Title: Landlord refusing my rent?

Question:
I'm renting a duplex in MI; my landlord lives in the other half.  I'm about 2 months into a year long lease.  My landlord has been claiming that I am disturbing him at night and has been trying to impose fines for this.  I don't believe I am being excessively loud; I do have work and classes in the evenings which means I often get home at almost midnight.  I do fix dinner and shower after I get home; he's complained about these waking him up.  In addition I have a cat and she runs around the apartment at night like a normal cat.  I'm not partying or playing loud music or anything.  The walls are quite thin and I can hear him fighting with his girlfriend almost every day.

In any case, my landlord has taken to "fining" me $50 every time he doesn't get his sleep.  I offered to find a replacement tenant but he said in order for me to move out, I would have to sign an agreement to pay rent until he found a new tenant, and that he would not even start showing the apartment until after I'd moved out, as well as signing a thing saying I forfeited my entire security deposit.  He also said that he would not allow a sublease.

The lease doesn't contain any language about fines, other than late fees for rent.  My cat is listed on the lease as well as an additional $20 per month I am paying in pet rent.  It also says that the landlord has to approve any sublet.  Rent, per the lease, must be by cash, cashier's check, or money order - I do have receipts that I've been paying.

Now the landlord says that he won't accept my rent unless he gets the full amount he says I owe including the fines.  He showed me a typed "pay rent or quit" notice and said I had until March 1 to pay up or he'd be serving it.  He said he'd talked to his lawyer and his lawyer said I should be thankful he wasn't evicting me for making so much noise, that he could make me move out and still pay the rent.  And that if I didn't pay up everything he would evict me.

What can I do here?

Answer: Unless you are understating the amount of noise you are making, he doesn't have a pot to piss in. Those are normal noises created from normal living. If he won't accept your rent, keep a copy of the check and DO NOT SPEND THE MONEY. If he actually is that stupid and tries to evict you, show the Judge the check copies and your bank statement showing the money is still in there.Answer #2: He is trying to intimidate you.  If he doesn't accept rent, keep the money order receipts or other proof that you tried to pay.  If he actually tries to evict you, then it may be less hassle to just leave, but you can stay and fight it if you want, and will probably win.


Title: WA - Can city force me to move a fence that has been standing for 20 years that encroaches on an alley?

Question:
I bought a house a year ago. I received a letter from the city asking me to remove the back fence that encroaches into the alley. The fence was already there before I bought the house, and for at least 20 years before that. Can the city force me to move the fence?
Topic:
Real Estate law

Answer: Yes.  Adverse possession doesn't apply to public land (generally), and since you're fence is encroaching on public land it will have to be moved.


Title: My boss steals electronic tips, is there anything I can do?

Question: So I work at a restaurant in NC and most of the tips come from people tipping with their card. However my boss does not add those tips to my paycheck and doesn't give me cash for them. The only tips I get are from the tip jar and I just get a 1/4 of those resulting in about $5 every day. Nobody tips with cash here! Is there anything I can do about this, I've been here for several months and nothing's changing.

Answer:
 You need to file a complaint with the [North Carolina Department of Labor](https://www.labor.nc.gov/).

\----

I always try to tip cash, even if I pay with a card, but from here on out, I think I will ask my server a direct question if I have to pay with a card.Answer #2: Tips are the property of the employee, not the employer. Your boss is violating FLSA by taking your tips.

Echoing the other comment here to call the DOL. You should also look for a new job.

NAL


Title: New scrape on the side of a borrowed beater car...

Question:
I was hoping I wouldn't have to use this sub... But hey, California living.
Background: So in order to get some soil for filling newly built garden beds, I was allowed to borrow a truck owned by my landlord. The truck is already in rough shape, there are a number of dents all over and the paint is entirely worn and faded, in certain spots there are patched of exposed metal. I mean, this thing is really beaten. Its only used to move the garbage cans down to the street. I was warned to "take it easy" due to its age, and luckily I didn't need to take it out on city roads (a neighboring nursery supplied the soil). The area where we needed to dump the soil was inside a network of fencing and gates, with baaaarely any clearance between the entry gate and an inner fence. I'm talking <1" on either side of the mirror, and it was probably a +20-point turn in. Got the soil (in two trips), dumped without any issues. Then on the way out, the very end of our damned project, I was working on clearing that last gate again. Another tenant was outside and giving me updates on clearance on both sides of the truck, as he had from the start, since it would be ridiculously difficult for a single person to do the maneuvering. I thought he was watching the one side that I obviously wasn't, but apparently not as the left mirror just cleared the gate. A split second later, I hear a light screech and heart sinks, the truck has skimmed three protruding wires along the right-side fencepost which wrap around on its way out of the gate. Pull up to the driveway and get out and glance at the side, and there are three paint-less streaks that run along part of the two right-hand doors. Not great, but also the truck isn't dented and given the state of the truck anyway, I didn't think it was a big deal.

Almost a week later the owner texts the two of us and asks if we know what happened to the truck. I say I'm really sorry about the scrape, and that it happened as the truck grazed the side of the fence while we were dumping soil. No response, but the next day I passed him and waved near the driveway while heading to the house, and he looked pissed. Then I go inside and head to the laundry room (which is shared with their house, on the lower level) to do laundry, and I couldn't believe that I could hear him on speaker with his wife, upstairs... Wow, weird, I guess he pulled over immediately after seeing me to call. I'm not trying to eavesdrop, but the echo downstairs is loud. She's saying something along the lines of 'I know you'll probably want to shrug this off, but this isn't OK, I mean that was your first truck and...' then something about 'sentimental value!' (all I heard of that). She was goading him on like this needs to be a way bigger deal that it likely is, because again, this truck is pretty fucked already. Greaaat. 'Sensible' wife to the rescue. (I'd heard a TON of issues about her having weird double-standard policies with the other tenants/vs. her son and husband, otherwise she seemed nice enough.) Worrying that they'll pull something insane like evicting me, I wait a short while and text the owner again and say to let me know how he wants to proceed about the truck, and that I'd pay to fix the scrape that I caused, but I specifically state that I wouldn't cover a full restoration of the truck's other scrapes, because it sounded a LOT like the wife was figuring that they could somehow get me to pay for generally "fixing the truck".
Now I'm still waiting on a response from the owner, and I have no idea what will happen.

I'm insured with Nationwide, the cheapest policy I could get. The owners are certainly insured for their other cars, but frankly, I have no idea how insurance works with multiple cars or when permission is given to drive someone's car. I wouldn't be surprised at all if the truck itself is uninsured (assuming that's possible when the others are), because it doesn't go on city streets.

I guess my questions are:
*Who is liable to pay for the scrape? (In a situation where the owner lends me his truck and I scrape it)
*Would my having insurance help me in this situation in any way?
*What happens if the truck was uninsured?
**If its uninsured, what can they do?
***If they let me drive an uninsured vehicle my knowledge, can I refuse to pay for the damage?
****If I avoid paying for the absurd and unnecessary repainting, can they just evict me out of spite?

This truck (early 90's I think?) can't possibly be worth more than a few hundred dollars, by the way. I want to be reasonable in my offer to repair the scratch that I caused, but these people will 100% try to take financial advantage of me if at all possible, that much has been crystal clear since move-in day. If I have to go to small claims court, I damn sure will. (I can't afford a lawyer, btw) Though that would probably be the equivalent of my giving notice of moving out (as far as eviction goes), and I really don't want to. Ugh, this is so ridiculous, my rent in one month would probably buy 2-3 clones of this dumb truck...

Answer:
 You damaged someone else's property you're responsible to fix it.

You don't have to fix anything beyond the damage you caused.

Insurance generally follows the vehicle, not the driver.

She can't evict you for this, but she can refuse to renew your lease.

People tend to treat their immediate family better than tenants.

You'd be surprised at how well old trucks retain their value.


Title: False accusations of sexual harrassment? (Georgia)

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 You aren't going to have much luck suing teenagers for telling stories.

The museum acted reasonably, what else do you think they should have done if some teenage girls accuse a guy of being creepy and bothering them?

You can ask for a refund, maybe you will get one.Answer #2: How is this the museums fault? (it's not). You're not due a refund.  Let it go.


Title: Legality behind creating a service which 'wraps' another service, skimming off the price difference?

Question:
Currently in the UK.

Say I created a transcription service, where people payed me to transcribe their audio. Instead of hire people to do it 'myself', i just passed the audio files on to other companies who costed less, and took the price difference.

This *seems* like it should be wrong, but also seems like it'd be awkward to make laws for (outsourcing to 3rd party companies might be part of the process, like how sliced bread manufacturers don't grow their own wheat).

What would be the 'official verdict' behind this, or is it more of a grey area?

Thanks!

Answer: You've described exactly how profitable businesses operate.Answer #2: So you found the joys of sub-contracting.  I do it all the time for my pc repair business on jobs I really do not want to do.


Title: What To Do About Persistent Knocking

Question:
I’m honestly not even sure anything can be about this, but I figured I could get some advice on how to proceed with the matter. Long story short, my husband’s father has a long history of just showing up at our door and knocking, sometimes coming back several times over the course of a few hours, trying to get his son to answer the door and pay attention to him. I will say now that I am not afraid and do not have any reason to fear he will be violent in any manner, but the persistent knocking is invasive and disturbs our peace. He has been told many times over, and will continue to be told as such, that he is not welcome and to stop showing up.

Well, last November, we bought our first house. We took special care to not reveal our new location, but we knew it would only last so long. I was out for dinner and got an alert on my phone that someone had rang the Nest doorbell and who do you know was at the door? You guessed it, my husband’s dad. I’m not going to continue to live my life having to ignore someone knocking at my door. I need to take some form of action, whether it be turning on the hose and just spraying him until he leaves, or getting legal action taken to prevent this. But I don’t know what legal actions can be taken to actually prevent this, if it’s just a civil matter, or if I just have to live with this until he dies or my marriage crumbles because of this virus in our lives. I’d like to know what actions I can/should take and how to prepare myself better for the next time he shows up. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Location: Northern California.

Answer:
 Yell through the door that he's not welcome. If he doesn't immediately leave, call the cops to report a trespass.Answer #2: Restraining order sounds like a good solutionAnswer #3: Is it possible that he has something going on mentally like early dementia or alzheimers? If he won't get checked out by a doc, you might try calling g APS to have him evaluated. Answer #4: Tell the police you want him put on notice for trespass. They will have you tell him in front of them that he is not welcome on your property and they will explain that if he returns then he will be arrested for trespassing.

If he does return call the police. The video from your door bell will be enough proof.


Title: [PA] what does the law say about resale of used underwear?

Question:
So, my supervisor is trying to make me send to the floor previously sold underwear if it doesn't look like it was opened. I have talked to her about this before because it is both against store policy and, I believe, the law. Can someone help me find the law to show her? I need a link to the law. I'm going to try one more time talking to her before I go to the store manager. I have had zero luck in finding the law. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Topic:
Business Law

Answer:
 >Can someone help me find the law to show her?

Theres no such law because it's perfectly legal. Why *wouldn't* you be able to sell used underwear? Look at Goodwill.

What you can't do is sell it as "new" and "unused" underwear when it's not. That would be a false advertising issue. Answer #2: >  I have had zero luck in finding the law

Because it doesn't excist.


Title: [GA] Student worker potentially facing firing due to chronic migraines

Question:
I'm a student worker at a university in Georgia. I've been suffering from chronic migraines since 2014, with about 1 every other day. I've been taking medication reducing them to 3-4 a month. I was very clear when I was being interviewed that I had them and my boss was fine with that. Lately my medication stopped preventing them (I take it daily) and I'm waiting until I'm approved for a new one by my health insurance.
I've missed work twice as of May where I was unable to find coverage for my shift, although I tried my hardest given the circumstances. The other 2 times I found coverage so I did not inform him.
Today he got frustrated and sent me a message wanting to talk next week, saying my migraines are "becoming a little too routine". I think he might be planning to firing me. Is that something he can do? I'm trying my hardest but it's a chronic illness out of my control.
Thank you.

Answer: He made a reasonable attempt to accommodate you until it began interfering with business, there's no legal issue there. He could have fired you for the uncovered shifts and failing to communicate (it's not professional to duck your boss whether the shift is covered or not). Take the time to get your meds stable again and then reapply or apply elsewhere.


Title: I said this on yik yak, should I be afraid?

Question:
Hi, I am new here didn't know how to post pictures but the story is that I got angry at someone for giving me hard time for my lack of English grammar. I said this "Good for you. I am guessing anyone who doesnt speak fluent english according to you is not supposed to be happy and be in America? And you ignorant idiots wonder why is there terrorism" Someone else replied to report this as its threatening to which I replied "My comment is not to threaten you my comment is to indicate that hate for people breeds terrorism. you can report it all you want, I know my rights." I regret saying that now but I keep hearing about all the stupid reasons people on yik yak have gotten arrested and I havent been able to calm down for 2 hours now. Do you think I should be worried for my comment?

San Diego - CA

Answer:
 YikYak can ban you for pretty much any reason, including this remark.

Your remark is not criminally or civilly actionable.


Title: (CA) I am a property manager and I have a resident who is in eviction for non-payment, turned in their rent check late, using my email as proof of payment, please help.

Question: My resident dropped of her rent check after hours about 2 weeks after it was due and emailed me asking if I received her rent check, I replied I did. I completely forgot that I could not accept a personal check after the rent was considered late and did not process the rent check and instead sent her a non-legally binding notice the next day stating that her rent check could not be processed because it wasn't in the form of a cashier's check or money order as stated upon her lease if her rent was late. She was sent into eviction another 2 weeks following this conversation. Her defense is that she states that I received and accepted her check in the email although, I sent her the notice. Will this be a viable defense if we go to court?

Answer:
 It's not like a personal check doesn't function properly when it's used to make a late rent payment. You simply have a company policy against accepting them. If you did indeed accept it, that's your problem; you can't un-accept it and start eviction proceedings because your company says you weren't supposed to accept it.

Does responding to her email confirming that you received the check constitute acceptance? Maybe. You need to prepare for the possibility of her winning in court.


Title: Co-signing a car

Question: If I co-sign for someone on their new car, could we sign a contract where I can have my name removed from the car if he doesn't make payments? Need advice or options on this.

Answer:
 When you cosign for a car, it's not between you and the cosignee. It's between you and the lender. The lender is looking for a guarantee for payments.

If you're not confident that the person you are cosigning for can make payments (or otherwise have a really good reason to), don't do it. If the lender is requiring a cosign in the first place then it's already super risky. Answer #2: You can try, but no lender is going to do that. That's the entire purpose of co-signing, to insure that you will pay when the other person doesn't. Doing anything other than that would defeat the point of a co-signor.


Title: Evidence thrown out

Question: In Missouri in a criminal trial if there is a video confession will the judge view it first in the Chambers before letting a jury watch it to see if it's admissable or will he let them watch first?A friend of mine had to testify and the video was watched where the defendant admitted to a crime but when the jury wanted to watch it again later it wasn't allowed, the family is saying it got thrown out I because he was cohersed into a confession just always thought that it was reviewed before being used in court.

Answer: The decision as to whether or not a particular item of evidence is or is not admissible at trial is generally made before the jury has a chance to see it and be prejudiced by it. That would include recordings of confessions for example.


Title: I am a foster kid, and I feel my placement has violated my rights.

Question: I am located in Texas. So as a foster kid I was given a packet of papers that boldly declare its self as my bill of rights. This packet has all kinds of useful things, like the right to food, shelter and medical treatment. It also says that I have a right to privacy and personal space. I also am also legally my medical consenter, so all my medical treatment is at my discretion and on my terms per court order. My placement on the other hand see no problem having their staff enter my room and restroom unannounced and uninvited, with and without me present, and to search threw my belonging without first notifying me. They have refused to allow me private consultation with my doctor on several occasions. I feel that my rights have been violated and would like some advice on what I can do.

Answer:
 Do you have a case worker with child services you can speak to?Answer #2: Yes I have a case worker, however see is rarely available Answer #3: Here in California (and I know Arizona works similarly) we have foster care caseworkers but we also have foster care ombudsmen. These are professional advocates whose job it is to sort out exactly this kind of problem.

If things function similarly in Texas, you may have better luck pestering the ombudsman office because they are likely to be facing a more manageable caseload than your typical caseworker.


Title: As a tutor, can I charge difference rates for online tutoring?

Question: For example, can I charge a student who lives in New York $60 an hour for online tutoring, but charge a student who lives in Minnesota $45 an hour?

Answer: Why do you think this would be illegal?


Title: I'm on medicaid and received a bill from a doctor's office I visited. I didn't receive the care I went there for and I don't think I should have to. Is there any way around this?

Question:
I saw a comment here the other day stating that doctors are not allowed to bill medicaid patients for services, but I'm sure it's much more complicated than that.

I'm going to try to keep this simple.

I saw a doctor that was very confusing about whether he accepted insurance. My brother goes to this doctor and is on medicaid, but with a different insurance company, and the doctor takes his insurance.

When I made my appointment over the phone, I was told the doctor does not take ANY insurance. I was confused because I know they take my brother's insurance, but I really needed the appointment so I figured I would just pay cash.

Then I got there, they took my insurance card ask asked me for a "copay." Specifically, $30 of what I was told would be a $150 visit. I figured they were just wrong and got mixed up and were going to go through my insurance after all (although I usually don't pay any co-pay).

At my visit I did not receive the care I was expecting and was instead told I would need to make another appointment and come back, at which point I would be charged for the second appointment. I decided that was bullshit and went to see another doctor instead.

Afterwards I received a bill for the remainder of the visit -- $120.

This all seems really weird to me.

Is there anything I can do or am I really stuck paying it? I feel like something "off" is going on here.

Answer:
 If it is something like a suboxone or MMJ doctor (you said cash only doctor, those are the only ones I can think of) then that is standard procedure. You included a lot of irrelevant information but are leaving out key details that would help you get an answer.Answer #2: >At my visit I did not receive the care I was expecting

 What care did you receive?


Title: Ex moved out 2 years ago -- is now trying to split dog 50/50, or more

Question:
**I've read through a handful of other posts on here about similar situations, but couldn't find one that really related to my story. So bear with me on the details of mine as I could really use any advice that people have on the topic. Thank you in advance!**

Ex and I adopted a puppy together ~5 years ago, let's call her Spot. I found Spot and filled out the original adoption application which I have a digital copy of. He paid the adoption fee and claims to have the adoption paperwork in his name. I swear I can remember signing a paper as well but I don't have a physical copy and the shelter has since closed down. In the beginning, the ex paid for lots of the of vet and food costs (more than half, but not all). My ex paying the $300 adoption fee for Spot and contributing more $ to her food/vet in the early years was agreed upon by both of us: he was working a full-time job and had the money for it, and I was still a college student who didn't have money then but had the time to care for a puppy. My schedule was flexible in that I could come home multiple times a day to care for and feed Spot while ex was at work. Plus, we were a happy couple at the time and had planned to have this dog together in the long run. Well, fast-forward a couple years and we split -- we broke up 2 years ago and Spot has been living with me since. We live in California, if that matters for any legal reasons.

When we broke up, I was destroyed at the thought of not having Spot in my life. I was much more emotionally attached to the dog and needed her with me. During a breakup argument my ex had threatened me that the dog is "his" since he paid and has the adoption papers and vet bills from the first 1-2 years (though at the point of our breakup we had been splitting costs for a while). Of course, him saying this was hurtful and shocking, since we had never EVER before viewed Spot as "his" just because he paid for her. Anyways, at the point of our breakup 2 years ago, he definitely made it out to seem like the dog was more legally "his" -- but I told him that I needed some time with Spot to deal with the emotions of breaking up to which he obliged.

**This is where it gets weird/complicated.**

Little did I realize that after we broke up, he actually moved into housing that was not pet friendly (which is probably why he was "letting" me be with Spot). I soon found this out and it was understood that he and his new roommates made an agreement to let Spot go over there every now and then but his roommates were not really comfortable with it since the landlord had gotten upset about the dog being there before. **My ex continued to live in this house for the past 2 years. He knowingly lived in a place that was not truly accepting of dogs for 2 years. My question is: isn't this technically abandoning the dog/abandoning "property"? By moving and living in a place where he could not care for the dog for 2 straight years?** He did not try to move out of his new home into a place where Spot would be allowed.

For the past 2 years that Spot has been living with me I cared for her every day, paid all vet bills, food, toys, dog walkers, registered her in my name in the city, and have been paying pet insurance. During the past 2 years, my ex has only contacted me a handful of times to hang out with Spot, which I have always obliged. Fast-forward to now, 2 years later after Spot has been essentially my dog living under my pet-friendly roof, all expenses paid for her -- the ex has moved into a new house and is demanding 50/50 split or more and still saying the dog is his.

After 2 years of Spot living solely under my care, she has become an even bigger part of my life than ever before (didn't even think that was possible). And for the ex to suddenly be demanding Spot under his terms after 2 years of abandonment seems wrong. He barely ever asked about her for the past 2 years... It's not that I want to keep the dog from seeing him, but there's a whole different reason why sharing the dog would be hard with him. He can't plan correctly, constantly fails to stick to concrete pick-up/drop-off times and makes it purposely difficult out of spite for me to plan for Spot to see him or be returned to me. The ex seems to have a lot of built-up resentment from our relationship and is suddenly trying to make this as difficult as possible. If I want to move away, I feel like the dog should come with me. I've been exclusively taking care of her for the past 2 years and she is currently in my possession.

**My questions are:**

* If I can not get in contact with the previous owners of the shelter that closed down, then I can't ever see if there is an adoption form with my name on it. But, at that point is the adoption form that my ex claims to have even valid if the shelter isn't in operation/the records can't be located on their end?

* If it ends up being the dog is legally his because he paid, then is all I legally owe the cost he paid for her?

* Did he technically abandon his property the past 2 years since he was unable to care for it?

* Does it matter that I've been paying for everything (vet bills, insurance, walkers, city registration in my name) for the past 2 years even though he paid for the first few?

Thanks in advance, Reddit.

Answer: Let him sue you. Pay him $300 and be done with him. He doesn't really want Spot he wants YOU responding to him and still being in his life. Practical advice with a touch of legal (let him take steps to sue you).


Title: Negative Paypal balance, If I dont pay it, what will they do? Hire debt collectors?

Answer:
 > Of course, this would all go away if I had assistance from the internet to help pay it back.

I could say the same about my car payment or rent but it doesn't work like that. Not even sure why you'd say it. Kind of weird.

Yes, they will send you to collections. Best advice, be honest with your parents. Sure you'll get a foot (or four) up your ass now, but you'll keep your credit spotless. Trust us adults, credit rating is mega-important to your future.


Title: My boss is expecting me to either quit or pay out of pocket for money lost on a fundraiser. What are my options?

Question:
Long story short, my employer is in the process of starting a non-profit (separate from her current business) and asked some of her employees to volunteer to sell some items at a local flea market for fundraising. The group consisted of myself, another staff member and a third employee who was the "project organizer" who volunteered to lead this whole thing. All of the items we sold were donated to the soon-to-be non-profit by my boss, and some of our patrons. (We were not told at any point how much to price the items for, nor was anything appraised.)
Two things happened: there were items that she didn't want sold (we didn't know, so we sold them) and when my boss heard how much we had sold her other (donated) items for, she gave us the option to either quit or pay up what she felt was lost on the value of each item. This would total easily $1000 USD per person, if not more. Furthermore, she expects us to pay the money to her, not to the non-profit.

Reddit, what are our legal rights as employees? Do we have to pay up?

Answer:
 From the sidebar:

"*Posting Notes:*

1. It is helpful to include your State (or Province, or Country) in the title of your post. Laws change dramatically as you cross borders."

This is ESPECIALLY true in employment cases.

Odds are, you live in an employment-at-will state, and you don't really have any recourse for this.


Title: My employer is refusing any medical provider to see me. Is this legal?

Question: I work for a massive corporation in the logistics department in Ohio. I was injured back in January on the job. I won't bore you with the details, but after several visits to the doctors and the IME doctor, my workers comp claim was listed as 'allowed.' I don't know what the ins and outs of that mean. But I do know I was seen at the occupational clinic from January until the beginning of last month without issue. Last month, I scheduled an appointment to see where we were as far as an approval on the consultations. The day before my appointment I received a call. The occupational clinic was calling to inform me that they can not see me any longer. When I asked why, I was told that my claims manager had called them and told them that my claim is suspended (even though it's NOT) he told them that he refused to pay for any more treatment for me. He instructed them to no longer see me. I called the Bureau of Workers Compensation. They told me that indeed, my claims is ACTIVE and ALLOWED. Now, I am in an immense amount of pain. My injury is getting worse by the day. And because of my claims manager, I can't be seen ANYWHERE! the occupational clinic won't see me. My PCP refuses to see me because it's a work related I jury. The express care won't see me because it's work related. The only place I can go is the ER. What do I do?? Is this even legal? My employer accepted my claim and it is listed as ALLOWED through the state....how can they suddenly stop treating me??? Help!

Answer: Have you spoken to a workers compensation attorney?


Title: Working with an injury and unsympathetic manager

Question:
Location: Indiana

I've recently started a new position in which I'm required to stand when customers are present. All of the standing has exacerbated a chronic injury I have in one ankle. After several hours, my foot is grotesquely swollen out of my shoe and very painful. There are chairs to sit at the work area, but I was told it is rude to sit in the presence of a customer.

Yesterday there was a customer OUTSIDE and I was scolded for sitting. They could not even see me. I told the manager about my injury and she said if she can stand then I can (she primarily sits in her office at a desk).

I have a doctor's appointment scheduled for next week. If I have a doctor's note can I expect the company has to provide reasonable accommodations such as letting me sit?
Topic:
Employment Law

Answer: Yes asking for a chair while at a desk position is often considered a reasonable accommodation under the ADA.


Title: Illegal Subletting

Question:
Hello. I currently reside in Lee County, Florida.

I currently am illegally subletting a room in my house.  Truthfully, it was what had to be done to pay bills after a family member passed away unexpected, until family and I were able to find somewhere suitable.

My "tenant" so to speak, currently has a severe drug problem.  He's also constantly harassing us *Family and I*, and its to where we no longer feel comfortable with him around us.  Its constant verbal abuse, to where we outright avoid him and wish not to speak to him at all.

I'm afraid this will escalate to physical violence.  My question is: Usually we see subletter rights.  Is there any rights that I have to protect myself and my family at this point?  I could call the rental company, and even police once it gets to physical violence however that would put all of us at risk (My family and I are still not able to save to find somewhere else, or we would have already).  I'm also afraid that he has illegal drugs in his room, which could cause an issue as well in the long-run.

Answer:
 > I currently am illegally subletting a room in my house.

> Is there any rights that I have to protect myself and my family at this point?

ISTM the most logical step would be to call the police about his illegal drug possession and to evict him.


Title: Am I liable to pay for a mirror I cracked at my apartment building’s gym?

Question: I was weight lifting at my apartment building this past weekend and when I dropped the weight is bounced and hit the mirror and left a small 6 inch crack. I was in an uncomfortable position and told the woman working in the gym I could replace it. I then got an email from the building telling me that they will be charging me for the mirror. Today I received a 1700$ bill for it. Do I legally have to pay for the mirror? How should I respond to the HOA  in proper legal terms to get out of paying for the mirror?

Answer:
 You broke it, didn’t you?

Why don’t you think you should have to pay for it?


Title: {Iowa} Offered to babysit kitten, now owner won't take him back

Question:
A little over week ago, my bf and I offered to babysit a kitten for one of my bf's friends. We were told by her that the kitten was 9 weeks old and was litter trained. She also wrote that she would pay us around $20 a week to watch him. When she brought over the kitten, he was obviously to small to be 9 weeks and he hadn't had any of his shots. Later we found out he wasn't litter trained. Since he is so small he requires a lot of attention and we both think that he is more around 3-5 weeks old.

We contacted her about making appointments for the kitten to receive his shots and to be dewormed, along with requesting she bring kitten food instead of the cat food she ended up bringing. Soon it was obvious that she probably just wanted to dump the kitten on someone, we asked her to come pick up the kitten. She then messaged back that he was our problem now and she was not responsible for him, and if he was that much of an issue we should put the kitten down. She then blocked us.

Are any legal options we could go about returning the kitten or even reporting the owner? Is she required to pay us the money she told us she would? We have all the text messages about the kitten. As much as we love this sweet little kitten we are not prepared to raise a cat nor have the money for all the expenses that come with a new pet.

Answer:
 Find a local rescue and call them.  They will help. Please do not dump the kitten at a city or county shelter.

You can sue the former owner in small claims if you want.Answer #2: You can take the kitten to a local shelter, and tell them your story. That will relieve your duty to keep the kitten. Next, you'll need to sue the previous owner for the amount owed for keeping the kitten. She can block you, but can't block a Process Server.


Title: Just curious, why do celebrity divorces always have such huge settlements? Haven't wealthy men learned to get pre-nups?

Question: I don't get it.  With how unpredicatable the long-term stability of a marriage is, especially for hollywood movie stars, I don't get why getting a pre-nup isn't the standard?  Are there places where pre-nups aren't allowed, or can be invalidated after the fact?

Answer: I'm getting a TRP vibe from OP...


Title: Found out my employer has been shorting my hours for months, do I have any legal standing or anything I can do to get that money or stop him from doing this?

Question:
In Clear Creek County, CO.

So the retail store I work at opens at 11, I get there early and open up the store, putting stuff out, cleaning up, usual opening tasks. I clock in about 10-15 minutes early everyday, around 10:50 am. I found out today that my employer goes in and changes my time to say I clocked in at 11. He's been doing this for months. I confronted him and he said that's the time the store opens, and I shouldn't need that much time to open, I should only need 10 minutes, and that I get discounts in the store which offset the hours he's taking away.

So do I have any legal standing in something like this, it feels like this shouldn't be legal, and that I should have some rights to get him to stop this practice.
I'm just an hourly worker at a small family owned retail shop, and I'm at a loss for what to do because I've never really dealt with someone changing my hours after I've worked.

Answer:
 That is absolutely illegal. The FLSA does allow for rounding but it must be up AND down not just down. First I would show him this:

http://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/whdfs53.htm

If he does not agree to pay you for some amount you both agree on, you can file a complaint with your State agency.

Colorado Department of Labor and Employment
633 17th Street, Suite 201
Denver, CO 80202-3660
Ph: 303-318-8441

(They don't appear to have an online complaint form but if you search you may find it)Answer #2: Find another job before you do anything. In the meantime, collect proof.


Title: Weird one for this sub..I was caught tagging with a white-out pen recently...

Question:
TL;DR at the bottom.

Hey r/legaladvice.

I'm in the wrong here, but you'll understand why I'm here for advice.

About a week ago my buddy and I wrote some marker tags while walking down a busy street in our area. We weren't keeping proper lookout and next thing we know an officer walks out of a nearby parking lot.

"Hello gentleman."

My friend says hi and continues walking before he puts his hand against his chest and says "Where are you going? I just saw you fucking writing on that post. I'm standing right fucking here, did you not see me?"

I say "No sir, we didn't."

The vibe quickly changes as he realizes we're not going to run or give him a hard time.

"Alright well nobodies getting arrested tonight. Just go ahead and walk over to the squad car for me."

We both walk over and lean against the hood, he tells us he used to write as a teenager and understands we aren't gang affiliated but he'll have to issue us citations.

He searches us, finds a Presto white out marker, 2 Pilot ink markers and a larger paint marker designed to drip when written with. The tickets he gave us said "< (less than) $400 Vandalism / Possession of Vandalism Tools"

Both our court dates are in 1 month.

Now where I need advice. I went back the next morning and cleaned off my tag completely, it was just Presto white-out. I took before and after photos with my cleaning brush in the shots to show I really did it myself.

I'm aware that itself is incriminating. But I'm wondering:

Would it be smarter to bring these photos to court and show the judge I righted my wrong in an attempt to get my case dismissed, or at least have my fine reduced?

Or smarter to plead not guilty altogether?

I know most "taggers" would say always plead not guilty. but it would be my word against theirs, and they have our markers as evidence. I might just end up getting smacked with the full fine regardless in that scenario.

Thoughts?

TL;DR: A cop caught us tagging, confiscated our markers and issues us tickets. Should I bring photos to court showing I removed my tag in an effort to get the case dismissed/a reduced fine?

Answer:
 > Would it be smarter to bring these photos to court and show the judge I righted my wrong in an attempt to get my case dismissed, or at least have my fine reduced?
Or smarter to plead not guilty altogether?

Plead not guilty and get a lawyer. Even if you have no defense, at least you'll get some advice about what to do.


Title: Disabled Neighbor vs Broken Elevators in Illinois

Question:
No throwaway. I don't think anyone is looking to sue anyone, at the end of the day, we're just trying to get the management company to make better decisions, if available. Keep that in mind, please.

I live on the 25th floor in a 60 story high rise in Chicago. We have four elevators, plus a service elevator. When I moved in, they were doing a "elevator modernization project," which took one elevator out of commission at a time, each for 12-15 weeks. I was apologetically told that the elevators were running slowly because of this. Great, three elevators plus a service elevator, no problem.

However, they've recently decided to take one of those service elevators and turn it into a "shuttle," which means it stops on the bottom floor and any upward bound floors, but nothing going down. I certainly understand this from an efficiency perspective. It's like running an express train when the whole line is running late, it's a net positive for the efficiency of the system.

However, for each of the last three weekends, for a period of 5-6 hours each, one of the elevators has been broken, which brings us down to one fully working elevator, one service elevator, and one shuttle.

In addition to that, during each of these periods, management has used the service elevator for management related activities, like reserving it for the security guards to get to the roof, for the maintenance team to go get boxes from recycling areas, etc etc. Long story short, this elevator has also been out of service for regular residents during this period.

What ends up happening is that once you're at a certain point, you're essentially trapped in your apartment until the elevators are fixed. I'm not sure why they don't open up the shuttle elevator to regular service, and they do send emails warning of "extreme wait times." However, what ends up happening is you wait 15-20 minutes for an elevator, and as soon as it actually lands on your floor, it's jam packed with people.

I'm doing fine, and I'm not complaining for my purposes. It's of course annoying, but it's one of those things like "what can you do?"

My concern is for my next door neighbor, who's in a wheelchair and is effectively trapped in her apartment for hours at a time, alongside everyone below her who may also be in a wheelchair, have difficulties walking, etc etc, who can't handle ten plus flights of stairs. Not to mention that I don't know what would happen in case of a medical emergency.

My neighbor has already written a letter the last time this happened, and got basically a form response - one of those "thank you for your concern and I'm sorry you had a hard time." She thinks the elevator company is incompetent to have them break all so often - I don't comment because I don't know the first thing about elevators, but I also haven't lived in a building that had such problems with them.

Legally, does she have any sort of recourse? Again, not a lawsuit, but something she can bring to management and say "hey, when these elevators are broken, you absolutely must keep the service elevator available for everyone's use." Is this at all covered by the ADA or tenant's rights code? Thanks in advance for your advice!

Answer:
 IANAL but I am a firefighter and paramedic.

Depending on Illinois or Chicago laws/codes the elevators may have an EMS key or medical emergency operation. It would likely appear as a keyhole with a blue star of life or other descriptive marking on the lobby at the elevators buttons, as well as in the cars (which may or may not be marked with a star of life on the exterior door to imply that a stretcher is supposed to fit). These are similar though still different than the firefighter operation keys. If the car has an EMS control key, and the ambulance crew has one, it allows them to recall the closest car, empty the occupants, and then proceed non stop to their destination, hold the car there, and then return to the lobby.

More pressing would be the use of an elevator to exit the building in the event of a fire or fire alarm activation. Most systems are designed to recall the cars to the lobby when the fire alarms activate, and will not answer calls from any floors. Your neighbor would be forced to negotiate the stairs in the case to exit the building.

None of this will help your situation, but I hope it is helpful knowing how some elevator features can work. Also no guarantees that they function anything like I typed.Answer #2: Ride up to go down. It's what we do in my office at 5 when every down elevator is full(not allowed to take the stairs)


Title: Legality of non-Canadians "defacing" Canadian currency

Question:
A Chinese manufacturer using Canadian coins as part of their product. Modifications are done to the coins and hence "defaced".

Manufacturing is not done on Canadian soil, and is not sold in Canada. So are there any laws being violated?

Answer:
 No, unless there is a Chinese law protecting other countries currency. They probably can’t be imported into Canada and if coins are being intentionally exported from Canada for that purpose the exporter might be in trouble.Answer #2: Canadian law doesn't apply in China, only Chinese law applies in China.

It is theoretically possible that China has a law against defacing any currency, but I would have no idea how to look that up and it obviously isn't enforced.


Title: Fiance and I just bought a house but we need to split.

Question:
Hello Reddit. I am in need of your help. I already asked elsewhere on what to do with my situation and it has led me to this, so here's the story.

My fiance and I just bought our first house together at the beginning of the year, so we have only been on it a few weeks. The two of us are supposed to be getting married in April so there's a lot going on. We have been together for almost 4 years now.

Anyway I found out she was cheating on me with a co-worker and sexting with various guys online. So needless to say I'm calling the marriage off but that leaves us with a our new house that we could only afford together.  I would love to keep the house, but that seems unlikely.

So what can I do with the house? Selling it now will probably be a loss since we just paid all the closing costs and basically sunk all of our cash into getting this place.

Answer:
 Depending on your location and the rental market, you could jointly lease the house out until you feel there is enough equity. Your mortgage may not allow for that, though.

You could jointly live in the house as roommates. As someone who was broken off an engagement I would find this beyond awkward, but it's an option.

You could sell it at a loss and chalk it up to an expensive lesson, but less expensive than divorce. Answer #2: You'll take a loss to sell, but think of the bright side...You save tons of money on not having a wedding to pay forAnswer #3: Which legal jurisdiction are you in?


Title: My paycheck bounced twice. What do I do now?

Question: So, I live in the Youngstown area of Ohio in the US, and  my last paycheck bounced. I talked to the owner (it’s a small business) and she gave me a new check to replace it. The second one bounced too. I’m not sure what I’m supposed to do at this point. Pay day is this Saturday and I know that check will probably bounce as well. Is there anything I can do about this or any advice on how to deal with it? I just turned 21 today and am unfamiliar with what to do when I’m not getting paid.

Answer:
 You start looking for a job IMMEDIATELY.

Email your employer that you're unable to pay bills and that this is a big deal, and ask for a definitive date of when you can expect to be paid.

One day after that date, contact your states department of labor.

As a small business owner,........ If you're getting to the point where payroll checks are bouncing you are in a REALLY bad spot. The chance of things turning around are slim to none.


Title: Help editing the MIT software license

Question:
So this is stupid, I know, and it's not nearly as important as any other posts in this sub... but I didn't know where else to post this.

In my free time, I write open source software, among other things.  I generally use the MIT license, because it's basically "do whatever you want but just give me credit for my original work".  However, I got kind of interested in looking at licenses, and they're all ridiculous legalese that a normal person is never going to read.

I know there are people trying to make headway in fixing that issue, but for own own part, on my own projects, I want a legally enforceable requirement that anybody who uses any part of any of my software, for any purpose, has to include a bullet point summary of their license at the top of it.  So I modified the MIT license, and I was hoping you all could pick apart my modifications so that I use the correct jargon and make it as legally enforceable as possible.  I'd like to include this license in all my future software, in order to promote easier-to-understand licenses.

So I was hoping you all could give me your thoughts....

[Here](http://pastebin.com/z8AwJkug) is my license, and for reference, [here](https://opensource.org/licenses/MIT) is the original MIT license.

Thanks everybody!

Answer: You don't want to do that -- you're introducing ambiguity by saying (or trying to say) the same thing twice.  Which one are people supposed to follow?  You could say "This is just a summary; the actual license is below," but then what happens if your summary is inconsistent with what's below ("Judge, he's the one who summarized it.  I ought to be able to rely on that summary.")


Title: Bought product that wasn't received in its entirety, do I still have to pay the lender?

Question:
Like the title says, I bought something and have a contract for the agreement, I received some but not all of what was agreed upon. The supplier sold the debt to a third party lender and they keep telling me I'm still expected to pay for it even though the supplier hasn't sent me the product. It has been several months and I have talked to the supplier several times about this. Now they are threatening all kinds of things, ranging from a civil suit to theft charges. What can they actually do to me and how should I respond?

Edit: This is all in Indiana

Answer: What steps did you take to rectify the problem with the seller?


Title: Can someone assist me with how to prove the other driver was really the one at fault?

Question:
I’ve looked into identical situations to mine and seen it go either way or even right down he middle.

Anyway I was at a busy intersection waiting to turn left. When the light turned yellow, I didn’t see any cars who were driving past the intersection or close to it. I started turning left and as I looked for pedestrians or bikers passing (as you never know who is crossing late at a quick speed), I get hit by a car who was going straight but mustve sped up to an extremely high speed to make the yellow light. She totaled my car. She said it was her birthday and she was going somewhere (so which means she was in a rush and on a feel good high since it was her birthday).

I called her insurance and they investigate while having someone call each of us tomorrow to hear our stories. Any advice or tips for me? I’m broke and having a car was my only way of making income as I was making deliveries. I need a car and my income is fucked, My insurance won’t cover anything as it is minimal..

How can I prove she was recklessly driving verbally on the phone? What are some other things I can do which may benefit me in this situation?  Thank you.. sorry if this a dumb post.

Answer:
 So of the light wasn't red, she had the right-of-way.

Gonna be hard to prove. Answer #2: To clarify, you were in a left-turn-yield lane, correct?

It's your duty to make sure the intersection is clear before making the turn. In this situation I'd say you bear the majority if not complete responsibility for the accident.Answer #3: Did an officer make an report and assign tickets to either of you? Honestly the way you describe it it sounds like you were at fault.


Title: [ON, Canada] Buying a house together as common law couple. Couple questions.

Question:
We will be doing this shortly. I make about 1.5 times more so we will be splitting mortgage 60/40 as well as down payment (if not more for me). I'm fine with this.

In the case of a break up, would we be entitled to a 50/50 split of the house? Or would it be proportional to what we put in? Obviously, this is assuming things go sour and we can't come to a reasonable agreement. If the former, would it be reasonable to draw up a cohabitation agreement stating this? Would the lawyer who is handling the house stuff be able to draw this up or would we have to find another one? Or would we each have to get our own?

Answer:
 There is no automatic division of property for common law couples in Ontario.  The courts WILL get involved if the parties can't sort themselves out, and one of them goes to court to have the court do division.

It is in your best interest now to agree on what happens. Put it in writing. It is ENTIRELY reasonable to have a cohabitation agreement - you can see a family lawyer for this.

You'd each want your own lawyer (one can do the bulk of the drafting, but the other person should have their own lawyer review it and avise their client of the consequences). That will help ensure the contract is enforceable later.


Title: Second hand smoking due to neighbor

Question:
Hello all, I live in the state of Maryland, USA. I have recently purchased a townhome and have been here for about 3 months. My room at night faces my porch and around 10 pm every night my neighbor next door smokes. As it is getting warmer and warmer and I don’t have a fan in my room I tend to leave the window open, even in my old home that I rented I would sleep with the window open as I liked the cool breeze. As I’m about to doze off I start smelling and inhaling this terrible smoke and smell which wakes me up from my almost sleep estate.

Is there anything that can be done about this legally or must I just live with it?

Answer:
 He is allowed to smoke on his property.

If he is loud, you can call the police for a noise complaint if it's late at night.


Title: My ex (23f) has wracked up 1000$ in late utilities in my name and is wrecking my credit. (ga, USA)

Question: I recently moved out of a house with my ex and her mom, but all the utilities were in my name. My ex and I signed an agreement stating she would pay all utilities on time, but I just found out she has been paying the bare minimum to keep the service on.  I am not sure what to do. I have no cut off the utilities yet, in hopes that she will pay (atleast some) I am assuming I will have to sue her..

Answer:
 The utility company had an agreement with you, not with her. The delinquent bills therefore accrue to you, not to her. You can absolutely sue your ex for breaching her agreement with you, _but you're still responsible for getting the account current_, whether you prevail or not.

Settle the account and close it. Sue for damages as a result of the breach; if you have concrete problems as a result of the damage to your credit rating, include those. Let her get her own account; you don't need to keep the existing account open to pursue this, and it's only going to hurt your credit (not hers) if it stays in arrears.


Title: Girlfriend smokes pot, I like guns (and don't.)

Question:
Virginia:

If we choose to cohabitate, could I be charged with constructive possession? It seems that if she keeps it in a lockbox to which I do not have the key, we'd be okay.

Answer: You're asking if you could be charged with a crime for having weed in your home. Yes you could be charged with a crime for having weed in your home.


Title: I just rented an apartment in TN, The leasing agent failed to mention they have a frog problem, What can I do.

Question:
As I stated in the title I just rented an apartment at a complex, by a lake in Memphis TN. At night they get a lot of frogs and I have an intense phobia. Is there anyway I can get out of my lease (it was signed yesterday) and receive a reimbursement for the down payment?
I imagine that it would probably depend on the apartment company but do I have the law on my side if it has to come to that?

Thank you for any advice in advance.

Answer: Perhaps you could get some ESA snakes to help with your ranidaphobia.Answer #2: no, frogs are not a habibility issue - most lakes have frogs for future reference. Answer #3: For the love of God. Please tell me you are a troll. Leave me with a shred of a belief in humanity.


Title: I got into two work related car accidents within a span of a month after getting new glasses.

Question:
So back in April I got a new prescription for my glasses. The doctor tells me that due to my eyes needing two different prescriptions I may feel a little crossed eyed for a few days. I take his advice, go next door to the glasses store to pick out new frames, etc., and I'm told they'd be ready in about two weeks. Two weeks later I pick them up and notice the cross eyed sensation immediately but think nothing of it. A couple more weeks go by and I still feel crossed eyed while wearing my new glasses when I get into a minor accident while backing up my work truck. I honestly didn't put two and two together until I got into yet another almost identical accident soon after. The next day to go back to store  where I got my glasses to have them checked and they say it must be the fault of the eye doctor. Lucky for me both places are next door (I don't think they're affiliated though) and they deny it's their fault saying this store has had this issue before. That being said, I walk back into the store, tell them what my doctor's office said and they say something along the lines of if they had known I went to this particular doctor they wouldn't have sent me away due to this guy being a super hotshot eye doctor or something who's apparently never wrong. This time they actually bother to look at my glasses and it turns out my prescription is focused in the lower corners of my lenses instead of over my pupils. As you would expect they replaced my lenses (another couple of weeks). I recorded the whole ordeal (audio not video) on my phone but didn't mention anything about the accidents to them so not to spook them but now I fear this whole mess may effect my career later on down the line. I had to beg my employers to allow me to keep driving, not to the financial penalties(a whole other story I'm not worrying about right now unless you guys suggest otherwise). My main concern is my driving record. With aspirations of pursuing a new career that also requires me to drive a work vehicle I fear this whole mess may have stunted my professional growth.

TL;DR I got into a couple of of work related accidents within a short period of time of getting a new pair of poorly crafted glasses and have an audio recording of  the company admitting thier mistake. Now I fear this may hurt my career long term due to tarnish driving record.

Do I have any opitions or am I screwed for life?

Answer:
 There are likely no remedies with respect to your driving record, or your performance record with your employer.  You're responsible for ensuring you're fit for driving, including if necessary, that you have corrective eyewear that works as intended.

You might speak with an attorney about the events in general.  This is essentially an optometric malpractice issue that stands far outside our scope here.  You can discuss what losses (if any) you've suffered as a result of what sounds like a mistake in producing your lenses.

Obviously your accidents may be a topic in that discussion, though in the broadest terms, there are likely some problems in attempting to put liability for those on the doctor or lens producer.


Title: I signed a contract to do a movie, but the filming has involved very illegal things (Florida)

Question:
I'm sorry if I do this wrong, I have never used Reddit before. One of my friends suggested to me that I ask for advice here because I am in way, WAY over my head deep in dog shit.

In March I met this girl (Star) at a party who was a local artist. She was telling me all about this independent film she wanted to do and needed a lead actress. She described it to me as super low budget, ultra realistic and "gritty". In her own words, "like a gonzo Florida Project." I ended up auditioning the next day and she hired me on the spot. I would later find out I was the ONLY girl who auditioned. At the time I thought Star was a lot more reputable and legit than she actually is in reality.

So moving on, we start filming and right off jump street she's having shots filmed in places we definitely should not be. The cast is basically just me and her and the crew is a guy with a camera. I told her I didn't feel comfortable trespassing and she gave me some word salad speech about a "devotion to integrity" and told me I signed a contract to do the film, that I had to do everything she wanted and if I didn't she would, verbatim, "sue me so hard [her] nose would bleed"??? I didn't know how to respond to that but I didn't want to get sued.

The contract was basically:

>I [my name], hereby solemnly swear to follow [Star's] vision of artistic integrity until the point in time she is satisfied with the result. [Star] agrees to pay [me] $500 per week until [Star's] artistic vision has been fulfilled to the utmost zenith of her satisfaction.

I don't have a copy of the contract, but it was some vague word salad and Star said as long as she fulfills her end i.e. paying me $500 each week, I had to do whatever she said indefinitely. I quickly realized Star was completely off her rocker and threatened that she would make me do gross, humiliating things to punish me. She told me something like if she wanted me to literally eat shit off her shoes, I would because she "owns me" until the movie is finished.

We were filming a scene where she was screaming and berating my character and then out of nowhere she hauled off and slapped me. I was not expecting that at all and I fell. Star was very pleased about this scene because it was so realistic. Yeah, because the b!tch really fucking just slapped me. I was really upset with her and wanted to quit and again she lorded the contract over my head.

It keeps getting worse and more extreme. She has put me in legit danger, assaulted me, and put me at risk of being arrested multiple times since we began filming. I don't know what to do anymore. I've been at her beck and call for over a month. I do not feel safe, even at my house. She calls me randomly and wakes me up all of the time when she's feeling inspired. I swear to God I woke up one day to over ONE HUNDRED texts from her about the direction she wanted to take the movie.

>Can a contract force someone to break the law? Can I be assaulted as part of a contract? Is this even a legit, legally binding contract?

Answer:
 A contract cannot force you to break the law.
A contract cannot force you to be assualted or to endanger your own well being.
This is likely not a legally binding contract. The first big red flag is it lacks specificity. Since it is so non-specific (no start/end date, no definition of your tasks, etc) it cannot in good faith be executed.Answer #2: IAL. A contract obligating you to do illegal acts is void per public policy. This is why you can't enter contracts to sell your organs.

Get out. Now.


Title: [Alberta Canada] Got fired for standing up for myself, can I sue them for anything?

Question:
I am a software developer, and I just got fired today for defending myself against accusations from my supervisor, who also happened to be the son of the owner of the company.

&nbsp;

He accused me of being sarcastic, complaining, and unprofessional in a comment I left on a task on the company's task management website. It was for a task which was assigned to another employee because her plate was empty, but was one that I would be most suited to work on since it's inside a module that I created. After speaking with him about it and him refusing to let me do it, I left the following comment on the task:

&nbsp;

"Since <Supervisor> insisted that I will not be the one working on this, let me just say that <answer and detailed explaination to a question that was asked in the task's description>."

&nbsp;

The first part I typed out is the only part where my tone reflected my dissatisfaction of his decision, but I feel it was in no part sarcastic, complaining, or unprofessional. In fact, I only wrote it because the knowledge I am sharing is highly valuable to the completion of the task, even though it was not my task.

&nbsp;

He then accused me of the abovementioned things in an email, and I emailed back defending myself, and he replied with more arguments, and this went on a couple more times. Now in those emails, and after he accused me of being sarcastic, I did resort to sarcasm a couple times, but I clearly marked them with things like "this is what me being sarcastic is actually like". I mean, sarcasm is not illegal is it? Anyways, he eventually decided to escalate the whole issue to the executives, which consists of his dad, his uncle, and a project manager who is also the head of HR. Even at that point I wasn't worried, since I believed, and still do, that I did nothing wrong through all of this and is only defending myself against his false accusations.

&nbsp;

A few hours later, the head of HR called me to her office and told me my employment is being terminated effective immediately, when I asked for a reason she accused me of insubordination and not being a team player. Now that is utter BS, as I have successfully completed every task that has ever been assigned to me and on time. Insubordination requires me to refuse a direct order, either verbally or through inaction, and that has never happened. I don't think not being a team player is a valid reason to fire a person, but if anything, the fact that I left a message with answers to a task that is not mine shows that I am indeed a team player and willing to go out of my way to help others.

&nbsp;

I tried to explain to her the situation regarding the emails, and she wouldn't even let me. She just kept repeating "your employment is terminated effective immediately." I tried to ask her if she read my comment, and exactly where in my comment was I any of the things that was accused of me, and she wouldn't answer.

&nbsp;

I demanded a copy of the email chain because I feel like it will be helpful if I ever make a claim against them, and she said it is company property and wont let me have it. I was not allowed to go back to my workstation, as they already they already got all my things in a cardboard box, and then kicked me out.

&nbsp;

I tried to access my work email as soon as I got home, and as expected, they already closed my account so I cannot access any of the emails in there.

&nbsp;

On my Record of Employment, they put the cause as dismissal, and I think that means I will have trouble getting EI after this. I feel like I am completely being bullied by my supervisor and this company here, and I would very much appreciate any legal advice.

Answer:
 >The first part I typed out is the only part where my tone reflected my dissatisfaction of his decision, but I feel it was in no part sarcastic, complaining, or unprofessional. In fact, I only wrote it because the knowledge I am sharing is highly valuable to the completion of the task, even though it was not my task.

Not legal advice, but professional advice from someone who has spent a lot of time working for privately/closely held companies, often with and for the family members of the owners: yes, you were disrespectful. You were right, you were morally justified, but you picked a fight you were destined to lose.

You could argue that you were in the right and it wasn't fair, and I won't disagree with you, but that's not going to change that you're now without a job while they're still there making money, and nothing about this case will materially impact them. I respect the amount of work you put into that module, your sense of ownership, and your desire to help your coworker. I absolutely do. But it wasn't your module, it was the company's. You could have sent the assigned employee a PM to let her know that you were available if your SME experience could be helpful to her, but instead you threw down a public gauntlet the primary purpose of which was to call into question a decision that, frankly, wasn't in your wheelhouse to question.

I know nothing about Canadian employment law and can't help you with your legal questions. However, I hope that despite whatever stinging pride you feel, you at least consider what I've said to you here. I've been in your shoes and been burned the way you've been burned.


Title: The Confusing Case of the Car crash and cold calls by cops

Question:
This occurred in Massachusetts, where I am a resident. I woke up around 6:30am to see to cops at my door, looking for me. They were there on business for the police one town over, who wanted to speak with me. I asked about what and they just gave me the number of the police station, and mentioned something about the duct tape on my car but were very vague. I called the police and and they didn't know what I was talking about. A few days later I get a call and an officer from the other town asks if I can come to the police station to talk. I laugh and respond, "not without a lawyer! what are the grounds?" he says, "Something criminal. they don't have to be, we just want you to come down." He beats around the bush but eventually I get him to say it was for me hitting a car a month ago in the back parking lot of a bar. I didn't remember doing it but the more i think about it the more it may have happened. He says they have video and an eye witness. I've driven back there since then and there are three cameras. He says he doesn't want to charge me with anything, but come down and admit I did it so the girl can get her car fixed. I just don't want anything criminal charges, I have no problem taking the insurance hit. Any advice?

TLDR: A month after, I get a phone call from police saying I hit a car and they just want me to come down to the station to say I did it. Memories are foggy but I probably did. Why didn't they contact me sooner?

Answer: He could be lying to you. About anything or everything. His job is to arrest people, not help girls get their cars fixed. If she is so sure you did it she would just file with her insurance company. Don't go down there, don't talk to him. If they come and arrest you get an attorney.


Title: [IL] My lawyer stopped communicating with me.

Question:
Hi /r/legaladvice, long time lurker, etc.

I was involved in a car accident last year where I was t-boned by a driver who blew a red. Everyone immediately advised me to get a lawyer, and I got a recommendation from my family’s lawyer. I called her the next day and she agreed to take my case (signed contract and all).

She was in constant communication via phone and email for the first few months as I went to the doctor and emailed her the bills I was getting in the mail, but around April of this year she just sort of fell off the face of the earth. Weird, I know. I have sent her two emails asking for direction or at least confirmation that she received my last two bills since then, but have not gotten any type of response.

This is my first time dealing with a lawyer, and I’m feeling like something’s not normal. Like, you’d think I’d get an auto reply or something. I checked her firm’s website (she is part of a larger practice) and she’s still employed and listed on their directory and everything, except now she’s a partner.

So my question is two-part: 1) is it normal for a lawyer to just stop all communication for several months? And 2) what should my next steps be? Should I try to reach out from someone else at her practice? I’m honestly clueless as to why she might have stopped communicating with me.

Thanks.

Answer: Just guessing but if she’s stopped communicating with you directly it’s possible that a junior attorney has taken over her case load. She’s probably still the lead but isn’t actually working your case. Also, you’d probably get better service if you spoke directly to the paralegal/legal assistant on the case. Call the operator at the firm and ask who to speak with.


Title: Is what Elon musk said really illegal? Even if it doesn't happen

Question: How can "thinking" about doing something be illegal in terms of security's? Surely Elon musk as well as any person thinks about a lot of things. Can he be blamed for wrongfully playing the market even though he didn't explicitly say anything would happen, just thinking he would buy those shares.

Answer: Forward-looking statements made by the CEO of a publicly-traded company are not the same thing as personal opinions, from a regulatory perspective. You can blame ~300 years of stock market scams for that distinction.


Title: My employer asked me in writing not to discuss my pay with other employees [NY, USA]

Question:
I negotiated a pay raise and afterwards, my boss chatted me to say "please do not discuss your pay with anyone at the company". I have it screenshotted. My questions are:

1. I'm pretty sure it's illegal to prevent an employee from discussing their pay with other employees. Is the act of requesting me to do so illegal in itself?
2. Do I have any recourse here?

Thanks for your advice!

Answer:
 Employers don't want their employees comparing notes and finding out how underpaid they are. It causes inter-employee conflict, and worse, the employer might have to give their employees more money.

1. [It is perfectly legal for you and your coworkers to discuss your pay, benefits, etc.](http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2014/07/when-the-boss-says-dont-tell-your-coworkers-how-much-you-get-paid/374467/)

2. Even if you are employed at-will, it is illegal for your employer to retaliate against you and your coworkers for discussing your pay, benefits, etc.

3. We live in the real world. As a practical matter, you want to remain on your employer's good side, and it can be difficult to prove that your employer actually did retaliate against you.

Make of that what you will.

Edit: Mobile typo.Answer #2: they can ask, but they cannot lawfully punish you if you don't comply.


Title: my girlfriend arrested for hitting abandoned car and cops won't tell me anything

Question:
My girlfriend was driving home last night. She was less than a block from the house on the same street when something ran out into the road. She thought it was a child, swerved to miss it and ended up hitting an abandoned SUV parked in the middle of the street. No one was anywhere near the accident except her. No one was in the abandoned SUV and she was the only person in the car. The car is totaled and the SUV has cosmetic damage to the back bumper and windshield. Her friend was driving behind her and witnessed the whole thing including something running into the road right before she swerved.
Since she was so close to home, she tried to walk to the house and get me for help. She was very disoriented. A couple neighbors came out and physically held her down while she was bleeding and disoriented. They refused to get off her and almost broke her arm in the process. The cops showed up right as she tried fighting them off her.
She was immediately arrested without the cops ever bothering to identify her or asking if she was ok. They did not care that she was bleeding and seriously injured. She asked for an ambulance over and over but was ignored. Instead they took her straight to jail and refused to tell me where she was. She was arrested for the accident, leaving the scene and physical assault for fighting back the people who assaulted her.
She's been there since 9pm last night, no one will tell me what to do and they refuse to give her bail. The cops say I can't do anything until Monday and I will have to call to find out if she'll even be released. No one will give me any information, meanwhile she has two young children who are crying for there mother and no one will let us see her or talk to her.
Is this normal to not give someone bail for a car accident where no one was hit or injured? What will happen on Monday? Should I just show up at the police station tomorrow morning? I found her name in the police department website so I know she is there even if they won't tell me anything. We cannot afford a lawyer, can I get a public defender to help her for free? How do I go about doing that? When does she get bail? If we can't afford it what happens? Does she stay in jail until we can come up with the money? Any legal advice for what to do about not taking her to the hospital do getting her medical help? Pressing charges on the people who assaulted her right after the accident?
Neighbors also video recorded her getting out of the car and tainted her. She told them over and over to turn off the video because she didn't agree to being recorded. Can we force them to delete the videos and not post them on YouTube or anything since she says on the video she does not agree to recording?
The last thing is the owners. They have insurance for the abandoned SUV. There insurance should cover this and we won't have to pay it ourselves correct? Does it matter that the SUV was parked in the middle of the road and helped caused the accident? Can we press charges on them?

Answer:
 You forgot to mention the fact that your girlfriend was driving while intoxicated, had an open container of alcohol in the vehicle, was caught on video drinking more alcohol immediately after the accident and had a BAC of >.15. You also forgot to mention that just two weeks prior, she was *again* driving whole intoxicated, and crashed into and totaled *another* parked vehicle, then fled the accident and locked herself inside of your house and refused to come out.

Also, you totally identified yourself as her husband last night, you liar. Answer #2: You have no right to the info. She is an adult and you are legally a stranger.

You can contact an attorney for her because she is going to need one.

She will need to ask for  PD at court. She will be going to court likely in the next day or two.

She was in public. She did not have to consent to being recording in public. They can load the videos up where ever they want.

The SUV insurance will cover their damages but either your GF insurance or her will be paying for it. The insurance will want to be reinbursed,


Title: Teacher kicked me out of his class for expressing my opinion

Question:
I’m a senior in High School (17F) and I used to be a part of the marching band program at my school. I posted something on a private instagram account, expressing my dislike for the program and the teacher off of school grounds. It was screenshotted and showed to the teacher, leading to me getting kicked out of the class and the program. This happened in November and I had let it go in an effort to not rock the boat, even though I found it unfair.

Today, my AP Government class visited our county’s Law day, a field trip where we get to pick workshops and listen to experts in their fields talk about different topics. I chose the free speech workshop and went up to the lawyers afterwards, explaining the situation. He said that my free speech was violated and I should take it up with the administration. Was me getting kicked out of the program and class for expressing my opinion a violation of my free speech in school and how should I handle the situation?

Answer: Very broadly speaking, the school is empowered to restrict your first amendment rights in various ways. The school is also empowered to prevent you from taking part in activities, particularly when they aren't required to graduate, based on your conduct on or off campus. The lawyer is right that you could speak with the administration, but the administration may just say "too bad." You don't really have a cause for a lawsuit or anything.


Title: Caught employee smoking weed while in our uniform.

Question: We were made aware of an employee of ours who was caught smoking pot while wearing our company uniform. The individual posted the picture of her on Instagram. We have since terminated the employee, but are concerned about how this effects our image. We work with disabled and at risk persons and this could become a problem for us down the road. What course of action could/should we take to prevent our image from being at risk due to this ex-employee. This is in the state of Arizona.

Answer: Is your company name or logo visible in the picture?  Be prepared to lose the unemployment claim if you didn't drug test them.


Title: I bought a customizable laptop in the UK and it came with a worse HD by mistake. The company simply wants me to mail it back and have it changed. Am I entitled to any compensation for the delay and inconvenience?

Question:
I got this new customizable laptop from an UK retailer. I order an 1TB HD, but it came with a worse one, only 500gb. I noticed and emailed the company, which asked me to send the laptop back so that they could change it, which means I'll have to stay for some days without any computer and I'll have to reinstall everything in my HD back. Besides, I only have a Windows 7 installer and they only provided windows 10 drivers, so I'd have to install windows 7 and upgrade it to 10, which takes a few days for Microsoft to do. To summarize, it will be quite an inconvenience on top of a very messy order, with delays and missing parts along the way. I asked them to compensate me in any way, since it was their mistake and they told they won't, all they would do was install the HD I initally paid for and let me deal with the wait and the hassle of reinstalling everything. Is there anything I can do to pressure them? Do they have any obligation to their costumer in this kind of situation? Any suggestion is allowed. Thanks.
Topic:
Computer and Internet

Answer: no. you can ask but it's not expected.


Title: [Michigan] My girlfriend has been sexually harassed numerous times at work, her managers are bribing her to stay and not speak of it.

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 > They don't want her to quit, they are offering her money (she has not told me how much) to stay and keep her mouth shut.

So a settlement, of sorts, at least for any possible hostile work environment claim to date?

An exploding offer with less than 24 hours to review it and decide is not much like good faith. Your sister should speak to an attorney before making a decision. If her employer is sincere about wanting to settle out of court, they'll let her do that; if they're trying to bully her, she's losing nothing by speaking to an attorney because that would be her next step anyways.

Sexual assault is also a criminal matter, and she can go directly to the police if she prefers. Even if she signs an agreement saying she won't - promises to keep crimes a secret are not generally enforceable.


Title: Need help figuring out guilt and appropriate settlement

Question: So I am in a situation with one of my co-workers. I work at a bar, and after working the day shift we usually sit at the bar and drink using our discount. Well one day after work I was drinking with my boss and he was buying me beers so I got pretty buzzed. Anyways, while Im siting at the bar I knocked over my beer with less than a 1/4 in it. The spill managed to reach my coworkers laptop which was also on the bar counter. She immediately freaked out and kept trying to turn it on and plugged it in. Now, a couple days later she tells me the laptop is fried and I owe her 1,300 dollars for it. Now I feel bad and believe I should pay her some money, but I don't believe legally i was at fault because I don't believe a bar counter is a safe place for a laptop, and she put it at risk by doing so. Also she didn't wait a day or more for the laptop to dry to try saving it. I need your guys help she is trying to get me to sign saying I will pay her all of it.

Answer: If you truly believe that you weren't at fault, then your recourse is to pay her nothing, and sign nothing, and let her sue you in small claims court for the cost of the laptop plus court costs, and then present your arguments to the judge about mitigated responsibility, and hope for the best.


Title: Pictures on social media

Question:
Just something I’ve been dealing with the past couple weeks and need some advice on what I can do.

There is a person (we will call her A) that I found out a couple weeks ago, posted some pictures of my child on Facebook. I found out and politely told A that she did not ask my permission and I would like for her to take them down and to not post anything else.

Since then A has still not removed the pictures and I just have a hunch in the back of my mind that she will post again.

Since have asked A to remove them and stop any further posting is there something legally I can do if she does this without my consent?

I have everything saved in a conversation saved.
Topic:
Custody Divorce and Family

Answer: Who took the pictures? Also you need to provide location.


Title: Home seller is trying to take my earnest money

Question: A little context: My wife and I put an offer on a house in Kansas City Missouri. During the inspections we came across several items that we wanted the seller to check out/repair. They declined so we sent them a acknowledgement of cancellation with us to receive our earnest deposit back. They returned with a cancellation stating that they are to receive our earnest deposit. The original real estate agreement states that our earnest money is not liable by the earnest money and additional deposits clause of the contract and that it will be returned no matter what. In any case we were with in the normal contract terms to cancel and receive it back anyways. They have since put the house back on the market and are taking offers. I just heard through my agent that they have an offer and want to split our earnest money. At this point I am trying really hard not to turn this into an r/pettyrevenge but I want my money back and I do not know what options are available except small claims court.

Answer: You can hire a lawyer to send them a letter demanding return of the deposit.  If they don’t then you have to sue them.


Title: Someone hit my dog in my driveway, killing him, and never stopped [Virginia]

Question: [deleted]

Answer: That’s horrible. It sounds like you know who did it, and have seen them before, so I’d encourage you to report them to your local police (in person is probably best, especially if you can share the person’s license plate number and vehicle description with the intake officer).


Title: owner bills me for the time I was not living in the house

Question:
I rent a room in a share house, and the rent is not included bills. So the bills have been split 4 ways. In October, I went to my parents' house to look after it when they were on holidays for 3 weeks. After I came back, I moved out of the place after 7 days. Owner made me paid bills for the 21 days period from when I went to my parents' house to when I moved. In my point of view, I should not be paying for bills for the 3 weeks that I was not there. Because I wasn't using any electricity, water, or gas.
Do I have any legal obligation to pay him? Or I am right about the bills.

Answer:
 Yeah, that's not how that works...

You're on the lease, so you pay the bills.Answer #2: You were still a tenant during those 3 weeks so you are still responsible for your portion of the bills.


Title: (ID) Child custody, specifically protective custody

Question:
I have a young daughter with an ex. The mother is currently homeless sleeping on a bed on the floor or at whatever guy she's dating house. She just started dating an active drug addict and her son has started inappropriately touching girls at the day care. We have shared custody switching weeks, but court order is only me having her weekends and the mother during the weeks. She's due to go back to her mother's soon and I don't feel comfortable with it. I tried having a conversation with her mom about me keeping my daughter until the mother has a more stable home life. She showed up at my house last night threatening me if I didn't give her my daughter. She called an officer to the house and he never even knocked on my door but told her to leave. Now she's saying if I don't give her my daughter I will be interfering with court orders.

My questions are, what are my options for keeping my daughter away from that environment?

How badly will keeping her look once we get back to court?

Could I lose custody rights or get arrested for trying to keep my daughter safe?

Edit to add: She's also admitted to having sex while the kids were in the room, the "room" is a mattress in a corner with blankets around it.

Also, she's admitted that the kids have gotten into her dabs and were playing with, possibly eating, them.

Edit 2: in Idaho. Thought (ID) was enough but bot informed me I was wrong

Answer: Keeping your child in violation of a court order is almost always a very bad idea. It can backfire spectacularly.  You need to file a request to modify the last court order. You should hire a lawyer for this, especially if you are thinking of getting some sort of emergency temporary order to keep the child from going with mom.


Title: Need advice. Friend's ex-wife trying to keep children from him. (x-post /r/MensRights)

Question:
Dealing with North Carolina courts.

My buddy doesn't use reddit, so I told him I would post something here on his situation with his permission. If referring to him I will use the name Buddy.

His ex-wife has been keeping the 2 young children ever since the youngest, a toddler, fell into the corner of a coffee table and busted his nose. I was present that day, so I know for a fact that is how the injury occurred. He hasn't seen his children since, that was 3 months or more ago. He is supposed to have custody every other weekend.

So on Thursday he filed something that basically said his ex-wife was in contempt of a court order. In hopes to see his children.

As soon as he gets home from filing that document, the police follow him into his driveway and serve him restraining orders for his ex-wife and two children. Apparently she made a written statement claiming abuse and fear for her safety and that of her children. She claims the busted nose was from Buddy's temper and that it was a punishment. It is complete bullshit. Buddy is not a violent person. Also, I was there the day that happened. If Buddy had actually done it, then he did it with telekinetic powers.

Anyway, there is a court date Wednesday regarding the restraining orders. He cannot afford a lawyer or even a consultation. There is a Men's rights lawyer in Raleigh, but it is $300+ for an hour consultation, and I think he wouldn't even get any advice they would just listen to the situation and decide if they would take the case at all.

The county of the court has a reputation for shitting on fathers. Rumor has it they don't even want the father to speak. Don't know how true it is, but it is believable thinking of how backwards the county is anyway.

Seeking any advice on what he should do. Posted this in /r/MensRights earlier, wasn't sure if this was something I should ask here being that it is my friend and not myself.

As of now his current wife who was witness to the original fall will be going to court with him, and he will be trying to represent himself.

EDIT: Thanks for the responses I have to go to work for now. If anyone else has any questions or tips please ask, but I may not get back to you till tomorrow, or possibly in the early morning.
Topic:
Custody Divorce and Family

Answer:
 > Seeking any advice on what he should do

He's done all he can.  He's filed to force her to comply with the order, and she's counter-filed.  Both he and she have that right.  He needs to go to the hearing on Wednesday and provide his side of the story.

He doesn't need a "Men's rights lawyer", he just needs a lawyer.Answer #2: >Rumor has it they don't even want the father to speak.

Don't listen to stupid rumors. Both sides will get to speak. Your friend just needs to be concise and polite, otherwise he will lose the right to continue speaking. Answer #3: I want to make one thing really clear: it's a parent's job to overreact to their very young kid's nose being broken and the kid not being taken to the ER.

Yes, shit happens, but the line between neglectful parenting and proper parenting is based on taking proper medical care of a child, especially a young one that can't follow instructions.

If you can be there at the court hearing and be a witness, that will help.Answer #4: I'm assuming that at the time of the accident your friend got medical treatment for the child and told his ex what had happened?Answer #5: The best and only advice is to find an attorney. Do what ever it takes. Trying to handle this yourself will not end well for your friend.Answer #6: He needs to fight the restraining order. The best way to do this would be with an attorney. Try legal aid societies like [tihs one](http://www.legalaidnc.org/Pages/default.aspx). You attending the court proceeding with your friend, as a witness, would be a good idea too.


Title: My landlord wants to kick us out

Question:
My roommate and I recently moved into a place over a month ago. Our landlord wants to kick us out now as we’ve had friends over and created quite a racket a few weekend nights. We’ve received quite a few complaints and understandably so. My landlord wants to kick us out and I get that but during this whole Coronavirus thing I don’t want to leave and want to wait till it’s all over to leave. I get that this place is not a great fit and tbh we prob wouldn’t have lasted 12 months due to the fact that we’re college kids and create too much noise that the paper thin walls in our condominium can’t contain with older residents not enjoying our presence whatsoever.

My question is, LEGALLY, what can I say/do to prolong my stay and wait until corona is over to move out due to mutual feelings.

Answer:
 Legally you could not be a dick and actually have some respect for the people on surrounding accommodation

Or you know. Even actually provide some more information like what what country for starters...