).

Pet addendum states pets can't be left unattended for unreasonable length of time.

PM is a member of NAR and their code of ethics require him to proetect my property from foreseeable damage--in this case, dogs using the bathroom inside while left alone for 2 days.

=====================================================================================================================================================================================================================

the lease they've signed, reads:

	19. RIGHT OF INSPECTION AND ENTRY

	Lessor and Lessor's agents shall have the right at all reasonable times during the term of this lease and any renewal of this
	lease to enter the premises for the purpose of inspecting the premises and all building and improvements on the premises. Lessee
	shall not unreasonably withhold consent from Lessor to enter into the Dwelling in order to inspect the premises, make necessary or
	agreed repairs, decorations, alterations, or improvements, supply necessary or agreed services, or exhibit the Dwelling to
	prospective or actual purchasers, mortgagees, tenants, workmen or contractors. In the event Lessee refuses to allow Lessor lawful
	access to the premises or Dwelling, Lessor may obtain injunctive relief to compel access or consider such refusal a default under
	the provisions of the lease and terminate the Rental Agreement. In addition to it's other remedies, Lessor shall also be entitled to
	recover its actual damages in the event of such refusal by Lessee. Except in the case of an emergency or unless it is impractical to
	do so, Lessor shall provide Lessee with at least two (2) days notice of Lessor's intent to enter the Dwelling and shall post a note
	upon the primary door of entry to the Dwelling stating the intended time and purpose of the purpose of the entry.

Answer: This is very hard to follow. Edit your original post and explain better what's going on rather than making us try to connect the context between correspondence with parties we don't know. Break it down in simple terms and then add the correspondence if you feel necessary. No one wants to have to put the pieces of the puzzle together to be able to give you advice.


Title: Is it legal for my boss to monitor what I'm doing at work?

Question: At my workplace my boss can remotely access out cctv system and has used this many times to check on what me and associates are doing when he's not on the premises. I work in England?

Answer: The function of a boss is to monitor what you do at work. I am not an expert on the laws in England but I would be shocked if this was illegal, unless the camera is in the bathroom or something.Answer #2: If this is illegal anywhere in the world I would be dumbfounded. What law would prohibit a boss from doing his jobs as a boss?


Title: I refused to accept a screenshot of a coupon from 2013, and now the perpetrator is posting images of me along with very negative reviews. Is there anything I can do?

Question:
To give a bit of background I'm just an 18 year old minimum wage worker, I try to do my job to the best of my ability.  A customer attempts to show me a screenshot on their phone of a coupon from 2013 that they found on Google Images.   I refuse to accept the coupon as it is a picture of a coupon not an actual coupon.

The customer then chastises for a few mins before calling me a dick then taking a photo of me.

With the customer attempting to use what is the equivalent of a picture of a $20 bill, is there anything I can do to get rid of the images posted of me

Answer:
 You can first go to the site and ask that they remove it.

You can also ask management at your store to ban him from the premeses.

If he continues to harass you or incite others to harass you, you can file a police report.Answer #2: Maybe they violated policy of the site they are posted on, and you can work it out with them? Other than that no.

edit. assuming US, i don't think state would matter but would not hurt.


Title: Can my will dictate who receives custody of my child in the event of my death if the person isn't related to me or my child? [Rhode Island]

Question:
I recently decided that I need a will in the event of my unexpected passing. I reached out to a lawyer, but because I don't have many (any) assets, I was told that I can draft one myself and get it notarized *much* cheaper than if I went through a lawyer.

The situation is this; I have a six year old daughter. Her biological father isn't present nor is he on the birth certificate, and as far as custody is concerned, he is unable to legally care for a child. He unable to legally be within a certain distance of a school, let alone be alone with a child. He hasn't seen the child in over five years and has made no attempts to see or contact her.

I have been with my partner for four and a half years. We're a blended family, but as far as my daughter is concerned, my partner is her father. Both the school and her pediatrician recognize my partner as "Dad" in this situation.

I want to ensure, with one hundred percent certainty, that he will receive custody should I pass away. It would be devastating for my child to lose both parents in the event of my death, and I need to ensure that her biological father can't sue him for custody. I know that he could try to sue *me* while I'm alive, but I'd like my partner to be protected from that additional stressor.

Please don't give me "get married" advice. I'm seeking immediate protection for my family unit, and after marriage, my partner will still need to go through the adoption process to have unquestioned custody.

Other notes; my immediate family would also support my partner getting custody should I pass, so I don't have to worry about them.

Thank you in advance for the advice!
Topic:
Wills Trusts and Estates

Answer:
 You have identified what you need to do, you just don’t want to do it, not much we can help you with there.  The only way to do this and be sure it has the outcome you want is to be married and have the child adopted.

A will can state your preference, but it is not binding on the court, and if there are biological family members (the father, your parents, his parents, even aunts and uncles) they would likely have a better chance of getting custody than your BF who you are not married to and to whom your child, in the eyes of the law, is a legal stranger to.Answer #2: Go to a family lawyer licensed to practice law in your state. They'll tell you what your options are.


Title: New York. Abused by the police. What are my options?

Question:
I was at a friend's place when two police officers came and arrested his cousin. They also asked who I am and why I am there, I explained, and they decided to arrest me as well without giving me any reason. I told them that I'd like to see an arrest warrant, then I was forced on the ground and was told that I'm under arrest for resisting arrest.

At the station, I was let go.

I am still in pain for being put to ground and forced handcuffs, and I am bruised. I also lost about 7 hours of my day, 4 of which I was supposed to be at work. Boss texted me that "we'll talk tomorrow about my absence" and I might be in trouble there.

Do I have a case to sue the police for excessive use of force, for falsely arresting me for no reason and for the loss of income if I end up getting fired?

Answer: If they came in to serve a warrant they can detain people in the house. It sounds like they tried to detain you and you argued so they took you down and put you in handcuffs. If you refuse to comply with police officers who are legally detaining you then you can be charged with resisting.


Title: Local business holds event, patrons park on private property

Question:
Location is eagle river AK

So as the title says theres a local business, a  greenhouse in this case, that puts on on Easter event every year. Every year when they do this it's free and they get tons of attendees that overflow from their parking lit and park along a busy two lane road that doesnt have parking, then down a side road that's one lane, and my moms and her neighbors separate driveways that have signs posted saying private drive. Every year they ask the business to make attendees aware and to have someone direct traffic. They make a half assed attempt, but dont really care since person in charge has vocalized how they just want everyone to sell them their property there.

Last year it was so bad we could even leave the garage to go help a family member in the hospital. They also tore the property as it is breakup in alaska. Upon being asked to leave, and later told to leave with the explanation that's private property, they simply blew us off and claimed they had to go to the event.

Is there anything I can legally do to stop them or is there any recourse for the business or those who trespass if it occurs again? At worse can I stand out there and sell parking? The driveway is too wide to block off.

Also other question while on the subject of this business they drive 4 wheelers and side by sides down the public road since it runs along their property. The road isnt maintained by the city so it tears it up pretty bad. They refuse to do anything and complain about how fast people drive there. We're within city limits 4 wheelers and side by sides aren't allowed. Is there any recourse on that, where would I report it?

I'm not looking for revenge I just want to know if I have to deal with all of their bs or can stop some of it

Answer: IANAL- the patrons who park in a marked, private driveway are responsible. Have the car towed.


Title: I was tackled by a dog but it didn’t bite me, does that count as a “dog attack”?

Question:
Earlier today, I was out in a public park and two dogs approached me. They immediately charged at me while barking and jumped on me. I fell to the ground and my arms were cut. One tried biting my throat, but I held it away from my throat. The owner then took both of them away from me and took off.

Beyond some bruises and minor cuts on my arms, I was not injured. I had a DSLR camera in my backpack but it did not appear to be damaged in the scuffle.

Needless to say, I was scared shitless. The owner just took off immediately. Should I have called the police or something?

Answer: Yes, that was an attack. You could have called the police. But unless there were witnesses who knew the owner, or there were cameras, or you got identifiable pictures of him/her, the police would likely have done little.... especially since you were not injured.


Title: Can a repair shop hold my car for unpaid bill if I did not authorize amount?

Question: Hello, last Sunday, I had my car towed to a local repair shop because when I tried to drive out of the lot of a grocery store, my steering wheel suddenly would not turn.  I could not call the shop ahead of time to tell them the car was being towed there because they were closed at the time.  On Monday morning, I called the shop and told them that the steering wheel was frozen and I would like to know how much it would cost to fix it.  We did not agree to any services and I was not told I would be charged for the problem to be diagnosed.  The mechanic said he would look at it and call me the next day.  The next day, Tuesday, he had not called.  I called on Wednesday morning and asked what was happening with the car.  The mechanic said he had discovered the problem and had ordered the parts.  The parts and labor would cost $900.  This is the first time any charges were discussed, but I had secretly anticipated $150-$200.  $900 is more than I have to spend.  He said he had already ordered the new parts and the old parts were already out of the car!  I had not asked him to fix it and we had never discussed a price, yet he had gone ahead and ordered parts and started the work!  I told him that I can't pay $900 at this time and that I would need to have my car towed back home.  We left it at that.  In the evening, I went to get my car.  The shop appeared to be closed.  I was waiting for the tow truck to arrive when an employee exited the shop and approached me to ask why I am loitering in the lot behind their garage.  I said that I was waiting for a tow truck and I pointed out my car.  He went to check his paperwork and returned saying that I could not have my car towed until I settled up with the shop.  He said that even though I did not have the repair, the mechanic had spent 3.5 hours working on diagnosing it and I owe them $319!  I was stunned.  I did not know what to say.  I cancelled the tow truck and in the three days since then I have been trying to figure out what my rights are in this situation.  It is true that I had my car towed there to be diagnosed and repaired, but I had never agreed for them to begin repairing the car and I never agreed to pay for any labor involved in diagnosing the problem.  I actually had not even thought ahead of time about the labor for the diagnosis because this is the first time where I have had a car looked at and not gone ahead with the repair. Can anyone please help me so I can know what to say when I try to get my car back tomorrow?  .... (I am evening willing to pay $100 for the time they spent, but not $319.  I never would have agreed to this.)  I am in Michigan.  Thanks!

Answer:
 You expected to get a free diagnostic? In what world does that exist? Some places charge hourly, some just a flat fee, nowhere have I seen free. That covers that fee.

The $900 was an estimate. It is common practice for shop to order the parts and get them in so if you approve the work they already have the parts. If you decline they can return them. While annoying as fuck for those of us that have sales goals in the auto parts world, there isn't much beyond that.

Many places will hold the vehicle until the bill is paid and they can put a mechanics lien on the car. If if goes unpaid they can take ownership of your car and sell it to recoup their money.

If you did not authorize anything beyond the diagnostics, tell them to reassemble your car. Pay for the initial diagnostics and collect your car. Depending on the issue, they may have had to dissemble portions to fully gauge the extent of the problem. Answer #2: Of course you are going to have to pay for the labor for the diagnosis that you requested.


Title: Fired because I didn't look well, I'm 100 disabled with ptsd

Question: Just got escorted out of work cause I was a bit wonky. I explained my PTSD and neds make me like that, and that I was ok. They said they were just gonna send me home then had security escort me out and take my badge. I had only missed one day of work because of it, which was yesterday. Anything I can do about this?I feel horrible and like I'm always gonna be so messed up that I can't ever do anything

Answer: Brother I am also 100 perm and total for ptsd and I'm thinking there is much, much more to this story. I've been dealing with it since 2004 and been in 3 residential ptsd programs. Look hard at the other things that may have contributed to this. How was your attitude? Your work performance? Did you complain or refuse to do tasks because of your disability? Did yo call out on "bad" days? What's the other side of this?  What meds do you take that make you 'wonky?' anything controlled?


Title: (WA) Coworker is using company resources to spy on ex husband

Question:
I work at a big bank as a mortgage officer. My coworker is a relationship manager. She is currently in the middle of a messy divorce and just joined our branch 4 months ago. She used to work for a different bank. A week ago she casually told me that she joined our bank because that’s where her ex husband keeps his accounts. Moreover, she admitted to keeping tabs on him almost daily by looking up his accounts and bank activity, and that “this may come in handy at some point”.

I am not a familiar with her work responsibilities as I have a different job but as far as I know, we aren’t supposed to use bank resources for personal purposes. I don’t think it counts as illegal since she is a banker and he is a client, so technically she can look up his account whenever and it counts as “client review”.

So I’m asking you, is there any privacy issue here? Do I have any reason to report this to our higher ups? I don’t wanna get in trouble if this thing blows up and they find out I knew.

Answer:
 While it may not be illegal, it probably violates company policy.

Whether or not you should report this is up to you.Answer #2: It's almost assuredly a violation of company policy to do that.  There may be regulatory issues with accessing that information too, depending on her exact role at the bank and what she's doing.


Title: [CA Law] Company gave my co workers Christmas bonus and excluded me and another either

Question: I work at a home and take care of incarcerated mentally disabled clients. Last month my supervisor gave my co workers a Christmas bonus check and I didn't get a bonus. I've been with the company for 1 year and work 32 hrs a week and one of my co workers who received it  barely started on November and works 24 hrs per week. I contacted my supervisor about it and she ignored my text so I contacted her boss and he said he wants to talk to me in person and claims the bonus situation was because "Currently,  we are out of compliance. " And when I asked what that meant he replied, "I  will explain the compliance comment when I  see you. It's a licensing thing" so I'm asking the good people of reddit if you guys caught any red flag or things for me to watch out for when we do speak? Thanks

Answer:
 Speak with your boss, as he requested.

Since a bonus is by definition not a part of your set wage, your employer can choose to exclude you, for any reason they want (excluding legally protected ones). That they gave one to everyone but you is irrelevant.


Title: [TN] - Just got BackYard Burger. Woman had my card longer than usual - received with back of card showing. 7 minutes later, get a charge on my card for another 217$ order? (my original one was 12$)

Question:
Do I go to the police or call Backyard Burger right away? I am pissed and I remember the name of the employee and what she looks like. I'm never going through a drive through again.

What are all the charges I can press? Theft? Fraud?

Answer:
 Call credit card issuer

Report the fraud. Don't worry about punishing the employee. Not your concern.

And don't know Eat there any moreAnswer #2: > Do I go to the police or call Backyard Burger right away?

Backyard Burger.  Then Police non-emergency line.  Then your credit card / bank.

>  I'm never going through a drive through again.

I bet you $20 you will.

> What are all the charges I can press? Theft? Fraud?

Nothing.  You don't press charges.  "Press charges" is a common way of asking the police to investigate the crime and report to the prosecutor that they press charges.  The police take victim willingness to proceed into account.

So, you can report the suspected crime to the police.  They will investigate.  They will issue a report to the prosecutor / DA, who will then decide what charges to press.Answer #3: This is exactly what a credit card dispute / chargeback was designed for.Answer #4: I would take your receipt and go into the restaurant first.  Ask to speak to a manager.  Deal with it calmly.  This is almost certainly a mistake and lacks the intent necessary for fraud or theft.

If they don't issue you a proper credit on the spot, then call your bank.


Title: [Canada] DFO found 2 of 4 crabs too small. I measured them multiple times with calipers and they were right on the dot.

Question:
I was fined for allegedly having a crab that was too small. I did notice the officer measured the crabs in an angle, and that the carapace on crabs tips looked broken (Not pointy anymore). The officers pretty much man handled the crabs out of the cooler onto the asphalt all at once before measuring. From the looks of it not much care was taken for our poor little crabbies. As anyone would know you take pride in anything you accomplish and do yourself.

The way the officers approached me made it feel like I was a criminal or a drug bust. They quickly maneuvered in front of my car like in the movies when they bust a known criminal. I just got to my car at that point. Since they seized them right away, I wasn't able to remeasure them nor take pictures of them. and told me that they can seize my car...a early 1990s car.

They seized the other 2 legal crabs as well, stating they were mixed in with illegal ones. How do I build my case to defend myself or get evidence against that was collected against me? I don't believe they were too small since I measured them multiple times before carrying them over a mile from the beach @ low tide. If the off chance that I did measure them wrong I'm willing to pay for my mistake.

The officers also told me to pay the fine or a warrant would be issued for my arrest, and told "not to dispute the ticket since we got all this evidence".

I am more concerned since my stupid friend didn't buy a license and used his brothers. He was with me when they asked if we were fishing, he caught 2 crabs himself and kept a bivalve cause it "looked cool". But was only fined 1 crab. If I bring this to appeal can the officers add additional charges to him for fishing without a license and having two "undersized" crabs instead of one? Can he dispute the "undersized" crabs? or will they say now I caught 3 undersized crabs, since we kept them in the same cooler. I'm not sure if they can charge us for more than what was already on the fine itself. I mean can the officers prove which one of us took the bivalve? since they "overlooked" it on the fines.

I know my friends dumb... I warned him, but I feel like this is all blown out of proportions for such a small offense, especially my first time! I've never had anything on my Record, not even a parking ticket.

Answer: Dispute the ticket, and let your friend deal with his own shit.


Title: What to do !!

Question: k so I'm 15 and I've sent nude photos to this guy that is 19 and he kept threating me about posting them if I stop talking to him I've never met this guy but he says he knows people who don't like me and that if I stop talking to him he'll send it to them I'm to scared to go to the police and I don't want any of my family finding out help please

Answer:
 Stop talking to him.

He is currently in possession of child pornography.  That's a serious crime.  If he gives the pictures to anyone else, he is *distributing* child pornography.  That's an even more serious crime.  He can get in big trouble for both of those things.

I know you don't want your family to find out, but the best advice I can give you here is to talk to your parents so they can help you.


Title: [US-MA] Neighbor's house was recently sold- turns out, their property line covers our entire driveway. New neighbor wants to tear it apart. Is there anything I can do about it?

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Stop trying to interpret this on your own. For an easement situation like this you will *need* an attorney. Remember this part of your story?

> Again, my parents trusted the previous tenant and bought the house out of necessity to have a place to live at the time. Today, they wouldn't make this mistake. Anyways.... I have zero legal knowledge, but...

Well what do you suggest -- now they do better by trusting *you,* with zero legal knowledge, to straighten this out? When your plan currently appears to be see what reddit tells you, then let them know? No. Do not repeat the same mistake your parents made and go into this without a professional, or else you will just screw yourselves all over again.


Title: First offense DUI in Illinois.

Question: So I’m very ashamed to say on the 22nd I got a DUI with a BAC of .210. I Also didn’t have insurance which is an aggravating factor in Illinois. My question is what is the likelihood of me being able to bump it down to a class A misdemeanor as opposed to the Class 4 Felony? Will I likely be able to plea it down? Will they likely charge me with a felony? Thank you in advance for any advice you can give.

Answer: You need a DUI attorney, no one can speculate on your chances of success on those fronts.


Title: [RI] My girlfriend is recovering, and is clean (Seriously, she really is) but got caught doing stupid stuff for her idiot friends.

Question:
So here is the backstory.   My girlfriend had been clean for going on 3 years now. "Legally" clean for a year.   She got caught in November 2017 with Suboxen on her that she purchased from someone in order to make sure it worked before she went through the whole rigamerol (sp?) Of getting the prescription for it.  With that charge came a felony (in RI if you get caught with a possession of ANY drug, from coke to heroin to a prescription drug in someone elses name, even an antibiotic) for possession of a Schedule I - Schedule V Narcotic.   Her punishment and case was dismissed unofficially, and officially defferred for 2 years. The agreement was basically go to counseling, get a prescription for suboxen, take suboxen and pass drug tests for 2 years and poof felony is expunged from her record.  Since then she has passed every drug test, and had positive write ups from the counselor given to the judge, therefor showing an impeccable record.

Fast forward to last Thursday, I am driving home and get a call from the a local police department phone number. I answer its her.   She has been arrested for buying crack cocaine.   Now keep in mind she has never done crack, and her drug of choice WAS opiates, preferably percocet.  I of course act like any good supporting boyfriend does and flips the hell out asking 400 questions. Come to find out her friend asked her to get it for her (great friend, on both accounts right??? Also before anyone makes assumptions. I saw the text convo between said friend and my girlfriend, and also between girlfriend and drug dealer, and she was being honest about it), she met up with the dealer and picked it up. He drove her down the street and come to find out 3 under cover cops surround her, and the dealer *mysteriously* casually drives away.  Anyways they pick her up.

She gets slapped with another Schedule 1 to Schedule V possession charge.   Also gets charged with being a violator.  So i think shes going away now because she violated conditions from her first charge, right? Nope. She gets bail for the 2nd charge, for $1,000. And the same for the violation charge. So 2 grand bond total.

My question is this.  What should she do come arraignment? Plead nolo? Guilty? Not? What can we do to prevent her from being sent to jail if anything? Also, this is probably stupid but...is there ANY way she can get away with getting one or both of these charges dropped? She has been trying really hard to stay clean and still is, and still is suceeding.  But she is feeling like its useless because she made a stupid mistake for a useless friend.

Can I give her any REAL optimism with this? Can she still get away with staying in outpatient care? My head is spinning as well as hers too.  And the cheapest lawyer is 4 grand. And the public defender is essentially useless and telling her admit guilt and go to jail for 3 months.

Any real and serious honest advice is appreciated in advance.  Also this took forever to type on my phone, so excuse any errors....and if you have any questions to help clarify ask away and I'll respond as quickly as possible.  Unfortunatly I get the privelage of working all weekend.

Answer:
 > Can I give her any REAL optimism with this?

You can get her an attorney.

With prior drug convictions, and caught red-handed in possession of cocaine, things are not looking optimistic. The excuse that she was buying it for someone else also isn't likely to convince either her probation officer or a judge: plenty of people get caught out on probation despite having a clean record up to that point, and in more cases than not, it's because they're relapsing.

Your girlfriend's best shot at preserving her probation is an attorney. I would not count on either charge being dropped, but the prosecutor may be willing to cut her a deal if she knows anything of use to them. Her lawyer will help her navigate that process.

Personally speaking, I respect your faith in your partner, but your partner's behaviour is not consistent with someone who is trying to stay clean. I'm not telling you you need to doubt her, but I am telling you I very much doubt your objectivity on the subject. I don't have any skin in the game, either - consider how skeptical a judge is likely to be.


Title: [LA] Can a daycare refuse to give me my child?

Question:
A daycare recently refused to give my biological child because her mother did not put me on the pickup list. Is this at all legal?

Edit: Alright, guys. Thanks for the quick responses. I understand why daycares and school operate the way they do, obviously for the safety of the kid. Unfortunately when the mother picked my daughter up from daycare on my week, the cop that showed said that she had a right to her kid whether or not she is on the list because she is the biological parent. Now the child is being illegally withheld by the mother and is in another daycare. I am working with my lawyer. It was not my intention to come off as a crazy parent, my heart is broken and I am very stressed. I did not proofread. Sorry.

Edit 2: Louisiana, not Los Angeles.

Answer:
 Absolutely.

You and the mother might be divorced and she may have a protective order against you.  You might not have custody of the child.  You might not actually be the father.

Who knows?

If you're not on the list, you don't get the child.Answer #2: Yes. They have no idea who you are. Can you imagine the criminal and civil sanctions they would face if they handed over children to whoever asked for them?
Answer #3: Yes. Something like a pick-up list is especially important in a daycare where the kids can't necessarily speak for themselves (or recognize they shouldn't go with someone). Even boarding schools have pick-up lists for kids that are 17! Speak to the mother and ask her to place you on the list and it won't happen again.


Title: [NJ, personal injury] Need some advice concerning an accident I was in and lawyer advice I've received

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Regrettably, you have a case of clear liability and insufficient assets (as to the adverse driver). Your lawyer seems to have exhausted the possibility of suing the "deep pocket" (the public entity responsible for the road). "Up to code" means just that.

I doubt any attorney worth his or her salt would walk with minimum limits if other assets were or might be available.

My condolences.


Title: How much responsibility does my supervisor or employer have to ensure that employees are not working unpaid hours?

Question:
I work for a branch of a hospitality company. I'm not sure how many employees total but I'd guess as many as 500. I am in California and the company operates in CA only. Almost all the staff is paid by the hour.

Many of the employees at my branch elect to work unpaid hours in order to finish work and lessen the stress of a workload that can sometimes be very overwhelming. For example, one employee comes in an hour early on an almost daily basis and starts working off the clock. If it matters, we work in an industry where leaving work unfinished would feel unethical and negligent to many of the staff, myself included.

Other staff members - myself included, I regret to say - will work through their lunches unpaid or skip their breaks altogether when the workload is heavy and we are understaffed. I always tell myself I won't do it, but when we are understaffed I feel like I have no choice. I'm a low level supervisor so I feel like I have an obligation to stay at my post until the rest of the staff have had their breaks and certain tasks are completed. It would reflect badly on me to leave my post before these things are done, or to leave work unfinished, but I can't work unaproved overtime without risking disciplinary action so I end up clocking out and staying at work. The other staff do the same and don't seem to care but it makes me really angry. If work isn't done on my shift (because I took my breaks or any other reason), other staff members ice me out and I suspect complain about me behind my back to each other or even to my supervisors.

I brought this up to my supervisor before. He advised me that he was aware, and that I should take my breaks and tell others to do the same. I felt like he put the issue on me to fix.

I brought it up again because my hours were cut recently, along with the hours of many other staff members, because "we aren't in the busy season right now." This has been a financial hardship on me. I had a discussion with my supervisor and the branch manager and told them that I would like to have my old hours back if possible, and that it was untrue that there is not enough work to justify my normal hours and that staff members regularly work off the clock to complete their work. The branch manager thanked me for the information. So far as I can tell, nothing has been done to curtail the number of unpaid hours being worked. My hours are also still cut.

Are my supervisors or employer doing anything illegal here? I don't want money from them (except for the money I would earn working my normal hours). I have very few resources and I don't have the financial freedom or time to pursue any involved legal action. I also don't want to make too many waves. No one at my job has been directly told to work unpaid hours, but this situation feels a little coercive. If anything illegal is happening, I want to know what can be done to stop it.

Answer:
 In California an employer is unwise (to say the least) to allow employees to work unpaid hours or to miss breaks. And they should not know that situation exists but fail to address it.

That said, the solution is for you to do as they’ve told you, to take your breaks, and to insist your direct reports do the same.


Title: How do I go about paying for my car loan for a car that was possibly totaled in an accident I’m not at fault in? Just doesn’t seem fair.

Question: The other driver is being charged with failure to yield and now I may be stuck paying off a possibly totaled car from something that was not my fault. Just doesn’t seem fair. There’s got to be something I can do?

Answer: The other person's insurance will pay you the value of the car, which you can use to pay off the loan. If it's not enough, you'll have to keep paying it off. That's how car loans work. There's "gap insurance" that will cover the difference between value and loan balance, which you were probably offered but declined.


Title: (Massachusetts) Assaulted by co-worker, not paid for days spent recovering from broken nose.

Question:
Co-worker threatened my boss, then sucker punched me in the parking lot, presumably drunk and strung out from heroin withdrawals. Broke my nose, excused from work by hospital for 2 days, took a 3rd day off to kick the painkillers. Was not paid for any of these days. Company has been consistently giving me 40+ hours for over 2 months without giving me benefits, sick time, or workmans comp. What do.

Edit: Clarification: Have been employed as "Seasonal" for just over a year now, but started getting 40+ hours 2-3 months ago.

Answer:
 Sue, in small claims, the guy who punched you for your medical bills, lost wages, etc.

http://www.mass.gov/courts/selfhelp/small-claims/


Title: Who owns my image (legally speaking)? Do I own it? Have I always owned it (even as a child)?

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Unless your image has demonstrated commercial value (e.g., you are a celebrity) or is being used for a commercial purpose in some cases, you have no rights solely in it that are redressable in court.  As long as your parents legally took your picture, they own the copyright and can post it where they want.

tl;dr -- you can't sue your parents for posting pictures of you on Facebook.


Title: [UK] Landlord charging rent for extra days after contract ends?

Question:
Fixed length letting contract ended on the 13th. Keys were handed back late on the 18th. They want to charge rent for the days that the keys were not handed in after the contract ended.

Can they do this?

Thanks

Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer: If you didn't hand the keys back, to be honest you're lucky you didn't get charged another full month of rent as technically you still had possession of the property.


Title: Do I have the ability to use my neighbors land to repair my own, if they forbid it?

Question: [Connecticut]. One side of my property has a 4 ft retaining wall going its entire length.  The wall has deteriorated to a point where it has partially failed in one spot and has several other spots on the brink of failure. My property is on the top/high side of the wall, but I technically own one foot out from its base.  In order for me to repair the wall, i cannot do it from my top side and need to access it from the bottom side.  It will require heavy machinery.  My neighbor has made it clear that I am not to step a foot on her property.  How do I proceed?

Answer:
 Unless your deed provides a right to ingress on their land (an easement) than they can restrict you from doing so.

Your options are:

1. Find a way to do the work on your side

2. Find a plan to repair it from their side that they will be happy with.

3. Offer to pay them for access to the land/repair any damage your machinery causes.

4. Contact a local attorney who can negotiate those things for you.

There may also be local ordinances irt water runoff and the like that a retaining wall repair may fall under.


Title: My sister in laws car was involved in a hit & run and now she is being charged with not giving evidence to the police.

Question: My sister in laws car was involved in a hit and run accident. She was away that day and left her car keys at home. She has proof she was not in possession of her car that day. She doesn’t know who was driving her car or who could’ve taken the keys that day and driven the car either as she left them at home where she has multiple siblings and friends etc who could’ve driven the car. And the car already had pre existing damages so she wasn’t even aware of the car being in a accident until the police came and knocked on her door. Is there anything she can do ? We are in Victoria, Australia. And this charge carries a minimum lose of license for 2 years.

Answer: If she's being charged with a crime, she should hire a criminal defense attorney. She also needs to figure out who was driving her car that day, because her story is not going to be enough on its own.


Title: Ex-client preparing to sue us for undelivered work. We cut them after nearing $150k in unpaid invoices.

Question: [deleted]

Answer: If they owe you $150K, I don't understand why you haven't sued them yet.  If they have some government contracts, they have a source of income and you can get in there and grab the cash as it comes in.Answer #2: If you wait for them to sue you, you can save on the filing fees and process server. Strategically, it doesn't really matter who sues first. If you sued first they would counterclaim just like you are planning now. Either way, you will have to defend yourself from the breach of contract claim.


Title: [TX] Obnoxious coworker is aggravating my weight issues, what are my options?

Question:
Topic:
Labor Law

Answer:
 **Advice #1:**

>He acts winded or sweaty when he exerts himself at all, but I, a person much heavier than I suspect he has ever been, know that he cannot be that tired or winded.

Stop judging other people by their appearance. You have no idea what physical/medical problems he may have or what physical condition he's in.

**Advice #2:**

Get over yourself. If you feel that bad about your weight, fix it or learn to live with it.

**3 - Observation**

There is no medical definition for "fat." There's "underweight", "normal", "overweight" and "obese." Sometimes they toss in "morbidly obese." So if he wants to call himself fat, he can. Just like I can call something a "big spider" if it seems big to me, even though it isn't a tarantula.


Title: Got my first speeding ticket and it was 55 in a 25, no idea what to do

Question:
I'm 20 in college and currently I'm using my fathers truck to get to work over the summer.  I was in a two lane road, with three cars to my right.  I sped up to get in my right lane to catch the freeway since there were two cars behind me.   That's when I got pulled over.  It's my first ticket and I'm clueless on the steps I should be taking.  It's 30 mph over and I'm pretty sure that's god awful for me.

Location: hawaii

Answer: I don't want to alarm you, [but this is serious trouble that far exceeds the concerns about insurance that you may be having](http://codes.findlaw.com/hi/division-1-government/hi-rev-st-sect-291c-105.html).  The punishments are fairly substantial.  It's a minimum fine of $500, a 30 day license suspension, required driver's education, and either 36 hours of community service or 48 hours - 5 days of jail.  That one extra mile per hour is a **big** deal.  Get an attorney and they may be able to knock this thing down to a 54 MPH ticket that *might* help you avoid jail time.


Title: Landlord gave my parents email to my roommates. Violation?

Question: Friends contacted my parents through getting their email through my landlord. ON/CA.

Answer: I'm sorry of what?


Title: Trying to figure out visitation rights for grandparents after boyfriend has been investigated (and cleared) for molesting his daughter.

Question:
Okay, this is a bit of a long one but background story is needed here. This takes place in Texas, in case state specific law applies.

My boyfriend has a 4 year-old daughter with an ex. The ex lives in a different city about five hours away. They’ve been apart for over two years and now the ex has a new boyfriend/husband (they now claim to be married). My boyfriend has visitation rights of every other weekend and drives down around once a month to see her for the weekend. I go with him and have bonded with her; the last two visits she called me Mommy.

In our last visit in November everything seemed normal. We dropped her off and drove back home. About a week later, however, he was contacted by the police saying that he was under investigation for molesting his daughter. At no point in the weekend were they alone together. It’s been a bit of a nightmare obviously. Well, we went down to the city and the police interviewed both of us. We were told to wait. Now, at this point my boyfriend asked his ex if his parents could come down and visit his daughter for Christmas. Originally she was going to be with us for Christmas, and his parents wanted to give her the gifts they had gotten. His ex claimed there was a court order against his entire family. So no one saw her for Christmas.

Now, come early January, we are contacted by the detective and told that the case will likely be dropped. We ask about the court order and, surprise, there isn’t one. His parents could’ve gone to see his daughter for Christmas. A week later, after one last interview by a CPS worker, the detective told us the entire thing was dropped. We were both obviously relieved.

So, the funny thing here is that the story kept changing about the molestation. First it was that the ex took the daughter to the doctor and the doctor saw concrete evidence of abuse and called the police. Then the detective said, no, it was his ex being an outcry witness. Then, as we’ve attempted to contact the ex now that the case has been dropped, the story has changed once more.

My boyfriend called his ex the last couple days leaving two messages. Today his ex’s husband called him back and was completely crazy. He screamed at my boyfriend that he knew he was guilty, he didn’t care is the charges were dropped that he’d never see his daughter again, and that he’d hired a PI to try and get dirt on him. He also claimed that he was the one who took my boyfriend’s daughter to the doctor and that suddenly there was evidence of vaginal tearing. To me, if there was evidence of that caliber there is no way the case would’ve been dropped.

So, in the end, after all of this my boyfriend has decided to give up custody of his daughter as long as the ex’s new husband is willing to adopt her. Obviously, some of you more judge him for his choice, but my boyfriend feels that at this point attempting to see her and fight through his crazy ex/her husband would only damage/traumatize his daughter.

Now we’re getting to the meat of my question. My boyfriend’s parents still want to be in their granddaughter’s life, but the law is not on their side. In our state if the parent waives their parental rights, then the grandparents also have their rights waived. We want to do what we can to prevent this. I do no trust this family to be adult enough to let his parents see their grandchild without some sort of legal contract.

**This is my question. Is there any sort of contract that can guarantee visitation for his parents that can be set up before he waives his parental rights? I’ve suggested to him that he should hold out for that and present his ex with an ultimatum; either they guarantee the visitation or he will not give over custody. He doesn’t know what to do entirely and is being optimistic that his ex will let his parents visit. I am not so optimistic. Can anything be done here? Can the past actions of his ex be used to leverage things in our way somehow?

Tl;dr: Can a contract be made to guarantee the visitation rights of a grandparent before a parent waives their parental rights?**

Topic:
Custody Divorce and Family

Answer:
 Good god. Get a lawyer.

I really don't think your boyfriend should give up his parental rights if he believes the mother and her new husband made all of this up.Answer #2: Please don't do that.
Your boyfriend should consider the possibility that someone did molest his child.  He shouldn't abandon her in that situation.

Also, feelings change.