Title: Can’t return to work without doctors note, denied note at walk-in clinic. Can I be fired for not producing a note?

Question:
I’ve recently had a horrible stomach flu, worst I’ve had in recent memory, so I called out of work 3 days in a row last week. I don’t have health insurance, so I figured just take some medicine for a few days and rest rather than seeing a doctor. I feel fine now, and had planned on going back into work last night. About 5 hours before my shift I got a call from my supervisor saying I cannot return to work unless I come back with a note from the doctor. I was 100% unaware of this policy or else I would have dragged myself to work because I know I can’t afford an uninsured doctor/clinic visit. I call his supervisor and explain my issue and she tells me that policy has been in place for years and I should have known, and to contact out HR department and we will go from there. I do exactly that this morning, and again was told there’s no way around it and I can’t return without a note for the days I missed. Frustrated, I spend my last $150 (literally all the money I had, with $3 remaining I now have no gas and less than a dollar on my electricity meter) and go to a walk-in clinic. I wait for my turn and explain my situation and was told I will not be given a note for days I was not seen. Which is understandable but I am so upset spending the last of my money on basically nothing. I call back my supervisor and explain I have the receipt saying I went, but they will not give me a note and I cannot try another clinic. Again, was told I cannot return without a note for the days I missed.

I am so upset and out of options. There’s no way I’m risking a fake note, we’ve had a coworker busted for that. I don’t understand how they expect me to come back. Even if I could try other clinics, I spent everything I had on that one and I would need to work to make money to try another one but of course I can’t do that. I feel like I’m just stuck and just want to cry. I just want to go to work and make some money. What can I do?

Answer:
 Arizona has the earned sick time law, it is outlined on the notice board in my break room. It doesn't say that you need to provide a note and you are protected from retaliation for exercising your right to use the accrued time. You mention that you work in a casino, I don't know if tribal lands are exempt from the law or not. Maybe point HR to that law.

&#x200B;

Best of luck.Answer #2: The doctor can’t say if you were sick or not, as the time has passed. You rolled the dice, 3 days of in a row is a pretty big deal, it’s pretty typical to expect a doctors visit for that length of time.

If you can’t produce a note, they will likely discipline you up to termination.  Is there some sort of employee handbook you could refer to?Answer #3: Does your work need a note explaining you were sick, OR a note saying that you are no longer sick and can return to work?

I ask because back when one of my kids was 16 and working at a fast food place, she was puking for two days so I kept her home. Her boss told her to get a dr's note and she got a bit...teenagery...with me for not taking her to the doctor (we have insurance, but she just had a standard stomach bug that was going around, and needed TLC and rest, not medicine). I called her boss to clarify and the note was needed to confirm that she was no longer sick and safe to return to work and not infect people. So maybe that's what your employers want?


Title: Am I able to get out of my contract with my Autoimmune disease?

Question: Hello, I have recently had a huge flare up with my Ulcerative Colitis and my health has been affected by it greatly. My contract for work states that I can not leave within the first year and after that I have to give a 60 day notice. I was wondering if it is possible to break this contract since I am being forced to work and it is causing my health to get worse and prevent it from healing.

Answer:
 Where are you located?

You can always quit a job in the US, but it may be subject to penalties in your contract


Title: Fanta.

Question:
Hey, it's a really silly question but I'm wondering nonetheless. I bought some special flavoured fanta and it was some other drink in it. Could I call and get something out of this? Or should I just not even bother with it? I live in Sweden.
Topic:
Other Civil Matters

Answer:
 They might send you a coupon, sure. Answer #2: If their product is mislabeled (e.g. orange vs. lemon drink), you should call and let them know.

Legally, you don't really have a case.


Title: Gym removes $1000+ registration fee shortly after joining

Question:
Hello,
I recently setup a family plan gym membership with a gym near my house. The membership price includes a one-time $1080 initiation/registration fee, and is $350 / month usage fee. 3 weeks after joining, I received a flyer in the mail that states that if you live within certain zip codes that are next to the gym, they will wave the registration fee. I live within the zip codes, so I asked the gym for a refund of my registration fee, or some type of other compensation. They say no, the new promotion is different because it requires a one year contract to wave the registration fee. I would have been, and still am more than happy to commit to a one year contract. This is a lot of money, and I feel really ripped off. What can I do? Thank you!

Answer:
 Nothing. This is like if there's a sale the day after you buy something... Or months later, as the case may be.

You can try to get them to give you something for customer service reasons (which it sounds like you did). You can escalate above their head if you want to, because businesses don't usually like the ill will of customers who feel ripped off, but they don't legally have to. Answer #2: You signed a contract and agreed to the costs. If they aren't willing to change the terms they do not have to.Answer #3: This gym costs 350 U.S. greenbacks per month?Answer #4: Unfortunately, you agreed to the terms of the first membership. You formed a contract with a certain set of terms. They were under no obligation to let you know about their plan to later make an offer that waived the fee, and you don't get have a right to the better promotion terms. You can complain about it and let others know the underhanded business practice of the gyn, but there isn't much you can legally do about it.


Title: So... who gets to decide what happens to my body when I die? [NYS]

Question:
I recently had a discussion with my husband. It is my understanding that he *will not* cremate me when I die even though I want to be cremated. He expressed his desires to not abide my wishes quite strongly.

I'm too young [24] to create a will. In the mean time, what should I do to ensure that I get cremated when I die? Because guys, I really don't want to be buried.

Edit: I'm in New York State.

Edit 2: If I do make a will, who ensures that it'll be followed?

Answer: You aren't to young to create a will. . .Answer #2: Why do you think you're too young to create a will? Answer #3: No one is too young to make a will. When you make one, there will be an opportunity to write down any advanced directives for your body after you die.


Title: Question regarding hipaa, police, and college administration.

Question:
I messed up really badly, approximately 2 weeks ago. I dropped 3 hits of LSD at 2:00am in my college dorm.

I ended up falling off of my lofted bed, and injuring myself. My roomate (sober), girlfriend (sober), and her brother (sober) drove me to the local ER, where they kept me until I was no longer high.

No ambulances or police were called while at campus, and police were not necessary at the hospital.

Despite this, not only were campus police contacted the dean of students was involved.

Now that I'm back on campus and healthy, i know that the police can not pursue criminal charges. I have spoken with the police officers in the meantime. Since I am not in possession of the drug, there are no charges they can pursue. They have stated that there is no criminal investigation.

Im not trying to escape punishment on campus, because I know that I messed up. I'll get my comeuppance.

So my question is how does hipaa interact here? Wouldn't  the hospital have been unable to contact our dean?

I know that it wasn't a Resident Advisor, or someone who noticed what was going on, as I was visited by him in the hospital.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Location: US-Kentucky: Morehead State University
Age: 19

Answer:
 > i know that the police can not pursue criminal charges.

Why do you think this?


Title: NY - My friend is on a month to month lease and just received an eviction notice this morning.

Question:
My friend and his wife live in a 2 bedroom apartment with their 2 sons in Dutchess County, NY. They have been paying their rent on time every month without delay. This morning he texted me telling me they just received an eviction notice.

Is there anything he can do to fight it?

Does there have to be a reason from the landlord as to why they are being evicted or can the landlord just wake up one day and decide to give 30 day notice?

What are the laws my friend should be aware of in this kind of situation?
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer:
 Well, this isn't really an eviction.

Since your friend is on a month-to-month lease, your friend gets to decide every single month if he wants to stay another one or move out.

You friend's landlord gets to do the same thing in this situation.

Your friend didn't get an eviction, but was just told that the lease will be over.  There can be benefits to a month-to-month lease, and draw-backs.  Your buddy is learning the down-side to the freedom he had with the lease.


Title: [Ontario, Canada] Can I make and sell something which was patented in 1993

Question:
I am considering making and selling a device that combines several niche weightlifting/powerlifting accessory machines/devices into one low footprint piece of equipment.

The machine I want to make would essentially be [this device](https://www.google.com/patents/US5356359?dq=ininventor:%22Louis+J.+Simmons%22&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi9k8So-vDLAhXMHh4KHQgWByQQ6wEIMzAD) but with a bunch of attachments to it for other exercises.

My question is since this was patented in 1993 would the design be public domain now?

Edit: Also would the original design (if I made it) violate [this patent] (https://www.google.com/patents/US6491607?dq=ininventor:%22Louis+J.+Simmons%22&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwikvPSAhfHLAhVF1h4KHXYkDyUQ6wEIOjAE)

Answer: Unless an extension was filed, the patent expired in 2013.


Title: [NJ] and [DE], boss says will prevent me from getting another job.

Question:
So I worked for company A who is a vendor with company B, I talked with an employee from company C who is also a vendor to company B and found out company C pays better then A. So I took a job with company C and gave two weeks notice to A yesterday. Bosses at A did not like this, told me to leave work not to finish out the last two weeks and later in a phone first tried to negotiate and then threatened that B would not allow C to hire me. In a second phone call to negotiate reiterated that B would not allow C to hire me. Can he actually do that, did I just screw myself out of two jobs. Or is he blowing smoke to get me to come back.

Edit: Company A is based in Delaware operates in DE, NJ, PA and MD. Company B is based in GA is in all 50 states, Company C operates in 18 states and based in NJ and TX

Answer: Is he lying about anything? Like you were fired for being on drugs for example?


Title: [PA] Car insurance is sending a check post accident. Do I need to make the repairs?

Question:
Rear ended in an old Jeep.  Took it right in the hitch.  Guessing the vehicle is worth ~$3 and going to get a check for $2.5k from the other party's insurance.  The bumper torqued down a bit, frame has a slight buckle, but the rest is cosmetic... and quite frankly, I don't care what she looks like as long as it's structurally safe and sound.  I have been all up underneath it and really feel the mechanical damage is non-existent.  I don't think paying for the repair is worth gaining a functioning trailer hitch vs dropping the money in my "new car fund".

Do I have any obligations on what I fix and don't fix?  Thanks!
Topic:
Insurance

Answer: No. That is compensation for damages to your property. However I would recommend you have a mechanic agree with your assessment that it's safe.


Title: Required to go to court for traffic violation, do I really need a lawyer?

Question:
I got a ticket in NJ for driving through a fast food restaurant to get off the highway- "

NJSA 39:4-66.2 - Avoiding a Traffic Control Signal or Sign". There is no option to pay it and I must show up in court. I was just going to go admit fault and pay the fee but my mom is now freaking out and saying I should hire a lawyer to represent me/deal with it. I didn't think it was that serious but now she is having me doubt it. Is this something that I actually need to hire a lawyer for?

Answer:
 You do not NEED a lawyer, but it would be a great idea to have one - they may be able to negotiate a better outcome for you, saving you lots of money down the road in lower insurance premiums, etc.

Traffic lawyers are not that expensive - call a few and ask how much would they charge to represent you.Answer #2: You do not necessarily need a lawyer.

Most people at traffic court don’t have one.

Now this has 2 points which may effect your insurance rates. You probably have a better chance of getting the prosecutor to agree to an alternative penalty without points if you have a lawyer.

You go to traffic court, you or lawyer talk to prosecutor. Say “sorry” ask for an alternate fine (larger $ most likely) but no points. Helps if driving record is clean otherwise.

If lawyer, you want a local who works in this court often and knows what will fly with judge/prosecutor.


Title: Parents threatening to sue for new granite countertops

Question:
Takes place in California

I've lived with my parents my whole life and started paying rent a year ago. No contract just giving them money every month when they ask. They are vegan, and said I can cook and eat meat, but always give me trouble when I do. We all moved together into a new house 5 years ago with granite counter tops. I recently made some home made cosmetic products which are made from shea butter, coconut oil, and beeswax. Now they are claiming I discolored the spot of counters I used to make them, despite the color not changing at all. One section of the counter is always used for preparing food and in general has had a darker look than the rest, not to mention natural stone color variation. Now they are claiming my one time use of this counter has discolored it when it hasn't changed the appearance form before I did this, and say I have to pay to replace it or they will sue me. Do they have any grounds to sue for "discoloring" counters that I didn't, despite not having before/after pictures every time I use the counter? I also fear they will sue me for minor paint damage in my room from things like my bed rubbing against the wall.

Answer:
 They’ll have a hard time proving it was your one action and not anything else that caused the discoloration.

At this point though, if your parents are about to sue you, it sounds like your welcome has worn thin.  Might need to save up some money and find a place of your own and avoid what will likely become a new norm (this is damaged, it’s your fault, pay me)Answer #2: Sounds like a toxic environment. Take your money and get out. I can't imagine don't my kids over a countertop ffs.Answer #3: Go on the Atkins diet, stop paying rent, and save up money to pay first/last month of rent and deposit on your own apartment. Take pics of counter tops, your living space, the rest of the house, etc. etc. in case they follow through on their threat.

&#x200B;

Time to move out.Answer #4: From a practical point of view, routine paint damage is easy enough to deal with and a normal part of home maintenance. If you're luck there is still leftover paint and you can do touch-ups. Worst case scenario, the whole room needs to be re-painted. But that's not a big deal, that's a normal part of having a home. I'm more concerned that if your parents have this threatening "we'll sue you attitude" you'll need to be really careful to not spill paint in some odd spot when you're working on it.


Title: Montana bans sharia law... what are the actual effects or applications?

Question:
Apologies if this is the wrong place to ask this question.

Recently, the Montana state legislature [voted to ban the use of foreign legal systems in state courts.](http://conservativefighters.com/news/house-votes-ban-sharia-law-forever-finally/) Proponents argued the bill merely upholds the constitution, while opponents argued it targets Muslims. Many conservative outlets are claiming the law bans sharia law. Disregarding the question of targeting Muslims/Islamophobia, I'm curious... does this law actually do anything?

1. Wouldn't it already be illegal to somehow set up your own court and try to enforce a legal ruling by yourself, i.e. if I'm a qadi and want to make my own Islamic court the best I can do is give people non-leaglly binding agreements? Does the law affect this?

2. If a state court issued a ruling inconsistent with the constitution, wouldn't it be overturned anyway? Does this law somehow make it... more illegal to not follow the constitution?

3. Does the law somehow make voluntary compliance with a foreign legal system illegal? Like, say, I write my living  will to be in accordance with Islamic standards of inheritance. Is that now illegal in Montana, because it's applying a non-us legal system?

I'm genuinely confused because at first glance it would seem that the law does nothing.

Answer:
 Yes it is pointless and, like a lot of stuff that comes out of political places, a soapbox gesture of facile demagoguery. It will essentially just "underline" existing law that says if two people contract to do something illegal then that contract will be void *ab initio*.

The laws that apply in Montana are those of the State and the Federal law.

That doesn't stop two people from agreeing in principle to simply do what someone else says. They could go on Judge Judy. They could appoint an arbitrator. They could also, if they were Catholic for example, do what their Priest told them to do. If they were Muslim, they could go to the mosque and agree to do what their Imam (?) recommends. That in itself isn't illegal, and is a thriving and lucrative industry in the case of Judge Judy and arbitration.

It doesn't mean a Priest can somehow allow them to break the law. A contract to do something contrary to State law would still be void from the word go. Nor is it a defense if it ever came to a trial. The laws of Montana would be used just as they currently are to resolve any trial. What people call 'Sharia Law' is simply an arbitration system based on principles of Islamic theology and jurisprudence. The problem for some people is that Sharia Law is perceived as being quite sexist and overly religious in a way that people, including many Muslims, find distasteful.

It's a classic bit of political logic:

1. We must do something about this!
2. This is something; therefore
3. We must do this.

Politician logic 101.


Title: Therapist requested waiver of confidentiality (Texas)

Question:
I requested court ordered therapy for my kids and their abusive dad.  He had earned back visitation but it was not going well.  My request was granted and to put it bluntly, we got placed with an absolute nut job.  She is unequivocally on their dad’s side.  He can be very charming and convincing.  My lawyer suggested I report her and a social worker at the kids’ pediatrician suggested we seek other therapy options after the ped was concerned by some things the kids said.  I can’t legally do anything about it right now (working with lawyer but owe money) but I can get them into individual therapy, I have full rights to do that.  Today the therapist contacted me and asked for me to sign a waiver allowing her to talk to the kids’ new therapist.  Am I legally required to do that?
Topic:
Healthcare Law including HIPAA

Answer:
 IANAL, but the ACA code of Ethics prevents the new therapist to share ANYTHING with the old therapist. Do not sign it and if the old therapist persists, tell her you'll inform the ACA and the board regarding her unethical behaviors and do so. Once the board is aware of any unethical conduct they will investigate. [See B.1.C](https://www.counseling.org/resources/aca-code-of-ethics.pdf)

[Here](https://dshs.texas.gov/plc/plc_complain.shtm) is the link to report a licensee in Texas.

edit for clarity, added link to reportAnswer #2: No. You are not required to sign it. Talk to the new therapist about what has happened and go from there. Answer #3: No. You are never required to sign documents. You sign documents to get something or agree to something .

Why would you think you'd be required to sign a waiver of HIPPA?


Title: (West Virginia) My adoptive brother (who has always hated me) called the cops during an argument with my parents and now I'm facing illegal weapons charges

Question:
So on Christmas day I was with my adoptive family (I'm 15 so I can't just leave the family).

My 21 year old adoptive brother had come home from college 4 hours away. It was me, my parents, my grandmother and my cousins.

Me and my mom got in a little bit of a fight because the night before she had found a little pot in my room and decided to confront me then. Just a verbal argument, Yada Yada yada. Some stupid shit.

Anyway, my adoptive brother (who has hated me since I came into the picture as a foster kid ~10 years ago) took this opportunity to call the cops and claim I was pointing my gun (which had been a gift from a cousin for christmas) to get me arrested.

Anyway, the cops come and arrests me on possession of an illegal weapon (apparently my cousin forgot to sign some paperwork or some shit) and assault with a deadly weapon (lol). They also took my gun.

Now my parents bailed me out of jail and I have a court date (I am hoping to have all charges dropped as they are clearly BS), but me and said cousin were planning to go hunting on saturday, and now that I have no gun I can't go.

My question is whether I can sue my brother for emotional distress as this has been clearly stressful to me. I have evidence that my brother has been manipulative and hated me for a long time and that he called the cops specifically because he wanted me to go to jail and have my gun (which I think he was jelous of as it is a really nice gun) taken away.

I also was hoping to go into the military once I turned 18, and if these charges aren't dropped that obviously won't be an option.

Answer:
 You need a lawyer and to start taking this seriously.

"I got charged with possession of an illegal weapon and assault with a deadly weapon LOL" is not the attitude to have here.

You say you're innocent.  So does everyone who gets arrested.

Worry about not getting convicted and going to jail first.  *Then* worry about suing him.Answer #2: I sense a trolly-disturbance in the force.

It was probably possession of an illegal weapon because you weren't 18...not so much the "forgot to sign some paperwork or some shit."

Also, possession of a firearm and marijuana is a massive no-no.

>My question is whether I can sue my brother for emotional distress as this has been clearly stressful to me.

That's not how suits for emotional distress work.  Answer #3: As a drug user, you are a prohibited person. You cannot possess, own, or even hold a weapon. It's a felony to do so. Your cousin could also potentially face charges for giving it to you.Answer #4: > apparently my cousin forgot to sign some paperwork or some shit

So you are in possession of a weapon illegally?Answer #5: Going hunting on Saturday should be the least of your worries. "Forgetting to sign paperwork" can be some pretty serious stuff where guns are concerned.Answer #6: If you are regularly smoking marijuana you are ineligible for military service fyi


Title: Friend's child spent an afternoon placing nails underneath people's tires in the neighborhood.. Now one neighbor is demanding compensation beyond tire repair.

Question:
Back in October, a young child(7) of a friend spent a bit of time being delinquent and placing nails under the tires of cars in the neighborhood. Definitely a d*ck move but let's remember that he's 7. At the time, police were called and a repot was filed.  My friend spoke with the woman who called the police and offered to pay for the damaged tires. At the time, the woman agreed and said she would let my friend know.  Fast forward to today and my friend gets a letter via certified mail oulining more charges:

- 62.60 for two repaired tires
- 50 for two hours of "finding someone with a compressor because AAA didn't have one on their truck"
-100 for 4 hours of lost wages at a cleaning job that was cancelled due to her inability to show up in time per having to deal with the tires
-100 for "punitive" damage because her son had to drive the car before knowing about the flst tires and drove all the way to work with deflating tires which she claims "could have killed my son or someone else"

My initial reaction, based on the wording of the letter sent, is that this woman is just a psycho who is grabbing for whatever she can try for. However, my friend is affraid she will be sued by this woman if she only pays the original amount they agreed on ( cost of tire repair).  Any and all input would be greatly appreciated.   This is in Colorado, if that means anything.
Topic:
Other Civil Matters

Answer:
 IANAL, but she might have a case for the lost wages. The alleged "punitive damage" is nonsense, though. Either way, that woman would have to sue in small claims court for those damages. At this point, it's up to your friend if they want to 1). pay the initially agreed upon amount, 2). negotiate further and come to a different agreement, or 3). tell the woman, "Sorry, but if you want to do it this way, we'll need to do it in court."

No matter what, **get everything in writing.**Answer #2: Yeah, punitive damages seems bogus, but naybe not if there was a real risk to the driver. Lost wages seems fine, since that is normal in tort cases.

PS- i just looked. Parents of a minor in Colo who intentoinally damages property are liable for up to 3500 in actual damages, plus court costs and atty fees.   So, no punitive damages.


Title: If my gf gives police consent to search her phone for a very specific topic, can they go after her for any unrelated illegal things they find?

Question:
The police want to search her phone specifically for communications from her ex regarding an unsolved case of her neighbors being viciously beaten and are asking for consent to download it's entirety to look solely at the past communication he sent her. They even confiscated his phone and his vehicle and spent 8 hours speaking to him.

The concern is that I know she has communication on her phone about buying weed, smoking it and selling a small amount to her coworker as well as from a friend of hers talking about that person selling weed.

My question is, when they download the contents, with the signed consent being solely to look at communication from him between a certain time frame, could they come after her for those things? I almost feel like it's ludicrous to worry about it, but she is freaking out about it.

She wasn't involved in the incident and wants to help the police but she is apprehensive over the aspect of possibly being charged or her friends being charged due to this.

Are her concerns justified?

Answer:
 If someone has evidence on their phone that implicates them in a crime it would be generally unwise to consent to a search of that device.

If the crime being investigated and her desire to help are sufficient, she could retain an attorney to negotiate some sort of immunity in exchange for providing the phone.Answer #2: Absolutely do not volunteer your private information to the police. The contents of her phone should only be accessed by them by sheae force (preferably legally).  If they continue to make her feel as though she needs to, It would be appropriate to consult an attorney first.


Title: Is marking public property as private illegal?

Question:
From time to time I come across posted signs stating that an area is private property.  I'm familiar with researching land ownership via tax records.

Sometimes people close dead end roads closer to the main road or mark off an area in a national forest.

When I called the USFS and asked about the private property signs, the ranger told me the land is definitely public, but wasn't sure who in their office was responsible for removing the signs.

This weekend I was chased off a public road by an SUV while I was on a motorcycle.  The driver jumped out screaming and yelling about me trespassing.  When I tried to discuss it with him he just sped off.  The road is clearly marked as owned by the township on tax records.

So, my question is, what law, if any, is being broken by claiming land is private, when in fact it is not.  If I went to the city park and put up private property signs and chased off anyone trying to use the property, what law am I breaking?

The incident this weekend happened in Robinson Township in PA.  The USFS thing happened in Phelps County, MO.

Answer:
 Taking control of the property of another is illegal, yes - presuming that the owner of that property doesn't allow it.

You have no standing to challenge this, as you aren't the owner.  The owner(whichever government that is) has standing.

You can be trespassing, even on "public property", so don't ignore posted signs.  Call the police if you are assaulted or chased.


Title: Releasing ladybugs in a school - criminal?

Question: [deleted]

Answer: This is both unoriginal and illegal. Answer #2: that's disgusting, and yes.Answer #3: Legality aside, it's a dick move to whoever has to clean up 3000 dead ladybugs.


Title: I am forced to take a tenant when I buy a house, can I sue the seller's realtor?

Question:
I am located in BC, Canada

I have recently purchased a place and I know that there is a tenant there and it is on a month to month contract with the previous landlord when I see the house. I really like the house and submitted my offer to buy the house and I have told them I don't want to tenant to continue.

Everything is good until the completion date, which we were told by our lawyer that the tenant will remain in the property. Both our lawyer and their lawyer do not know this until the completion date and they send the tenancy contract at the very last minute. I then discuss with their realtor and he told us either we give up the place or accept the tenant. At that time, we have no other ways but to accept the place.

This really screws us because my wife is 8 month pregnant, and my aunt is going to visit us after my wife gives birth. I was planning to let my aunt to live where the tenant live at the moment. And I need to give 2 month notice to terminate the contract for my current tenant and the last month will be free. So right now I can foresee many costs at my end due to this. The one month free termination fee should be counted as the previous owner's cost now it is mine. And I will have to find another place for my aunt and arrange transportations.

Can I sue the realtor for my loss?

Answer: A side note that hasn't been mentioned elsewhere in this thread yet: you could also try negotiating directly with the tenant themselves to have them voluntarily end their tenancy sooner. Could very well end up being the cheapest/quickest option to actually get into your new house.


Title: Exfriend says he called the cops to report underage drinking at my house this coming Friday night

Question:
Quick synopsis: An old friend of mine got pissed off and supposedly called the cops to tell them there will be underage drinking at my house on Friday night.  We are going to be having a fire (with permit) and around 10-15 people, half of age, half under, who will mostly be drinking alcohol. Everyone will be sleeping over so no one will be driving under the influence. My old friend told one of the people going to the party that he called the cops on our party. He is a pathological liar but I don't want to just assume he's lying.

What should I expect to happen if the police show up? Are they allowed to enter the house if they have a report of underage drinking or do they need more than that?  I know to talk to them outside and to not offer them entry but what should I expect and what would be the best way to handle the situation IF the cops show up?

Thanks for any help
inb4: don't break the law

Answer:
 Legal Advice: don't host underage drinking parties.

If the police show up, you don't have to cooperate but they can make your life MUCH more difficult than you can make theirs.Answer #2: Are you expecting the underage members of your party to be drinking alcohol too?

> Thanks for any help inb4: don't break the law

Yeah no, there's your answer right there. Either don't invite them, don't have alcohol, or make certain that positive control of serving alcohol is maintained in such a manner that only of-age persons can access the alcohol (i.e. bouncers and bar tenders).


Title: Trans Name and Gender Change

Question:
I'm a trans dude (minor) living in Washington state currently, but I was born in California. I need to get my name and gender markers changed on my birth certificate so I can get it changed with SS, drivers license, etc, but I haven't really been able to find any solid help pertaining to this issue. How would I go about this (probably lengthy) process? Would I have to actually go see a lawyer about this?
Topic:
Other Civil Matters

Answer:
 I have a friend going through this right now, although in a different location. The Transgender Law Center has a 100+ page document on CA legal aspects which is actually pretty great.

The short of it is that you need to have gone through an appropriate medical treatment and have a letter detailing this from you doctor. That doesn't necessarily mean surgery.  This letter from your doctor will help you go to all the separate agencies and get your information changed. No lawyer required.

Good luck!


Title: Time Sensitive Apartment Eviction Threat

Question:
Greetings.  Over the weekend I received a five day notice to remedy default or vacate premises.  The property manager states that my girlfriend (who moved in after I signed the rental contract) must vacate the premises in 5 days.  I've offered to add her to the lease agreement immediately and was denied.  Additionally, my pet privilege has been revoked as a result of some dog poop I failed to clean up in our backyard.  The dog and cat are also to vacate the premises in 5 days.  Should I chose not to remove my family from our home, I'll be served with an eviction notice.

Over the course of my 18 month tenancy at this apartment, we've received a total of zero complaints (police, neighbor or otherwise), and I'm wondering how strong the property manager's position is should I choose to pursue legal remedy.  I've got voicemail messages out to a few attorneys in the area, but thought I'd also inquire here for good measure.  Short of complying with this notice, is there anything I can do to protect myself from eviction?

(The backstory on all of this is that I've been pushing to get a number of long outstanding maintenance items addressed around the apartment for the last year, and I believe the property manager has grown tired of my insistent requests.)

Thank you in advance.

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Answer: Based on what you've described here, and assuming you are in the US, I'd say the property manager is going to win this one if you push back. Choose wisely. Answer #2: As far as your girlfriend goes, she is not on the lease and your Landlord is not required to change the lease. It was a legal agreement that both of you signed.  So I would say your odds are not good on that front. As far as the pet thing goes,  it is anyone’s guess without all of the information.


Title: employer photoshopped fake wire confirmations to deceive us being paid

Question:
At my company, none of the employees have been paid for a month. For the first two weeks, the CEO said we changed HR providers and he is waiting for checks to come in.

He said they are in the mail everyday for 2 weeks, but wouldn't give us tracking numbers and near the end of the month, finally told us to give him our bank account # and routing #s.

He emails us wire confirmations for the amounts, but the wire doesn't come for 4 days. Someone googles wire confirmations and finds a screen shot that looks very similiar. Wire was sent at the same time as the screenshot, the last 4 digits for the account numbers match the screenshot, and the copyright says 2014. He forged wire confirmations and tricked us and it came straight from his email.

Some of us left, but it seems like many people are still staying at the company due to various other circumstances. I told the CTO that I wasn't going to come in anymore until I was paid, and I started receiving emails that I've been removed off project accounts.

What should I do from here? This is in California, US.

Answer:
 Have *everyone* you know working there go here and file a wage complaint: http://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/howtofilewageclaim.htm

Even if they are not working there any longer, they are owed for the time they were there.Answer #2: >  finally told us to give him our bank account # and routing #s.

Is there any way he  could use that info to try take money from the employees?


Title: I hit a car on nye. Help with subsequent situation

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Depends on their damage and if they will ultimately go to the doctor for check ups. That can add up quickly. If they don’t want to go to the doctor and both of you have damage below 3000 it may be just worth it. If they’re going to go to all the doctors in the world then it will go over that quickly.

And with insurance claims, I’m not sure with you state, but I’m N.C. you have up to three years to file a claim after the fact.

PS dude don’t drive tipsy


Title: Olive Garden Server ~~~ Ziosk Survey and its legality when terminating an employee or using fear to motivate employee.

Question: If in the United States more specifically Missouri: I am a server at Olive Garden, we have these tablets on each table called a Ziosk. At the end of each meal we are supposed to have the customers complete a survey where each question is graded on a 1-4 scale from not-satisfactory to satisfactory. The thing is the manager has told us that the scores only count as positive if you get a maximum score on each question, if we don't get a maximum score on each question it is reported as a zero. So if the customer thought we were 99% awesome at our job but thought one aspect was great but not perfect, we are seen as a failure and management uses threats help us improve our scores. The thing is the about half of the customers dont want anything to do with the Ziosks and about half of the remaining customers who will do the survey let their 6 year old kid take the survey. Is it legal to terminate an employee based on threats and a process that doesn't ensure each survey is completed under the same circumstances?

Answer: Yes. If fired file for unemployment.


Title: Neighbors kids keep tearing up our yard and I fear they are being neglected. What can we do?

Question:
Location: Georgia, USA

Here is some background. A family of idk how many moved in next door about a year ago. There is always about 8 children always in our backyard playing from 7am to 11pm, with no clothes or shoes, and no parental super vision. Ages range from 2 to maybe 10, the older ones don't go to school ( they say they're homeschooled), and from a conversation I had with them a few months ago none of them can read and barely know the alphabet. One of the younger kids front teeth look completely rotted out and have been that way since October of last year.  I saw him again last weekend and they look about the same.

I've only been able to have a few conversations with the children because they get in trouble for talking to us if they get caught. What they don't get in trouble for is riding their bikes through our yard after we have it treated/landscaped and ruining it. Also they leave trash in our front and back yards and they keep ramming their bikes into our walls. The parents are very hostile and avoid us for the most part. When the children go to get an adult it's always a man that is mentally disabled and non-verbal. He will stand there and watch the children but say nothing when they destroy our stuff, leave trash or fight. When we asked the children to stay out of our yard the five year old yelled to the rest of the children "That b*tch said to get out of her yard". We figure a fence wouldn't work based on the damage to the our wall, their balcony, and their garage door. They are renting from an old neighbor of ours and have completely destroyed/trashed the home.

I want to call cps but i fear retaliation as we have the most contact with them out of the entire neighborhood, and my grandmother tends to be home alone while everyone is at work/school.  What can we legally do to keep the children out of the yard and have the parents pay for the damage the children caused.

Tl;dr: Neighbors kids are tearing up my yard, and i suspect they are being neglected. All efforts to talk to the children and parents have been ineffective. How do i make them stop and pay for the damage?

Answer:
 I can’t speak to retaliation, but you need to call CPS. They can start an investigation and see what is really going on.

Record any encounters. Use a sewn notebook and write everything down.


Title: [Utah] Drug testing by my new job and my cannabis prescriptions (more inside)

Question:
So I just started a new job a few weeks ago and I was drug tested on Thursday. I know 100% that I'll test positive for benzodiazepines due to my Klonopin and Ativan prescriptions, but no illicit drugs as I don't use any recreational substances. I'm not too worried about those since they're legal to prescribe and use on both a state and federal level.

What really has me worried is my cannabis prescription. I was diagnosed with Austism/Asperger's when I was 8 and I was diagnosed with PTSD in my late teens/early 20s. I have been prescribed medical cannabis since January but there are no dispensaries in Utah yet. I have to go out of state to get it. Both Nevada (where I usually get it) and Colorado (where I get it from when my family friend gets it) border Utah and have both medical and recreational cannabis so those are my closest dispensary options. But I'm aware that cannabis is still illegal on a federal level and that I could still get fired from my job as a result.

However, I'm also aware that it's illegal to discriminate against people with disabilities and mental health issues. In the event that I lose my job over this, would I be able to sue my employer (with any shot at success -- it's a small gym chain, only \~30 locations) for discriminating against me for being Autistic and having PTSD? FWIW, I was the only employee to be drug tested (even though one of my coworkers announced before taking a break: "I'll be right back, I'm just gonna smoke a bowl real quick."). Plus I only use cannabis at night to keep my horrific nightmares of being raped and beaten by two men and being thrown out of a car and into the woods with no phone (they took and presumably broke it) and a dislocated hip at bay. I work the opening 4:30am-noon shift so the psychoactive effects have always worn off by the time I wake up for work.

Answer:
 Users of cannabis are not a protected class, and you can be not hired/fired for that reason alone. Cannabis has no relationship with “resealable accommodation” under federal law.Answer #2: You wouldn't be fired for having a disability. You would be fired for testing positive for an illegal drug.Answer #3: >would I be able to sue my employer (with any shot at success -- it's a small gym chain, only ~30 locations) for discriminating against me for being Autistic and having PTSD?

If they fired you becuase you tested positive for cannabis, then that is why they fired you.


Title: Charged wrong amount at store

Question:
A couple months ago I bought items at a store totaling $511 even. The worker ended up only hitting $5.11 on the credit card machine, neither of us noticed.

A week later they try to hit my account again and my bank flagged it and canceled my card and locked my accounts so I had to deal with that. Then they went to a branch trying to get money from them.

Then they start messaging people with the same last name as me, telling them the product was defective, now they're saying I stole it and they're going to take the security footage to the police. I've been ignoring this because I feel as though the transaction was completed and there's nothing they could do. They have caused me a lot of stress and telling lies so I really don't want to have to deal with this shady business anymore.

So is there anything they could legally do?

Answer:
 >So is there anything they could legally do?

What they should have done in the first place: track you down, send you a demand letter, and if you didn't pay, sue you.Answer #2: You seemed ok with paying $511 before so why not just go back and pay the rest and be over with it?Answer #3: You still owe the amount. The fact that nobody caught it at the time doesn't stop you from owing ($511-$5.11=) $505.89.

You can be proactive, acknowledge the error, and pay the difference.

They could alternatively sue you in court, costing you additional time and money.Answer #4: You can pay the bill. You still owe the amount. If it was $5.11 and you were charged $511, you’d want your money back, right?Answer #5: Don't be a thief.  Pay them what you owe them. Answer #6: Yes, they can sue you for $505.89. Since you owe them $505.89.


Title: Item from amazon caught on fire

Question:
So recently purchased an led strip light from Amazon.ca
Located in Ontario Canada by the way
Item came and plugged it in to test if it worked
Next day I purchased a plant and setup the strip basically on a leather chair , to see how it would fair
Left it alone for a bit less then 2 hours
Noticed a strange smell and went back into the room to see the light strip melting and the chair smoking
Unplugged the lights and pulled the strip off the chair
Ended up destroying the chair and ruining a few leaves of my poor brand new plant

Contacted Amazon and was told they can’t help me outside of refund the item , and gave me the manufacturer info
This company is located in China and has a phone number in China to contact them with
The email bounced right back and clearly am not getting any help from them

This item was listed through amazon prime service and fulfilled by amazon
What’s the best method of getting some reimbursement for the fact I nearly had a house fire from there lights?

Appreciate any help and will update if anyone’s interested

Answer:
 Does the power adapter have the CSA, cETL, or cULus marks?

Was the strip still on its spool when it was on your chair, or did you remove it from its spool first?

Did the adapter come with the light strip?  If no, what is the specifications of the light strip (probably 12V) and what is the output spec of the adapter?


Title: Is this a scam?

Question:
My grandfather is trying to adopt me I'm 19 if that matters to make a long story short I've lived with my grandparents since I was 2. Parents are divorced dad has no rights and my mother's okay with the adoption while he was looking for a lawyer idk if we even need one but. He found this http://www.411legal.net they said it was a $1.99 for a 7-Day trial and $20 a month after that so is this bs?
I'm In Alabama

Answer: It looks like all they do is help you find a local attorney and get a free consultation (which many attorneys provide anyway). If I'm understanding it correctly, you would still need to pay that local attorney at their regular rate if things go beyond the initial consultation.


Title: I am getting unwanted pictures of male genitals from unknown numbers, is there anything I can do to stop this?

Question:
Hello,

About six weeks ago I starting getting random pictures from various unknown numbers of penises.  The first occurred while my husband and I were on vacation out of state, and since the first picture I have probably been sent five more.  These are from unknown numbers, usually in the 619 area code.  I am not really sure what to do.  Blocking is not effective because the number is never the same.   They usually come with some sort of message, referencing a conversation that involved sending these pictures to (allegedly) someone else.  The first time this happened, I actually responded to the sender, and told them never to contact me again, ect, and they actually responded and apologized.  Since then, I haven't bothered.

How are these random people getting my phone number to text me these pictures?  Is there anything I can do legally to have this stopped?  Could it be some random website has my number listed for some weird reason?  I am an introvert, I don't have too many friends that I would have pissed off, and I haven't put my phone number online publicly.  I have lived in Illinois with my spouse for the past three years, and prior to that, I lived in California where I grew up.  I have the same cell phone number that I had in California, I have had it for 7 years and I have never had this happen.  What can I do?  I would prefer not to have to change my number.  Thank you!
Topic:
Other Civil Matters

Answer: "Thank you for your submission. Your dick and phone number will be featured on yourdickpic.com within 24 hours!"


Title: (MA) Disabled mother's neighbors keep pit bull on short leash in front of her door.

Question:
Hello, I'm seeking legal advice on behalf of my mother.  She lives in a basement studio with only one entrance.  Her downstairs neighbors live in the first floor 2 bedroom apartment, at least 7 people live their along with their pitbull (the signed a lease that stated no pets).

The pitbull is neglected and left chained to poll.  The poll is directly in the path of the only entrance to my mother's house, it's also where my mother's mailbox is.  There is literally no way to avoid the dog if you're trying to get in or out of my my mother's house.  The dog is friendly, but steps in it's own poop and pee and jumps on people.  Once a one of my mother's visiting nurses got covered in dog poop after the dog jumped on him while he was trying to get into my mother's house.  The mailman has also not delivered mail to my mother on several occasions.

My mother has talked to the landlord who has refused to do anything.  The landlord is afraid that they will stop paying rent and doesn't want to go through the process of evicting a single mother with 4 children.

TL/DR

You can't enter or leave my mother's house without going through a pit bull that belongs to her neighbor.  It's prevented mail from being delivered and has smeared dog poop on people trying to enter her home.  The landlord refuses to do anything, does she have any options?  She is disabled and lives on SSI.
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer: Your mother should call animal control to let them know that there is an animal tied up outside. She should call every day until they do something about it.


Title: [NY]Dealer agreed to buy truck for price. Once truck was towed to lot lowered price by 25% after having agreed in writing.

Question:
I am closing up my business and selling off all the assets. This is the last truck I had left to sell. I have done business with this very large and normally reputable business for the last decade. Spent millions with them during that period. 2 months ago I had them look at this truck to see if they had any interest in buying it from me. They said, "yes." Inspected the truck on my site and gave me an offer of $20,000. Over the next 2 months, they dragged their feet until finally I forced their hand and they told me to bring it in. I tow'd the truck in due to the lack of Insurance at this point (it had been parked for the last 6 months). They inspected it again in house and came back with a price of $18,000. I went back and forth and finally they agreed to honor the original offer of $20,000. All of this was done over text message. I have a history of all of these conversations.

I show up today, 6 days after the last conversation. I show up with a bill of sale, title, etc. They tell me they had someone look at it again and they either can't buy it anymore or will only give me $15,000 for it.

It's sitting in their lot. Do I have any legal recourse? Do I just walk away and put it back on the market? I have lost 3 months and the tow fee for the truck.

Answer:
 If the original offer was to buy the truck for $20k, then they owe you $20k for it.

I wouldn't accept $15k from the original purchaser.  Sell it to a third party then sue the original purchaser for the difference.


Title: Moving to new apt - lease has odd requirements - are they allowed?

Question:
I am in Connecticut -

I looked at a new apartment and did not send any money to secure the space until I received the lease. Now that I have I am questioning some of the  things that they are asking of me as the tenant.  None of this was disclosed when I spoke with the landlord upon viewing the apartment.

Are landlords required to ask the following:  (Note my issue above the statement)

When I looked at the space they told me garbage was included:
1. In addition to rent, tenants will pay $10 per month for garbage removal due at the same time as the rental payment and subject to the same conditions for late payment as specified for the rent. This is half the cost of garbage removal for the premises.

I am 31yrs old and need permission?
2. The Tenant must obtain written permission from the landlord in order to have a guest or any other occupant stay over more than two days during a two-week period.

Carpet 35% of the entire apartment? Seems excessive - they should put full carpet down if they don't want wear and tear to their floors.
3. Tenant is responsible for covering half of 70 percent (35 percent) of the hardwood flooring space with their own carpeting. This is to protect the hardwood floor finish and to provide sound dampening.

I have renters insurance but $300,000 seems VERY excessive.
4. During the term of this Lease, Tenant, at Tenant's expense, shall carry personal liability insurance not less than the following limits: $300,000. Tenant agrees to furnish Landlord, prior to occupancy, with a certificate of insurance evidencing that Tenant has secured the insurance required by this paragraph. Tenant agrees to insure his/her own personal property located in the Premises.

State laws in CT do not match these restrictions. Not that I am a loud person but can they enforce stricter rules from the state?
5.Tenant agrees to be considerate of other people in the house and not make unnecessary loud noises before 9:00 AM or after 9:00 PM. No washer or dryer may be used before 9:00 A.M. or after 9:00 P.M.

I understand a proof of employment with a paystub or last years tax statement. But my actual income and my supervisors name? Why is that necessary?
6. Proof of income, supervisors name, employer.

Thanks for any and all help you all can provide! Mind you this move is scheduled for Labor Day weekend so if they are being ridiculous and I need to go back to them to negate things my timing is limited.

Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer: This all sounds legal, just very crappy.  I wouldn't consider renting this apartment.  Walk away while you can.


Title: (California) Employee is threatening to fight her boss if she fires her.

Question:
**Location: California**

I'm posting this for a friend who doesn't have a Reddit account.

The employee (Lets call her Ann) comes to work either drunk, hung over, or stoned.  An employee told the boss that Ann approached him and showed him her "premium" snapchat and where he can go to buy her nudes. This, along with poor work ethic, is why the boss wants to fire her.

However, Ann told her coworkers that she got fired from her second job and got all her followers to write negative reviews on the old work's yelp page. Now the boss is reluctant on firing her because her district manager wants them to maintain a high yelp rating.

Ann caught wind that she might get fired from here too and told the other coworkers that she is ready to fight the boss. She even mentioned that she will slash the boss' tires. Later that day, the boss went to her car and saw that she had a flat. AAA came by and said that there was a blade stuck in the wheel.

I told my friend that her boss should document everything and to bring HR in, but the boss says that she doesn't have enough evidence to bring HR in.

How can the boss fire Ann, possibly take some legal action for the threats, and at the same time save herself from the district manager for when the negative yelp reviews come in waves?

Thanks everyone.

Answer:
 >How can the boss fire Ann

Fire her for insubordination, specifically showing up to work drunk and stoned.

>possibly take some legal action for the threats

Contact the police regarding the threats.

>and at the same time save herself from the district manager for when the negative yelp reviews come in waves?

If negative yelp reviews are of concern to the district manager, she cannot "save" herself.  Answer #2: Criminal mischief and what could be criminal threats?  That's a firin'.

Definitely discuss with the DM, though.   It's the parent company's job to deal with the publicity, but fair for the DM to know about the potential threat.


Title: Secondary Tenant on Lease

Question:
Hello
I am a 19 year old female and when my mom moved out of my dad’s house (divorce), she had to put my name on the lease to get an apartment.
Now I don’t live there, I stayed with my dad. (his apartment is bigger and I didn’t feel like moving all my stuff out)
However my sister who lives with my mom, tells me that they’ve been receiving letters saying that if my mom doesn’t pay the rent by X date, she’ll be evicted.
My mom says she’s been paying it but my sister said they’ve been getting them for weeks.
So my question is, if they do get evicted, since my name is on the lease will that eviction go on my credit report? I don’t pay any portion of it, and they didnt run my credit when we applied, my name had to be on the lease agreement because I was 18 when she applied and I think they needed the income of everybody 18+ in the household.
But my name is on the letters that they send.
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer: Did you sign the lease? If so, an eviction would affect your credit.


Title: Starting bank account for Syrian citizen in Germany

Question:
I am a syrian university student wanting to get a masters degree in germany but it's required of me to open a 8000 euro bank account in germany to apply for visa , it doesn't seem possible for me to transfer it from syria , any advice on how to do it , I can get access to banks in Syria and Lebanon
Topic:
School Related Issues

Answer: Now this just sounds not right.


Title: [KY] Landlord ignored my move-out, did not return or communicate about deposit

Question:
So, I started a new job in a different state a couple months ago and moved out of my apartment in Kentucky. I had been living there for approximately three years. I did not have a written lease agreement and was a month-to-month tenant.

About a month and a half before moving out, I used my landlord's online system to give notice that I was moving out. I received an email confirmation from the landlord confirming they received the notice and the date of my move out.

I heard nothing from them from there. Which, for the most part, was fine. I left the place in good condition -- cleaner than when I moved in -- documented the condition with photographs, and dropped off the key.

I have still heard nothing from them. I sent them a letter that they received on the day of my official move-out (and required signature upon receipt) detailing the apartment's condition and requesting the return of my deposit to my forwarding address.

It's only a few hundred dollars, but if there's a way for me to get it,  I wouldn't mind having it.

At this point, I'm virtually certain they have no legal option but to return the deposit in full -- even if they wanted to make a deduction from it to pay for repairs, they've long since missed their deadline to provide me notice of that, right? What's the best way to communicate this to them? I don't really want to bother with getting a lawyer over a few hundred bucks, but I also don't want to let them screw me.

EDIT to add: I moved out on May 31, 2017, just to be more specific about that.

Answer:
 >What's the best way to communicate this to them?

Send your landlord a letter via **certified mail** that they have violated KY law by not returning your security deposit and/or an itemized list of deductions by the 60-day deadline. Give them 15 calendar days from the date of receiving your letter to pay.

Since you're in another state, it may not be worth suing them in small claims court as you're unlikely to get travel costs reimbursed. Hiring a lawyer would be just as pointless as that cost would dwarf your deposit. If you want some of the money back, you should send the debt to a collections agency. They'll take a percentage of it, but they will do all the leg work.


Title: My moms going through a divorce and shared some information with me today from court (IL)

Question:
Her and my stepfather are going through a divorce presently and they were just at court to talk about cutting her maintenance and the judge decided upon a drop from a little over $300 a week to $600 a month stating "She decided to have 3 children with him, she should suffer some consequences". I researched [this](https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/jib/Pages/Code.aspx#qst3) code of judicial conduct and it seems to me hes in violation of some sections of rule 63 and in relation rule 62. I don't exactly know what she can do in this situation but it seems as though this decision was made with some sort of personal bias or something similar, so any help would be greatly appreciated.
Topic:
Other Civil Matters

Answer:
 > it seems as though this decision was made with some sort of personal bias or something similar

Maybe.

But, you have disclosed nothing it indicate that this is the case.

If there is a suggestion of that, your mom's attorney would be able to address it.


Title: [WI] Roommate is awaiting trial and is smoking pot daily

Question:
Roommate was arrested for several charges in the spring but he concealed this from me and my roommates.  While sorting mail I noticed a number of things coming from a district attorney's office and a public defender's office addressed to him so I followed the trail, looked him up on circuit court website, and voila I discovered the truth.

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He's always been a pot smoker since he moved in and in the area I live in it's very rare to find people around my age who don't at least dabble in it.  I know he smokes and I don't really "care" but for the sake of the safety of myself and my roommates I confronted him about hiding the charges and continuing to smoke in the house.  I know one of the conditions of his release is absolute sobriety and he is DEFINITELY been violating that on the regular.

&#x200B;

I'd like to call the parties responsible for his trial and report him for violating his absolute sobriety.  I've encouraged him to stop smoking for the last two months but he has not and has stopped paying rent in retaliation.  Unfortunately our lease is jointly liable so there is no way to split him short of court action until December.  I am tired of being taken advantage of and put in this position.

&#x200B;

Can I report him anonymously or will I have to identify myself?  Should I contact the local police, or the DA's office responsible for his case?  Am I inviting liability by injecting myself into his criminal proceedings?

&#x200B;

I don't really want to be dragged into this but after trying to prevent the worst case, I don't really feel like I have any options left but to save myself here.

Answer: I'm trying to understand why you say you don't want to be dragged into this, but you're the one who seems to be inserting yourself into your roommate's criminal proceedings though your own repeated actions. What is your goal here?


Title: [AZ] Liability in DUI collision involving distracting passenger

Question:
I signed a plea in 2012 for felony DUI, so charged due to considerable damage to a utility pole. I mentioned to the arresting officer that my passenger had set fire to my beard, which went up like kindling and caused me to lose control. I'm not sure if it made it into the report because the officer was driving and unable to take notes, but it was very obvious by appearance and smell that what I claimed was the truth. I never got a chance to state my case before the judge or to my insurance company (the latter of which I'm beginning to sort out now). After 6 months in jail and a successful year of probation, I made the mistake of fleeing and now have a warrant which I am beginning to take care of now as well.

* Is it too late to have my passengers responsibility taken into consideration to get my liability reduced?
* What happens if the courts can't track him down or he refuses to testify, or even just lies outright?

EDIT: I'm sorry if this seems rude, but is reddit not supposed to be everything Yahoo Answers is not? Every response to this point thus far has made no attempt to knowledgeably answer my questions, only to pass judgement. I would really appreciate some input from someone with personal or professional knowledge and experience (like an attorney or judge or at least someone who's been in this situation themselves). I know to you I am a faceless no-one. But I am someone and this is important to me. I am disabled and I can't afford to foot the bill for someone else's mistake, as well as my own. I'm really putting myself out there and if you're not here to help, then why ARE you here?

Answer:
 > I never got a chance to state my case before the judge

Yes you did.  In court, after you plead not guilty and went to your trial.

If you failed to appear in court, or if you plead guilty without bringing this up, then you DID have a chance and just made the decision not to avail yourself of that chance.

But while he may have some civil liability for the accident, he has no liability at all for your criminal charges.Answer #2: What does your friend setting fire to your face have to do with operating a vehicle while under the influence?


Title: Trying to submit FAFSA; married parents filed HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD

Question:
Florida

Hello, I'm trying to file for government assistance so that I may have an education, however on the 2014 tax return they filed as HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD and not married but filing separately because (and I quote) "the government takes enough money from us as is". I'm filed under my mother, my brother is filed under my father. Obviously this is a problem.

What can I do to submit the FAFSA form? I'm under the impression that if I file as single parents and the government finds out, I'll have to pay the money back. Am I out of luck?

Edit: Thank you everyone. I guess I'm out of luck until they correct their "mistake".
Topic:
School Related Issues

Answer:
 Holy cow, tax volunteer here.

You do not get to pick and choose among tax statuses. If you are married, you can file MFJ or MFS. In some cases of abandonment, the abandoned spouse can file HoH when there are children in the household.

It is like taking a dependency exemption; you don't get to pick and choose. In almost every case, one person only can properly take the exemption.

Slight rant here. Do not mess with the IRS, they are slow, but they will catch up to you eventually in most cases, and that is not how you want to spend your life.

Plus, thank you very much, parents who think it is ok for others to pay for schools, road, police, etc., in their behalf. (Stomps off.)Answer #2: Do not file single parent. Don't let them drag you into their conspiracy. Missing out on a bit of college money beats getting prosecuted for lying on a government form.Answer #3: Your only option is to contact FAFSA. See what they say. You may be screwed.


Title: [TX] Landlord entered my apartment after they knocked and I didn't answer, don't know why they were at my apartment and was never notified beforehand that they would be coming by

Question:
The husband and wife that run the apartment complex that I live in were knocking on doors at my apartment complex yelling "management!". I did not hear them when they got to my floor but they entered anyway. I was freaked out and said something to make it known I was there since they were already in our entryway. While talking to the manager in my living room, his wife noticed the end of a blunt in a tray on mine and my roommates coffee table. It spiraled into a whole big thing and I had to flush mine and my roommates weed down the toilet and our pipes and stuff confiscated. I was so scared in the moment and I was told by the landlord that if I tried to go and argue that I couldn't be evicted on those ground that he "will win, there is no doubt" and so now I have to go talk to the manager on Monday to find out if my roommate and I are being evicted or not.

I'm not concerned about losing any marijuana or pipes or anything like that... What I am concerned about it was what right the management had to just randomly enter my apartment like that with no notice? I have not received any emails, any calls, any papers on my door stating that they would be conducting these "checks". My apartment wasn't the only one that was checked, so I don't think some neighbor just randomly called on our apartment smelling like weed, as it never does and we are very clean people.

The only thing regarding landlord entry that I can find in my lease agreement is this: "Resident hereby agrees that Landlord, subject to the requirements of Applicable Law, can enter the Premises (a) by passkey or otherwise at all reasonable and necessary times for inspection, maintenance, housekeeping, property management, or for any other purpose reasonably connected with Landlord's interest in the Premises and to perform any work or other act necessary in such connection."

Any advice is appreciated.

Answer:
 Good morning,

Your state is one of the few states that does not explicitly state how much notice a landlord must give.  [Here is a source](http://texastenant.org/tenant_privacy.html).  Texas law defers to what is in the lease according to the source.

The best advice is to stop having illegal substances in your unit, which almost assuredly would be grounds for eviction.  Although not a defense for illegal drug possession, you could argue that the entry was not reasonable and necessary nor was the purpose reasonable connected with landlord's interest.  Multiple instances of unreasonable and/or unnecessary entries and/or unreasonable connection with landlord's interest in premises could be grounds for a material breach, but you want to make sure you don't have drugs.


Title: [CA] Hire personal friend and long time attorney for my own company or hire someone else?

Question:
I have a long time personal friend who's also an attorney and he has helped me tremendously through his counsel over the years.

I might open a new company and would like to hire him as general counsel.

However, according to the great advice from this thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/comments/65dwtp/ca_is_sharing_nda_documents_with_the_counsel_of_a/

> I'm sorry, but that's a crazy position. Counsel represents B, not you

So if my company was ever to sue me, would I be able to hire my friend as my counsel while he's also employed by the company?

How would this work?

Does this mean, to protect my interests, I can never have my personal friend also be the counsel at my company?

Answer:
 Why would the company that you own sue you?

Regardless, there would likely be a major conflict of interest in him representing someone suing you.  Speak with him if it's a real concern.  Finding competent legal help is tough.  If he's got a proven track record, I wouldn't be so fast to write him off.


Title: Can my mother divorce and take half of my dads stuff

Question:
My mum abandoned me and my disabled brother when we were about 6 years old, my parents are separated but not divorced she took my dads life savings and lost it gambling, that was over 10 years ago, we haven't kept in contact with her, my dads been building up his savings again, is it possible for her to track us down, divorce my dad and just take half of his assets at any time? In AU, sorry if this is a stupid question.
Topic:
Custody Divorce and Family

Answer:
 It's not silly; but I don't think you have *too* much cause to be alarmed. He's certainly not doing himself any favors by not finalizing the divorce, but judges aren't idiots; and if there's a clear period of legal separation, they'll definitely take that into account during the divorce.

The bigger concern is for inheritances; or beneficiaries on accounts or life insurance. Make sure your dad updates a will and removes her from any old policies.


Title: No action until death certificate?

Question: [deleted]

Answer: You can't just transfer a house to your name like that. I don't think you have a full picture of what's going on. Did the deceased have a will? Were they married?  You will also need to provide a location.


Title: Roommate got into an accident a few weeks ago, and the police department sent her a $300 bill?

Question:
I have never heard of this before. They sent her a bill for "1 Police Vehicle ($154.00), 1 Police Station Prep/Admin Overhead ($113.45), and 1 Police Officers ($40.00)". We are in Michigan.

Are police departments sending bills out for this a new thing or have I somehow just never heard of this before?

Answer: What did she do?


Title: [19F] University gave me wrong Financial Aid check and University Bank deposited into my account.

Question:
I'm completely new to bank terms so I'll try to describe this as much as I possibly can.

My University gives out checks for refunds due to Financial Aid and it just so happens they gave me someone else's when I went to go obtain mine. Not knowing that it was someone else's check, I went to the bank that is also inside the University and cashed it in. From what I heard the employees of the bank that is not supposed to happen.

The check was for 450$ and my bank account is barely at 230$. From what they said, they're going to be drawing the 450$ from my account but there's not much chance that I'll be able to cough up the rest of the 450$ soon.

Is there anything I can do? I don't know anything about bank procedures or legal procedures, but is there anything I can do? I see the University at fault for both giving me the wrong check and right after accepting the check with the wrong name. I was told the woman who the check was originally made out to was making an affidavit, but is there anything I can do? I can't understand why it feels like it all comes down to me in this situation in which everyone made errors.

I am a University student in Florida if that helps. I didn't name the bank or my University since I don't want this post to go down due to witchhunting.

Answer:
 So you deposited a check in someone else's name?

Sounds like everyone screwed up here. You did not read the check or verify the amount you are owed from your aid.

But yes you have to give the money back. Yes it seems like it is all on you because you have money that is not yours.

Are you owed any financial aid money? You could get that to deposit and offset the money being withdrawnAnswer #2: Here's the last update I'll post:

I just got a call from the bank informing me they're going to waive the fees and have already charged my account. I have to payback the rest of the amount owed which is fine and understandable, nothing more or less than that.

Also to clarify the few that are saying I'm "dumb and a criminal" for taking a check that was much more than mine: at the time I had seriously thought that check and amount were owed to me as that's how much Financial Aid usually gives. If I knew it didn't belong to me I wouldn't have deposited it, as simple as that.

I just wanted some clarity on the situation and know what more I can do to make it better. Some of you mistook me for wanting to blame everyone else, but I just want this situation to be fixed and for the right owner to have her money. Thanks!


Title: [CA] Is it legal to stalk someone's house (without being threatening)

Question: [deleted]

Answer: Dude, stay away.  Beyond creepy.  She doesn't owe you an explanation.  Take the hint.


Title: [Texas] My ex was just arrested for leaving kids alone, but my daughter isn't biologically mine.

Question:
Long story short. My ex left my daughter and her little sister alone. Her mom happened to stop by and found the girls. The little one has a medical problem that had gone untreated. My ex showed up, they arrested her, etc.

I'm an idiot for not having adopted my daughter before now, I know that, so please don't add to that guilt.

The stars have aligned, my ex's mom is okay with me taking her, my mom is okay with supplementing my disability income in the meantime. I am not physically disabled or psychiatrically disabled in a manner that would pose a danger to my daughter.

What would be the best way to gain custody of her before I decide to move 500 miles back to our home town permanently?
Topic:
Custody Divorce and Family

Answer:
 Where is her biological father? Were you married to her mother? Is there any other biological relative that will want to take her in? Would mom be okay with you adopting her?Answer #2: NAL

You should consult a lawyer, however there is an alternative to adoption you might want to consider, if it’s applicable in your situation.

If the child has no acknowledged father, you (and the mother) can sign the Acknowledgment of Paternity which then gives you legal paternity. You can do this if you can meet the criteria as  a presumed father which includes “during the first two years of the child’s life, you continuously lived with the child and represented to others that the child was your own.”

You will then have all of the legal rights of paternity. You can learn more [here](https://texaslawhelp.org/article/acknowledgment-paternity-denial-paternity) or [statute](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/FA/htm/FA.160.htm#160.204)

Edited to add since it may not be clear: consult a lawyer about the feasibility of this option,


Title: Recruiter Potentially Gets Offer Rescinded (Chicago, IL)

Question:
Hello everyone. This is an issue out of Chicago, IL. That's Chicago Illinois in case the location bot can't handle it.

I'll try to keep this as short as possible.

I individually applied (without recruiter assistance in any way) to a job position at a large company, a company that I had previously applied to under a recruiter, for a different position in a different division (still under the same umbrella). I then received verbal offer from the potential employer for the position I applied to on my own.

Once I had a verbal offer, I somewhat stupidly reached out to the past recruiter hoping that she could provide some insight into the culture, people, etc, since I didn't have much information about that and she had a long standing relationship with them. She then started sending me lots of emails asking for my contact, saying that she "owns" my resume for 1 year under her agreement with the company, etc etc. It really put me off so I stopped responding for the moment.

So, my legal questions are:

1. She obviously has an agreement with the company that if she presents me, anytime during the next year, it counts towards her. Do I have any legal obligation to make sure that happens? (it obviously may be too late to matter on that point). Do I have any legal obligation to honor that agreement? i.e. - what if this happened and I didn't tell her that I took a job at the company she presented me for, but under a different division. I assume because it is between them, it's not really my problem, correct?

2. If she was to create a problem and get my offer rescinded, and they were to cite her as the reason that they rescinded the offer, do I have any legal recourse against her or the company? While not a lawyer, I recognize that I generally need to sustain damages in order to recover said damages, and my potential earnings don't count, so my thought would be NO, but I thought I would check.

I appreciate any help and insight. If anyone has any other general tips on how to handle this bullshit, that would be appreciated.

Many thanks.

Answer:
 Do I have any legal obligation to make sure that happens?

No you're not a party to that unless you agreed to be.

> do I have any legal recourse against her or the company?

No. They can hire who the want to hire for almost any reason.


Title: [Florida] Employer falsely stated that I made tips while I was in training so they could pay me less than minimum wage during training

Question: I’m not looking to take any action because it came out to less than a 50$ difference, but is this legal?

Answer:
 No. You should take action. You're paying taxes on that money you didn't get.Answer #2: Not legal and easy to report. You don’t even need an attorney. You can just report it to the wage and hours division of the department of labor. Florida doesn’t have its own agency, so just report to the DOL.

Here’s a link to a list of offices: https://www.dol.gov/whd/local/index.htm#stateDetailsAnswer #3: You should consider the possibility that your employer will continue this pattern of dishonesty throughout your employment. Keep that in mind and be vigilant about your future pay, assuming you don't want to report the training wage violation immediately.

Wage theft is by far the greatest form of theft (in both frequency and dollar amount) from Americans, and minimum-wage fraud is the majority of that.Answer #4: Not only should you report it, but you should keep your job search open, this will just be the first dishonest thing they do. Before you know it you’ll be asked to do things like clock out for side work.


Title: Can my former employer sue me if I had to quit my job due to family emergency?

Question:
Hello,

I had to quit my job recently due to family emergency in California without a 2 week notice.  My former boss just emailed me with an attached employee acknowledgement and agreement implying to sue me.  In this email contains my chrome history, where I was given permission to freely browse around including facebook if I'm bored, are some job search sites.  And with that knowledge in mind; my former boss is currently assuming that I found another job and telling me that I was disrespectful and dishonest with my actions and assumed that I lied about my family emergency. As I stated before; she's currently implying to sue me?  I'm already having a bad time with my life and this was added to the pot, What should I do?

p.s. Sorry for all grammatical errors, I wasn't born and raised in the US.

tl:dr - I quit my job abruptly for a family emergency.. my boss thinks I'm lying and is implying to sue me.

Answer:
 Unless you have an employment contract, your employer can't sue you solely for quitting.

If he can articulate a specific failure - that is, something you had definitively promised to do and then did not - he *might* have a shot.  But that's unlikely. Answer #2: Could he fire you without notice ?  Great, then you can quit without notice.    Two week's notice is a tradition in the USA, but it is not part of any statute.

Even if you had been engaging is misconduct (browsing Facebook on Company time), his recourse would be to fire you, not to with-hold your wages or demand restitution.

You are owed your final paycheck, as well as any accrued vacation time or paid time off.  Answer #3: Your location is important but if you were an at-will employee you can quit for any reason you want just like you can be fired for almost any reason and your employer has no recourse.Answer #4: Employee notices and handbooks are pretty much never binding. The employer is just being a jerk. You're lucky you did quit. I have seen this before and I don't understand it. I mean if you died he'd be in the same place he is now.

Yeah it's nice to get notice but what good does trying to scare you do? None, so why bother? And what does he want you to come back? If he thinks you lied, why would he want someone like that to come back, if he believes that to be true? I don't get people like this.

My advice don't reply to him and that's that. If you're owed any money (including vacation/sick/PTO) and don't receive it consulte the CA Dept of Labor's website and file a wage claim.


Title: Slip and fall at hospital

Question: About two weeks ago my mother took my brother in to get survey done at the hospital, as she was walking out and the nurse was pushing my brother in a wheelchair. She slipped on a puddle of water with no wet floor signs or anything of that sort, she fell and dislocated her elbow. The nurse quickly cleaned up the puddle and then they had to in process her into the hospital. They looked at her arm and gave her corrective surgery and now this week a bill came in for that surgery that would of never happened if they would of maintained the facility. What should she do?

Answer:
 The existence of a puddle is not a failure of maintenance.  Puddles happen.  No business can guarantee otherwise, nor be required to make that guarantee.

So the question is whether or not a) the puddle was clearly visible and in plain sight.  It's a factor in determining comparative fault (unless you're in NC, in which case it could be a dealbreaker for your mother's claim).

And b) whether the hospital was negligent in failing to discover and render the puddle safe within a reasonable amount of time.

It's not as simple as "I fell on their property so let's sue their asses off".  Your mother has to be able to show that they had a duty to protect her AND that they failed in that duty.  They do not have a duty to have a janitor magically appear the instant a puddle happens.  So there is always going to be some reasonable time between the existence of the puddle and it getting taken care of.

Minutes?  Hours?  Half a day?  That's for a court to determine.  How much it matters whether the puddle was in plain view is also  for a court to determine.

So yes, it's possible she has a claim and can get her medical expenses covered.  You should contact a personal injury lawyer -- most will do no-cost consultation.


Title: (NJ) 1800 Bill From Verizon When I've Never Had Verizon

Question:
I'm making this post on behalf of my dad.

So I recently checked my dad's credit report and there was a 1800 charge from Verizon.

When we called for more information we found out that the account was open from Oct 14 to March 15. My dad has never had an account from Verizon as we have had AT&T for 20 years.  They have my dad's social but the address they have is my dad's old address where he lived in 1991 which makes me feel like his identity has been stolen.

My dad has never had Verizon wireless tv or Internet in the past.

We went to the police station and filed a report but I am afraid that since they used my dad's old address they will find him at fault. Any advice?

Answer:
 Here's the FAQ from /r/personalfinance regarding identify theft:

https://www.reddit.com/r/personalfinance/wiki/identity_theft


Title: Me (25F) married to (35F) for almost 2 years. Need out. Advice?

Question:
Hi /r/legaladvice,

I'm in an incredibly abusive relationship, and I'd like to get out of it asap. Will be married for 2 years this April.

I know in CA you are able to file for a 'no content' divorce, but I have no idea where to start or where to go. Yes, I know you go to the courthouse, and I've looked at the documents, but they're not exactly intuitive.

About me: Employed by a tech giant for 8 months (9mo in April), unemployed for 6 months before that, makes $130K a year, $130K in stock (won't vest til 9/16), no joint bank accounts, no shared bills under both our names, only our apartment lease is shared and we rent from a landlord. 15K total student loan and personal debt which I am paying off.

About her: Employed by SAME tech giant for 3.25 years, makes $93K a year, $20K in vested stock and $75K in unvested stock. 130K in student loan debt which she is not paying off

Current situation: We live together, lease is under both our names, all the furniture (tv, two beds, couch, you name it) is mine. I took out a loan to pay for everything, this loan is under my name only. Is she able to get what I own? Am I liable for her student loan debt? My name is not on her loan, her name is not on my loans.

Edit: Not looking for a referral. Just any advice on the situation.

Answer: We don't do referrals here.  Best way to get a good divorce attorney is to talk with a friend who has had a good experience with theirs.  If you have no such friend or acquaintance, contact the California state bar for a referral.


Title: Car insurance says they cant help after an accident.

Question: I was recently in a car accident. Two people ran yellow lights and hit each other and then crashed into me. My car is totalled and now the person at faults insurance says they cant give us the full value of the car because the other car involved will cost too much to repair and we're basically SOL. Is there anything that can be done? I am in Florida.

Answer:
 Have you talked to your insurance yet?

The other thing you could do is sue for the value of your car.Answer #2: It sounds like the insurance company of the at-fault party is saying that the at-fault party carried too little insurance to pay for all the cars involved in the accident.  Then again, that company's duty is to their policy holder and too pay out as little as possible, so they may just be trying to scare you off.

Your insurance is probably saying that it will take "twice as long" because they would need to get whatever funds they could from the at-fault party's insurance, THEN go after the at-fault party with a civil suit.  If nothing else, you'd be out your deductible while all that plays out.

What kind of policy do you carry?  The level of work you will need to do on your own and what your insurance will do for you will depend on that.


Title: Received a ticket for not having an inspection. (NY)

Question:
Like the title says, I recently bought a car and let my 10-day expire. I'm a full time college student so I rarely have time to do things. I got it inspected the week after I got my ticket. The fine isn't too bad, but there's a $90 NY surcharge for every fine, and I'm broke. Can I plead not guilty and try to tell the judge that i'm full time and also show him my inspection receipt?
Edit: by broke I don't mean poor. I have a decent amount in my savings but I'm trying to avoid spending more than I have to.
Topic:
Traffic and Parking

Answer:
 > I'm a full time college student so I rarely have time to do things.

You think you don't have time to do things? Just wait until you are a full-time employee, like the judge for instance.


Title: FIND THE CASE! Fox v. the Truth

Question:
So apparently there was a case regarding Jane Akre and Fox News about lying that appears to be well referenced and horribly sourced. Im looking for the actual name of the legal case so that I can pull the case itself and do some light reading (I'm no legal major but this kind of thing interests me) but from what I have found, there doesnt appear to be a case...

This is the appeals court's 2003 logs :
http://law.justia.com/cases/florida/second-district-court-of-appeal/2003/?page=2

EDIT:: **Im still reading to verify** appears I have found it: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/1684846/new-world-communication-of-tampa-inc-v-akre/?

Answer: New World Commc'ns of Tampa, Inc. v. Akre, 866 So. 2d 1231 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2003)


Title: There's a cult church trying to take over my town of Redding CA. They are monopolizing the housing, have members in city council, control the entertainment that comes, and regularly donate large sums of cash to law enforcement and media. What can someone with no voice like me do about this?

Question:
This original post Here:https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/9sr7zn/serioustheres_a_cult_church_trying_to_take_over/

has over 3k upvotes, 600 comments, and 40k+ views, however r/AskReddit decided to censor the post for some reason, removing it from view on their front page, as well deleting dozens of the comments from the thread. It was suggested to me to re post it here.

Answer: What do you want done?


Title: Someone might be trying to use me for tax fraud.

Question:
First off, I'm located in Kentucky and I'm trying to make some extra side money. Well, a friend of a friend has offered to pay me $500 a day to do some work for him for his business. The only catch is, he wants to pay me with a $1500 check every time and I am to cash it and give him back $1000. I could really use the extra money but this sounds a little sketchy. He won't go into much detail about why he wants to pay me like this but I assume he's wanting to write off extra Business expense. He swears up and down I have nothing to worry about as long as I cash it and don't deposit it.

I would like some advice on the matter if I were to go through with this deal for a few months. What could the repercussions be on me? Is this something that is fine legally and I'm just overthinking it?

Answer:
 This is 100% a scam. It can go one of two ways: You cash the check at your bank and give him his cut of the money. Once the check bounces (and it WILL), the bank will remove the $1500 from your account along with bounced check fees.

If you cash it somewhere like Walmart, you could be subject to criminal charges. They take down all your info, it's not hard to find you after the check bounces.

This could also be a part of a money laundering scheme, which you REALLY don't want to get tangled up in. Unless the idea of prison time amuses you.Answer #2: Btw you need new friendsAnswer #3: I am not a lawyer.  It sounds like the fake check scam.  That could land you in both legal and financial trouble.  Don't do it.  And avoid any further contact with this person.


Title: Our neighbors have a tree that is knocking down our fence

Question:
So we live in a nice area, but have some neighbors that seem to not like us. The father has all sorts of plants in his backyard, including this tree. The tree was planted there right next to our fence, and as it has grown up, it has started to push the fence over. We have asked nicely several times for him to remove the tree,  but he refused and said that he would arrest us if we came on his property again (he's some sort of law enforcement supposedly). Also keep in mind that my father spoke with him, not me (so idk if he actually said exactly that).

Edit: I live in Johnson County, Kansas

Answer: Depends on the jurisdiction but usually you cannot do anything to the tree on your property that will damage the tree, but the neighbor must repair the fence or any damages caused by his tree growing onto your property, or be forced to remove the tree. I would consult your local ordinances and a real estate lawyer to find out if you can compel him to remove the tree or repair the fence. If you attempt to cut the tree down the owner can sue you for the value of the tree, in the several thousands of dollars.