Title: We are breaking up, I have always been the stay at home dad, she is taking my son away from me. Is there anything I can do?

Question:
I have always considered myself to be my sons primary care giver.  Me and my sons mother never married but have lived together for just over 8 years, and have a son that is now 7.

For the past 5 years or so she has worked full time while I have stayed at home with the child.  Even before that when I was working I still worked around her schedule and was the person who called in if the kid was sick or whatever.  Every day I make my son breakfast, get him on the bus, get him off the bus, and help him with his homework.  Then we play on the computer, video games, toys, other activities until dinner time.  If it is a day that she does not work then she usually cooks dinner, but if she doesnt or she is at work which is more than 60% of days then I make dinner, bath him, and put him to bed.  On days that she works she usually does not even see our son, she leaves before he wakes up for school and does not get home until after his bed time.  I am the person who usually takes him to the doctor and takes him to school functions.....

I could go on but I feel it is pointless.  We broke up like 4 years ago, I went to work and while I was gone she and her family packed up all my stuff, stole what they wanted, and put the rest in a storage facility around the corner.  Changed the locks on the house.  Since the storage was in her name, she insisted on keeping the key to the storage and only let my stuff out at her convenience.  Also I should note that up till this point, and since before our son was born, she was addicted to pain killers, rush limbaugh style, mostly unbeknownst to me, I knew she took them but to what extent did not become clear until after this, she started taking handfuls and spending hundreds per month on them.

After about 2 months of only getting to see my son on some weekends and random days that she wants to go out drinking with her girlfriends. I believe she was getting very tired of dealing with our son by herself also, he is very active. We got back together, and after about 6 months of knowing how bad her pill problem was I talked her into going into rehab.  She was in for 2 weeks, I had my son the whole time, he barely noticed she was gone.  She has been off clean ever since rehab.

Since then, for the last couple years at least, it has been like walking on egg shells, just waiting for her to tell me to get down the road.  Doing whatever I can to not make her mad, she often has violent outbursts and has physically assaulted, not enough to call the police but way more than I am comfortable with, just little stuff like getting mad and flipping a lit cigarette at my face...

She is absolutely going to use my son to control me.  I dont know what to do.  She has all the money, I have none.  She has told me to be out of the house in 2 weeks (and it has been over a week).  I have talked to a couple local lawyers on the phone in much less detail, and they have pretty much said I am screwed as far as custody goes.

My son is everything to me, this hurts real bad.

I am in Indiana.  I have read the law on this matter several times, according to how I read it, it seems I would be the obvious choice for custodial parent.  Gender does not even come up in the law, but when you talk to a lawyer, it comes up.  I have very old non-violent drug offenses on my criminal record, which I dont think should matter, but I am also led to believe that it will.  She makes the money and owns the home, which shouldn't matter according to he law concerning custody, but is also something the lawyers said would matter.

I dont have anywhere to go, she knows that.  I do not know what I am going to do, or how/where to get help.  In this state I cant even get food stamps because of I have a drug charge on my criminal history.  My family hasnt had much to do with me since I have been out as an atheist since before I ever got with my girl, so no help there either.

Any legal advice would be appreciated.

tl;dr I'm fucked.

Answer: The first thing you need to do is find a place to live.  You will have no chance at custody if you do not have a home to bring him to.Answer #2: If you can't work out something between the two of you, either parent may go to court. Obviously it is preferable that you come to an agreement to spare the time and expense of a legal battle.


Title: (California) Landlord installed cameras, microphones, and door sensors in shared house without my consent.

Question:
Landlord and I live in shared residence. The cameras and microphones are in the the shared areas (living room, hallways) in the house. He mentioned this as they were being installed. Most recently I came home to a door sensor, monitoring when I come in and out of my room, installed on my door.

What are my options? Was I supposed to be informed, or asked for consent before all this was installed? I'm really beginning to feel creeped out that he's recording everything I do and wondering if I have options (other than moving).. thanks in advance!

Answer: For sure the microphones are illegal as he needs your consent to have a audio recording device installed.


Title: [MN] Put up a security camera on Saturday and caught someone walking in our yard that night

Question:
Hey all,

This is definitely minor compared to most posts here. Saturday we put a security camera up on our front porch to record our yard/ front door after having packages go missing. That very same night around 2 AM our camera recorded a man entering our fenced in yard and exiting the side gate. The whole thing took maybe 10 seconds- he didn't look in windows, creep around, etc. We sit on a corner lot so we're pretty sure he was just cutting the corner because he just walked straight through from one gate to the next. This was clearly not the first time he'd done this since he knew exactly where the gates were and walked through landscape and over a rain gutter.

This guy hasn't done anything (yet) that warrants calling the cops and I'm sure Minneapolis police have better things to do than try to find a guy that walked through my yard. At the same time, I don't want some random dude wandering around my fenced in yard at 2AM. After lurking here for the past year I know that a trip wire or booby trap type thing is probably not a good idea. Any suggestions? Outside of waiting for him to do it again and confronting him (which I'm not super keen on either) what could I do to deter this?

tl;dr: some guy trespassed in my yard but at least he closed the gates.

Edit: I had posted this more out of curiosity than concern, not sure why people are getting so bent out of shape. I know that locking the gate is the obvious solution but I live in a duplex so all the tenants, landlord, and postmen would need keys to the gate.

Answer: Lock your gates?


Title: OH Grandparents Rights - jurisdiction?

Question:
My parents are suing me for GPR. My fiance and I will be married in the next few weeks. According to my research, they shouldn't have any standing, but one big thing worries me.

We (fiance, child and me) moved from County 1 to County 2 about three months ago. My parents filed in County 1, where they live, and are claiming jurisdiction based on UCCJEA. My father knows the judge. They're long time buddies.

I've consulted with a few attorneys and will be settling on one to hire this week. However, I'm terrified we won't be able to get the case moved to County 2, and Buddy Judge is going to award my toxic parents time with my baby.

Any insight?

Answer: Could you not argue that buddy judge will not be able to make an impartial ruling given his relationship with the aformentioned father?


Title: I was at fault in a car accident a year ago.

Question: Last year I was involved in a car accident in which I was found at fault. The only thing I knew between then and now was that the other person involved was claiming bodily injury. Last week I was contacted by an attorney office asking me to set up a client meeting with them regarding the accident. I asked what was the purpose of the meeting and the clerk responded that she was not sure. My question is, am I being sued or do they just want to inform me on the claim? Any help is appreciated. This happened in California, USA.

Answer: This might be the precursor to a lawsuit where they are requesting you pay damages. Your best bet would be to contact your insurance company and let them handle it from there.


Title: [Cross-question from /r/relationships] Getting sued by parents of child who died at family cottage, after owners explicitly stated nobody may go there...

Question: [removed]

Answer:
 > My question is: do the parents have any legal accountability for the child's death?

Not exactly.  But the daughter definitely can be held accountable for what she did, and since she's a minor, the plaintiffs can sue the parents too as a way to recover damages.  Answer #2: Yes, firstly through the daughter. IIRC parents are to some extent responsible for the actions of their children as long as they're minors. This however varies from state to state. Secondly it would be their responsibility to maintain reasonably safe conditions on their property. A natural lake however is very different from a swimming pool in that regard. I'd imagine that there would be a presumption of risk that comes into play.

Also I don't believe that "attractive nuisance" laws apply to 17-year-olds.

So IMHO: Enough to consult a lawyer, but likely not enough for a lawsuit.

EDIT: Meaning successful lawsuit.Answer #3: > Under what laws would they lose in a court battle? Location is USA.

This is not even close to sufficient for posting the location if you want an accurate answer. Surely you are aware that laws vary from state to state. Answer #4: I would imagine that the daughter's presence negates the parent's prohibition against anyone being there. Hopefully the parents have significant homeowner's insurance to cover this sort of accident.


Title: (USA, TX) Will my friend be eligible for unemployment? If so, what does he need to show?

Question:
My friend has worked for a full year in this job before he was terminated. He was given a "week to improve" and fired as a result of "poor performance," but we know that a bunch of other people were fired the same day, so my friend has reason to believe that the "week to improve" and "poor performance" were an excuse on the company's part to let him go.

ASSUMING THAT his performance was fine (which -- I understand -- is a big assumption, especially for randos on the internet), what kind of proof would he need to show to Unemployment Benefit Services to demonstrate that he is eligible for unemployment, and to demonstrate that the company's real reason for terminating that number of employees was downsizing (as opposed to poor performance on all their parts)?
Topic:
Employment Law

Answer:
 He doesn't need to "show proof" of anything. He should apply for unemployment and provide truthful answers and a eligibility decision will be made. Generally speaking, being fired for performance is not grounds for disqualification unless the employer can show the employee wasn't even trying. (slacking off, not putting in any effort, etc)Answer #2: The only proof your friend can show is telling the people what happened.

He will file, it will likely get denied, he will have to appeal.  At the hearing, they will provide their evidence, your friend will have to provide his evidence, and then go from there.


Title: [NC] Salvage yard owes me money, can I put up a sign about it?

Question:
I've been doing business with this guy for 1-2 years and never had a problem. He runs a salvage yard and goes through town with a trailer picking up scrap. In December, I called him to pick up a bunch of it. He said he had no cash on him but would get it and pay me later. We had done that before a couple times and he always came through.

Well it's been 6 months now and no payment ($450). He's dodging my calls and texts. On the rare occasion he does get back to me he always says he's coming "this week" and never does.

I don't know that I have any real legal ramification. I have no proof, just our word. Well I guess I do have texts where he acknowledges that he owes me money.

My shop is on a busy highway though. I thought about putting up a sign that says something like, "XX Salvage yard stole from us" or something along that line. Would I get in trouble? It's technically true...

I don't know what else to do really.

Topic:
Douche

Answer: Just take him to small claims court. Don't be a jag.


Title: I was opening a stack of letters and one wasn't in my name. I noticed it's from Bank of America regarding CA EDD unemployment and what to do with the funds. No one with that name lives at my address. What is there really to do?

Question: Clearly there's some kind of fraud going on. Do I simply return to sender and write FRAUD on it, report it to the police, or just throw it in the trash and let the victim deal with it?

Answer: Tape it shut, mark it "not at this address - return to sender," and put it back in the mail. You're overthinking what could, for all you know, be a clerical error.


Title: MA - Lead likely in our apartment. We don't have kids yet, but want to. Rights?

Question:
We are a young married couple living in MA where young children are not allowed to live in an apartment with lead. When we moved into our apartment, we had to sign a paper stating that we know the apartment has not been inspected for lead, essentially. The house was built in 1920something, so it most likely does have lead. We want to have children in the near-ish future, and we aren't ready to buy a home yet (primarily because it's not clear if we will have to move in the near future due to our jobs). We are completely in love with our current apartment. It has enough bedrooms that raising children here is feasible, it has a nice big yard, and the location is great. In other words, we don't want to move and we would love to have a baby/toddler here. What would our rights be if we decided to become pregnant while living here? How could we protect ourselves from our landlords refusing to renew our lease (which we know is technically illegal, but they could come up with any excuse I suppose)? At one point in a pregnancy would we have to tell our landlords a baby was on the way? Would the landlords have to get the lead inspection and have to update the apartment? I know this is extremely costly because our friends recently de-leaded their house - which is a similar size to our apartment. I just imagine there is basically no way we'll be able to stay here with kids even though we want to, it's perfect for us, and there is plenty of space.

EDIT: At a complete loss here. I really don't understand all the downvotes - this seems like a legitimate question to me. I think it's better for us to know honestly what our options are (if any) and we have never and would never try to "sneak around" our landlords and not keep them in the loop if we had kids. Our question is both about how to be responsible tenants and how to protect ourselves from being discriminated against regarding lead/small children. Not sure why this sub is so unhappy about this post.

Answer:
 Whenever a child under the age of six (6) resides in residential premises containing unlawful levels of lead, you [the Landlord] are obligated to properly remove the offending substances (M.G.L. c. 111, § 199(a)).  [Source](http://www.mass.gov/ocabr/consumer-rights-and-resources/housing/tenant-and-landlord/landlord-rights.html)

That being said, he/she can refuse to renew your lease.  It's not illegal.  You have no right to a lease renewal.  It will only be illegal if the landlord says "I'm not renewing because you're pregnant."  But if the landlord has any ounce of common sense, he/she will just say "I'm not renewing your lease," and never say another two words to you guys.  If that happens then you'll never be able to prove you were discriminated against. Answer #2: I don't know MA law, but why would it be illegal for the landlord to refuse to renew the lease?


Title: Dr. Prescribed a brain altering medicine and I had a severe reaction to it, resulting in 3 ER visits and several thousand in bills. Should I get a lawyer?

Question: [deleted]

Answer: You can consult a med-mal attorney, but experiencing a known side-effect of medication isn't enough to give rise to malpractice.


Title: [New Jersey] Want to write college essay about a moment in my life (school charged me with hacking), but my school district says I cannot talk about it?

Question:
In short: in middle school i was accused of hacking my school, and they brought me to court. I didn't do it, so my charges where significantly lowered. but, the prosecutor was a total ass hole, and refused to drop them all together, so i pleaded guilty to some password theft charge.

This was a large moment for me, and really shaped my future, and I want to write about it in a college essay. However, i remember the district telling me that i cannot talk about the charges or my plea deal, or really anything regarding this debacle.

What is the actual law surrounding this? I have no recollection of the judge (who was a pretty nice guy, he laughed when he found out what i was being charged for), nor my lawyer talking me I couldn't talk about it.

for more info:

I was and still am a minor under the age of 18, in New Jersey, this event happened four and a half years ago.

Thanks!

Answer:
 Not legal advice, but as someone who has read college essays for university admissions, I just want to let you know this. Writing about previous criminal history, even if it dramatically shaped your life, is probably not going to go over very well.Answer #2: I once worked in college admissions for a year, and part of my job was reading applications.

I assure you, this is probably a terrible, terrible topic for an essay.  If you are a superb writer, you might be able to pull it off, under certain circumstances - but if you wound up pleading guilty to "some password theft charge," I would strongly advise you to find a different topic, or at least a very different take on the topic.  How you apparently broke the law and were convicted of it doesn't put you in a very good light at all, unless you can use it as a springboard to talk about how you turned your life around and are now an award-winning security consultant or something.
Answer #3: It's possible your plea agreement contained this restriction, and if so you are bound by it. It would be unusual, I think, to include this sort of thing but definitely not impossible.

However, I think the most important thing is that this would be a really terrible subject for a college entrance essay. Nobody is going to read about your petty criminal history and think that it would be a good idea to accept you to their college.


Title: Union threatening our jobs if we don't start paying dues again.

Question:
I don't know if this belongs in this sub, but I don't know where else to post it. And before I start I'd like to say I'm not very knowledgeable on this subject, so I'm sorry if I say something stupid.

I work security at a casino in maryland. I wasn't here for much of the mess regarding this union in the beginning. However, at the start when this place first opened the union worked it's way in. They held a vote to determine if we wanted to have a contract with them, with only 8 hours of notice. No one who was here at that time voted yes for it. They all voted no. Somehow, they still won the vote. Then began the repeating failed negotiations, where they never brought up our requests or demands. They just agreed with the company on everything. So the guards at the time did something that allowed them to vote on whether or not they had to pay dues. They all opted out except one guy who was on vacation at the time and couldnt be here to sign the papers. They were hoping the union would drop them. They didnt. So now 3 years later none of us pay dues, and they just held a meeting where they threatened that if we didn't sign with the union again and start paying dues we'd be fired. None of the 25 of us would sign. Now they can't fire all of us because if they did, the casino would have to shut down until they had enough guards with Maryland Lottery Gaming Licenses which take about 2 months to get cleared for. Is any of that legal? Can they actually threaten us like that?

Answer: If you're not paying the portion of Union dues that goes towards collective bargaining ("agency fees") you can be fired. I would not expect to keep your job.


Title: [MI] Hypothetically I want to open a restaurant that gives food away for free?

Question:
If I were to open a restaurant that gives the food away for free but rents the plates the food is served on would I need a food handlers permit?
Topic:
Business Law

Answer:
 As a very broad and overgeneralized statement, you usually can't exploit a technicality to get around a law or regulation.  What usually would happen is that the government agency responsible for enforcing the law or regulation would go ahead and fine you despite the technicality, and then you would go to a judge to get a restraining order, and after hearing the details of the technicality, the judge would roll his or her eyes, say "Come on", and rule for the government.
Answer #2: yes, absolutely. also several other business permits and licensing.


Title: A detective called me to ask to interview me as a witness. What do I do?

Question:
Today I got a phone call from a police detective in a city that I haven't lived in for five years. On the phone he asked if he could meet me for a few questions on a case that I might be a witness to for something that he said happened three years ago. Now firstly how could I have witnessed anything three years ago in a city I haven't lived in for five? I also have no idea what this could be about as I don't recall witnessing anything out of the ordinary and I haven't broken any (major) laws. I do have some unpaid debts but that's usually not a police matter, right?

Am I in some kind of trouble here or could he just really need me for a statement as a witness?

I googled around on this very question and basically everything I saw said I shouldn't meet with him, because he's either going to arrest me on the spot or soft interrogate me until I implicate myself. I don't know how he got my name and what this could possibly be about.

When I called him back he clarified and mentioned he wanted to show me a photo and then just answer yes or no. Is it possible I really was a witness to something and I just don't remember what it could be? Or is this likely some attempt to get a confession out of me for something I can't even imagine that I did? In the phone he was pretty cagey but very friendly and it set all my bullshit detectors to go off. I've never had an experience like this before, so I'm very worried I'm facing an arrest, I have no criminal record and I'm currently unemployed so even if I'm not tried or convicted for anything this could be terrible for my future job options.

I already called a law office after getting off the phone with him, I'm waiting for them to call me back for a consultation. I'm basically broke, so I don't know how I'll afford an attorney to go with me, so I'm depending on the legal acumen available here to guide me through this.

Answer:
 You should call a lawyer.

Never, ever, ever talk to the police for any reason. Ever. Period.

Did I mention that the only time you should talk to the police is never?Answer #2: It may be a trap or it may not be. Either way you have nothing to gain by speaking with the police.

Stop all communication and if they continue to press you don't speak to them without a lawyer present.Answer #3: > because he's either going to arrest me on the spot or soft interrogate me until I implicate myself.

If you're a suspect.  If you're really a witness (which seems pretty likely, unless it's all a mistake), then that's not going to happen.

You can go in with a lawyer, or not go in as you choose.

If they really think you're a witness and you won't come in, they can get a grand jury subpoena to force you to come in and answer questions there.


Title: Restaurant want's to sue over family walking out on bill over bad food.

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 > The restaurant now wants to sue them even said went as far as saying they would press charges and call the cops for ditching on the bill.

Yeah, that's generally what happens when you don't pay your bill.

If sued, or charged, they can provide their defense to the matter.  If they didn't take reasonable steps to allow the place to make up for the issue, they may find themselves out of luck.

Answer #2: Yeah, the family should have just paid the discounted bill, ~~not left a tip~~, and just make it a point to never go there again. Regardless of the taste of the food, they ordered it and consumed at least some of it. The restaurant incurred damages as result of your friend's family's actions. Answer #3: In Michigan where they could be charged with misdemeanor larceny. Up to 1 year in jail and fines of up to $2,000 or 3 times the value of the food, whichever is more.

In some states (like Mississippi) they could be charged with a felony.


Title: If police have a warrant to search your home, do they have to tell you they have a warrant to be able to legally search it? (or can they search it without your knowledge of the warrant/search?)

Question:
This question came to mind when watching an old episode of NCIS. Basically, the team had a warrant to search a suspect's home, but conducted the search when he was not home, without making him aware that they had a warrant for a search. Is that legal, in any state? Do police have to make you aware that they have a warrant before they are allowed to search the property on the warrant?

(I am in Texas but am asking in reference to any state in the US).

Answer: They do not have to tell you or make you aware of it.


Title: Ex-roommates broke in apartment after landlord changed locks. California

Question:
So I had some roommates that weren't on my lease and things slowly went south as these situations sometimes do (the curious can click [here](http://www.reddit.com/r/badroommates/comments/2ufjfx/negligent_parent_roommates/) for the story.)

Heres a timeline of events:

* Feb 12th, We let the roommates know we did not want to live with them any more. We agree that march will be our last month.

* March 3rd Everyone pays rent, the roommates agree to be out by the 31st.

* March 9th I contact the landlord and let her know were all moving out. The lease requires 30days notice which we provide.

* March 18th The roommates decide they want to keep the apartment, but the landlord will not rent to them because the property is being sold.

* April 9th- My GF & I are completely moved out but the roommate s are refusing to leave.

* April 10th- Landlord sent someone over there to threaten them with legal action. They left. LL changed locks.

* April 12th- They come back and bust 2 windows to get to the stuff they couldn't get out before the landlord
changed the locks.

* April 13th- I filed a police report at the property, police named me as an informant, landlord as victim, they considered the case to be vandalism. There was no proof that the roommates did it.

Now the LL is threatening me with being charged the price of replacing the windows that the roommates supposedly broke. Considering that all of this took place several days after my lease had ended, cops say theres no proof of who actually broke the windows... Do I have any chance of fighting the bill for the windows or should I just suck it up and consider this an expensive lesson to always insist on roommates being on the lease?

Oh and heres a pic for those [interested](http://i57.tinypic.com/xn7s5y.jpg)
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer: If you gave 30 days notice on March 9 and were out on April 9 as agreed, then you shouldn't have any further legal responsibility for the apartment. Landlord is likely just trying to get a free window replacement. An invitation for your former landlord to pound sand is in order. If she files a suit (likely in small claims court) then you'll need to respond.


Title: Parent with same name eviction showing up on rental history

Question:
I've just finished with school and started a job in my town where I make enough money to live comfortably alone in an apartment so just started my apartment search.

My very first application was denied due to a previous eviction that popped up. After getting more info on the eviction it turns out it was one filed against my father that I share a first and last name with (we have different middle names). The complex (and most) from what I've gathered really don't care to do further research so it seems on me to prove that I'm a different person, with a different middle name, date of birth, and social.

So far I've been able to track down the court name and case number but after pulling the available info up online the only information shown is first and last names that don't include birth dates or middle initials to help my case. Is there any way to get any more info that could prove that we are different people. Is there really no other info required other than first and last name to finish a civil eviction case to begin with?

I'm currently living with an extended family member that I've been staying with as I finished up college but its time to live on my own. Not sure if this is the correct subreddit but I'm not sure where to begin finding a place that would rent to me or how to prove w/ documentation the eviction is not mine since even if I found someone that would rent this would probably come up in the future again.

Answer: Is this showing up on your credit report? If so, I would start with disputing the information through credit bureaus. Had a similar situation with mom who has same first name and I was able to separate our information by just disputing information.


Title: Gave security deposit to tenant instead of landlord (New York, NY)

Question:
I found my current room on Craigslist (renting it month-to-month.) The person I'm sharing the apartment with is on the lease (I'm not) and asked for a security deposit at move in along with the first month's rent. I really thought she was going to give the security deposit to the landlord, but I found out she didn't. My room is in perfect condition, but since we are in very bad terms I am afraid she will try not to refund the security deposit when I leave.

Now, is it illegal to ask for a security deposit when you are not the landlord? If she does indeed try to keep the security deposit, what can I do? If this is relevant, I paid the SD through Venmo, and labeled it "Security Deposit."

Answer: Your roommate is your landlord, and you are her subtenant. She can legally ask you for a deposit and can deduct any reasonable damages from it when you move out.


Title: In need of legal advice regarding my wife refusing to follow court ordered parenting plan in Nebraska.

Question: I am in the process of a divorce. I live in Mississippi, my wife and children live in Nebraska. We have a court order in place giving her temporary custody and establishing a parenting plan for us to follow. My wife has refused to give me the name of a physical therapist who is treating my son. This is in violation of the parenting plan. I need some advice as to what actions I can take. If you are an attorney in Nebraska and feel like helping me out, I would be very appreciative. I don't have the money to hire an attorney to help me.

Answer:
 You can file, in NE, for contempt of court.

We do not do referrals here. You can contact legal aid or the bar association in NE (links in the wiki)


Title: Is this a crime

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 There are lots of factors that could result in a crime or no crime. Intent indeed may be an important factor. Was SWIY's intent to gain financially? Or was it out of spite?

Other factors:
Just a "part" of a phone number or whole enough so it's identifiable?

Was the voting info public already? Or was it info that's usually not part of public records?

Where was the information gained, and where was it posted?

What's the relationship between SWIY and the person whose info was posted?

Did the other person suffer harm? ...like harassing phone calls due to the phone number posted?... ...identity stolen?

There's really no answer without an accurate big picture that considers ^these factors.


Title: [Chicago, IL] Dental clinic misled me on the cost of my treatment, quoted me a price after taking into account my insurance -- without ever actually looking at my insurance.

Question:
TLDR: The dental college quoted me for work on my teeth, then convinced me there was a better plan for my long-term dental health. After assuring me my insurance would cover most of the costs and showing me that it would on their machines, they start my work only to discover that my insurance will not. This left me paying a lot out of pocket and no means to finish the rest of the work on my teeth. They claim I still own them money (but won't tell me how much), and are offering to potentially forgive my debt, even though their mistake had me paying more out of pocket that I would have had to pay for the entire first plan. Should I possibly pursue this?

Plan:http://imgur.com/a/eyLoV

&nbsp;

Hi,

I am a 5th year Ph.D. student at one of the universities in Chicago. Recently, I sought dental care at my university's dental college. I contacted the dental school at my university in November, and they got back to me in January. My intake appointment was at the beginning of February, where my appointed student dentist and his dental school adviser set up my treatment plan. I sign off on it.

I've had weak teeth all of my life, so I get cavities easily. While my teeth are nice in appearance, most if not all of them have fillings or are covered in crowns. My treatment plan called for many fillings and a crown, coming to a total of $1252. The showed me that my insurance would pay $1042, and I would be responsible for $210.

On the first day of my treatment, my appointed student dentist points out to me that I have very good insurance (it is through the university because I have a fellowship). He states that if he were me, he would put caps on all of the teeth in the back of my mouth that were more filling than tooth. The resident dentist on duty agrees and tells me that since my insurance will cover it, she fully recommends it. This would save me money in the long haul as fillings only last about 5-7 years, but a crown could potentially last me 30 years. I tell them that if my insurance will cover this -- a crown costs $445, I would pay $134 of that -- that I am in. My appointed dental student calls me again (a few times, actually) asking if I was interested in this, and I respond the same way each time: "if my insurance covers it, I am all for it."

In May, I return to the dental college to make a new treatment plan that involves the crowns. My appointed dental student makes sure that the resident dentist that agreed this plan was best was the dentist on staff for the day, and she signs off on me being one of her patients. That day, we construct a new plan that involves me getting 5 crowns. Their computer that calculates the cost states that these procedures will cost $2275 and my insurance would pay $1560. I agree, and we set up an appointment to start the process. I let him know that my insurance ends at the end of August, and he tells me this will most likely be done by the end of June.

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I want to note here that while I agreed, I was not asked to sign anything for the new treatment plan. It is on record that the student and dentist signed it (I was told today), but they forgot to ask me to.

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The next week I go in to start the treatment plan. I was scheduled to start one crown, but it turned into two because the teeth were right next to one another. When I arrive, I pay the $134 for the first crown. The appointed dental student does the procedure for the two crowns and one "core buildup" -- this wasn't on the plan, but I was told it was needed. He takes the impressions, places the temporary crowns on my teeth, and I go to the front to pay.

At the front, I was told that I owe $144 -- $134 for the crown and $10 for the "core buildup." When I receive the receipt, it says I still owe $188. The clerk tells me it is probably an error because the semester had just ended and the system isn't up to speed on my insurance information yet. She says the balance will go away in a day or so.

A day later, my appointed dental student calls me. He states that I still owe $188, and that unless I pay by Friday, they cannot send in my impression to get my crowns. He says that my insurance has been used up completely and that I must pay the balance by Friday or risk not getting the crowns at all -- even though I had the temporaries installed. He tells me that he will look into the insurance issue and get back to me. He never does.

&nbsp;

Flash forward to this Tuesday, June 6th. My appointed dental student gives me a call and tells me that my crowns have arrived. We schedule an appointment for Friday (today) at 930am. I arrive for my appointment and the crowns are installed. My assigned appointed dental student then asks me if I checked up on my dental insurance and the issue that arose. I told him no and reminded him that he was supposed to get back to me. He tells me he will go speak to the clinic manager and that I should wait in my chair.

Twenty minutes later he returns and tells me that the manager says there is nothing they can do. He informs me that she has told him that the system that they use for estimates does not take into account the patient's insurance balance, only the percentage that the insurance company offers for each procedure. This is news to him as well as me. He then pulls up my new treatment plan and shows me it again: the total being $2275, and the insurance covering $1560. He apologizes because he didn't know that the system didn't take into account the amount of money the insurance would actually pay. On top of everything else, he tells me that when I called the dental school a few weeks back to pay the additional $188, the financial department noticed that I had passed the amount my insurance would cover on the first crown and that I still owed a lot more money for the ones they installed today (although I have yet to be told the amount of money that they claim I owe!)

I remind the student that the only reason I had agreed to get the crowns was because he told me they would be covered, otherwise I would have stayed with the original treatment plan. I explained that as it stands, I have no dental insurance coverage now, and the rest of my teeth cannot be fixed (it costs a lot of money without insurance) -- something that wouldn't have happened if my treatment plan wasn't changed. He asks if I want to speak to clinic manager myself, and I tell him I will at another date as I want to gather more information on what happened first.

When I go to check out and leave, I ask one of the receptionists if I can have a copy of my treatment plan that included the five crowns. She looks at my account and tells me that no such plan exist. I tell her that if no plan exists, what plan was used to put in my current two crowns. She tells me that there are notes about the five crown plan (signed by the student and the doctor), but it is not an official plan. I mention to the receptionist that I am having an issue with the billing process because no one took into account how much my insurance account covered. She tells me 'oh your account cover's $950. It's your job to know that and to check against the estimates we give you.' I asked her why, if they knew this, was I not told and this not taken into account when planning my treatment. As I am having this conversation, my appointed dental student comes and tells me that the clinic manager and a dentist would like to speak with me. So my girlfriend (who was waiting for me) and I go back to the meeting room.

When I get there, an associate dental professor and the manager are sitting at a table, the appointed dental student next to them. The doctor asks me to tell them the whole situation, and I explain everything including how I was misled to believe my insurance would cover the expenses. I explained how I was recommended to get the crowns for the five teeth, even though another treatment plan was made that only included one crown. I told her I was shown and agreed upon a plan that would have my pay $134 for each crown, and how because of the misinformation and neglect in cross checking what the insurance would actually pay, I not only had to pay more than what they quoted me, but also have no other means to fix the rest of my teeth. I also point out that I am a graduate student and do not have the money for such a procedure without insurance, and that while the previous treatment may only last five years, at least I would have the means to get the crowns at that time as opposed to now.

The doctor tells me the same as the student -- the system only uses the percentages that the insurance will pay, not the amount they will cover. She stresses that it is my responsibility to know the amount and that I shouldn't have agreed to the treatment plan if my insurance wouldn't cover it. She repeats this multiple times and wants me to acknowledge that it is my responsibility to know my balance. I tell her that I have never been to a dental clinic where I had to check the work of the dentist's financial staff or financial tools, and this is kind of ridiculous.

She follows up with "well technically, you never signed the new treatment plan. The doctor and student forgot to have you sign it." I rebut with "so they worked on my teeth without my authorization then?" To which she said, "Well you sat down in the chair and let them work on your teeth, so you gave them verbal confirmation." I asked if that was the case, why did I have to pay more for the work I had done and still have a balance remaining if we had this agreement, and she seemed to think that the verbal agreement only held on my end, not theirs.

I continually state that I had told the student to only go forward with the plan if the insurance covered the costs, and he doesn't say a word. I believe they told him to not speak during the meeting. I would also like to note that during this entire meeting, the clinic manager does not say a word, even when I addressed her. The associate dental professor did all of the talking.

She finally asks what I would like done to remedy this. I tell her that I would like my plan upheld -- paying $134 for each of the crowns -- since this is their mistake. She tells me she cannot do that. She says her best offer would be to "waive the remaining balance [I] have for the crowns and talk to the higher-ups to see if they will allow [her] to have the remainder of [my] teeth fixed for the cost of the co-pay of the original plan." She tells me she will have an answer in a few days and I should expect a phone call.

The entire meeting felt very rehearsed. My girlfriend (a dual master's degree holder in finance and business) said that it seemed like they knew they were in the wrong and that was why they were trying to make an offer.

I can't help but wonder if they are just trying to cut costs now and save face. I am wondering if they should be obligated to uphold my treatment plan for the five crowns, especially since they apparently worked on my teeth without my written consent.

Here is a [copy](http://imgur.com/a/eyLoV) of my first treatment plan to show what they offered me and where the misinformation came from. They have an "Ins Pays" column that is meant to show the customer what will be covered, but they do not check this amount against the patient's insurance.
Topic:
Insurance

Answer: Did you call your insurance company to ask and verify what they would cover?


Title: As an out of state student at Texas A&M do I need to follow my home states gun laws (NY) or do I just follow Texas gun laws?

Question: If I get a Texas drivers license but I still pay out of state tuition would I be able to buy a gun?

Answer:
 Texas laws govern Texas, regardless of the state you reside in.

Texas law says you must be 18+ and a Texas resident to buy a firearm.

~~[This](http://unt.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/331/~/how-do-i-qualify-as-a-texas-resident-for-tuition-purposes%3F) seems to be the rules that govern residency in Texas.  Do you meet them?~~

edit: linked tuition residency, not state residency


Title: Underage drinking in California

Question: My friend is hosting a party and she rents an airbnb in LA. I am only 19 year olds, so if I was drinking at the party and the cops come in, will I get in trouble?

Answer: Yes, it is called Minor in Possession, and your friend that supplied the booze will also be in trouble.Answer #2: ...yes. you can get in trouble. She can get in trouble.


Title: [Colorado] I know this probably sounds petty... but what (if anything) can I do about this?

Question:
[Edit] Thank you all for your answers. The consensus that I have formed is that it's not worth my time (or money) to go about this legally. I don't plan on doing so. I was curious about the implications of it. Thanks again, I think I've got all the information I need.

So, for a while now, I've been shaking my ex girlfriend down to give me back the belongings that I loaned her when we dated, and to no avail. All in all, everything that I've loaned her comes out to about $120. It's been about 6 months of nonstop pestering her (which has gotten on my nerves because of her toxic demeanor) and this is becoming most tiresome.

My question is this: Should I take action, and if so, what kind? Would it be wise to contact authorities, a lawyer, or neither? If so, what would I say? Is it even worth it to do anything?

Furthermore, she has contacted me saying that she wants various items back that were given to me as gifts. Am I obligated to return these to her?

I'd really appreciate a clear answer before charging into the situation head-on. Thanks!

Answer: Dude, it's $120. Move on. That's the cost of doing business.


Title: Not sure where to post this but I need some legal advice

Question:
(Illinois). Yesterday I was indulging in a  sub from a certain sub chain. About half way through I bit something very hard and almost cracked my tooth. Upon further inspection I saw that it was a piece of gravel half the size of a pencil eraser. I'm pretty upset about it because if I would have bit down a little harder I would've destroyed a tooth. I called them and they offered me a free sub but I don't want to take another chance at a cracked tooth. What should I do?
Topic:
Consumer Law

Answer: Go and get your coupon for a free sub and give it to a homeless person.


Title: [California] Hospital restricted me from leaving, now requiring me to pay.

Question:
So in early 2014 I was facing depression and it got to the point where I didn't feel safe around myself. I went to a mental health hospital facility my therapist recommended and signed myself in. I checked in the hospital on Wednesday afternoon. Come Saturday, I was feeling better and ready to leave. I was told by the nurse that I wasn't allowed to leave because my psychiatrist was not in that day to sign me out. She said that if I did leave it was possible that my insurance would not pay for the visit. That Sunday my psychiatrist signed me out (simply because I said I felt better and wanted to leave.)
To this day, the hospital is making me pay for the full four days of being there.
What are the patients rights in this type of situation? I was not put on a 72-day hold. I thought that when you sign yourself into a hospital then you are legally allowed to sign yourself out.
Topic:
Disability Issues

Answer:
 >if I did leave it was possible that my insurance would not pay for the visit

I'm confused by this part of your statement.

Did they actually physically restrain you or did you just stay out of fear your insurance wouldn't pay?

Did you have insurance? Did they pay?


Title: My friend is being sued for two of her student loans.

Question:
My very good friend took out a few loans to complete her studies in college. She is paying most of them but couldn't afford to pay them all. In a bad move on her part, she defaulted on two of the private loans and is now being sued for the two loans in two separate cases. I guess she just let the pressure get to her and she stopped making payments.

One case is suing for roughly $16,000 and the other for around $6,000. She does not make enough to hire an attorney, she is barely getting by as is.

What we are currently doing is attempting to find legal help from non profit organizations as we can't affordto hire an attorney but we are not finding anything of the sort. Could anyone point us in the right direction on this?

Aside from finding affordable legal help, any other advice or insight is, of course, really appreciated.

This is in Los Angeles.

Answer: She really needs to consult with a lawyer so she doesn't get screwed. Not affording it now is going to cost her way more later. They will most likely try to go for the full amount plus legal fees with a court order to automatically deduct it from her wages. A lawyer maybe able to negotiate them down and keep the amount taken at a reasonable level each month. I am not a lawyer but as I understand it certain student loans can be discharged during bankruptcy.


Title: (VA, USA) A crazy parent hides tape recorders on her kids and sends them to school to secretly record teachers.

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 No that's likely not legal. Even though Virginia is a one party consent state, since Rob I'm assuming isn't aware of this and potentially lacks the legal capacity to be a party, she likely is in violation of that law.

As for what to do, you need to go through your school's channels. I'm sure there's some legal department somewhere for the district. If the principal knows then he/she will likely know the next step.
Answer #2: Not legal advice, but she may be doing that to make sure her son isn't being abused. I say this because in my home town, there were teachers at a special needs school that were physically harming and verbally abusing the students. Complaints to the school fell on deaf ears. It wasn't until a parent managed to get video of the abuse and released it to the news outlets that anything was done.

While I'm not condoning her actions, I certainly understand why she would do that. Especially if her son had been hurt by a teacher before. Maybe call her in and addressing any concerns amicably before pursuing legal action?Answer #3: >The thing is, Rob brings a special set of music playing headphones with him every day to school because he has "music therapy" twice a day.

Definitely request he put them in his backpack or a cabinet when he's not using them.


Title: Caught my guidance counselor masturbating in high school and it was covered up, I'm now 30 and want the accountability that never happened.

Question:
Sorry for the long text but this story is involved. So, I was a junior in high school (Pennsylvania; graduated '06) when I, along with two other kids, caught the guidance counselor rubbing one out in the auditorium during a teaser of our high school musical.

This all went down during the actual performance of the musical while my friends and I were operating the spotlight.

This particular performance was a 20 minute long teaser during the school day for a smallish group of elementary school students that took a day trip to the high school for the preview, yea, fucking elementary school kids.

The elementary kids only took up the first five or so rows of this huge auditorium and the rest of the seating was empty except for this man sitting by himself about 15 rows behind the group.

The spotlight booth, where my two friends and I were working, was on the second floor balcony. During the teaser we were mostly hanging over the railing and talking shit being as there were only one or two lighting cues for the whole teaser.

This is how it all went down:

My friend: Look! It looks like that guy down there's jerking off.
Me: **laughing super hard** Oh my God, it does.

We laughed, but assumed he was nervously shaking his leg which then shook his arm (our view was from behind him, but he was pretty much right below us).

My friend leans over the balcony as far as she can and then immediately retreats in horror covering her mouth. She's speechless and I'm all, "You're fucking lying!" Thinking she's messing with me, which is our normal dynamic.

She won't give up the act so I lean over and could see what looks like a mound of flesh or a dick right where his hand is going wildly up and down, but it's too tough to tell because we are just far enough away and it's dark enough to be unsure, plus this all just seems too outrageous to be real.

This goes on for a bit. We go in between laughing and being horrified because we just can't make out if this is actually going on or not.

Finally the play ends and the lights come on and he's still doing it. People are literally walking by him and not noticing anything so we're quickly relieved because it seems certain to be the most perfect illusion of masturbation you could ever see and we're ready to relish in the comedy,

UNTIL this young girl, which later was said to be his daughter, ran up to him to hug him as he was doing this and he quickly covered himself and then hugged her back.

She seemed to not notice anything, likely because she was super young, and she said goodbye then went along with her classs. We watched him zip himself up and then stand. To this day those actions alone were some of the craziest things I've ever seen.

That simple act of him covering himself up and then zippering himself verified to us that this wasn't just a funny misunderstanding but a real deal pervert. And then of course him hugging his daughter.

He turned towards us to exit and that's when we fucking realized that it was our fucking guidance fucking counselor and our heads just about exploded.

So, long story short we end up telling the musical director in a state of panic and his exact fucking words are, "I'm sorry you had to see that" and he just walks away from us (I'm still so pissed at that guy), we then go to the principle he doesn't believe us and thinks it's some extreme prank. It takes some thirty minutes or so to convince him and he finally goes and isolates the guidance counselor who doesnt have a clue why.

The principle and assistant principle have us each write down what happened, interview us separately  and then tell us to never repeat this.

Through the grapevine later we hear that the guidance counselor was asked to resign but the rest of the high school staff was not formally briefed on the allegations. It seemed to snowball into a wild rumor mill and I had teachers freaking out on me, literally lashing out at me in passing because they thought this was some maniacal planned sabotage.

It was so under reported by staff or anyone that our parents barely knew how to take it when we told them.

I've heard the guidance counselor is back to work in another school district and I know that the assistant principal is now the middle school principal. I really feel like the administration needs to be held accountable for sweeping this under the rug and that those involved really let the three of us students hanging with a pretty intense mind fuck.

I wouldn't even know where to begin to find accountability now that I'm old enough to realize how fucked the whole thing is and so I'm asking reddit.

Answer: It’s a bit too late now dudeAnswer #2: Your best recourse is to seek therapy if you are this traumatized by this event.


Title: Groundwater seeping up from below my driveway is causing large ice sheets on sidewalk and in front of multiple neighbors’ driveways. Am I at risk of lawsuit?

Question:
I live in New Jersey and have owned my home for 4 years now. What started as a “moist” spot on my driveway (about 1sq ft) when we purchased the home has gradually turned into a constant trickling of water down to the street and sidewalk and a wet patch about 25 sq ft. For the past two winters the water subsided and started flowing again in the spring. This has not happened this year and shows no sign of stopping.

Currently there is a massive sheet of ice forming on the sidewalk in front of my and my immediate neighbor’s house and on down the street in front of two other neighbors’ driveways.

My legal question is would I be liable for a slip and fall and/or a car accident that occurs on the street outside my home? What is my obligation as far as ice removal? I don’t think I can realistically control this with ice melt or salt given the volume of water the continues to flow.

[overhead picture explanation](https://m.imgur.com/HUXKeCh)

Additional information- From talking to neighbors and the town water department (water department even sent over their contracted engineering company) my best estimate is that the water is groundwater that is coming down the hill behind my house and hitting a layer of impermeable rock causing it to come up in my driveway.

I have a sump pump but even when left off for three months, the water continues unabated. The water department has surveyed twice and even dig up the water main in front of my house to check for leaks and found no issues.

The town’s position is that they can offer no assistance or remedy because it’s originating on my property (this was in summertime). Even if I wanted to attempt remediation it likely couldn’t be done until springtime now.

I can post a picture of the actual ice later if necessary.

Thank you.

Answer:
 To begin if you caused the groundwater to seep up through means of digging or other activity I would say that a lawsuit is in risk ONLY if someone gets hurt. Contact 888 or other digging organizations to get the clear before you dig anything. For now just mitigate risk and salt the sidewalk and other affected areas.Answer #2: IANAL but work in commercial construction.  Reach out to a geotechnical Engineering firm in your area, they are not hard to find. They will come out, take a look, and get to the root cause of the issue rather than everyone just speculating. They can design the best solution for you which I believe will be installing a drainage system (French drain) to reroute the water into the storm sewer. Answer #3: Your individual city statutes likely vary, so check those, but according to the general NJ law, it looks like you are in fact responsible for the maintenance and safety of the sidewalk on your property, so long as the action has been given a reasonable amount of time to take place.

No one expects you shovel snow as soon as it falls.  Most cities have mandates for 48 hours or less to remove before they fine you or would hold you *strictly* liable, but again, it can vary city to city.

You might want to consult your home owner's insurance rep to review your liability here.


Title: [Update] [VA] How can I convince my apartment complex to fix their idiotic, dangerous stairs?

Question:
Update to [my post a couple days ago](https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/comments/2tyuea/va_how_can_i_convince_my_apartment_complex_to_fix/).

I took the advice of some of you and sent an email to the local government code office. They gave me a call and were very interested. I sent them my pictures and they promised to send someone out ASAP. I figured that meant in a few weeks.

I get home yesterday to see [this](http://i.imgur.com/7GDJgWo.png) taped to my building... got a little worried that I'd just blocked myself out of the apartment, but when I called them to check, they told me it only applied to the broken stairwell. Cool.

I went to grab a package from the leasing office a few minutes later, and they were in total chaos, having an emergency meeting because all the residents were pissed off. They let me know they were having a contractor come in today to repair the stairs and look for other flaws, so the county would take the scary sign down.

So, thanks to /r/legaladvice, mission accomplished!
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer:
 good work.

And for all reading this the last few weeks trend of people posting updates is really improving this subreddit.  Let's keep it up!Answer #2: Man, that's the most effective instance of bureaucracy I've ever heard of! Good for you OP, you did everything exactly right.Answer #3: This sub has hit a new high with the amount of updates to original posts. Thank you thank you thank you.Answer #4: Thanks for updating!!Answer #5: Glad to hear action is being taken! Love it when OP updates, thanks!


Title: Boss lied to HR to get me fired, and I can prove it (MN).

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 > MN is a right to work state (I believe).

"At will" is the term you're looking for. Do you have an employment agreement/CBA? Without that, yes, you can be fired for pretty much any reason that isn't illegal. [Here is a list of illegal reasons in your state.](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/minnesota-employment-discrimination-32174.html)

Severance really isn't a legal issue, you're owed it if it's in your contract (again, if you have a contract).


Title: Is it legal for my parents to limit my (17f) access to my money and car?

Question: As stated, I'm 17f, in Missouri. I've currently been on lockdown/grounded since May, for what is quite frankly a normal teenage thing(got caught drinking, yes underage, yes i learned my lesson). They allowed me to keep working, under the condition that they kept my car (which i bought, and is paid off, but is in their name bc I'm 17), and they drove me to and from work. They also completely took my name off my (minor) savings bank account, so all my money goes there, and i have no proof it's my money, with almost 4500 in it. i'm allowed to take 15 or 20 out if i can justify it. I'm graduating high school early, in December. I want to move out, but...the problem. I don't turn 18 until June of 2019, and they have no plans of letting up soon. I'm looking at legal emancipation, so my question is: is what they are doing legal, and will a judge be sympathetic in case of emancipation?

Answer:
 If the car is in their name then it's their car no matter who paid for it.

Emancipation will take longer than seven months, so that's not really a viable option here.

Yes, what they are doing is legal.Answer #2: They're parents that sound like they're doing their job.  Nothing illegal.


Title: (Czechia) Urgent problem with classmates. Help.

Question:
Hey, obvi throwaway, Czechia, happened today. Sorry for mistakes, writing hastily becuase its a big problem.
 I am a minor (13-14) as my whole class and today, a classmate said "Do you want me to send you cp?" Not kidding, she said just that and when I said "ill block you" her 2nd friend said " i can send it to you too" turns out she sent it to another classmate and to a guy in the next class same age, and she got it from a year-older student.

 I said "You know thats a crime, right?" "Yeah, but FB can block you for 3 days so why not?" It made me sick. I just got home, and blocked so far the 2 who said they had it. I dont want to be a snitch or "class destroyer" but this is not normal. What if they send it to the groupchat, where are 24 other people who want nothing to do with it?!

Help me please, i dont know what to do. Should I block them all except for my best friends? I dont want to go to my teacher publicly, as everyone would hate me... Help me, please..

edit: I dont know if they have it for sure, but I cant not believe them... What if its true? They would just ruin their lives!

Edit 2 (in a comment) Also, if it turned out to be true, would I (and other 3 classmates who heard it) in trouble for not reporting a crime? I dont want to talk about this with the teacher, even privately, cuz I dont want to destroy my class. I dont know what to do,if its true.

Answer: It's doubtful anyone here is familiar with Czechia law, but it's unlikely that claiming to have CP is a crime, especially at 13. You can report it to a teacher or counselor.


Title: Law requiring people to pay Income Tax?

Question: Is there genuinely no law stating that people working for a private business have to pay income tax? If there is a law can ANYONE provide the exact law to me?

Answer:
 The sixteenth amendment to the Constitution of the United States reads, in its entirety:

>The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several States, and without regard to any census or enumeration.Answer #2: Yes, of course there is.

26 USC 6012 requires people who owe income taxes to file tax returns. And 26 USC 6151 requires people who file tax returns to "without assessment or notice and demand from the Secretary, pay such tax to the internal revenue officer with whom the return is filed, and shall pay such tax at the time and place fixed for filing the return (determined without regard to any extension of time for filing the return)."Answer #3: If you don't trust the IRS, [this FAQ](https://evans-legal.com/dan/tpfaq.html) goes into great detail to destroy pretty much every "you don't have to pay income tax" argument that people make. It includes plenty of examples of people who have made these arguments and lost in court. At the bottom, it links to even more websites that debunk these nonsense arguments.Answer #4: [Here you go!](https://www.irs.gov/privacy-disclosure/the-truth-about-frivolous-tax-arguments-section-i-a-to-c)


Title: This will sound like I’m joking, but I’m not

Question:
Before I provide background, here is my question: is it illegal (and if so, how illegal) to have a “fake” ID that uses 100% accurate information?

So here is my dilemma. I recently moved to another state, and I lost my driver’s license. The only way I can replace my driver’s license legally is to fly to my home state, on a week day, and go to a physical DMV location and replace it. I work a job with extremely long hours and virtually no vacation time, so I have absolutely no way of flying home to get a new ID. Dealing with getting into bars and such is a huge pain in the ass without my Driver’s License.... so my question is, is it illegal for me to order an extremely high quality fake ID online that uses my real name, address and age? If so, how illegal is this? I would be doing this purely out of convenience because I seriously don’t think I can get a replacement ID for another year if I have to go to a physical DMV location.

What do you all recommend?

Answer:
 Going and getting a driver's license from the state that you currently live in as you are legally required to do.

This is assuming that you aren't a student or member of the military.Answer #2: Can't you just get an ID in the state you're currently in? Have you considered a passport instead?


Title: Can a teacher be fired/laid off while on maternity leave?

Question:
Location: NJ

This isn't an actual issue yet, but a concern.  My wife, a tenured veteran teacher (10+ yrs), may be pregnant and would go out on maternity leave. She would use family leave act, sick days, etc and then possibly a few more weeks/months afterwards.  Obviously it would be approved by the board that she would be out until a certain date.

There are some rumors flying around,as rumors do, about significant budget cuts and layoffs included tenured teachers.  Naturally some of the administrations favorites would survive the cuts. But would there be any protection by being out on maternity leave, or in the case of layoffs, everyone is fair game?

I know there aren't many details, landlocked neighbors or a paint picture, but thank you in advance for any insight.

Answer:
 [Yes, they can still be fired](http://www.ferrarafirm.com/articles_clips/FMLA1.aspx)

The question is "would they have still been fired if they were still present and not on FMLA leave" if the employer can document that they would be, then it's possible. That being said, it usually attracts very close attention by the EEOC, so they better have their ducks in a row.


Title: (Ontario) Should I fight these drug charges? Is it worth it?

Question:
I'll try to keep this as short as possible. I am currently living in Ontario, my house was raided and I was arrested and charged with possession with the intent to distribute x 3:

-two schedule II drugs (2 counts)
-one schedule I drug (1 count)

 Apparently in my country this means there is no chance at a conditional sentence (which is what I was hoping for) and there is a minimum jail time of 6 months.  I was just recently told the Crown (prosecution) is trying for penitentiary time (2+ years).  I am a first time offender and have followed my bail restrictions completely.  I realize I messed up but this doesn't seem fair and my lawyer feels the same.  Right now I have 2 choices:

1) please guilty and take whatever sentence they decide
2) go to trial and try to get the warrant thrown out.

The only reason my lawyer suggested a trial was because the warrant was only obtained after an anonymous tip came from someone who bought from me and 4 hours surveillance, where the police watched a total of 4 people come in an out of my house on 2 different occasions.

I am looking for any advice.  I want to stay out of jail more than anything, I was able to get into college and I am working towards an advanced diploma.  If I have to spend 2+ years in jail my schooling will be wasted.

Answer:
 > charged with possession with the **intent to distribute x 3**:
-two schedule II drugs (2 counts) -one schedule I drug (1 count)
and

> I realize I messed up but this doesn't seem fair and my lawyer feels the same.

How again do you feel this isn't fair? You're a drug dealer...

Advice, listen to your lawyer. He/She knows best.

> If I have to spend 2+ years in jail my schooling will be wasted.

Welcome to the adult world that's filled with laws and more importantly, consequences.


Question:
I can’t find a clear answer to this online so I’m hoping to get some help here.

I’m 8 weeks pregnant and I start my new job next week. I knew I was pregnant at the time of the interview and I haven’t disclosed the pregnancy with my employer nor do I plan to until after the first trimester.

Problem is, they drink alcohol after work and I don’t think I can turn it down without disclosing my pregnancy to everyone.

I have a 60 day probation period but I haven’t signed or read any legal papers yet since I haven’t started yet.

Can I be fired for being pregnant during the probation period? Is it still considered discrimination?

Or am I going to have to work insanely hard throughout my pregnancy to prove that I shouldn’t be fired?

Answer:
 You can't be fired *because* you are pregnant but you can still be fired for almost any other reason. Unless you have a contract, you can be fired after the probation also. So yes, you're going to have to work hard if that's what the job requires.

You can just say you don't drink and explain it later.Answer #2: Unless your new job is as a quality control specialist for alcohol, you can very easily turn down drinking without disclosing your pregnancy.Answer #3: Two pieces of advice:

You never HAVE to drink, and you don’t need to make excuses.   Just tell whomever you are not drinking tonight.

Don’t worry so much before a problem arises.   Save your worry until if and when a problem actually occurs since there is nothing you can do about it in the mean time.Answer #4: Not a lawyer but I’m pretty sure if you are fired for being pregnant it is considered a form of sex discrimination. Probationary period or not. Also could you tell your coworkers you don’t drink?


Title: Caught putting street art up in an [Australian] laneway - homeowners owners are threatening to report me to the police.

Question:
Hi there,

I affixed an artwork in a frame to a suburban laneway with liquid nails. The owners of the house that sides onto the laneway tracked me down on the internet and sent me a threatening email saying they are going to report me to the police unless I come back, repair the "damage" from the liquid nails and paint the entire laneway wall.

I guess my question is: does the wall in the laneway belong to the local council or the homeowners?

This is a prominent street art neighbourhood, and part of the joy of living here is wandering the lanways and seeing what new art has gone up. I'm quote gobsmacked at how the owners are being such militantly kill-joys about this. They've painted the entire wall grey and set up security cameras at both ends of the laneway.

Anyway, any advice on where I stand legally here would be much appreciated!

Answer: You could always deface your own walls. Then it’s art. If you do it on someone else’s wall it’s graffiti. One of these is illegal.Answer #2: You graffitied someone else's property. Either you make them happy or you wait until authorities contact you and go from there.


Title: Coworker brought deadly weapon into federal facility and no record of incident has been made. I don't feel safe at work now. What do I do?

Question: I work in a federal building with very low security in Kentucky. Every federal employee is aware there is a federal law (18 U.S.C. 930) that prohibits knowingly bringing in or causing to be present a firearm or dangerous weapon in a federal facility. My building has no security guard and there is no metal detector. If we need law enforcement we have to call in the local police to our location. So a coworker brought in an expandable night stick which requires a CCDW to carry in Kentucky. On the day it was discovered that the weapon was in the building, an active shooter training was taking place. During the training employees were instructed that they could use anything to attack the role player which would be wearing protective gear. The coworker brought out the night stick and swung it at me during the training. No one in the office knew how to react or what procedures needed to be taken. It was apparent that I was the only employee who understood a violation of a federal law had occurred. In the end the employee was simply asked to take the weapon to their car. Afterwards I went to my superiors and asked that a record be made of the incident and that some form of disciplinary action be taken. They don't seem to want to take any action against the employee. They admitted they weren't sure how to even go about making a report or record. I feel like they just want to minimize and forget the incident all together. I honestly don't feel safe going to work now knowing that none of my fellow coworkers know what they can and cannot bring into the office. The coworker who brought in the night stick made it clear they don't feel they were violating the federal law. I can easily imagine this same coworker bringing in a taser next, or mace. If my superiors do nothing, what are my options? Is this something that I need to go to the police to? What federal agency would I have to go to report the incident?

Answer:
 Take a chill pill. Move on. You don't get to dictate how your employer doles out disciplinary action. If you don't like it, quit. Answer #2: What you need to do is relax. Unless you aren't providing info of past behavior showing why you are warranted in feeling unsafe, just because your coworker brought a weapon to the office doesn't mean you can assume they are subsequently going to bring tasers or mace in, for the hell of it. Your supervisors have nothing more to act upon.

Report him to the FBI or local police if you actually see him bring in additional weapons.


Title: [TX] Can I be forced to testify against my parents?

Question: [deleted]

Answer: Your father can't force you to, legally.  If there is a subpoena for you, though, you must appear.


Title: How legal/enforceable is this contract?

Answer:
 None. It's none enforceable.

Conversely, the homeowner has no obligation _not_ to shut the door in peoples' faces if they won't pay up "in advance."


Title: (CA) Non-custodial parent owes back child support. Is it possible for the adult children collect if the custodial parent has died? If so, how do we go about that?

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 The child can't collect directly, but dying doesn't extinguish the debt either. The Noncustodial parent still owes the debt to the estate. Once that money comes into the estate, it will be used to pay off any of the estates debts (credit card, mortgage; whatever). If there is anything left over after the creditors have been paid, then it gets distributed in accordance with the will or intestate succession laws - which probably means going to the kid (or spouse, if applicable).

Generally speaking, the custodial parent can waive the debt or settle for a lower amount. The executer of the estate can do the same as well.


Title: [Ontario, Canada] Girlfriend worked contract internship, 40 hours a week, for promise to pay once contract ends. Internship is ending and she has been offered $200 biweekly, far below minimum. Agency now looking to hire new unpaid internship, clearly no intention of ever paying GF from the start.

Question:
My girlfriend worked a contract for a PR internship. The 'company' is one girl acquiring contracts to do local business social media. GF has been working 40 hours a week, for promise to pay once contract ends. I read through the contract and it does not indicate pay level at the end. The internship is now ending and she has been offered $200 biweekly, far below minimum ($11.25).

The only way this makes sense is if she is working ~9 hours a week, which I highly doubt is the case. Also, the 'manager' has posted a new job posting looking to recruit a new unpaid internship (actually had the intern, my gf, even post the job posting). Its pretty clear to me that she had no intention of ever paying my GF. What are her rights? If the manager does intend on lowering her hours from 40 hours to 9 hours (my assumption), is that legal to do once pay has hit and it is not stipulated in the initial internship contract? The contract states she can be fired for any reason, which is standard. Can she be fired for being misled about pay and requesting minimum? Does a contract exist to have my GF paid below minimum? What exactly are her rights here? The contract has also been arbitrarily extended, too... Looks like she is just waiting to onboard a new hire.

Also its a pretty sketchily run business. She has requested my GF impersonate the 'manager' over the phone several times. Some of the accounts are for her own personal businesses and I believe my GF is actually the one managing ALL of this "agency's" accounts. I was always skeptical that she would even have enough to pay my GF at the end of this contract.

Thanks.

Answer:
 [Unpaid internships are very limited in Ontario](http://www.cfib-fcei.ca/english/article/5298-internships-and-the-employment-standards-act.html). That article has a checklist for the requirements. In particular, the employer must obtain little or no benefit from the internship, or it must be paid at at least minimum wage. She also may not be promised a job; an internship that comes with a promise of a job offer must be paid.

Using whatever records she has available, she should demand at least minimum wage for the hours already worked; if it's not forthcoming, she can file an [Employment Standards](https://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/es/pubs/guide/esclaim.php) claim to obtain her wages.


Title: A photograph of my car was used in an advertisement without my permission (CA)

Question:
Earlier this month I went to a big car meet that was sponsored by a company specializing in parts and accessories. The event was held at their headquarters, and there were a lot of cars there. Lots of people, including the business, were taking photos and posting to social media. However, a couple of weeks after the event, the business sent out an email advertisement for a sale they were having, which featured a picture they took of my vehicle at that previous event. I feel like they should have at least gotten my permission, and there was no waiver at the event for the use of images or anything else.

However, being that the picture was taken by the company, on their property, of my vehicle, I have no idea how or if that has any impact.

They covered up my license plate in the Ad (with a Shop Now button), but I had done some extensive designs on the vehicle prior to the event (which are documented on Facebook), so there is no mistake that it's my vehicle.

Both myself and the company are in California. I can provide pictures of the email advertisement if it would help, it's still in my inbox.

Answer: You have no recourse. They didn't need permission. It was on their property. I would think you would be happy they liked your car.


Title: (Arizona)How to catch and gain evidence on pet serial killer

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Set up security cameras on your property, and call the police and report the crimes.

Other than that, there's not much you can *legally* do. Vigilante justice isn't looked kindly upon by police.Answer #2: > I was wondering if anyone here knows how to lure the culprit out

 You're going to need a giant cat suit....

 On a serious-er note, aside from cameras you can set up an anonymous tip line and set up a neighborhood watch meeting to ask if anyone has any information, (perhaps while keeping a casual eye out for the culprit because he'll probably be there). You can also contact your HOA for help facilitating your efforts if you have one. None of this advice is overly satisfying, I know. But I wanted to give you more than just 'setup a cam and hope for results.'


Title: How to get out of testifying against parents in a divorce?

Question:
Hello all,

I am a 21 year old man and my parents are getting a divorce. It's getting pretty ugly so they're gonna battle it out in court, and they keep talking about roping me in to testify in court. I know that if you're under 18 you don't have to testify against your parents, but is their anyway for an adult to get out of this?  I really don't want to be involved at all.

I wish you all the greatest of holidays,
Thank you !

Edit:
Location: Wisconsin, US

Answer:
 If you are _asked_ to testify, you can say no.

If you are subpoenaed - ordered by the court to testify - then your options are

1. appear and testify as ordered, or
2. try to quash the subpoena with the help of the opposing lawyer (or your own lawyer), or
3. contempt of court.

You are not testifying for or against either party; you are providing factual answers to questions asked by the requesting party, and possibly to questions asked by the other party as well depending on the nature of the subpoena. You are not being asked to take sides, only to provide information.


Title: (CT) Landlord is keeping nearly $1,000 dollar security deposit ... over my BOYFRIEND. Has now been over 30 days, and the stress is getting to me.

Question:
My landlord was the worst, and I knew it far before this debacle. I have stories of negligence and harassment but I'll spare you all of that. I moved out over 30 days ago from my apartment in Connecticut, and to make matters more stressful, I moved to a different state.

I got a serious boyfriend during my time in that apartment, who would spend regular nights over (and visa versa), as serious boyfriends tend to do. However, he had his OWN apartment with his OWN lease, and would obviously stay over as a guest.

My landlord is claiming that he has witnessed him as "a second roommate," and therefore my rent should have been higher all along (lease states if i were to ever get a roommate, the monthly rent will bump up).

Furthermore, the apartment was left clean (cleaner than I found it, even) aside from a bit of dirt in the fridge. I even offered to let him keep $100 for any cleanup (which i thought was a more than generous compromise) if he would just GIVE ME MY MONEY back, but then he just defers back to the weird boyfriend argument.

Would love any/all advice on the situation, if anything just for my sanity. This is really starting to get to me and I feel so helpless/creeped out anytime I talk to him.

(For those that will ask: I have proof of my boyfriend's own apartment lease, pictures of the unit before/after, and screenshots of all of his ridiculous messages to me post-move)

Answer:
 You should sue him for your deposit back. They can't withhold the deposit for not paying rent higher than what was agreed upon; that's just crazy.

Read this: http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/security-deposit-lawsuit-connecticut-small-claims-court.html


Title: Los Angeles County - shared roommate not on lease given 60 days to pay rent or move out. She's refusing to pay and is being physically hostile, not letting me sleep, and intentionally leaving trash all over the place.

Question: Just wanna know my options. I moved in before her and I have paid rent every month. She's been increasingly hostile and disrespectful and starting fights with me over everything, including accusing me of not being as disabled as I am (severe hearing loss, legal blindness). I don't feel safe here and have no money to move. She has been here for about a year and has plenty of friends who would let her live with them, but she's told me she's intentionally staying here to "get on your nerves because you're a punk ass loser bitch". She is on probation for a felony and I'm not sure what happens on probation (because I've never committed a crime) but supposedly her probation officer said that she needs 60 days notice to move out. But she shouldn't have to be in the same room with me and keep harassing me in the meantime, should she? Or should I just live on the streets for the next two months?

Answer:
 If she had not paid rent then give her a written three day notice to pay or quit. Then file for eviction. Her PO has nothing to do with it.

[PDF link]( http://www.dca.ca.gov/publications/landlordbook/catenant.pdf)

[Link]( https://www.dca.ca.gov/dca/publications/landlordbook/terminations.shtml)

Edit: if you already gave a 60 day notice you might be screwed


Title: If I got into an accident with an off-duty police officer, would the on-duty police officers arriving on the scene be required to inform me that is one of their own? Meaning, would it be a conflict of interest legally? The ee

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 No it's not a conflict of interest.

No they don't have to inform you legally.


Title: Is there any state where someone would be legally compelled to go through a minor hospital procedure for the benefit of a relative?

Question:
As a very direct example, let's say that a set of twins both have a rare blood type, one of those twins gets into a car accident and needs a blood transfusion, the hospital cannot get access to this type of blood in time. Is there any state where the other twin would legally have to donate blood?

Ps: This question is about people who were born already, I'm aware of how it works in some states in regards to pregnancy.

Answer:
 Quite simply, no. Even in situations where a person is voluntarily undergoing surgery (like donating a kidney), there are multiple checks to make sure they are not being coerced or forced into it.Answer #2: Nope.

Compulsory medical treatment is such a huge moral minefield and public hazard that it's pretty much impossible. It's been done, and the history around it is so abhorrent that I can't see it ever coming back. The other twin might have a moral duty to donate, but will not be ordered to do so by the courts, and would be on firm ground to appeal such an order were it entered anyways.Answer #3: Not for a relative, no. But women who are sedated are often used for pelvic exam practice without their consent. There have been a small handful of cases where men had their prostates examined that way but it is far less common.

I think it is illegal in 9-10 states now. But in most states it is not.


Title: Around 6 years ago when I was 14 i had an 18 year old online boyfriend. I recently saw his page again on Facebook and wanted to know if I can report him to the police? We never sent each other nudes. We also have never met and he lives across the country.

Question:
[deleted]
Topic:
Computer and Internet

Answer:
 If there was no sexual activity/inappropriate photos shared there wasn't a crime. Answer #2: Being in a relationship with a minor, while creepy, is not illegal unless sexual activities are involved.

Legally, he's done nothing wrong unless there was some sort of "sexting" involved. Even then, it's doubtful it'll go anywhere.Answer #3: No nudes where exchange?
No sexual contact made?
Nothing Illegal there, So leave him alone and get on with your life that is borderline stalker.


Title: Is it legal for my son, that has the same name as me, to cash a check that was given to me? [WA]

Question:
The check is less than $6, and because my bank doesn't have a banch located near me, it isn't really worth my time to try to cash it.

My son is over 18 and would appreciate an extra five dollars. I read that not all banks will accept an endorsed check. That's why I am asking if I can just give it to him.

I know it is not legal to cash a check written out to somebody else, but since we share the same name and I am giving him my permission, is this a horrible idea or a probably-not-a-big-deal okay thing?

Answer:
 This is one of those "technically illegal, but no one will notice or care" assuming the actual owner of the check if fine with it. Answer #2: In principle, no, your son may not cash a check made out to you, unless you endorse it to him, or unless you endorse it in blank. The receiving bank is not required to cash third-party checks (other than US Treasury checks), regardless of endorsement status, and may require additional validation for endorsed checks as a stop against fraud.

In practice, it'll never come up unless you or the issuer disputes the check after he cashes it, or unless he presents it to a teller in person, because the check clearing process is entirely automated up to that point. If he deposits it through an ATM or through overnight deposits, the check will almost certainly never be seen by a human with any decision-making power.

The fact that the two of you have the same name is legally irrelevant, but in practice it may stop the bank from noticing that the payee and the depositor are not the same person.


Question:
What happens when a sex offender fathers a child? (TX)

I know someone who married and is having a child with a convicted sex offender. We are not friends, but I am aware of their marriage status and her pregnancy. His prior offense was against a 2 year old girl (Indecency, 2014)

I was wondering what happens in cases like these? Is there some kind of legal safeguard to make sure that his children are safe? He has a 4 year old son already but custody is shared between the son’s mother, who is not his wife. If he and his wife are together with this new baby, what happens? Does the govt know when he’s on the birth certificate that he is a father to another child? Just curious. Thanks for any help.

Answer: So it depends on two things- if the sex offender has limits on seeing children in their parole requirements and if anyone informs the appropriate people. If the dad doesnt have rules in his parole that forbid time alone with children, then nothing will be done. If someone makes CPS aware, then they may do something about it. A lot comes down to what offense the father was guilty of, how likely he is to reoffend and whether or not the mom pushes it.Answer #2: Up here in Canada we have a notorious serial sexual offender who has, I believe, 3 children now. Karla Homolka. Back in the 90's, she and Paul Bernardo raped and killed 3 girls, one of whom was her own sister. Because she turned "states evidence" against Paul, who was the alpha of that pair, she got a special deal, and about 15 years ago got out of prison a free woman. As I recall, she married her lawyer, and they had 3 kids together. She changed her name and her appearance, but media still follow her around and report on her whereabouts. I see a news story about her every few years. She tried to get that shut down, but I think the court ruled that because of her past, she has no expectation of the usual limits of privacy. She's ruled a public figure, even though for the last decade she has done her best to avoid any notice at all.


Title: [PA] Serving an "underager" as a Bartender

Question:
I'm a bartender at a restaurant/bar which can get pretty busy on friday night.  So, we have a bouncer who cards everyone at the door.  As he is the one in charge of this process, I'm assuming, probably incorrectly, that he assumes liability for anyone allowed in underage. This carding includes looking at the IDs as well as swiping.  PA IDs, or so I'm told, are generally difficult to fake so if he gives them the okay, I don't usually double check.

Apparently, two girls came in one Friday night and the one was underage.  We only discovered this because the girl's father came in and was complaining that she got served because she's only 20.  Assuming he reports this, what kind of legal trouble could I be looking at?

TL;DR - Bouncer let in and stamped an underage girl, I didn't know and served her.  What could I be looking at?

Answer: If the police want to talk to you don't talk them without a lawyer present.


Title: If parents leave a provision in their will that their kids only get their inheritance if they follow a certain lifestyle (i.e, don't be gay), and a kid marries straight, then after their death divorces and stops pretending to be straight, does he lose his inheritance?

Question: Basically, if a kid pretends to be something he's not until he gets his inheritance, does he still get to keep it? Are there laws that prevent discriminatory stuff like that from happening?

Answer: I am not sure if they legally would get to keep it, but once the money is in their possession the only person who could sue them for it is the executor. I highly doubt someone would go through the trouble to try and get it back.


Title: Need advice on a lawn mowing service that is sending an invoice for completed work I asked them not to perform.

Question:
I hired a lawn service for a trial run for an initial fee of $40 do now the lawn and weed.  I then was laid off from my job and informed the company I no longer wanted their service as it was a luxury expense we couldn't afford.  They sent me a contract agreement that I didn't sign and again informed them to cease services.  I called their office and left two voicemails two weeks apart.  They came and cut the lawn still while we were gone and sent a subsequent invoice for the two services and late fee notices.  I told them again I will not pay, I never signed an agreement for these services.  I did however pay the first initial invoice that was not part of the contract we were starting.

He is now threatening to send me to collections and has assessed late payment fees of nearly 150% of the cost of the services.

Do they have a leg to stand on here?  I don't want a hit on my credit but I never signed a contract with them, what collections agency would take such a situation as valid?

Answer:
 If they send you to collections, demand proof from the collections agency that you owe money.

Can't say more beyond that without a location.Answer #2: My dad got involved in a scam like this. He printed up big signs that said "Truelawn, No Trespassing." I was like, Dad, is TrueLawn sponsoring your prohibition on trespassing?

Send them a written letter, which you should keep a copy of, saying that you called and told them not to come, etc. Recite how much you agreed to pay them and when you did pay these amounts. This will come in handy when/if you need to dispute the collections action. It will also help an attorney file a Fair Debt Collection Practices Act claim, if it comes to that.


Title: College is trying to F me due to their bad advice.

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Figure out how to pay it?

It's your responsibility to ensure that proper financing / grants / etc are properly applied and correctly in place. Not the school's.


Title: Manitoba, Canada. Notice of eviction two weeks after moving in.

Question:
My sibling and I got possession of the keys to our new apartment in the last week of September and moved everything in by the 1st of October. The last weekend of September we were goofing around at night (just the two of us, not a party) and a neighbour from below us came to our door. Thinking the neighbour was our friend we had just buzzed in, my sibling opened the door in a familiar way that confused the neighbour. The neighbour said "fuck you" and left, not wanting to listen to an explanation. We quieted down, as we assumed that was what they were coming to our door in the night about, and didn't hear anything more about this event until yesterday night. We couldn't figure out which neighbour it was, in order to apologize and explain, due to the layout of the apartment building and because the neighbour came from a floor below us.

Yesterday night my sibling received a notice of eviction (dated Oct. 1) from our new caretaker (who just started two days ago). The eviction notice states we must vacate the apartment by the 11th. My sibling had a conversation with the building caretaker and the caretaker explained it is due to a noise complaint and endangering our neighbours. They explained further that there was a fire in a dumpster behind our building this past weekend as well as two couch cushions found on the sidewalk in front of the building and the landlord is reviewing video footage to investigate whether we're the cause of both these events. We were at our grandfather's funeral this past Friday and had our grandmother and family over for dinner Saturday. We were not partying/throwing pillows off the roof or setting dumpsters on fire.

Basically, we had weird interaction with a neighbour that was trying to tell us to quiet down two weekends ago. Then yesterday we got a notice of eviction. We'll take this to a hearing with the Residential Tenancies Branch if it gets to that point but... what else should we be preparing ourselves for that we might overlook considering we're totally ignorant of the legality of whats happening here?

Answer:
 Your landlord cannot terminate your lease with only 10 days' notice unless you pose an "immediate risk to the health or safety" of someone in the building, cause "extraordinary damage" to your unit, or cause an "extraordinary disturbance". In most cases your landlord must provide written notice to remedy an issue, and can only give you a notice of termination for failure to remedy it after a "reasonable" amount of time. This kind of notice of termination must be given at least one full rental period before the termination date.

http://www.gov.mb.ca/cca/rtb/resource_list/givingnotice_otherthannonpayment.pdf

http://www.gov.mb.ca/housing/pubs/eviction.pdf