Title: Pulled over for speeding but didn’t know the car behind me was a cop and officer was driving in an aggressive manner.

Question:
I was coming home from school (grad student getting my MBA) the other night around 11:30. I live in a small town so cars on the road that late are few and far between. I pass a gas station and suddenly see a car whip out behind me. I’m going 45 in a 45 so I think nothing of it. The car is about 4-5 car lengths behind me when I make my way through a yellow light about a quarter mile later, the car blows the red light to stay behind me. I speed up slightly (about 5 miles an hour) to try and put more distance between us and the car speeds up to match me. About 3/4s or a mile after the light, I blinker to turn into the middle lane and turn left onto my street. I get about 100ft down the street and see the car whip onto my street without using their blinker and continue to follow me. I speed back up to 45 (doing 45 in a 25) at this point and the car stays right behind me, I pull into my driveway, and he puts his flashers on. Until that point, I truthfully had no idea it was a cop as streets near me are dark and have few or no streetlights, all I saw was a set of headlights. Is what this officer did legal, or do I have a course of action to fight the $188 ticket I am now stuck with?  I’ve only had two other traffic infractions in my life (passing a stopped school bus on the other side of a 4 lane highway, and having a taillight our). I’ve never pulled over for speeding and am I safe driver so I’m wondering if those factors will help me in my defense.

I’m from New York State if that helps in regards to the laws in this sort of situation.

Please let me know if anyone can be of some insight.
Topic:
Traffic and Parking

Answer: You can go to traffic court and state your case to the judge and hope for some leniency. But the fact still remains that you were indeed speeding.


Title: Professor purposely passing students to cover his lack of teaching in class.

Question:
This is happening at an accredited 2 year trade college, where im pursuing an associates of applied science to do with electrical work. I pay $19k per year and actually wanted to have something to show for it. He just breezes through power points that were taken from the books CD ROM, then just plays YouTube videos with the same projector about funny workplace accidents. He doesn't check any of the homework and just gives each student a 95% (confirmed it with other classmates that are sick of this too). We just took our midterm as a class, like actually go over each question together. I think he knows most of the class would fail and is covering his ass because he doesnt enforce anything. It's surreal.I feel like I'm getting scammed out of my hard work and money. He is the professor for each of my Major's classes.  I do read up and study after classes but would prefer someone who can actually teach to help me. I don't know where to go, I've only got two semesters to go and feel like I should have gotten more for what I'm paying for.

Edit: location PA

Answer: I suggest you look into alternate schools that will accept credits from your current institution, then transfer to a place that will actually teach you something.


Title: My grandmother that I'd lived with for 2-3 years called the police and kicked me out with zero notice, as retaliation for calling out her abusiveness when I was a child during an argument. Now she's refusing to give me stuff back. What legal recourse do I have? [Ontario]

Answer: One of the best options is to ask your local police for an escort while you recover your property, particularly important documents, computer and whatever else you can.Answer #2: Oooh. Good for you, Ontario has some of the strictest tenancy laws on this side of the planet. I would contact the police first to arrange you going in to retrieve your belongings, followed by contacting a lawyer versed in Ontario’s tenancy laws


Title: [CA] Car Fender bender. No damage to my vehicle. The party at fault looked at my car, then drove off. Should I file police report?

Question:
I was in my vehicle, not moving. The other vehicle backed into me in a parking lot. I stepped out to assess the damage, and she said, "What were you doing there?"

I continued to look at the damage, and she got back in her car and sped off. I took a video of her driving away and got a clear shot of the plates.

She hit my license plate frame which I don't care about. But in the video, I can see a scratch to her rear bumper, and she also fled the scene.

Should I be filing a police report to protect myself? There were 2 witnesses, my spouse and a Hollywood actor that I happened to recognize.

Answer:
 Hit and run is a misdemeanor in CA.  Report if you want, but if you say there is no damage not sure what there is to gain.Answer #2: I suppose there's some risk that she files a false hit & run report against *you,* but you have video clarifying the situation, so I wouldn't worry about that.

Also, if they ask you who else was there and you name a well-known actor they're going to think you're delusional.


Title: (CA) How to deal with potential scam: Business claims I paid with counterfeit $100 bill.

Question:
This just happened on Saturday: I went to a tire shop to get tires replaced, and the owner offered a discount if I paid in cash. He even let me drive my car to the bank after the service was complete  to get cash to pay the bill. I went to the bank, withdrew $500 and change from a teller, and received the cash in an envelope. I went directly to the tire shop and gave the envelope to the owner. I quickly counted the cash in front of him, took my receipt and left.

About 3 hours later (7pm or so), I receive a call from the tire shop owner, claiming that one of the $100 bills was a counterfeit, and that it even has a "fake" stamp on it. I told him I took the money directly from the bank, so there is no way it was counterfeit. The owner is now trying to make me either repay him, or exchange the cash at the bank.

I called the bank, and they will not refund the cash. I have no proof that the cash even came from me. How should I proceed? Am I at risk of any legal trouble? Should I file a police report? Should I take any responsibility for the cash?

Thank you!

EDIT: OK Thanks everyone for your input. I just called the owner and let him know I spoke with my family attorney, and was advised that the counterfeit money is not my responsibility, as I have no proof it came from me, and I have the receipt of payment received from the business. Once I mentioned my family attorney, the owner wanted to get off the phone, and said its "no problem". Little did he know, my family attorney is REDDIT (jk). Thanks guys.

Answer:
 Tell him to pound sand. Answer #2: This sounds like a scam, they received the fakes elsewhere and are trying to pawn it off on you.  Answer #3: >  I told him I took the money directly from the bank, so there is no way it was counterfeit.

Taking it directly from the bank has nothing to do with it being counterfeit.  Unfortunately, with counterfeit money, whoever is the last one to hold it is the loser.Answer #4: This scam is a variant on a common scam in certain countries against tourists.

You give cash to, say, a taxi driver.  Taxi driver then surreptitiously exchanges a legal bill for an obviously counterfeit bill, then informs you of the counterfeit bill and demands more cash to cover the false difference.

Were I you, I'd call the local cops to make a report.  If they try to blow you off, demand a report.  No charges will result but there needs to be a record in the police database of this to help protect the future people he tries to scam.Answer #5: ProTip: whenever receiving large denomination bills (like $100s) from a bank or casino or anywhere else, always insist on the [new bills](http://abcnews.go.com/US/fullpage/meet-100-bill-20508631), as they will have the latest counterfeiting countermeasures and be much less likely to be fake.

Glad you got this resolved, subby!


Title: Arrested for felony drug possession, even though i have prescription for it. And would also like some clarification if a lawsuit is possible for what was done to me.

Question:
EDIT:before you read this it is a bit of a lengthy read, im sorry about that but when dealing with a case as serious as this i want to add as much detail so i can get the best help possible, sorry if i ramble a little.

Location:Chicago Illinois, Time of arrest:1:30 pm Tuesday July 28 2015

Quite a weird and traumatizing thing happened to me a couple days ago, i had 4 pain pills on me (Norco) in the palm of my hand and was walking down the street to my mothers house (she lives only about 100 feet away), out of no where a normal looking car with tinted windows seemed to be following me, moving slowly while i walked, i stopped and looked at the car and saw no movement so i began walking again.

As soon as i crossed the street i hear the tires of this car suddenly screech and  speed up 2 the sidewalk i was walking on, Next thing i know the passenger side door flies open and an unidentified man jumps out pointing a gun straight at my face, i have never felt so much terror in my life as these men did not look like cops at all, no suits, absolute regular car, (not even a cage separating the driver and passanger side from the back of the car) and didn't identify themselves as police, i was shocked and thought for sure that i was about to either get robbed or kidnapped or even worse, killed.

i dropped everything in my hands, the soda i was carrying and the 4 norco pills and started to run, but eventually dropped to my knees as i was afraid i would be shot in the back. I dropped to my knees as these gentleman ran up and cuffed me, i now knew they were obviously cops so i was asking them "what did i do to deserve this? why why are you arresting me!?" he simply responded with shut the fuck up and threw me in the unmarked vehicle and than proceeded to pick up the pills i had dropped when i ran (NOTE: i did not drop them as in trying to get rid of evidence, i droped them in plain sight from the fear of having a gun drawn on me)

the next couple of days were some of the worst of my life, i was booked for my first ever felony of having a controlled substance, or any drug for that matter, without bond at 1:30 pm on Tuesday.

I was taken to a police station around 8 miles from my house, finger printed etc, and was told that since it was a felony I could not post bond, Instead i was scheduled to appear at felony bond court the next day (Wednesday) at 1:30 pm in the evening, literally 24 hours i had to stay in a cell and was unable to leave the cell AT ALL it was torture being in there that long but that's not even the worst of it, it got much worse.

I anxiously waited the 22-23 hours worried sick about if i would lose my job for doing a no call no show for 1 day, as i only had 1 phone call and i made it to my family so they could meet me the next day at felony bond court to post bail. i confirmed 3  times with the bailiff just to make sure their would be no screw ups about the time or what court house to go to and told my mom this information. (and im sure all of this is on the security cam footage)

The next day i woke up still in the same cell wondering what time it was. i had just been through hell and back sitting in a cell for 24 hours, and now i was completely confused as to why i was still in my cell? i tried getting the attention of the guards to ask what time it was and what time i leave for court, all of them ignored my question, after i asked a cell mate what time it was and he told me it was 3:30 PM i really started to panic and almost broke down.

Nobody would give me an answer why i was still being held in jail, i seriously started to freak out and wound up balling crying myself back to sleep, a little later into that night the ballif (the one that confirmed when my court appearance was the previous day) opened up my cell at 6 pm and told me to follow her, she said they had to redo my finger prints again.

Before even getting out of my bed i asked her why i have not been sent to bond court like i was officially told by her, she looked down at the floor and said "sorry first shift messed up your paperwork and fingerprints and said they were extremely busy that day so they rescheduled your bond hearing for tomorrow (Thursday) at 1:30 pm.

 When i heard this my heart dropped, they were basically telling me they messed up my papers and fingerprints and for that i must do another 24 hour of pure torture of sitting in that cell. I was in shock at this point and incredibly depressed as i knew that their would now be a very good chance that my job would fire me for dissapearing for 2 days, they never even let me know this had happened and my mother appeared at the previous bond court and was in shock when i wasnt there. The second day i was allowed to make a second phone call to my mother, which i than told her about the polices huge mistake and to go to the same bond hearing again tomorrow at 1:30, the balif promised me this time their would be no mess up, and offered me a frozen dinner meal, unlike the bologna sandwhiches i had been getting every day, thats when i realized they were trying to extra nice to me because they knew they fucked up bad.

 but the damage had already been done, they made me miss another day of work and very possibly ended my employment for now 2 call no shows, and since the bond hearing was the next day on Thursday at 1:30, i would have to miss 3 days of work!!! they were literally ruining my life right in front of me. I finally showed up to bond court the next day at 1:30 and the state defense read a statement from the police man that arrested me, he stated that he saw me make a hand to hand transaction with a car that passed by me and he then casually walked up to me and saw that i had drugs in my hand. This was a complete lie, he made the whole story up, even on the way to the police station after the arrest we discussed where i got the pills from, i had told them i had them at my house as i have been prescribed them for the last 4 years and that my back was hurting that day (2 herniated discs) so i did not need a container for only 4 pills, he simply told me i was a bullshit liar and that im gonna rot behind bars, he said if i just tell the truth they would let me go without a felony, they just wanted me to confess so that their was no way i could win in a trial, i didnt take the bait and stuck to my real story.

If i can get the security camera footage from inside the police station while they were interrogating me he actually tells me straight out "Ok i believe you got the pills from your house and you didnt buy them but it still doesnt matter as you were carrying them without the proper container.

This is the direct opposite of what he wrote in his statement  this proves hes lieing just to get me in trouble. At bond court the statement was read and i was given a bond for 500 dollars, i paid it and finally left jail after being put in tuesday 2:30 pm and released on 4:30 pm thursday and i am now waiting for my trial date later this month, i have already hired an attorney, i meet with him on monday but if anybody in the attorney field can answer a couple quick questions it would be most appreicated

I: If my job is lost as a direct consequence of  the police screwing up my bond process can i sue them?

II: As i said before i have been prescribed norco for the last 4 years of my life due to a back injury sustained from working hard larbor, although my last script for them was filled around 8 months ago, as my back had been doing better and i did not need to take them so much so often, I have had them stocked in my medicine cabinet for when my back gives me problems, my questions is, can a prescription expire out legally? im a tad worried that since i was prescribed so long ago that it would not count as me being currently prescribed and thus breaking the law. I can easily go to my local pharmacy and print out all my old prescription records to prove this, but they are just not that recent.

III:If i can find evidence of this officer writing up blatant lies on his statement of why i had the pills on me (such as the security cam footage of him agreeing with me that i got them from my house and not a passing by car) can i sue the police station for misconduct? or attempt to get him fired?

Im sorry for the long read, but if you could bear with me and give me some legal advice as i am extremely anxious and depressed at the moment from what i had to go through, I just want to know the best possible way to go about this.

Answer:
 I read the whole story. Am I the only one thinking something is off or missing? It just doesn't make sense to be trailed and singled out by undercovers randomly like that. Possible, sure, but a waste of limited resources.

As far as legal advice, you've gotten some great advice and I hope you heed it as opposed to just focus on what you wanted to hear.


Title: Bank didn't close account; now after us for fees.

Question:
Apologies for formatting / grammar; I'm on a mobile.

I'm not sure if this is the best place to ask (maybe r/personalfinance would be better?), but in 2009 my husband got offered a job in Illinois (at the time we were in Florida). We had a bank account at "S Bank". When we arrived in Illinois we realized that there were no branches of that bank in the state, so we had to open a new account elsewhere. We called S Bank and asked them how we would go about closing our account from another state. The manager told us that our account was overdrawn (our mistake) and all we needed to do was send a check to cover the difference as well as a letter stating we wished to close the account. We did this; they cashed the check; we went on our merry way.

A few months later we get a letter from them stating that we owe over $200 in overdraft fees from this account. When we called, the same manager told us yes, they got our check. He apologized profusely for "the mistake" (of not closing the account after posting the check), but said there was nothing he could do at that point and we would have to contact corporate.

You can imagine how that went; corporate denies all responsibility whatsoever, insisted we were on the hook for the charges, and sent us to collections. There is no way for them to deny that they got our letter requesting that the account be closed, because they cashed the included check.

Is there anything we can do? Can we deny the validity of the debt whenever we get these letters from collection agencies?

We now live in Tennessee, if that is relevant.

Answer:
 They can absolutely waive their fees and close the account.  Contact the bank president and their state banking regulator to complain.

These are the sort of nonsense fees that poor people think they have to just pay and rich people never do.  It's the bank's error.  Complain until they acknowledge that and eat it.


Title: [Aus] Partner fell down two flights of stairs at a train station. Wondering if there is anything we can do?

Question:
Short version: Partner has broken her wrist and totally shattered and dislocated her elbow when she fell down two flights of stairs due to water being on the steps. She will be off work for at least 6 months, 12 pending any complications with the surgery. She was neither drunk or on drugs, both tests done at hospital reflect this. There was no sign saying "slippery when wet" anywhere to be seen and there were no attendants/police on the platform at all. This all occurred at about 8:30PM. Is there any way we could seek reimbursement for the duration of time she will have to be off work? or even something more? Thank you for reading.

TL;DR: Shattered, broken and dislocated elbow when falling down 2 flights of stairs at a train station. could we seek compensation?

EDIT: She had alcohol in her system but it was below the legal limit (0.05)
Topic:
Personal Injury

Answer:
 I don't see how they are liable unless you can show they knew there was a hazard and elected not to clean it up.

Shitty things happen sometimes. Can you apply for some sort of short-term disability?


Title: New car needs a new engine?

Question: Hi I live in Lacey Washington I brought a new Chrysler 200 2016 four cylinder. I bought this car last March it has a 6 year 60000 mile warranty I owe $28,000 on it and it needs a new engine. This still falls under my warranty but I'm curious if this qualifies under the Lemon Law. About two months after I bought it I noticed that the engine runs hard I've brought in it in several times I've kept up on the oil changes and maintenance and after finally fighting with them for over a year they kept it overnight and in the morning when they turned it on heard the sounds that I heard knocking shaking rattling now they're waiting for the OK from Chrysler to swap out the engine. I feel like I should either have a new car or at least get rid of this one because it's been a pain since the beginning any advice on what I can do or should do thank you, Q

Answer: If they are replacing your engine and this fixes the problem then you don't have a lemon. A lemon is a car with a problem that can't be fixed after X attempts.


Title: Mother passed away recently leaving 4 children and $100,000 behind. My sister was the executor on the account and is refusing to pay me and my two siblings the money that was promised to us by our mother

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 >It was my grandmothers wish that the money be split between the four siblings, but I do not believe that was actually stated in her will, just word of mouth.

Whose estate is this? You said your mother, at first, but then said it was your grandmother. If this gift was not memorialized in the will, those funds would go to the rightful heir by law. Depending on whose estate that is, you may not have a legal right to pursue payment.


Title: Former Employer is Trying to Gouge Me For Money

Question:
My employer, a very small business (< 4 employees) laid me off earlier this year, claiming that they were going to sell the business. At the time, I expressed an interest in the purchase, which I quickly realized was a mistake: the finances were in shambles and my former employer is a shark of a human being.

Anyway, while I was working for this person, they had me set up a Square account so I could help clients with unrelated issues after-hours and take direct payment. We had the business name on the account but it went directly to me.

Of course, I'd been let go, the employer inquired about a charge they found 'confusing' and got pushy, starting to speak about getting lawyers involved to take a look at what I'd made through this Square account. Rather than deal with the headache of that, I sent them a check for the 'confusing' charge and thought that was that.

Of course, this was blood in the water. Now they're saying there's another charge, and they want a full accounting of all my Square transactions. I'd used this Square account during that time for some personal charges as well, and there's no easy way to separate things out. All I know is that my total transactions over 4 years come out to about $10k.

I don't have the time or, frankly, the will to go through a court case. I haven't responded to this latest message and I shut this employer off of everything--email, phone, etc.--after the last time after expressing that I didn't want to be contacted any more.

I feel pretty stupid right now. What do I do?

I'm in California, in the US.

Answer:
 Wow, you intermingled the money of your employer and your personal money?  That is rather a bad plan.

If I were you I would spend some quality time with the Square spreadsheets & the timesheets and figure out who every transaction belongs to.  Because your employer is well within his rights to demand that data, and it sounds like they will do so.


Title: Son in law hurt at work

Question:
My son in law is a prison guard in Oklahoma and his arm was broken at work today. They had him fill out paperwork for a work place injury and told him he couldn't go to the hospital or see a doctor at until Monday because his lieutenant isn't there to sign the paperwork. They told him if he goes to the hospital before his lieutenant signs the paperwork they won't cover it with his insurance. This sounds very sketchy and cruel to me. He is in a lot of pain. I'm trying to convince him to go to the doctor anyway because there's no way that can be legal right?

I'm sorry if I used the wrong flair, I didn't see any work place injury or something similar choices.

Thank you for your advice and time!
Topic:
Insurance

Answer:
 He'll be filing a workers comp claim. It is insane and ignorant to tell someone if they go to the hospital for a *broken arm* that occurred at work that it won't be covered without a signature. He has 30 days to report it to his workplace. Which he has already done. He needs to go to urgent care or the ER and get the damn arm set before there's permanent damage.

https://www.ok.gov/wcc/

[Here is your state's guide for injured workers in PDF form.](https://www.ok.gov/wcc/documents/5_18_16%20Guide%20for%20Injured%20Workers%20FINAL.pdf) I'd have him, you, his wife, everyone read this top to bottom to understand his rights.


Title: Amazon job dissolved

Question:
I hope I’m posting this to the right sub
Amazon started a new program earlier this month where the employed their own delivery drivers as opposed to third parties doing it for them. My boyfriend has been doing this job for a couple months now getting paid $18 an hour and really enjoyed it, until this morning.
He showed up to his regular scheduled shift this morning and was told that the program was dissolved and sent home.
Is this legal? How can amazon get away with that

Answer: Yeah, it’s legal to lay people off. They can get away with it because no one is guaranteed a job.


Title: UPDATE--Called police for welfare check on couple screaming bloody murder. One got arrested. WDID?

Question:
Hey guys, if you're just tuning in, here's a link to my [original post](https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/comments/68tsxv/called_police_for_welfare_check_on_couple/) where everyone was incredibly helpful in encouraging me to make a statement to the police.

A few weeks has passed, and I've heard nothing from the detective since, which is extremely disappointing. I've left 4 messages for them and there has been no reply. It pretty much went silent on all fronts.
However, this evening a note has been slipped under my door by a "friend" of the person arrested, thanking me for calling the police and asking if we can chat about my perceptions of the altercation are. They inquire as to whether I'm willing to speak to this person's lawyer.

Is this person just fishing? I'm frantically trying to call the detective and I have no idea if talking to this person will render me inadmissible in court. The letter also acknowledges that there's further legal action to be had. I'm so agitated at the lack of assistance from the detective. Hell, I can't even call the detective in my own home because the person arrested still lives below me and can hear me.

Once more, any advice helps. I'm super freaked out at the moment.

Answer: Keep trying to get in touch with either the police or the prosecutor.Answer #2: Do NOT talk to any lawyer on any side unless summoned.


Title: My friend has been taking care of her sister's daughter while the mother was on a hard drug binge. Now that my friend and her husband have talked to a lawyer about custody, the mother pulled the little girl out of school and won't let her see them.

Question:
A little backstory - mom is a dope head.  Her home is filthy with bugs and the child is often unwashed and has rashes.  She's totally cool with leaving her kid at someone's house for months, but now that someone is trying to get custody of her she is trying to keep her away from everyone.

My friend has gotten a lawyer, but their appointment is scheduled for a week from now and he won't talk to them until then.  They know they have no power over the mother until they get custody.

But... how do they ensure the child's safety until then?  They are so worried and not even dfs is willing to help because she's the mother.

What can they do legally?

Edit: they live in Missouri

Answer: contact child protective services immediately or whatever name it goes by in the location you are which you did not provide.  Make sure they are aware of the condition of the home and ask them to do an inspection.


Title: A Question regarding usage of US Flag. Please give proper advice.

Question:
Hi, everyone. I'm from Texas. I and my school friends are having an competition of Best DP on Facebook. I gave an idea to put my DP on Facebook.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a0/Comey-FBI-Portrait.jpg/640px-Comey-FBI-Portrait.jpg

If I put US Flag in background like this and wear Suit and click a picture in formal photo and use it as my DP on Facebook, that would be perfectly fine, right? Or is it against law. Please guide me.

Cheers from fellow Redditor!

Answer:
 What is a "Best DP?"

None of what you described seems to be a legal question.  Your school may or may not allow you to wear this in your school picture.  Facebook has their own guidelines for pictures.

Doing shit to the American Flag is generally freedom of speech.

Still unclear what you're asking, so I hope those answer it.


Title: Left a bank account after grandmothers death will says all funds within the account are mine bank is saying they closed the account

Question: What do I do from here? This is in Nova Scotia Canada I have no idea what the amount was in the account

Answer:
 See if you can find out who closed the account, and when. Answer #2: If you inherited something as a minor, your parents were entitled to use that for your benefit.

Unless there were restrictions on how funds to be used (given to you when you reach a certain age, used for college education, etc.), the facts you presented do not show any malfeasance.Answer #3: Do you know if the executor finished probate on the will? Details on what needs to be done is here: http://www.courts.ns.ca/Probate_Court/NSPBC_faq.htm

If they did not then it is possible that the government completed probate on their own, and the money was transferred to them. In that case it is technically possible to get the money back, but from what I have been told the cost to do so is often more than the money that was transferred.


Title: [CA] I worked (until yesterday) for a hospice company. An RN saw that a patient had expired and quickly told the family sign a DNR without explaining what it meant so she didn't have to attempt to resuscitate the patient, in order for the company to get one last payment.

Question: [deleted]

Answer: How does the hospice not attempting resuscitation equate to them getting additional payment? My understanding is that hospice is paid per diem.


Title: Not allowed to work on Xmas eve.

Question:
So the company I started at in June posted last week that we are not allowed to work on Xmas eve and new years eve. We are just out the hours for this week and next week. One of the superintendents at my job said that's not legal. Any truth to this? I just want to get my 40 hours and understand that when I got hired they don't pay holidays, but to tell me I can't work either? Kinda sucky.  BTW I'm in Washington state.

TLDR; No holiday pay and told short week so no 40 hours. Is it legal? Washington state.

Answer: Yes, they have the option of scheduling you for fewer hours than normal unless you have a contract guaranteeing otherwise.


Title: My girlfriend's workday prevents her from working a different shift, and is missing out on overtime pay. Can she do anything about it?

Question:
Location: California, United States.

My girlfriend is having an issue similar to [this post](https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/comments/2nasqo/my_employer_is_changing_the_hours_of_the_workday/) but not necessarily for the same reason.

My girlfriend works at a hospital, and her normal shift is 7:00pm - 7:00am (night shift). She covered for a coworker who works day shift (7:00am - 7:00pm). When she looked at her pay stub, she realized she was missing overtime pay that she normally receives for working the 12 hours.

When she asked HR and Payroll, they informed her that her workday is scheduled to be 12:00pm - 11:59am the following day. So her working the day shift means she worked 7:00am - 11:59am on one day and 12:00pm - 7:00pm the next.

I know that the employer can define the work day individually, and they have employees who are on the 7:00am/pm - 7:00pm/am work days, so I'm not sure why she is not included on that schedule. When asked about it, I don't know the exact reason they gave her.

For now, she isn't planning on covering any more day shifts, but she doesn't want to seem rude if she's ever asked about it in the future by her coworkers. Is there anything she can do to get the time/pay she missed?
Topic:
Labor Law

Answer: No, it's legal for them to do this, as long as they don't change the definition for each worker to avoid paying overtime. But just on a nonlegal level, it makes sense, right? I mean the day shift is desirable over the night shift, right?Answer #2: She didn't miss any pay. You understand that days are days right? They become new days after midnight.


Title: Roommate owes me $2000

Question: My roommate hasn't paid rent in 3 months. I live in Arizona. He has had 2 other people illegally living in his apartment, along with several drugs being done in his room. I want to go the leasing office and tell them about this issue, but I'm afraid it will backfire on me, and I'll get an eviction on my record which I obviously do not want. Would it be easier to break the lease (for $3000), and sue him for the total $5000 he owes me, or just tell the office and risk it? Or do I have any other options? Can anyone help, or direct me to an Arizona lawyer who can, that won't charge me an absurd amount of money? Thanks in advance.

Answer: I'd say the leasing office is the best bet. You've been paying the rent so they'd probably want to keep you cause money. After the deadbeat is out you can sue him for the unpaid rent, but collecting may be tricky.


Title: [Canada] Importing a NSFW Anime body pillow

Question:
[NSFW Body pillow in question](https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1LdGlPXXXXXcpXVXXq6xXFXXXY/December-2016-update-My-Youth-Romantic-Comedy-Is-Wrong-As-I-Expected-Characters-isshiki-iroha-body.jpg_640x640.jpg)

The character in question is listed as 16 on the anime's wiki page, but in my opinion the image is pretty tame - but I don't know if it would be too lewd by legal standards?

[The law](https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Canadian_Criminal_Law/Offences/Child_Pornography/Definition_of_Child_Pornography)

>Definition of “child pornography”
163.1 (1) In this section, “child pornography” means

(a) a photographic, film, video or other visual representation, whether or not it was made by electronic or mechanical means,
(i) that shows a person who is or is depicted as being under the age of eighteen years and is engaged in or is depicted as engaged in **explicit sexual activity**, or
(ii) the dominant characteristic of which is the depiction, for a sexual purpose, of a sexual organ or the anal region of a person under the age of eighteen years;
(b) any written material, visual representation or audio recording that advocates or counsels sexual activity with a person under the age of eighteen years that would be an offence under this Act;
(c) any written material whose dominant characteristic is the description, for a sexual purpose, of sexual activity with a person under the age of eighteen years that would be an offence under this Act; or
(d) any audio recording that has as its dominant characteristic the description, presentation or representation, for a sexual purpose, of sexual activity with a person under the age of eighteen years that would be an offence under this Act.

I would think that:
(a)(i) does not apply, because although the character being depicted is under 18 years old, being in a stage of undress/underwear would not qualify as explicit sexual activity hopefully?
(b)(ii) does not apply, as there is no full nudity?

Not too sure about (c) or (d) though.

Can any lawyers give me their thoughts please?  I just want to enjoy my body pillow with my waifu on it T__T
I don't want the CBSA to put me on some watch list or get thrown in prison

Answer:
 "Depiction" isnt necessarily showing the naughty bits. T. R v. Rudiger:

https://www.canlii.org/en/bc/bcsc/doc/2011/2011bcsc1397/2011bcsc1397.html

"Given compelling evidence of a “dominant prurient purpose”, a depiction of a child who is not naked can be pornographic."

I'm assuming you're planning on using this body pillow for a l e w d purpose so this might be considered CP.

On the flipside though this anime waifu looks like she's 18 and I have doubts that CBSA actually has an encyclopedic knowledge of anime character ages. Just ask the seller if she's depicted as being over 18 to cover your ass. Just because she's 16 in the anime doesn't mean that this drawing is of a 16 year old. Answer #2: Jesus christ.

 I mean yeah you'd probably be fine.


Title: A semi drove me off the road and caused me to break my review mirror. What should I do?

Question:
On my way down the freeway today a semi truck came beside me going over the speed limit. It started to merge into my lane so I had to move off the the side as in to not get hit. My car ended up clipping a traffic cone causing me to break my review mirror.
I took down the license plate and the number to call but I live in America and the license plate is Canadian. What should I do?
Topic:
Traffic and Parking

Answer:
 You hit the cone while avoiding them?

It's your responsibility not to hit stationary objects. So while you could file a police report, you would look bad in their eyes.

You could find the company that owns the truck and sue for a new mirror, but it's doubtful you would win given that you hit the cone. And if you do win, it's a pain to file.

You can report to your insurance and they will do the above as they deem appropriate. Your rates will go up from it.


Title: Being Sued by company for Yelp review. Is that "legal"?

Question: US

Answer:
 You'd need to provide a lot more detail...or any detail, really.

My guess is that they're suing you for defamation.  It's perfectly legal for them to sue you if they have cause.  Your recourse is to defend yourself in court.


Title: Divorced Parents and Medication Management

Question:
I am a child of divorce, soon to turn 18. I am under my father's insurance, and he insists I stay at practice current practice for my mental health management, therapy and psychiatric medication.

This practice does not prescribe any benzodiazepines (xanax, valium, klonopin).to patients for any reason. They even have a sign that claims they will report any requests for these medicines to the DEA. I have diagnosed anxiety, and all they have prescribed is atarax and buspar, the former being an antihistamine and the latter just does not affect me other than cause drowsiness.

I was hospitalized for a suicide attempt in 2017 and the attending doctor prescribed klonopin that did WONDERS for the month I was on it. When I returned to the practice after being discharged, they discontinued it and put me back on BuSpar.
Neither of my parents believe my PTSD and it is hard to mention it in therapy because my father, younger brother and I **all have the same therapist who is a neighbor's family friend.**

My parents have split legal custody and physical custody but I live with my father. The divorce was originally legalized or whatever in Indiana, but was moved to Mississippi because that is where I live with my father. My mother lives in Florida and is soon moving to Missouri.
I have the following questions:

1. Is it illegitemate for my mother to take me to a separate psych who will prescribe me the medicine I need for my anxiety and post traumatic stress? Since they have joint legal custody, they both say they must be informed of every medical decision when it comes to me and my brother, but neither of them comply 100% of the time.

2. Is there any advice someone can provide on switching practices when I turn 18 and I am still on my father's insurance, against his wishes?

A little more info is that the divorce has always been messy, constant disputes over child support payments and anything my parents can make an argument out of. So this could cause a  crapfire until I turn 18.
Topic:
Custody Divorce and Family

Answer:
 Whether your mom can make medical decisions such as choosing new providers for you is going to depend on the wording of the custody order.  Have her check and see if she's able to do so.

Otherwise, once you're 18b you can make your own decisions.  Your father doesn't have the right to dictate who you see for what.  Unless it was ordered in the divorce that he keep you insured past your 18th birthday, though, he may well be able to cancel your insurance altogether if he doesn't like your choices.


Title: Daycare doing a bait and switch, can I get my money back?

Question:
TX- We recently started using a daycare and were very happy but they just made some room changes and stuck our child’s class in a room half the previous size. They require 30 days notice before leaving so I don’t think I can get out but I’d like to get a discount.

Do I have a solid case to ask for a discount?

Answer:
 >Do I have a solid case to ask for a discount?

NopAnswer #2: You have no case unless they are violating some law on teacher ratio or fire code for the size of the room. I don't even understand why you think this is a big problem. It is certainly not a bait and switch.


Title: Help! 22 Years Old/Stolen Phone/$5000 International Charges...

Question: I am currently with T-Mobile and my phone was stolen from me during a Music Festival at Tampa recently on 5/23/2015. I left my device locked so I wasn't extremely worried about losing a relatively outdated phone, the Galaxy Note 3. I had made my family aware of the incident and so several days later as I got paid, I bought a new device with T-Mobile and I had reported my device stolen with the employee on 5/29/2015. Eventually, I received a bill in the mail from T-Mobile showing an charge of $5322.83 which was from supposed international calls. Though I tried to call T-Mobile and reason with them, after their investigation, they concluded that because I reported my device stolen with them on the day I bought my new phone, I was responsible for any charges previous. They sent me a detailed monthly statement which shows out of nowhere that my phone called Cuba/Venezuela for these charges which I have never called to previously before in my life. I'm just a 22 year old college student trying to meet ends and I need help on if it's possible for me to get these fees waived in some way or another. Can anyone give me any advice?

Answer:
 I recently had an issue with T-Mobile and on a whim emailed their CEO's email, john.legere@t-mobile.com. Someone from his office called me and resolved it that same day. You might try that approach.

Also, as someone who does a lot with mobile devices, in the future you need to report this immediately. All your device being locked does is prevent them from accessing your information. They can still do a factory reset or move the SIM to another phone.


Title: (MD) Can I park in expectant mother parking and not receive a fine?

Question: Do those veteran parking or expectant mothers parking spots carry the same fines that parking in handicapped parking does? I do not see any signs that say they do but I just wanted to make sure. I had to park in one the other day to drop off a defective water heater and the hardware store was busy so the parking lot was filled except for these spots and some spots very far away.

Answer:
 You won't be cited, but the property owner can have your vehicle towed if there is the appropriate signage posted. Answer #2: Perfect example of the Tragedy of the commons, nicely summarized in one post.

Those signs are usually put up by private businesses to regulate their private property (their private lot). They can't impose legal fines, but if they see you abusing the system they voluntarily put up they're free to ask you to leave their property and trespass and or tow you if you refuse.


Title: School cafeteria accusing me of stealing a bag of chips but was told by their employee I could take them with my meal.

Question:
Like the post says I got an email from my schools student conduct office and apparently am being charged with stealing 4 bags of chips.
Not to mention the ridiculousness of this post what are my options here?
I have a witness who was with me when the employee told me I was allowed one bag of chips with my dinner meal and now I’m being disciplined.

I’m no expert but isn’t that entrapment. I have a meeting with him Monday morning and I’m just fucking pissed off that my schools so petty and I’m even having to deal with this.
Help

Edit: thanks for feedback. Glad to know I’m not the only person who finds this to be absolute horse shit. Will update y’all on Monday. Enjoy the holidays

Answer:
 The employee told you you could take 1 but you are charged with stealing 4. How many bags of chips did you actually take?

This is not entrapment, but if you have a witness and the cafeteria employee can testify that they gave you the okay to take one and you took one (and only one), then you should be okay.


Title: Roommate/Landlord/Military Orders Rent Dispute

Question:
Hello, I am a college student in Bloomington Indiana. I share a joint lease with 4 other individuals for a 5 room townhouse. Our total rent equates $3700 a month (quite high I know, but it is close to the bars)

More than a month ago, one of my roommates informed our landlord that he had active duty military orders that supposedly freed him from our lease and he has since left. Our landlord still wants the full $3700 for the last 2 months left on the lease that the remaining 4 of us would have to pay. This equates to $925 a month for the 4 of us vs $740 a month regularly. In total it will cost each of the 4 remaining tenants $370 over the 2 months.

I have already contacted the Housing and Neighborhood Development Commission seeking advice but they said they could not help me and referred me to Student Legal Services which I am trying to work with now.

Am I pretty much out of luck at this point since it is pretty difficult to find a sublet for just 2 months? I don't really want to just eat the $370 because I feel that our roommate has screwed us over in the situation as he did not inform us about him leaving until last minute when he knew ahead of time the he would be moving to active duty. Additionally, he has owed me significant amounts for utilities and has caused noticeable damage to the apartment that will be taken out of our security deposit. Thanks in advance!

Also I can post a link to a copy of what our lease looks like if anyone would like to see it.

Answer:
 Yes he legally can. The Soldiers & Sailors Civil Relief Act (SSCRA) DOES allow him to break the lease.

"A service member who is leasing/renting property used for dwelling, professional, business, agricultural or similar purposes may terminate a lease that was 1) signed before the service member entered active duty and 2) the lease/rented premises have been occupied for the above purposes by the service member or his/her dependents.

The service member must deliver written notice of termination to the landlord after entry on active duty or receipt of orders for active duty. The termination date for a month-to-month lease/rental is 30 days after the first date on which the next rental payment is due after the termination notice is delivered. For example, if rent is due on the 1st of the month and notice is delivered to the landlord on August 5th, the next rent due is September 1st. Therefore, the lease/rental agreement will terminate on October 1st."


Title: If an American politician was a pedophile, could it be illegal to have evidence against them?

Question:
By making possession of child pornography illegal, did we (Americans) inadvertently create a situation where the government could forcefully censor an activity that would rightly get a politician removed from office?

Consider the following hypothetical scenario:

An American politician while visiting outside the US has sex with a 12y/o child.

The country where this occurrence happens isn’t stable enough to pursue legal action against this politician.

Through various channels an American reporter gets hold of video footage of the sexual activity.

Now the questions: it is illegal to possess child pornography, if the reporter passes this information on to LE could there be legal repercussions for the politician or would this information be buried under “not our jurisdiction”?

And should this reporter attempt to go public with this information (by making the video publicly available) did they commit a felony?

What would be the reporters best option?

Answer:
 If the reporter immediately turned the evidence over to the police, then the reporter is essentially at no risk.

Yes, if the reporter distributed the video, the reporter would have committed a serious federal crime.

The politician may or may not be able to be convicted of the child pornography (because it did occur outside the US) but sex tourism is illegal, and the politician could be charged with that separate and aside from the CP.


Title: Father stopped paying spousal / child support and adult kids are supporting financially. He is turning 64, can we claim social security?

Question:
I am the oldest of four kids with the youngest sibling finishing college in a few weeks. Father physically and emotionally abused entire family for over 20 years.  We lived in a very Christian household and my mother was not allowed to work, have friends, leave the house or gain any form of independence. She was essentially shipped over from Korea to marry and because of his abuse has never learned to be fluent in English. We lived in terror and the only reason they divorced was i ended up in the hospital after intervening during one of his outbursts.

Divorce was finalized 6 years ago and a few months later he sold his business and left the country. I had to drop out of college and work 3 jobs to keep everyone going.  My younger siblings are now all in grad school and the youngest has a job lined up already. I'm starting nursing school in the fall and will not have an income which terrifies me.

Mother is now diagnosed with cancer and we are currently trying to find ways to support her. I remember our attorney mentioning that my mother is entitled to a portion of his retirement.  He owned a store for 20+ years.

My question is does my mother have a claim to her spousal support even though it's been unpaid? Will it lapse?

Can we make a claim against his social security/retirement benefits?

None of his children have any contact with him but we heard through the grapevine that he is back in the US and working under the table. Do we need to track him to serve papers?

I know there's little we can do to garnish his wages and honestly I want nothing to do with him. If it wasn't for my mother being ill and me starting school,  we'd just try to work through it.  I've tried the search and haven't seen something like what I'm asking. Thank you!

Answer:
 I would try to get a copy of the divorce decree to see EXACTLY what it says. I don't think unpaid spousal support can ever lapse unless there is some specific provision. You most likely will have to track him down to serve him paperwork because you'll have to bring him back to court, probably for contempt since he didn't follow the terms of the decree (like dividing the retirement and paying support). If you contact a lawyer, they'll probably have better ideas on how to track him down to get good service and what exactly you are entitled to according to the decree. Divorce decrees can be tricky sometimes, especially if the language is ambiguous.Answer #2: Section 456 of the Social Security Act establishes an exception to Sec 207 allowing for garnishment of benefits for child support or payments similarly made under the Mandatory Victim Restitution Act.

Neither your siblings nor you are eligible for Child Insurance Benefits as you are all past high school. You or your siblings could qualify if disabled prior to age 22, but fortunately it seems like the lot are just fine.

Your mother should file an application for Wife's Insurance Benefits as a divorced spouse and have proof of marriage/divorce. This can be done by phone or online, but the evidence will need to be mailed or brought in. Under new rules, she will also be deemed to have filed for her own retirement benefits and will be subject to the work test until age 66.

Edit: she may be entitled on his record even if he has not filed if the marriage lasted at least 10 years.


Title: Generally, is it possible to get a drug search of your house to find drugs/paraphernalia of someone who used to live there?

Question:
My sister's a meth/crackhead. She's currently missing, but supposedly okay; just living with other junkies. My parents have cleaned her room/the basement out multiple times and throwing out all the drugs/paraphernalia, but stuff keeps coming up.

My wife is a little sick and we were out of tissues. My mom gave us some boxes she had in the closet. We found a crack pipe hidden in the bottom under all the tissues. It looked clean like it had never been used and my wife turned it into security at her work to dispose of.

But who knows what else is hiding around the house. It's a legal liability for my parents if that garbage is in there. I feel like they probably need to call the cops to have them sweep it, but I don't know if that will open them up to any culpability for possession since it's in their house.

Does anyone have any experience/guidance?

Answer:
 I’m not sure where “can I tell the police to sweep my place” comes from...

When police search a house, car, storage unit, or really anything else, for evidence of drug paraphernalia or drugs, they don’t go over everything with a fine toothed comb and put it all back where it belongs.

They go at it with pocket knives, crowbars, and other destructive tools to find shit. If they suspect there’s a pound of meth hidden behind the drywall, they aren’t going to cleanly remove a 4x8 section of drywall.

Clean your house. Every inch of it. Answer #2: >my wife turned it into security at her work to dispose of.

.... Don't bring drug paraphernalia into your place of workAnswer #3: > feel like they probably need to call the cops to have them sweep it

Imagine, if you will, a "NOOOOOOO" that makes Darth Vader's epiphany sound like a five-year-old lying about eating his vegetables.

There are private companies that will run drug dogs through your place, looking for this or that.


Title: Jumped by ~7 people at Great America (CA)

Question: Around 700$ taken (in items not cash) + a concussion and other medical bills, also a 3 second video circulating of it happening. I was alone while my friends were on a ride, what do I do?

Answer: Call the police


Title: what can i do to get rid of an injuction against me keeping me from seeing my kids

Question: ok basic story my boys got into a fight i stepped in to stop it and while my back was turned dealing with one the other fell and got hurt cps got involved i was sent to jail for "injury to a child" times 2 and the forced my ex to divorce me and put a protective order against me that has expired and also their is an injunction in the divorce papers and she is afraid to let me see the kids with out going to court i don't have the money to pay a lawyer as the courts screwed up the charges they charged me with IE it says on my record Injury to an elderly person and criminal Neglect I'm some what at a loss of what to do even my step mother who works for a lawyer that deals with cps cases is at a loss of what to do any and i mean any help is greatly appreciated I am in Central Texas I'm sure any one who knows the area can figure out which county

Answer: This is one of those instances where a lawyer isn't really optional.


Title: My therapist has a strange cancellation policy

Question:
His cancellation policy is that you can miss 2 sessions within a calendar year, for no charge. These require no notice. I can cancel these in the middle of the start time. But after the third one, even if I give him months of notice he will charge me a cancellation fee unless I reschedule. The reschedule doesn't have to be within the same week, there can be two appointments within the week.

&#x200B;

This just doesn't smell right to me. I've expressed that my co-pay is substantial. And I'm an hourly worker with limited autonomy over my schedule. It would be such a strain to have a 2nd appointment in a week. I feel like its coercive to make me come in for a therapy session because of threat of exorbitant fees. It seems like this is more about him getting guaranteed money, versus having a reasonable infrastructure to address cancellations.

&#x200B;

I would find a new therapist, but there are so few in the city. And at the actually therapy he is really good. If this is illegal, or a gray area, and I told him that I think he would reconsider. Looking for any and all advice, but ideally looking to resolve this in house, first.

Answer:
 This is nowhere near the realm of coercion.  If you don't like his scheduling/cancellation policy, then you can do business with someone whose policy better aligns with your needs.Answer #2: He's running a business.  This is totally legal.   You are basically subscribing to a service.  If you fail to use that service (and thus won't pay) you are essentially monopolizing his time so he can't have other paying clients.  Do you pay for your Netflix even if you don't use it that month?  Of course.  Why should he starve because you're a no-show?

&#x200B;

The fact that he's rescheduling shows that he's working to remedy the situation at no cost to you.  There really isn't a better administrative answer.


Title: My soon-to-be neighbor wants me to pay for his fence replacement due to a small portion of it being damaged by my home construction.

Question:
Just for context, I live in Florida and am currently having a new home built next to the soon-to-be neighbor.

Late May, the lot my new home is being built on was being cleared by a third-party land clearing company contracted by the construction company building my house.  During this clearing, for whatever reason, a small portion of my neighbor's fence fell over.  The portion damaged by the land clearing was one post and a small amount of planks, which I repaired on my property's side of the fence in order to return it to a standing and sturdy position.  I thought that was the end of it, as the (now shared) fence was repaired out of my pocket and the difference was unnoticeable from my neighbor's side.

However, tropical storm Alberto blew through shortly after, and knocked down a larger portion of the fence, far more than what was damaged and repaired previously.  I had already offered, prior to this extra damage, to consult with my neighbor to pay for the first damaged portion rebuilt professionally, but my neighbor instead proceeded with *replacing* the entire fence that is shared between our property.  He did consult with me first to discuss paying for the fence, he simply contacted a handyman and had it repaired at the handyman's asking price.  Now, I have an invoice for just over $1300 to pay for the replacement of the entire fence, rather than the portion that the land clearing crew damaged.

He has offered to split the bill with me down the middle, however I am no where near responsible for the weather nor his sudden urge to replace the entire fence without consulting me.  I'd assume this is a case of "if I don't pay for the fence, he'd have to sue for the money," however I am unsure of where my responsibility for the fence actually ends.  What should I expect to pay for, and am I legally responsible for the fence due to it being the border fence between our properties?

TL;DR:  Home construction damaged a part of a neighbor's fence, I agree to pay for repairs.  Tropical storm destroys the rest of the fence, neighbor replaces whole fence and expects me to pay for the replacement, what do?

Answer: Good fences make good neighbors. The fence is beneficial for both of you, and I'd just pay the $650 and not have that sort of stress in my life.Answer #2: You did at least some damage to the fence, you are going to benefit from the new fence, and you can start off on the right foot with your neighbor for a relatively meager $650? Sounds like it's worth paying.


Title: I caught a kid sending my daughter suggestive pictures over text, what can I do?

Question: I am in Ohio. A few weeks ago, I took my daughters phone away for bad grades, she is 16. I woke up one night and saw a text from a boy that she had never talked about. I unlocked her phone and read through the texts, and I found suggestive pictures that he had sent to her. I texted him from my phone and said that I was going to post screenshots of the texts online and report him to the police and get him filed as a sex offender. Can I legally do this?

Answer:
 Honestly you should probably have a conversation with your daughter. It's unwise to be sharing pictures at that age, both because it's illegal and because teenagers aren't trustworthy so you can never be totally sure the person you are talking to won't pass them on or publicize them.

While technically this constitutes child pornography, the odds of him being charged are relatively low, and there is a relatively good possibility your daughter has been sharing images reciprocally, which is equally likely to lead to charges for her. While this behaviour is criminal, it is also relatively normal for teenagers.

You should absolutely not post child porn online, as an adult, there is a really good chance that would get you charged.


Title: Need an advice

Question:
Hi
I live in Sweeden, i registered in a dating website a month ago and pay arround 2EUR but i didnt realize that the agrrement said that if i dont cancel my registration the account will be upgraded automaticaly to a full premium acount after 10 days.
They sent me an e-mail asking to transfer amount of 200 euro cause my account was empty
So if i didnt pay the anount what can they do a legal action
The website is not swedish and they have my IP address and e-mail and master card number
Thanks

Answer: What is your legal question?  You agreed to pay something (even if you claim that you didn't realize).  You need to cancel with the merchant (web site), and request that they not charge you anything more than your initial registration.  They probably won't agree not to charge you what the believe you agreed to pay them, but you will continue to owe them more and more until you actually cancel with them.  They can legally charge your credit card for what you agreed to pay.


Title: [Texas] Someone from Vancouver, Canada stole all the content on a website I made and is using it on their own domain.

Question:
What can I do to make them take it down? Can they be fined or punished for doing this?

Example:
My site: http://www.skinacea.com/personal/acne-before-and-after.html
ONE of the many things they copied: http://skin.consumerexclusive.com/personal/acne-before-and-after.html

They copied everything over, even down to my favicon.

Please help! Thank you!

Answer:
 Just file a [DMCA Takedown Notice](http://www.dmca.com/FAQ/What-is-a-DMCA-Takedown) to the other bloggers hosting. Answer #2: Wow, that's amazingly brazen.  I'm in Vancouver.  Give me a name and I'll send a couple of my "friends" over there with some duct tape and back bacon to "convince" him to take it down.  Of course, we'll apologize afterwards.

You need a copyright lawyer.  A sternly worded letter is probably about all it will take.


Title: Binding arbitration agreement required for for my daughter's pediatrician. Other pediatricians in our insurance network require the same agreement. Is this coercion?

Question:
I live in southern Nevada and I took my daughter in for her annual checkup today (November 2017) with her pediatrician. For the second time I was given a binding arbitration agreement to sign at check-in. I refused to sign it as I had this past February (her last visit). At the end of the visit I was told that if I didn't sign the arbitration agreement they would no longer see my daughter as a patient. After I refused to sign the agreement at the previous visit I called other pediatricians in my area and found that this is standard in our area and no office that I could find doesn't require it. A quick search in the subreddit seems to reveal that this indeed becoming standard everywhere.

I guess my question boils down to a simple one, how can requiring the waiving of my/my daughter's legal rights be a condition of being seen by a doctor? It seems awfully coercive to me. Is there a way for me to force them to continue to see my daughter without agreeing to binding arbitration?

One final thought about myself. I don't think of myself as a litigious person, and I have never sued anyone nor am I considering suing my daughter's pediatrician now. It just feels wrong to have to agree to this in order to be seen by a doctor.
Topic:
Contracts

Answer: Unfortunately, you're going to need to sign it if you want their services. Similarly to how you can't use most services without agreeing to their terms of service that include these arbitration agreements. This doesn't fit under the legal definition of coercion fwiw.


Title: [update][US, CA] I was fired from my job because my co-workers made something up to have me fired for no reason, what can I do now?

Question:
background: https://np.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/comments/4v4h8f/us_ca_i_was_fired_from_my_job_because_my/

so I successfully filed for unemployment but now I have another problem. my former boss is harassing me because I successfully filed. he called me twice a day for the last 3 days and sent me a lot of texts. He is pretty much pissed at me for filing and told me that he wants me to go back to work for him.

I haven't responded to him because he has been consistently texting me to come back to work saying he never fired me. but he did fire me, he gave me my last check for the hours I worked prior to firing me and is claiming that I am quiting because I haven't gone back to work.

so what should I do now? he did in fact actually fire me, he really said the last time I spoke to him over the phone that he has no evidence of what I did but he is still going to fire me regardless. he won't stop harassing me because I got unemployment and he is pissed about that. am I required to go back to work even though he definitely fired me? will I lose my unemployment because he could claim that I quit when in fact he actually fired me?

Answer:
 block his numberAnswer #2: I would call your unemployment agent, if you have one.  Explain everything that has happened, from the 3 coworkers conspiring against you, the 15 minute screaming phone call from your boss, and now your boss trying to claim you quit.

I wouldn't use the phrase "hostile work environment", because it makes you look like someone who knows how to play the system.  But make it clear that it is a hostile work environment.


Title: Standard of proof for self defense?

Question:
I've been watching a bit of the Kyle Rittenhouse trial this week.

In the unlikely event that anyone reading this is unfamiliar, it pertains to a person who shot three people, killing two of them, at a protest in Wisconsin a bit over a year ago.  The defendant is charged with variations of homicide, attempted homicide, recklessly endangering safety, and possession of a dangerous weapon by a person under 18.  Defense is arguing self defense.

I'm familiar with the "Beyond a reasonable doubt" standard that usually applies to criminal cases.  For a self defense case, is the defense aiming to demonstrate that the defendant:

a) *plausibly* could have been acting in reasonable self defense

b) *probably* was acting in reasonable self defense

c) *beyond a reasonable doubt* was acting in reasonable self defense?

I suppose that for the purposes of this specific case, I'm asking about Wisconsin law, but I'd also be curious to learn if there are significant differences from state to state.

Answer: This varies by state. In Wisconsin as I understand it, once the defense establishes a reasonable basis for a claim of self defense, the burden of proof shifts to the prosecution to establish no self-defense beyond a reasonable doubt.Answer #2: In most states you don't prove self defense, you simply must show some evidence that you were acting in self defense. That could be witness statement, personal testimony, police reports, video, etc. It is then up to the prosecution to prove 'beyond a reasonable doubt' that it was not, in fact, self defense.Answer #3: In addition to what others have said -- i..e, that in the end, the prosecution will have to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that he was not acting in self-defense -- it is worth noting that Wisconsin recognizes imperfect self-defense: It the jury finds that Rittenhouse actually feared death or great bodily injury, but that fear was not reasonable, he is guilty of something like manslaughter.


Title: Ca iam gonna get a divorice and gonna get a car

Question: But iam gonna put it in my dads name is there a way my wife can get it since iamm taking money out of our savings account as a down payment

Answer:
 What you're trying to do is called 'hiding assets'. The court isn't dumb, and they will catch you.

You will then look like a schmuck, the judge will take the money you tried to hide away, and you will have to pay for your wife's costs to point it out in court.


Title: Father won't give up my passport.

Question: I'm a United States military member serving overseas and I need my old expired passport to get a new one. My father in the states has it and won't give it to me. How can I get it?

Answer: he has no grounds to withhold your passport from you. it is considered property of the State Department. report it as stolen.Answer #2: It's been stolen from you.  Report it as such.


Title: Mail carriers have a lot of issues with dogs. What legal methods of self defence are available to them?

Question:
There's a post on /r/news about the mailman that fed nails to dogs that got me wondering what the limit to defence against animals is. Could they wear steel tipped boots? Use bear spray? Bring a bat? Wear body cameras?

Springing off that, what can any old citizen do to protect themselves against pets?

Answer:
 The number one most effective tool postal carriers have against aggressive dogs is [refusing to deliver mail](https://about.usps.com/postal-bulletin/2007/html/pb22205/dogkit.3.23.html) until the dog is properly controlled. It's completely legal, very safe for both the worker and the dog, nearly 100% effective, and puts the burden on the party with the problem.

If the owners would prefer to go to the post office to get their mail rather than to restrain their dog, that's their business.


Title: If you saw 5 inner-city teens beating up a white kid in Detroit on the way to a sales meeting and you got out if the car to defend the teen and started beating...

Question:
The shit out of the teens, who continued to fight you and the kid, and you eventually succeeded in fucking up all the kids and they either were on the floor, 2 of the 3 ran off, and the cops came and charged me with multiple counts of assaulting minors, 4 of said minors were over 6 feet tall and 170 to maybe 200.

I wrestled in college and boxed competitively. The teens just turned on me when I requested they stop beating the kid. They just tried to beat us both.

3 of the teens who kept attacking, I kept hitting. They've sustained real damage. the only witness is the kid who was being bullied.

I have an arraignment. What should I do?

Answer:
 > What should I do?

Hire an attorney.Answer #2: /r/thathappened


Title: (RI) Wife's employer is about to changer her position entirely. Can she quit and collect UI? Details inside

Question:
My wife found out today that she is having her job responsibilities changed dramatically. This change moves her on to another team at work, will require her to perform different duties than what she was hired for (there will be some overlap, but the position is very different). She will also be required to commute to and from the office in MA (she pays RI state taxes because she works at home and would be subject to RI UI laws) an hour each way as opposed to working from home. It's unclear what they are planning on doing to her compensation.

If she were to quit, would she be able to collect for unemployment?

Answer: Maybe. Let's assume her pay is staying the same. Going from working from home to an hour commute is a substantial change. She would have to make the case that she was terminated from her old job and the new job isn't "suitable" because of the commute. The change in job duties is irrelevant. A drastic change in duties could be (like demoting a CFO to a secretary) but if this is all office work it doesn't apply here.


Title: An image of our infant daughter was used without our permission on Amazon

Question:
I'm in Alabama.

So, my wife was browsing baby stuff on Amazon when she saw a onesie that she purchased from Etsy for 80% less than she paid for it. When looking at the item's images, she was a bit surprised to find an image of our daughter modeling said onesie.

The image was originally posted by my wife on Instagram and then reposted (with our permission) by the Etsy seller on her store's Instagram account.

My initial reaction was to contact Amazon and ask them to get in touch with the seller, which they said they would do before following up with me.

We have some friends saying to file a DMCA take down, some saying to track down the seller individually, and some saying lawyer up. I have absolutely no idea what our recourse is and I'm still trying to stomach the anger that I'm not sure where to direct.

Do we have reason to talk to a lawyer? If so, where would I even track down a lawyer for issues like this?

Edit: OP was unclear. We gave permission to a small Etsy/Instagram seller to repost an image of our daughter on her Instagram. A different seller on Amazon, unrelated to the Etsy/Instagram, used the image to sell a blatantly ripped off design from the Etsy/Instagram seller. The Amazon seller never received our permission to use the image.

Answer:
 I don't know where you're located, and you should review the agreement you made with the seller just to be sure she had no reason to interpret it as an agreement to use the photo on other platforms. You could also have contacted the seller before contacting Amazon, but that's neither here nor there (though I'm surprised they opted to get involved).   Contacting Amazon may be all you need to do. If the seller doesn't comply w/in a reasonable time frame, then send the DMCA take down notice. You shouldn't need a lawyer for anything unless she still doesn't comply. I honestly don't foresee complications here. Answer #2: OK - so you do know that Instagram is not the place for you to post photos of your children (or anyone else) unless you want them to turn up in other places? I'm guessing not, so read this https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/arts-and-entertainment/wp/2015/05/25/a-reminder-that-your-instagram-photos-arent-really-yours-someone-else-can-sell-them-for-90000/

And really stop posting photos of your children on social media. The truth is (and I say this as a parent) the only people who want to see pics of your children are immediate family and sometimes not even then. You put these on the internet and they are fair game.

If the copied images were being hosted by instagram, you could get them taken down. When they are elsewhere you have little traction. Now the good thing is that Amazon is customer friendly so they may well remove the image. But you and your wife need to stop posting pictures like this.

I'm not saying you don't have copyright to these pictures, note. So a DMAC notice may well be the option you need to take. But that these pictures may well be elsewhere that you will never see.


Title: If safe, am I entitled to all meds approved for a condition? Off-label?

Question:
[deleted]
Topic:
Medicine and Malpractice

Answer:
 Your doctor has no obligation to prescribe you anything. If you and your doctor don't see eye to eye on your treatment, go see another doctor.

I'd also recommend you avoid trying to determine yourself what drug(s) you should take. Doctors are doctors, you're the patient.Answer #2: You have no right to demand a doctor prescribes **any** specific drug. I can't imagine why you would think this was the case.

You don't have to take a drug prescribed for you, and as an educated patient you have the right to say "I will not take x" (in my case X would be effexor) but there is no way you can force a doctor to prescribe a given drug.


Title: On the verge of becoming homeless, need advice!

Question: [deleted]

Answer: You're 24 years old. Your best option is to move out on your own and take care of yourself and let your dad worry about his own financial issues. Your boyfriend is presumably an adult too and can move out as well, perhaps sharing a place with you.


Title: Stuck in airports on business trip. Should work be paying me or is it my problem?

Question:
I live and work in Kentucky. Work at a small business (14 employees)

I was sent on a business trip to Iowa and had to fly here for a few days. They are paying me for working Mon-Wednesday since I was supposed to be home Wednesday night. Due to storms my flight got rebooked for Thursday and now I will not be home until Thursday night. If it is important, Thursday's are my day off and I never work thursdays. So I am just wondering if I should be paid to work Thursday since I am stuck here an extra day or if it is nobody's fault.

I do think they will go ahead and pay me but I am just curious if it is illegal if they do not.

Thanks!

Answer: Are you hourly or salary?


Title: [International & Hypothetical] How legal is it to claim territory in Antarctica?

Question:
I realise that there are international treaties forbidding this sort of thing. But are there other laws that might be exploited?

For example, squatter's rights. If I move to Antarctica (in territory that some other country currently administers, eg: Australia), build a house, and claim the land around it as my own regardless of any laws... would anyone stop me? If I did that and nobody stopped me for long enough, would the land be effectively mine? Is a country realistically going to send their military to evict me and reclaim the land?

Is there anything other than the example of squatter's rights that might be exploited? If I claim the land and claim that my own laws apply, can I ignore any international treaties that I did not sign?

I'm not a lawyer. But I feel like otherwise unused land should belong to the person who uses it. Sort of a natural law thing, older than any written laws, a sentiment as simple as proclaiming "I live here".

Perhaps somewhat relevant to extraterrestrial colonisation (eg: Mars), and previous colonisations of continents by Europeans, I'm not sure where the law stands on those.

Answer:
 >For example, squatter's rights.

That's not a thing.

In general, unless you've got a large army or you're claiming territory nominally controlled by a government that can't actually exert any control (e.g. land in NE Mali or Libya or something), your "claim" is going to have zero effect. And possibly get you arrested.


Title: Weird things in my speeding ticket. Will these help me? UT

Question: [deleted]

Answer: Clerical errors do not invalidate tickets.  Neither does your failure to sign.


Title: Does sending someone a picture of shit constitute harassment?

Question:
I'll go into it in more detail if more facts are needed, I'm just getting to figure out where to go. I'm in Idaho, my landlord took a picture of dog shit and sent it to us unsolicited.
Edit: Added location and context

Answer: More context could matter-- is it possibly a mess you or others in your unit should have cleaned up?  Do you have a dog?


Title: Workplace Legality: Constructive Discharge and Bullying

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Dude. NO one will read that book.

Cut it down to only what we need to know. No emotions. No history going back to 15AD.

And put your legal questions at the bottom seperated


Title: A felon was in possession of my gun

Question: I forgot my firearm at a friends house over the weekend and I was unaware this friend was a convicted felon. He was involved in an altercation with the police that was non violent and was not gun related. He invited them in and when They saw my firearm they arrested him. What legal issues could I be facing. Is this something that can be resolved just by explaining the situation and claiming the gun as mine?

Answer:
 >Is this something that can be resolved just by explaining the situation and claiming the gun as mine?

You left a firearm with someone who you don't know well enough to know that he was a felon?

Because you: "forgot it"?

Frankly, you aren't a person who should have a gun.


Title: Hospital is billing my mother for my sister’s severe strep throat

Question:
All of this happened from a span of two weeks. My sister [21] is currently admitted at my local hospital for the third time because of severe pain from strep throat and there is no sign of the sickness going away. She got all of the shots imaginable. They put her in ER, again, because of the pain and she’s being admitted to ICU for the third time. Nothing is helping. She had to have two CAT scans and found nothing. She had swollen nodes on the side of cheek, near her jawline, below her ear (I’m sorry but I completely forgot the term to address the certain nodes). They hook her up to IV, prescribe her heavy doses of painkillers and nothing is working. Zero. This, again, is her third time going to ER, being admitted to ICU during the span of two weeks. My mother is being charged over ~$15,000 for all of this because every visit, she’s better because of the IV and then the next couple of days, the pain still persists. What can I do to help my mother out of paying a good chuck of change or able to guide her better for the hospital not being able to relieve my sister from her pain?
Topic:
Medicine and Malpractice

Answer:
 Your mother should only be charged if she has at some point agreed to cover those bills.

If she's agreed, then that agreement is binding, but she may be able to negotiate a lower price - often hospitals are willing to work with patients on billing in situations like this. Or, if your sister is covered, your mother may be able to make a claim through her health insurance.

If your mother has not ever agreed to pay those bills, then they likely aren't valid, and your mother should talk to the hospital's billing department and find out why they think she owes them money.


Title: Developing own anti-drone missile system

Question:
I live in Ireland.

It will basically work by tracking the moving target and smashing into the drone. I'm talking those small civilian ones of course.

I have selected the rocket I will be using, which has space for electronics where I could put the arduino board and use code to track it.

It will be shoulder launched (I have built the actual launching device, it's pretty basic right now.) Similar to a stinger missile system.

Surely this is legal right?

Answer:
 We demand and deserve clever trolls here. This is just lame. Answer #2: Weak troll is weak.

No, it's not legal to have shoulder mounted missiles in Ireland.  http://www.gunpolicy.org/firearms/region/cp/ireland


Title: [TX] I noticed our neighbor flash photographing our apartment through the blinds.

Question:
We got a complaint our apartment is messy, and it is, the wife is a hoarder.   Not as bad as you see on TV shows, but it's not good.    I'm actually glad for an excuse to get rid of all the junk we have.   We are cleaning.    She's dragging her heels so an eviction might happen, but no biggie, we can just move--and that's what I want, a fresh start.

It's like being letting out of our lease early.    I was going to suggest an amicable parting with the apartment management if that is how it goes.    If they want us gone, the court here will rubber stamp whatever they say, and so no reason not to spare both parties kangaroo court.   But what does concern me is the guy who complained.    He's weird.

He sits with his window open talking to himself and peeping into our apartment.   I think he may be on drugs.    I caught his camera's flash earlier.    I don't want to live near a peeping tom.

I don't even really know what I'm asking.    I don't want to win anything, I don't care about our deposit.    I'm just weirded out a guy who doesn't seem particularly stable is our peeping tom.    Any advice is welcome.

Answer: You may feel like an eviction is a good thing right this second but where do you plan to live next? I’m also in Texas. Is your lease a TAA lease? (most are). Do you know how difficult it will be to be approved for another apartment with an eviction on your record?


Title: General question about Green Dot Reloadable Debit cards. (NC)

Question:
Kind of a general question regarding these reloadable debit cards that are sold at Walmart among other places.

I'm not arguing any damages for myself and I'll be damned if we ever get one of these things again. I wasn't paying attention on my part(something I highly regret) and thought it was a reloadable gift card, not debit card.

Anyways, my 14 year old wants to make a purchase online and only has cash, no bank account. So we went to Walmart where I thought they had reloadable Visa Gift Cards. What he actually got was this shitty Green Dot reloadable debit card.

Go to activate it online and it requires a social security number and that you be 18 for the card to be in your name. Nowhere on the packaging or at the register does it say you must be 18 to purchase and only after the transaction is completed does it say on the receipt there are no refunds in store.

And you can't get any customer service until your card is activated because they don't have an account to look up. Can't activate the card as the primary cardholder unless you're 18 or you lie.

So: if you're 16 years old, walk into Walmart, hand the cashier $500 and then have no adult to be the primary cardholder, did they just get your $500 free and clear? Are you in some sort of limbo?

I guess I'm asking if there should be some sort of age verification at the register or some legal disclaimer on the packaging?

Edit: just to be clear, I'm asking hypothetically on behalf of some kid who did NOT have an adult to be the primary cardholder.

Answer:
 Is there some reason you can't get the card in your name? I presume that if you have a 14 year old that you're over 18 yourself.

Also, is there some reason to get one of these rather than opening a checking account and getting a debit card?


Title: [Update] I purchased a used motorcycle from someone who not only replaced the odometer with a lower mileage one, but he also altered the pink slip to show fewer miles than what he purchased the bike with. How can I make sure he's brought to justice?

Question:
[Original thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/comments/7d7xn7/i_purchased_a_used_motorcycle_from_someone_who/)

The seller of the motorcycle contacted me on Facebook. At first, he was adamant that he did not change the odometer on the motorcycle to show fewer miles than what the bike really had.

After I told him that I don't need him to admit to it, the DMV has proof the pink slip was altered, I'd be contacting the police first thing in the morning, etc., he offered to buy the bike back for $4k. Mind you, I paid $3.5k for it. He agreed to $4k when I mentioned I had done work on the bike I wouldn't have had to do if the bike was in as good condition as he claimed.

I told him I'll give him until Dec 31st to pay me back, but he asked me to give him until Jan 15th, 2018. I screenshot all of our messages to ensure I had proof of this.

Someone told me I might only have 30 days to file in small claims court, though. Is this true? The small claims rules, as I posted in the original thread, require me to try to settle this outside of court first before I officially sue.

**Wouldn't the fact that made a demand + we agreed on price and date help my case and allow me to sue him if he doesn't meet the deadline?**

Edit: We are both California residents.
Topic:
Small Claims Procedure

Answer:
 Looks like you have 3 years for a fraud related case: http://www.courts.ca.gov/1256.htm

Seems like you've found a pretty good avenue out of this. Just make sure when it comes time to do the exchange back that you are protected. I'd recommend arranging to meet in front of a Police station, and if not there, somewhere else very public/during the day/bring a friend/etcAnswer #2: I wonder if the seller isnt just planning to turn around and resell the bike to another unlucky person? Would it be possible to somehow secretly mark the bike to alert the next person that the bike has been tampered with?


Title: Need help

Question:
My girlfriends mom payed for her classes with a credit card... My girlfriend dropped two classes and the refund went back to my girlfriends account her mom is threatening to claim credit card fraud what should we do?
Topic:
Credit Debt Bankruptcy

Answer: Your girlfriend should likely arrange the return of the money to her mother.


Title: My grandpa passed away a couple months ago and now his (what seems to be corrupt) guardian is liquidizing his personal items in a public auction tomorrow. My family and I were just notified about this auction a couple days ago. Hellp Please!!!

Question:
Im in the Phoenix, Az in the U.S.

UPDATE: Thank you everyone for your help! You don't know how much I appreciate this! I have contacted APS and a case has been filed, but they can't call off the auction. Also got a hold of my Grandma and she had no idea about the auction. She said her guardian has not returned her calls in 3 months! Of course, the Guardian is not responding to us either. She may not be in the best health, but she is still able to make her own decisions. She said people were taking things she didn't want them to take.. her china for example.   My family may be taking this to the police, I'm not entirely sure. I'm still not certain on what the best route to take is. I just need to get this auction stopped.

MAIN POST:  So he was married while he passed, and he left everything to his wife. But she has no control over any of the assets now, even though in my grandpa's will, he gave everything to her. The guardian is saying she has dementia and is not in the right health to make a decision. We were notified about the auction a couple days ago. We have asked the guardian to leave items aside that we would want, but they are saying there is no indication of that in my Grandpa's will. My family and I are extremely low on money and cannot purchase items from the auction. We just want to stop the auction or anything to prevent further damage. I have come to reddit as my last resort because I have no idea what to do. I am disgusted. Please I need some guidance or advice anything will help!

Answer:
 Is the Guardian only your grandfathers or is he your grandmothers as well?

If it is your grandfathers guardian, tell him to take a hike and advise him he is now trespassing as his guardianship ended with the death of his charge and the estate needs to be probated (or his wife will obtain all of the estate following the right of survivorship)

If it is your grandmothers, you may be able to get a emergency order stopping the auction and preventing him from acting as a guardian until it can be heard in court.

Worst case, call the police and adult protective services to remove him from the premise when he attempts to auction.Answer #2: I would contact the person conducting the auction and inform them of the situation, they may not want to proceed with the auction if it could be fraudulent.Answer #3: Not really legal advice but I'd appeal to the auctioneer if at all possible, explaining the situation and trying to get them to at least put off the auction. With the potential mess going on here it may be in his best interest. If they won't do that I'd show up and be causing at scene at the auction.


Title: Our roomate decided she doesn't want to continue living here, tried to break the lease without telling us. We still want to live here. At least for this first month, are we still responsible for her share of the rent?

Question: So long story short, I have a 3 bedroom apartment with two other people, and one of them went off her meds and decided she doesn't want to live here anymore. Without talking to us about any of this, she decided to pack up her things and called our landlord asking to back out of the lease. Obviously, the other two of us still want to live here, but that leaves us seriously high and dry on the other 1/3rd of the rent. We're trying to find another person to sublet to as quickly as possible, but being the time of year it is now, and rent being due in just over 2 weeks, I can't say for sure we'll have the money together to make up the difference. So are we up shit creek without a paddle here, or is there something I may be missing. This is in Capital Region NY if it makes a difference.

Answer: If she doesn't pay her portion of the rent, you two have to make the difference. Then you can sue her for that money back.


Title: How do I safely get my W2s from former employer? Don't want them having my address.

Question:
It's been more than half a year, and I find myself in need of the W2s, which I do not have, to complete my tax returns. How do I go about getting this without letting my former employer know my current address?

Long story short, my former employer asked me to commit multiple felonies, including enlisting my help to cover up crimes related to child porn. Yes, I reported everything to the proper authorities and consulted with a lawyer. I gave as much evidence as I possibly could before the meltdown. The problem is that it was the owner of the company, who still hasn't been charged yet.

The company's lawyers said I'm forbidden to contact the company in any way. It doesn't help that a few threats were made against me. Either way, I'd prefer not to contact them at all, considering all the crazy things that have happened.

I'm very far away in another state if that helps.

How would I get the W2s without them having my address? Thanks.

Answer:
 If they have a payroll company it might be possible to access it online, but it's doubtful they'd set that up just for you if that system isn't already in place.

For the record, your address is 100% public record and if they really wanted it, it wouldn't be hard for them to find it.


Title: Landlord won’t approve my girlfriend as an additional tenant

Question:
I’m in Los Angeles California, and I moved into a new apartment a year ago. My girlfriend has basically moved in with me as of a few months ago. She usually lives with her family, but is trying to social distance from her older family members.

My downstairs neighbors complained to the landlord about her being over all the time. They’re annoyed by the sound of footsteps on our plank flooring. My landlord contacted me and told me she would have to apply to be added to the lease. He said he wouldn’t run her credit.

My girlfriend is not currently employed, she’s a student. She filled out the application, and today my landlord sent me a letter stating he cannot approve her as an additional tenant, and the current terms of my lease remain in effect. I am the only authorized occupant.

Can he does this? What happens if she continues to stay here?

Answer: The landlord will be able to notify you of the breach and will be able to evict you and sue for damages once the courts are re-opened if she continues to stay with you in violation of the lease's terms.


Title: Father who is a contractor unable to work for ~6 weeks while recovering from surgery and has no benefits

Question:
My father is a self employed subcontractor for a large company and has no benefits for his job. He just had to undergo emergency surgery which he had part of his large intestines removed and will he recovering for 6 weeks. He is under my mothers health insurance. He is going to have two follow up surgeries after this, both of which he may be out another 6 weeks each.

This is going to be incredibly difficult for them with my father not working. They will he moved down to one source of income and this medical bill is probably going to be huge as he’s in for a few days recovering.

I’m seeking advice or suggestions for my parents on any government assistance or anything related that they might be able to get while my father is essentially disabled. They have minimal savings, not sure entirely how much but I’m certain it’s not nearly enough to get through this.

They have always paid their taxes and everything else that comes along with being an American citizen. This is the first time my dad will be unable to work, he’s never claimed any type of government assistance before. Thank you in advance and happy thanksgiving

Answer:
 You can see if they qualify for any government assistance, but it is doubtful if your mother is working full-time and you father has had income up to this month for 2018.

You can look into various charities, church groups, civic associations, and ask the hospital for leniency / help on the bills etc when they come in, and see if any state or local agencies could help.

It's always wise to keep 3 to 6 months wages set aside in an emergency fund for situations like this.

I advise you to post this on r/personalfinance and r/frugal for their input.