Title: Roommate got a cat despite me being allergic to them.

Question:
I live in an apartment where the rooms are rented separately, so my lease is different than hers. It’s considered off-campus student housing, but it’s owned by a private company. She texted me and asked me if she could bring a cat to the apartment. I told her no. I said I was allergic to them. Plus, we already have 3 animals in the apartment. She has a 100 pound dog that she doesn’t take care of well and a mouse that lives in a nasty tank that’s never cleaned. I have a small dog.

I voiced my concerns with the office and they assured me that she wouldn’t be allowed to bring a cat. However, she went on the Internet and bought a certificate that states the cat is an emotional support animal and brought it into the house anyway. I’m livid. The office states that she can have as many pets as she wants to have in the apartment and they’re “going to try” to do something but that it looks like she might be able to keep this animal. I want them to transfer me to another unit without having to pay the fee associated with it. The cat has made the apartment inhabitable for me. I feel like that’s enough for them to move me. What are my rights here? Do I have any? What should I do?

Answer:
 FHA guidelines state that a *reasonable* accommodation must be made for those with an ESA. The ESA letter must have some sort of diagnosis.

There are two questions a housing provider must consider when a request for reasonable accommodation is made:

Does the person seeking to use and live with the animal have a disability — i.e., a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities?
Does the person making the request have a disability-related need for an assistance animal? In other words, does the animal work, provide assistance, perform tasks or services for the benefit of a person with a disability, or provide emotional support that alleviates one or more of the identified symptoms or effects of a person’s existing disability?

Yes to both means they have to make a *reasonable* accommodation. Sending you into allergy attacks at all times due to the presence of a cat is NOT a reasonable accommodation. Without digging into case law, I don't see them as being able to reasonably accommodate this request because it literally makes you sick being in your own apartment.

They can move her, or they can move you. This may be worth bringing to a LL/tenant attorney to see if you have an option to change apartments in the complex, or for moving her.


Title: Friend attacked me last night, should I go to cops

Question:
So this friend that I smoke with sometimes came over, and we smoked weed and took couple mg of Zan's and were playing. After our sesh we were arguing about our plays, but it was pretty chill. Then he suddenly punches me and then jumps on me and keeps punching me. It was super bizzare and I had no idea what's going on so I was taken aback and was pretty much a punching bag
Dude gets off me, then apologizes. Says he's no idea what got into him, says it's due to the weed and xan.
My face is pretty beat up, should I go to the cops for this. I am worried about the weed and xan thing. Also I am a student here on a Visa so I don't want to put that in jeopardy.
What should I do? Please give me some advice.

Answer:
 None of my friends have ever been so fucked up that they've attacked me, and i've done alot stupider things with them then a couple of xans honestly. Stop talking to and hanging out with this person, they seem unpredictable and not good or safe to be around.

I wouldnt recommend going to the cops unless you're willing to be totally honest to them about the situation including the drugs you'd both taken. I would just cut this guy out of your life.Answer #2: Seek medical attention. You should stop using illegal drugs and spending time with people who use illegal drugs.


Title: Hospital won't turn over some of my medical images and records, New York City

Question:
I had surgery at a large hospital in New York City in 2013.  As part of the pre-surgical work-up, they took photos, imaging scans, and exam notes.  I  have been asking for these for almost a year and have even paid money for them, but they just do not provide them for me.  Excuses are "the residents keep those, I'll ask them again, they're really busy" and "I mailed them to you last Friday" or simply not returning my calls.

At this point I think I need a lawyer to write them a letter to get my records.  I did a search for malpractice law and contacted them, but they dismissed me saying "that's not what we do."  How can I successfully get a lawyer to help me with this?

Answer:
 [lots in info here.](https://www.health.ny.gov/publications/1443/)

Sounds like they had 10 days to get you your records (not including exam notes, which may not be covered). As you've asked several times, you could consider it a 'denial' and write an appeal to New York State Health Department.Answer #2: I would do as /u/emotionalhemophiliac says, except you need proof you asked for the records, so I'd include the request for what you want in the certified letter.  You can say you asked previously, but now you are asking in writing.  You'll have proof they got your request (certified letter, return signature required).

Of course, keep a copy of the letter and the receipts from USPS showing when you mailed it, and the green signature card you get back from USPS.

It can take a while to get the green signature card back (longer than 10 days).


Title: Ex-husband wants to raise child only after the age of 8. (Arkansas)

Question:
This is in Pulaski County. We are divorcing and have two children (4 year old girl and newborn boy). I have a lawyer but I don't want to bother him with every single crazy response and question I get from my ex-husband because it goes against my retainer.

I'm not a 100% sure if he has a lawyer or not. When we filed, he didn't mention one or respond with one but keeps telling me to contact his lawyer while refusing to say who that may be.

Let's assume he does have a lawyer.

He and his "lawyer" have mentioned requesting and have sent me emails about "negotiating"  shared custody for our 4 year old with me having her just over half, which is fine with me. I want to keep this civil.

But he has like some weird thing about our newborn boy. He grew up in a woman only family and his dad left when he was just a couple of months old, and he has it in his mind that a boy needs to raised by his father. I don't disagree that a child needs both parents ( I have both active parents, grew up with it.) but he wants me to raise our son until around the age of 7 to 9 (it varies depending on his mood) and then hand him over "almost exclusively for {him} to raise into a man".

His reasoning is that young boys need their mother while older boys needs their father.

He is also demanding that and wants it built into the decree that I breast feed for one year total and do not stop until that time has ended.

I'm unsure of what my punishment would be if say a) I have trouble continuing to produce milk b) something happen to me that prevents me from further feeding c) I choose to stop before.

I haven't read the evidence he attaches to emails. Obviously, I am going to mention this to my lawyer when we meet next but I'm just curious if something like this would fly in court?

" Hey judge! I want to raise my son but really only after a certain age and completely exclusively. My daughter though I will treat differently."

Let me just point out that he didn't start acting oddly until after some tragic events with his estranged father and he got fired from work. It is made worse by the fact that I asked for a divorce (he originally wanted to sue me for breach of contract but his escalating odd behavior towards me and verbal abuse caused me to seek a separation)  so I want to be civil and nice to him after 10 years but I also don't want to have to engage complete bullshit.

Is his proposal even worth mentioning to my lawyer? I don't want him to look crazy in court. Or maybe he won't and he is on to something, but my instinct says you don't get to pick and choose when to raise a kid. I'm not a lawyer though and trusting my gut has never been my strong point.

Is it best to just ignore the nonsense? Mention it in passing? Prepare a defense for it?

I've seen our senators spout some crazy nonsense so I am not even sure what is ok and acceptable in Arkansas anymore or not. Any ideas?

Also, I am curious how far this would get.

Answer:
 This is exactly *why* you pay your attorney. You should forward this nonsense to your attorney, as it will be very useful in court. You certainly don't want to spring it on him/her at the last minute. Your husband/ex cannot tell you how long to breastfeed; and his ideas of exclusive parenting for an older boy aren't going to fly with the judge. Answer #2: >Is his proposal even worth mentioning to my lawyer?

Yes for several reasons.

1. You want your lawyer to know everything because that gives him a better negotiation position.

2. You don't want your lawyer to be surprised when your STBX brings something like this up in court (lawyers hate getting surprised in court).

Just hand this all over to your lawyer.
Answer #3: Why don't you want him to sound crazy in court? He sounds crazy here already. Do not ignore the nonsense, though. Get all documented proof of the nonsense to your lawyer.

And as someone who also lives in Arkansas, I don't find taking an eight-year-old away from their mother particularly acceptable.


Title: Applying for a change of name in Ohio, but I don't know 2 people who will write me the required letters that have to be notarized.

Question: My lawyer didn't tell me I needed these two letters until well after I paid him.

Answer: I'm not sure it's really an oversight on the part of the lawyer to not confirm that you know two people.Answer #2: You don't know two people? Also, why do you need two letters? I don't believe there is anything in Ohio requiring them


Title: [AZ] Can my community college drop me from a class for being in the hospital due to giving birth?

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 they're required by Title IX to excuse your absences.

feel free to unleash your (polite!) inner bitch.

http://www.nwlc.org/resource/pregnant-and-parenting-students-rights-faqs-college-and-graduate-students


Title: NY Stopping Prescription Medication

Question:
A doctor puts me on prescription medication. It is known to cause health issues if stopped suddenly. Is the doctor under any obligation to help me reduce the dosage to nothing if I decide I no longer wish to take it?
Topic:
Medicine and Malpractice

Answer: Ummm no. He's a licensed physician and is not required to follow your advice.


Title: Legal/Medical Advice, Michigan - was this malpractice? Do I have any legal rights?

Question:
I have a chronic pain disease (RSD/CRPS) and have been seeing the same (married) medical providers for the past 5 years.  G is my pain management doctor, R is my primary care.  I also see G's nurse practitioner on a monthly basis for refills.

Throughout the 5 years, I have had 10+ major surgeries, 100+ nerve blocks, experimental treatment out of state and a monthly regimen of a boatload of narcotics and other meds to try and manage this disease. After M's suggestion, I started medical marijuana and we discussed my consumption/progress monthly. My disease causes severe anxiety/depression as well and R manages these meds.   The practice is notoriously awful about communication - you can never get anyone to answer the phone, it takes days for a return call, and appointments typically have a 2-4 week wait for established patients.

At my routine monthly refill appointment on Dec 16th, they ran a drug screen (protocol) through blood since I couldn't urinate.  Refilled my meds - see you next month.

January 10th-12th I received several vague messages about having to cancel my appointment (on the 13th) and then was told the following:

1st - voicemail: we are canceling your appointment for Friday, call us. (returned call)
2nd - voicemail: canceling my appointment b/c of my drug screen results and that they would no longer be filling any narcotics permanently but I was more than welcome to still receive my nerve blocks there (returned call)
3rd - conversation with medical assistant V - not refilling my narcotics permanently because I tested positive for medical marijuana...I said of course, this was done at M's suggestion and we discuss monthly - V agrees with me that it's crazy they would do this and vows to follow up on all of this.
4th - voicemail:  office manager L leaves message stating that she sees I want to talk with her (I never said this) regarding an upcoming appointment but she sees I canceled my appointment on Friday and let her know if I want to get back on the schedule. (returned call)
5th - conversation with L:  cold, distantly tells me that G and M will no longer see me nor fill any of my narcotics because I tested negative for Norco (prescribed) and positive for Oxy (not prescribed).  I feel immense relief and say, obviously that's a mistake - I'll come right in to be retested.  She says no, it's been too long since the first test.  (The practice has had the results since Dec. 17th).  I explain the previous correspondence up to this point and insist that there was some error or mix-up - in 5 years as a patient here I have never once failed a drug test and have consistently pursued other avenues of pain management to lower my pain (physical therapy, experimental treatment, surgeries, exercise, weight-loss, MMJ) and get off the narcotics.  She says that she's never seen the lab have an issue with a test so I must be lying.   She also states that they will no longer be filling ANY of my meds and are discharging me. I express anxiety and concern over going through acute withdrawal after being on extremely strong narcotics in addition to suddenly stopping the anxiety medications that G prescribes.  She says that usually protocol is to provide a month of meds to taper and that she'll check with G & M and be right back.  G & M say - no taper, no meds.  If you have an emergency b/c of the withdrawal then call 911.  I ask for a referral to a new pain management doctor in the area.  She suggests Google.
6th - they cancel my appointment for nerve blocks b/c they received a request for a referral to another pain management practice and this means that I'm transferring myself.  I say, I'm not transferring - you're discharging me.  V says, no - it's a transfer b/c you request it.

I go to appointment with primary care R on Tuesday (Jan 17th).  Ask for anxiety medications to help deal with the withdrawal I'm in and state that I've been in the ER several times as well.    She acts like she has no idea what's going on after I explain it all.   She says that my mind is more powerful than my disease and that this is a gift to get off all the narcotics.  She declines to give me any medications to help.  Her suggestion?  Rehab.

Now I'm in the process of trying to find a new primary care doctor and a new neurologist/pain management physician.  Aside from the fact that it takes 3-8 weeks to get a new patient appointment in the area, now I have this all marked on my medical records like I'm an addict.

MEDICAL:  Upon getting a copy of the drug results I'm only further confused.  I wanted to post an image of the results on here but I'm new and don't an option to do that.  If anyone wants to know specific results and would care to help me understand that would be awesome.   The test shows:

Opiates:  Negative
Oxycodones: Positive
Oxycodones Confirmation: Positive
Oxycodone: Negative
Oxymorphone: Positive (this is prescribed - Opana)

To me this seems to prove that I'm correct: I didn't take Oxy....I took Opana.  Opana is an opiate, oxymorphone.   As far as testing negative for Norco?  I don't even see a test line for norco, just the opiates.  It makes me think 2 things: 1)how is it possible to test Negative for an opiate AND positive for Oxymorphone/Oxycodones?  Don't these contradict?  2) I've lost 150lbs in the past 12 months.  I read online that some people can metabolize Norco into trace amounts of Oxy.  Who knows.  Could this be the case?

LEGAL QUESTION:   What are my rights here?  Is this medical malpractice because he suddenly ceased my medications (that he prescribed long-term)?    What do I even do?

I understand that the CDC/DEA have suddenly considered pain patients to be the real villains in America's "War on Drugs" but I'm not an addict or a drug dealer; I'm just a person trying to have some quality of life.

Thanks in advance for any feedback.

Answer:
 TL;DR:  OP is heavily pain managed. Tested positive for opoids and was shitty discharged by his crappy and non-communicative doctors.

Your only real option is to find better medical practitioners, unfortunately.  The doctors have no obligation to continue treating you.  If you feel that they did wrong by you, leave a review.  If you feel they violated reasonable medical protocols, file a complaint.  But your odds of success are slim.

That said, talk to a med mal specialist, because as the auto-bot says, medical malpractice is heavily fact dependent & super specific.


Title: (Kentucky) Suicide and custody

Question:
My wife and I had our son 9 months ago, since then her post partum has been really bad, a month ago she tried to kill herself (children were not home).  She also has 2 children from a previous marriage, she has them the majority of the time, and they go to school in our district.  The father is now seeking full custody, first he put an EPO out on her which the judge denied, but then forced a court hearing and told them to file it in juvenile court.  I might add he is 8,900 dollars behind in child support payments, and we filed a CPS report against him because he was giving the children alcohol.
A few questions.
1. Does he stand on any real grounds to gain custody?  He's changed jobs 4 times to avoid child support and lives with his mother with no car.
2. Should we seek legal council?
3. Is there anything we can do prior to court that would help us?

Answer:
 1- sure he does. She has serious mental health issues that preclude her from caring for children at this time

2- child support doesn't really matter right now for this. Answer #2: >2. Should we seek legal council?

I don't know why this is question two and not question one because the answer is yes you should seek legal council ASAP like yesterday.


Title: If you are someone's durable power of attorney and no longer wish to be, can they force you to sign things?

Question: [deleted]

Answer: Power of Attorney only means that you CAN act on someone's behalf, not that they cannot act on their own behalf, or that you MUST act on their behalf.Answer #2: They're wrong.  When you grant someone else power of attorney, you are not eliminating your own ability to enter into agreements.


Title: Signed consent for a hysterectomy, bilateral fallopian tube removal but were to SAVE the ovaries...Doc 'accidentally' took one ovary out.

Question:
I live in Wisconsin. He only told me at my 6 week check up when I asked for a copy of the pathology report.  He then said "Oh, by the way you have endometriosis, and the treatment for that is to the the hysterectomy, tube removal and take one ovary...so you got the appropriate treatment after all".

I know ovaries tend to be small, but the ovary that was removed had a pretty large ovarian cyst on it, so I am not sure how he did not see that.  The cyst was not large enough to warrant any treatment/removal and I did NOT consent to ovary removal. I have been having pretty severe migraines since the surgery.  Just wondering if I should let it go or pursue it as it seems there was some degree of negligence there.

Answer: We cannot advise you on medical malpractice issues in this sub.  Seek a consultation with an attorney.


Title: Power of attorney fraud

Question: My brother had given a "friend" power of attorney for real estate matters only. He revoked this last month and made me the new power of attorney in all matters (durable), including of course, real estate matters. The friend just submitted a Mortgage Balloon Payment document to the county where this friend is supposed to receive a large amount of money when my brother's house sells. The friend submitted it under my brother's name with the old power of attorney document. My brother was never informed and was incapacitated at the time. He already has a mortgage with another company, so obviously this is fraud, right? What charges can we bring against the friend, especially since he declared himself as the lender of this phoney mortgage and stands to get the house if it's not paid back by a certain date. This is in Florida. Thank you.

Answer:
 > where this friend is supposed to receive a large amount of money when my brother's house sells

That on its face is fraud. A POA has to act in the financial interests of the person being represented.

You can't bring charges. You can call the police and report the fraud, contact APS for the same, and contact an attorney to challenge the paperwork this person has submitted. Answer #2: Some questions:

Was your brother incapacitated when he revoked the previous POA?

Did he notify his friend that he revoked the POA? If so, was it in writing and notarized?

Did your brother notify the mortgage company that he revoked the POA?


Title: Neighbors buying and leaving unused cars on entire cul-de-sec, legal options to get them removed? (Ohio)

Question: They have about 10 cars outside. 4-6 on driveway and in their garage. The rest are just left outside for months in the street on a small turn around. 2 have never been moved since purchase.

Answer:
 Contact whomever handled abandoned vehicles. City, country, someone else. Google around to find it. Answer #2: Check city bylaws.  For instance, many cities have rules about how long vehicles can be left on public streets.

Contact city bylaw enforcement.  Contact city councillor.


Title: Employer drug screening, might fail

Question:
I suffer from chronic headaches. I also don't like taking medication unless they get unbearable, and am one of those people who rarely go to the doctor. Last week a friend offered me to try a pill he has legitimate prescription for. I took the recommended dose and only once. It had zero effect.

Two days later, I was pulled for a random drug screening at work. Just casually mentioned it to the friend, who became upset and revealed to me that the pill he gave me has a drug that will appear on test.

Would appreciate any advice...

Do I come clean that I took a friend's pill? Can I be fired for this? It's not a narcotic or anything strong, but is a controlled sedative. Should I ask physician to write a prescription for it? How should I respond if confronted about test results?

Just kind of freaking out at the possibility I could lose my job over a simple mistake when I didn't even know that this pill was something controlled,  and sure, my friend made a mistake, but I don't think it's unusual that he'd want to help a friend in pain. But I wouldn't want to involve him in any way if I'm confronted.

Prefer not to list my state unless it really matters. I'm in the US.

I'd appreciate any advice. Thanks.

Answer: Unless your friend is a doctor he has no business "helping" you by giving you prescription medicine and his "help" could kill you.  If you are fire, file for unemployment.


Title: Renter with landlords political sign in front yard

Question:
Hey all,

A friend of mine is renting a small house here in the US. The landlord came by and decided to put a “wingspan” size political sign (promoting a candidate, the usual stuff you see in front yards) in their yard.

My friend strongly disagrees with this candidate, and asked the landlord if they could remove it. They basically said that no, they cannot remove it b/c the landlord is a close friend of the candidate, and is their property. In the neighborhood, this sign is the only sign among a litany of others promoting this candidate, whereas the other signs are for his/her opponent. My friend said he feels embarrassed to have it on his front yard, as he cannot enjoy his front porch anymore.

As a tenant of the property, does he have any recourse to remove it? Or is he stuck because the landlord owns the property? They did sign a lease agreement, but the only thing they could find was “tenant cannot hang signs or banners of any kind without the permission of the owners.”

TIA

Answer: You would have to look at the lease.  That said typically a tenant has exclusive use of all leased space, the landlord cannot use the space like this.  Exceptions for “for rent” or “for sale” signs are common, but this wouldn’t be.  If your friend wants to fight this they should verify the lease doesn’t give the landlord this right, and if so tell the landlord they have until X time to take it down, then take it down, but do not destroy it.  Keep in mind this is a surefire way to get non renewed and have fights about everything from here on out.


Title: Can an employer ask a candidate if they’re vaccinated against COVID? Separately, could a new hire be asked about vaccination status after signing an offer letter?

Question:
[removed]
Topic:
Update

Answer:
 You can almost certainly be asked about vaccination status.

They can require a vaccine (though they may need to allow for a few narrow exceptions).


Title: In PA, is a former employer allowed to give a reference to a potential employer without your consent?

Question:
I’ve been reading up on laws about references in PA, but I’m not sure how far that extends without employee consent.

So, for example: if I have a list of references on my resume, and I haven’t given consent to anyone to contact my most recent employer for a reference, are they allowed to give one? Or would they only be limited to confirming dates of employment & job title?

(Asking because I suspect my most recent employer could be bad-mouthing me to potential new employers & hindering me from getting a job.)
Topic:
Employment Law

Answer: Yeah people are allowed to talk to eachother about any subject they want. Some companies will only confirm basic details, others may give wide ranging opinions on their former employees.


Title: Unsure/ dissatisfied with lawyer. Not sure if I need to adjust my expectations or my concerns are valid.

Question: [deleted]

Answer: If you feel uncomfortable with him, voice your concerns with his boss


Title: MIL holding baseball cards hostage, can we demand them back?

Question:
My husband grew up in an abusive (physical, mental) household, and we are now estranged from his mom (the MIL) because of more violence. During a recent attempt to hurt his feelings, she began calling and leaving messages about writing him out of her will. My father just died and this was too much stress, so I called her. She began demanding odd things like an old dog crate (gifted and we regifted years ago) and they key to her vacation home (lost long ago).

When I requested that she ship my husband’s baseball cards to ya she refused; her first excuse was that “she didn’t know which ones,” I told her all of them, she then said we can have them back only if he picks them up himself (which he refuses to do, does not want to see her).

His father (great guy, still in contact, SFIL is the abusive one) bought him all these cards as a kid, but MIL has had them stored y see her house for about a decade.

Do we have legal standing to demand she return them?
Topic:
Other Civil Matters

Answer: Your husband could theoretically send someone to pick up the cards, then sue her for the value of the collection if she refuses to give them. Or pick them up himself.Answer #2: She is not legally obligated to spend her time or money shipping the cards to his location. He, however, is capable of going to get them or sending someone on his behalf. If at that point she refuses to give them up, then you would have some legal standing to sue. As of right now, he can just go get them; there has been no refusal.


Title: Illinois: Friend videotaped my recent intervention where I admitted to doing a ton of X and said I was given a bag of pills and intended to sell them. Says he is going to turn this into police. Should I be worried? (x-post from /r/drugs)

Question:
Just want to cover my bases with this cross-post. Anyway, I was given this bag in a different state and I said I was going to take them to IL but I did not actually do this or sell them, I got rid of them, but is this something I need to worry about at all? I don't see how it would be. Thanks.

(short post)

Answer:
 You don't see how admitting to possessing of drugs and declaring your intent to traffic and sell them is a problem?

OK, well...it certainly can be a problem.  You've confessed to one crime, possibly several.Answer #2: On a whim or is your friend demanding yourself  do something, say go to rehab?Answer #3: It appears Illinois is now a one-party consent state, the state supreme court found the two party consent law unconstitutional.


Title: When does first day of rent start? Pay deposit or move in?

Question:
[USA/Cali]
I guess I'm having a little miscommunication with my landlord. So when I first rented this place, I told her that I would be moving in on the February 10 and didn't have the key until on the 10th, but I gave her a $100 deposit check on the 2nd of Feb as an application fee and gave her the remainder reposit and rent money of first month on the 10th.

Today is March 2nd and she's been annoying me for the rent money today asking if I'm going to give her the check. I kept telling her that the rent started on 10th, but she keeps insisting it started on the 2nd the moment I gave her the check. And what about February that only has 28 days? Even if she is right, the earliest day is due on the 4th then?

Answer: Depends on what your lease says. What does it say?


Title: My dog bit someone's face... sorta

Question:
Post this in dogs and someone directed me here, here's the post:

First, my dog is a 8yo bordacollie mix, nurtured and has been through obedience training. Never bit anyone but barks at strangers and other dogs to the point where we really don't let strangers sniff her or come around her.

So here's the story,

Me (m26) and my wife (f28) just got done with a move. We were unpacking all the boxes and I posted them on offer up for free. This lady, older >40, came to pick them up.

Again, our dog has never bit anyone, she sometimes jumps on people when she's excited but we stop her and tell her no when she does this.

As we were moving boxes from inside the house to outside, our dog was barking at this lady because, obviously, she kept coming in front of the door to get boxes.

My wife was setting some boxes outside on the floor while holding the dog back and the woman bent down to grab a pile of boxes over our "welcome" mat when our dog got out and nipped her face. I say nipped because, although it broke skin, it was a pimple sized blood spot.

My wife apologized profusely and offered her napkins, bandaids, alcohol swabs. She told her that her rabies shot were up to date and if she would like a copy. The woman refused.

The woman asked my wife if the dog has bitten anyone before to which my wife said "no, never. "

After we finished loading the boxes into her car she told me I shouldn't let the dog around children. I told her we don't to which she said "Oh so you know there is a problem with her"
 And I replied "no, we just don't trust kids around our dog" which is the honest truth

She then said that we might be hearing from her and that she was not happy about this.

We love in Washington which I guess has a Washington stature law or something that says it's always the owner's fault. I'm not denying this part. I just want to know if I should follow up with anything like get legal advice or anything with the dog like behavior classes that Would that help the situation

I have already spoken to my insurance and am waiting for them to call me tomorrow morning.  Thank you in advance.

Answer:
 You should take the dog for behavioral classes. That can’t be used against you in any civil suit.

Otherwise, let your homeowners insurance handle it. The majority of their business is dealing with dog bites. Answer #2: You simply have to wait and see if she pursues anything.

If you don't already realize, border collies are among the most demanding dog breeds to own. They need a huge amount of attention and exercise every day- I'm talking 1-2 hours of dedicated exercise to work out their excess energy on top of constant feedback and attention. If you can't meet those needs its not a dog for you.

On top of their energy border collies are incredibly intelligent and responsive to training. When not trained they can be flighty, jumpy, and aggressive. You have a responsibility to train the dog. The fact that you're nervous about its barking and how it reacts to other dogs and people is worrying- you need to do something sooner rather than later. A border collie is smart enough that it could be trained to the point it can control its barking and you will be in charge of any interaction it has in public.


Title: [NYC] I am working as a private tutor for a company but would like to quit. Employer is citing breach of contract and threatening to sue if I do.

Question:
I have been working for a private tutoring company for the past 1 year and 2 months. According to my contract I am classified as an independent contractor.

The company is run by one person and is registered as an llc.  Basically a student will contact him for tutoring and I would get a text or email with the name of the student, their contact info and the course they need help with. I can then accept or reject the assignment. He then bills them and pays me somewhere around the beginning of each month. There are packages of hours that he tries to sell them - i.e. buy 20 hours up front for a reduced rate.

I recently told him I could no longer accept any more assignments and asked if he could look for another tutor to take on my two current clients, stating that I was willing to continue working with them through the end of the current semester while he found someone else.

Both of my current clients purchased packages with the company after our first session.  One was for 15 hours and will likely end sometime in December and the other is for something like 40 hours and wouldn't likely be used up until the end of the spring 2016 semester.  I am not generally made aware of how many hours they are planning to purchase until after I accept an assignment (In these cases I wasn't).

He stated "You are legally obligated fulfill the packages of your outstanding students. I cannot guarantee that we will find a replacement for ___ for the Spring. In case we are not able to, you will be responsible to work on completing his package. Otherwise, I will have to take legal action for breach of contract."

He cited this section of the contract:

"2.3 Contractor agrees to provide Services to Client, for as long as Client requires Contractor’s Services, up to the duration of one year. After which, Contractor has the option to discontinue providing Services to Client or to continue providing Services for a period of another year, and renew the agreement yearly, in this manner."

I am not really sure how to handle this... Let me know if I may be missing relevant info.
Topic:
Contracts

Answer:
 IANAL, but maybe clearing the points below can help an actual lawyer

>He cited this section of the contract: 2.3

A) is this your contract with the company or your contract with the client or the companies contract with the client? or do you sign a new contract with the company for every new client?

B) is this in your copy of the contract?

>up to the duration of one year. After which, Contractor has the option to discontinue providing Services to Client or to continue providing Services for a period of another year, and renew the agreement yearly, in this manner."

did you renew?


Title: [CA,US]Uncovering what really happened all those years ago, finding out what i'm entitled to, and how to get it back (x-post r/RBI)

Question:
In 1993, my mother passed away. I was a toddler at the time. She was never married and I was her only child. She had a house and a liquor store. I am not sure if she owned them outright, but many people tell me she did. These people I am referring to are estranged relatives who I have since reconnected with.

Here's where I need help. I never inherited any of my mother's belongings other than her life insurance. I know she didn't have a will or trust, but from my understanding of intestate succession (which is not much so please bear with me) it basically entitles me to her things.

I was taken in by my aunt who raised me after my mom died. However, I have a strong reason to believe my uncle and aunt somehow took my mother's possessions. The liquor store was bought by members of my aforementioned estranged family. They tell me my uncle sold it to them. I have no idea what happened to my mom's house. When I ask my aunt about what happened, she says "ask uncle." Let's just say my relationship with uncle has never been good and he'd never tell me anything.

I asked my mom's best friend the other day about it and she tells me she doesn't know much. All she told me was that my aunt and uncle didn't want my mom's things going through probate so they did something (signed some papers after she died - it sounded shady) to make sure it didn't.

So anyways, here's what I'd like help with:

1. Who would I need to hire to find out whether or not my mom actually owned the house and liquor store and what happened to them?

2. Am I actually entitled to any of it considering how long it's been? What steps do I need to take to get back what's mine if this turns out to be true?

Help, reddit! Thanks.

[original post to /r/RBI ](https://np.reddit.com/r/RBI/comments/6p6p08/uncovering_what_really_happened_all_those_years/)

Edit 1: I went to the county recorder and dug up the deeds to my mother's home, but could not find any for the business. Found the three ones pertinent to my mother starting from when she acquired the property, to when she transferred it over to my uncle and his ex-wife, and to when my uncle sold it off. Will look into records of her estate with probate and update as soon as I can.

Update: I was looking over the deeds. The second deed (the one where my mom signs it over to my uncle) is dated as signed in march 1992. However, it wasn't recorded until the end of september 1993. My mother died in august of 1993. Sounds fishy to me...
Topic:
Wills Trusts and Estates

Answer:
 You might go to the court in which your mother's estate would have been probated and seek to examine the records of her estate.  Alternatively, you might be able to hire a probate attorney to look in to the matter for you.

All answers will depend on the details of what played out at the time of your mother's death.  But for various reasons it is perhaps unlikely there will be anything for you to recover now.

I would probably look into it if I were in your position.  But I wouldn't be making plans for how to spend the money.


Title: (FL) Charged for taping windows during storm

Question:
Hey everyone,

Hoping I can get some advice on this situation I'm in. I live in Florida and during hurricane season last year, I taped up the glass (plexi glass I believe) panels on my patio doors to prevent damage or atleast the glass from shattering in. We removed most except on 2 doors after the hurricanes were past. We moved out in August and during the clean up, the apartment maintenance team damaged the glass attempting to remove the tape. (We were told the doors were damaged in person although in the letter it says that the tape left marks on the windows) We are now being charged $450 to replace the double panel doors.

They have already withheld our $300 deposit and are requesting almost another $300 with all other fees included. They cited the lease agreement paragraph 25 "'Condition of the premises and alterations' must be authorized by statute or by us in writing, you must not perform any repairs, painting wallpapering, carpeting, electric changes, or otherwise alter our property."

I did not realize I would need permission to protect the premises. The damage that they claimed occurred days after we had returned our keys by the maintenance men. If I had known they'd have so much trouble with it, I'd have gladly done it myself. I have already sent them a letter of dispute but they have stood their ground. Am I really out of over $500 over some tape here? Do I have any recourse. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Answer: Non-legal advice: taping your windows is not an encouraged storm prep technique and hasn’t been for a long time.Answer #2: If the damage done is legitimate, then yes you probably are out the money.  If your attempts to protect the property cause damage, you're responsible for it.  If undoing modifications you made to the property causes damage or costs money, you're responsible for that as well.


Title: Recording of dog owners not picking up after their dogs.

Question: My apartment complex has a dog park, and there is a huge problem with dog owners not picking up after their dogs.  I spoke with the property manager about this and she said if I could give her evidence of this happening then she could confront the owners and possibly fine them.  So yesterday I recorded with my phone a dog doing it's business and the owner not cleaning it up.  The property manager called the owner about this and they said that they could sue me for recording them,etc.  To my knowledge this is not the case as her privacy was not being invaded. This is in the state of Ohio if that matters.  I've looked into this and I cannot find anything saying I cannot record anyone.  Unless it matters because it's on the property of the apartment and not in a public space like a street.

Answer: If people could sue for such public recordings then security cameras wouldn't be a thing. That tenant is a moron and is just butthurt they got caught.Answer #2: They were in plain view. If they sue you, they will lose.Answer #3: If they're in public you are allowed to film them.


Title: [USA/CA] I was misclassified as a 10-99 contractor and got injured on the job. What are my options?

Question:
Topic:
Labor Law

Answer:
 >One strange part, however, is I had not been converted to a W-2 employee; I remained a contractor.

Not that strange. They're milking you because they get good work from an employee while not paying the taxes that come with hiring an employee.

>How should I go about asking for back pay, for the time I was forced to take off due to my surgery?

You ask your manager/supervisor very very nicely about your conversion and back pay. Your employer sounds very shady and if I were you I would not have the utmost trust in them.

What I am about to tell you will most likely cause you to be fired and burn a bridge with them.

There are two government agencies that deal with misclassification: the IRS and the Department of Labor Enforcement aka DOL.

The IRS handles misclassification for taxes. As a 1099 you pay basically 30% of your wage to taxes while a W-2 pays half of that (employer pays other half). Filing an SS-8 with them will pretty much make you only pay the 15% tax rather than the 30%. If you have already paid your taxes, as long as you file this in 3 years of the filing, and you win your case then the IRS will issue you a refund check.

The DOL handles wages and any other thing that isnt tax related. In your case you would also file a claim with them. They have the power to give you back-pay, get workers compensation, and any possible overtime pay. They also issue fines to companies that blatantly break rules like this.


Title: (MN) My friends want to use my address so their kid can go to a different school?

Question:
'Border hopping' I guess is the name of the practice.

Apparently it's not a contested district. The two schools in question are pretty similar, and apparently don't go through much efforts to verify addresses. They live a block away from the boundary.

I'm not sure how comfortable I am with this. They keep trying to reassure me there isn't anything to worry. Not sure what to tell them.

I want to keep them out of trouble, as well as myself.

Answer:
 > I'm not sure how comfortable I am with this.

That's the sensible part of your brain telling you it's a horrible idea.

> hey keep trying to reassure me there isn't anything to worry.

People who commit fraud often say this.

> Not sure what to tell them.

"No"


Title: (WA) Verbal agreement on holding an item in a retail store.

Question:
So in my work today we had a customer who came in asking about a couch we had for sale. I told her that other people had been asking about it and if she wanted it she would need to purchase soon.

I was doing something else when she was leaving, but she asked one of the other workers to hold onto it for her "for ten minutes" as she needed to get some money. No money is exchanged. She didn't say she was going to buy it, she just asked us not to sell it with the implication of buying it. (Couch is $600)

We've had a lot of problems with holds so we're not supposed to give holds. I told the person who gave them the hold this and said we'd give them half an hour. After that, we sold to someone else. I probably should have just waited, but boss was on the phone telling me to sell the thing.

The lady comes back, now over an hour after she originally said, and is extremely angry. Her husband comes in and starts saying we were breaking the law and his uncle's a lawyer (isn't everyone's) and so on. Manager wasn't in so I had to tell him this over the phone. I'm guessing the guy isn't going to be satisfied unless someone's punished. Boss has assured me that's not happening.

Basically wondering if this guy's claim has any weight.

Answer:
 Zero weight whatsoever. Your manager may have to ban them from the property if they won't shut up about it.Answer #2: Practical advice here.
Owner apologizes.  Tells customer that he will take appropriate action with the employee.

This gets rid of the customer and diffuses the situation.

Appropriate actions with the employee is to give them a $50 gift certificate to a local restaurant. After all,  they sold a $600 couch!

Of course,  if the customer asks what actions will be taken,  the owner just says,  " I'm sorry,  I legally cannot disclose that information,  but rest assured,  it will be dealt with"


Title: [Ontario, BC] My university won't give me my transcript

Question:
My home province is BC, but I attended a university in Ontario for less than a semester. I've had to withdraw from all my courses due to my family's financial situation and I still owe the university the full amount for the semester. I have tried to apply for a partial or full reduction in my student balance, but they have denied it. I've decided that the Ontario university is impossible for me so I've decided to apply to my local universities. However, my application requires my official transcript due to my previous enrolment in Ontario.
The Ontario school won't give me my transcript on the grounds that I owe them money. One of my friend's mother mentioned that universities aren't legally allowed to withhold transcripts but she wasn't sure.

Can anyone tell me if this is true or not? I've tried looking it up but I only get results from university rule books.

Answer:
 Settle your balance and they will release your transcripts. Answer #2: You didn't pay for the classes. Why would you get a transcript for classes you didn't pay for?

Unless ON has wierd laws, in the US you have to pay for classes and they will hold your transcripts until you pay. Answer #3: You're friends mother is wrong, it's perfectly legal. If you want your transcripts settle your balance. If you continue to ignore and not pay they will either sue you for the unpaid bill or sell the debt to a debt collector.


Title: I was given firearms and now the person who gave them to me says that if I don't give them back, he'll report them stolen.

Question:
Title pretty much sums it up.

Missouri, here.

A handful of years ago my parents got divorced and my dad went on kind of a suicidal/homicidal rampage where I had to physically hold him down and take guns away from him. When we moved him out, he gave me all of his and "our" shared guns I've had and used my whole life (we're rednecks, so we're talking probably 12 guns total).

A few years ago he got drunk and tried to fight my brother. I intervened and had to take him down. Again. There's a pattern here.

Since that last instance, I've had nothing to do with him. He's sucked my entire life between drugs, alcohol, physical and emotional abuse, and manipulation. I decided that my kids didn't need to see the kind of shit that I did growing up, so he doesn't need to be around them anymore.

Now, he says he's getting a lawyer and he's talked to the local cops and he's reporting his guns stolen and that I'm the one who stole them. There is no paperwork involved. He doesn't know makes/models, or serial numbers.

My question is, who's entitled to the guns and what can he do?

Answer:
 (NAL) If he verbally agreed to give them to you and you've had them for an extended period of time he has no legal basis on which to report them stolen.Answer #2: Just ignore and dont talk to the police about anything.
If he does not know anything about the guns then the cops wont care beyond just running his ID for any warrants.Answer #3: Going to be kinda hard to report guns as stolen if he doesn't know make/model and serial numbers. Those are the first things the cops are going to ask for from him.


Title: [CA] Work wants me to sign a form in order to opt-out of arbitration agreement-that I never signed.

Question:
Basically they sent me an email and snail mail stating that if I don't opt-out, I agree to arbitration in  future legal actions.

All employees got this, not just me.  I'm worried about signing anything even if it says, "I received and read the agreement and choose not to participate."

Should I sign or do nothing since I didn't agree to anything in the first place?

Answer: If you want to opt out, you need to take the step to do so.  If you want to be stuck with arbitration, do nothing, but don't complain about it later.  You had notice and a chance to opt out.


Title: MD - insurance adjuster and contractor said that pulling permits is unnecessary for electric rewiring. Baltimore County law seems to say otherwise

Question:
This is actually my mom's situation and I'd like to give her some concrete advice as this entire ordeal has been unbelievably stressful for her. My mom's house suffered extensive damage after the roof dislodged at the back and a storm delivered water right into and through the walls. The insurance company has appeared to drag their feet at the beginning in getting the new roof approved and an adjuster out (my parents have been living in a hotel for the past couple months).

The insurance company decided 3 weeks ago that they had 30 days for all work to be done and once that deadline is reached the hotel stay is no longer covered. My brother in law is a plumber and has been rerouting the plumbing, everything else has been handled by a general contractor that my mom has used in the past.

Now on to the (potential) issue: brother in law asked the general contractor, whom also provide the replacement electrical wiring, if he had the permits for the electrical work yet. Contractor kinda dodged the question and assured everything was fine and to code. My mom asked the adjuster about the permits and he simply responded that that would take weeks to get, implying IMO that his only reasoning for not getting them is that it would stretch everything out to beyond the time frame allotted by the insurance company.

The work is only being done on the back half of their 3 story small townhouse, so it's not a complete remodel but enough has been replaced and rerouted that I would think a permit is required, but maybe since it's only partial it falls into a gray area? My concern is that if something happens down the road and is linked to the new electric, the insurance company can refuse to cover damage since they never got a permit.

I told my mom to call the adjuster back today and ask for something in writing that the permits aren't necessary, but what's the next step if he refuses? The work on the house has to be completed this week and she can't afford to stay at the hotel once it stops being covered. Or is this one of those things that has minor consequences and isn't really that big of a deal?

Answer:
 Call [Baltimore County Code Enforcement](http://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/Agencies/permits/codeenforcement/).  They will be able to (1) definitively tell you if permits are needed and (2) have the authority to give you something in writing (or even show up in person to provide citations) to force your insurance company to do what is legally required of them with regard to pulling permits.

Often times the AHJ will allow projects to proceed when permits are in the process of being pulled given the circumstances.  That is, if there is a water break in your fire sprinkler system, for example, they will let you get the system restored because life safety is important.  Then you do the permits within 24 or 48 hours and inspections as soon as the county has availability.  So you may not find yourself homeless in 30 days.  The work may be finished. You may be able to have a place to go.  But permits will drag their feet.

Now, if your insurance company refuses to pay for a continued hotel stay should the contractor not be finished work within 30 days (and your home is uninhabitable), that's another problem.  Be prepared to keep receipts for any personal costs incurred for finding a place for yourself to stay at that time... and when/if that time comes, get a lawyer.


Title: Roommate wants to sue me for her month's rent (says I misled her into thinking she could build a wall, which mgmt told her to take down). Can she sue me?

Question:
SF USA - My roommate of 1-month had a permanent wall and door built for her living room space. I found out after because I was away. Management found out and told her to take it down. She is now leaving the lease and says I must pay her July rent because I misled her into thinking she could have a "solid partition." I only mentioned bookshelf and curtain. Our management is strict, so I told her not to ask them because they might be picky about the nails. She's says that had she been able to, she would have known that she couldn't build a permanent wall. She says she had an idea for a "dummy wall" with fewer nails, but wasn't able to ask management. Apparently that means jump to building a permanent wall with nails in the floor. She now says she never got to stay in the living room, so I must pay her July rent or she'll take me to small claims.

She also asked for a copy of the lease after this all happened, and says she didn't get to see it until now (I had no idea she never read it). I had her sign a contract saying she was responsible for the wall after she built it, so she says I knew all along. I actually just found out and wanted to protect myself and my roommate from her craziness.

Can she really take me to small claims court? She says she's consulting with a tenant lawyer. As a "Master Leaser" she says I have to pay her the $1180. What should I do?

Answer: What kind of lease do you have?  Are you both on the lease as tenants, or is one of you an occupant?  Are you subletting to her?  Does management know about her presence?  Is there a sublease agreement?


Title: I was charged with harassment...if I continue to harass this person (person that charged me for harassment because they owe me money), and I have an arrest warrant, can they charge me again while there is an open warrant for harassment?

Question: I know it sounds douchie, but I have no other options to retrieve my money other than violence and I do not want to do that.  It's a lot of money.

Answer:
 It will be a lot of money plus a possibly custodial sentence if you pursue this.

If you continue to harass a person you have already been charged with harassing, you can absolutely be charged with another count of harassment and it will not work out well for you.Answer #2: Yes they can charge you for every instance, and take that into consideration when setting bond and sentencing you.

Other options?  How about suing them and collecting through the legal system?


Title: (AZ) Miranda Question on my research/understanding

Question:
So I know Miranda is a SCOTUS defined requirement before questioning I'm asking this because a fellow rider of our motorcycle group was stopped and arrested while committing a criminal offense on his motorcycle. He advised he wasn't read Miranda but was asked a ton of questions. Alot of people from the club say they have 24 hours after the interaction to read Miranda however I believe this to be false I did some research I wanted to know if what I've found is accurate if something is in accurate the correct letter of the law pertaining to my error.

What I've found or understand is...

So I did re-research the law and apparently somethings changed in 2010... Miranda rights as I said earlier do not apply if you are not in custody which is defined as loss of freedom which means inability to leave, more then likely loosely defined as in cuffs. Simple traffic stops where you are not placed in cuffs doesn't not warrant Miranda for Miranda to be required two criteria must be met you must be in custody (deprived of your freedom) and being interrogated, now this second part had changed in 2010 if you are in cuffs (detained) the second they ask you any questions in an attempt to cause a sudden udderance to gain information or to get you to talk this is considered an interrogation and the rights are required to have been read before you are "interrogated" if they do not they can not retroactively read Miranda, also to be noted if they do read it and ask if you understand your rights refusal to answer is still considered consent of Miranda rights, ruled in 2013. The court deems your silence on Miranda as your fifth and sixth amendment rights being invoked and as long as they are read are valid consent to understand you are being interrogated and anything you say while being interrogated even general questions can be used against you.

Thoughts? Corrections?

Answer: Miranda rights aren't a make or beak, binary, yes or no, kind of deals. What matters is whether he was in custody, what questions were asked, what his answers were, and how they were used against him. Police can violate Miranda all day and still have a valid arrest and enough to charge and convict you of a crime regardless of what was gained or not gained during the interrogation.


Title: Threats and a gun

Question:
This is in Arizona.  I (31M) have been dating a girl (30F) for the past few months.  She is separated from her husband and they are getting a divorce "soon".  I have been told the entire time that the ex is gone from the picture and that everything is fine.  On Friday I went to a wedding with her, I didn't know anyone there but she had several friends and coworkers there which again leads me to believe everything is fine if she is comfortable bringing me around those people.  Well someone took and posted a photo of her and I on social media and this got back to her husband, brother (who I was introduced to a few weeks ago by her)(Late 20's) and some other family members of hers.  At 10pm last night as we are getting into bed the doorbell rings and it is her brother.  She freaks out to a point I've never seen any one do before and starts saying how he is crazy and tells me I have to hide, I grab all my things and hide in the pantry in the kitchen.  He comes in the house screaming at her about how she is cheating on her husband and begins screaming my name as he knows I am there because my vehicle was out front and saying he is going to kill me. He works in the gun industry and doesn't go anywhere without a gun.  I didn't see it but according to her he unholstered his pistol and he ran through the house screaming my name and that he was going to kill me.  I have never in my life been so terrified.  She called the police while he was there and several cops showed up but the brother had already left.  Due to her pending divorce she didn't want to press charges because "infidelity would really hurt her".  She woke up this morning to a series of texts and immediately told me I need to block her brother on FB and to unfriend certain people so he can't figure out who I am.  I told her I wouldn't press charges but what is the limitations on threats like this if he indeed did have the gun out and was making those threats?  Does the fact that I chose not to do anything at the initial call with the police hurt my ability to do so later if this escalates at a later time?

Sorry for the long winded response, I'm still a little shook up over this.

Thanks.

Edit:  I have decided to contact the police this morning when I get a break from work.  Also going to break all contact with her as of right now.

Answer:
 Arizona is a no-fault divorce state. Infidelity is neither a grounds for divorce nor is it a factor in marital support (alimony) determinations or property settlements. (Unless the couple has a covenant marriage. If this is the case then infidelity is grounds for divorce.)

As far as the threats made, the brother likely committed at least assault ([A.R.S. 13-1203](http://www.azleg.gov/viewdocument/?docName=http://www.azleg.gov/ars/13/01203.htm)), and possibly aggravated assault ([A.R.S. 12-1204](http://www.azleg.gov/viewdocument/?docName=http://www.azleg.gov/ars/13/01204.htm)). (Edit. After reading your full description again, aggravated assault seems likely.)

These are serious potential charges. You are under no legal obligation to report the incident to the police, but if you do you have no control over whether the police arrest and charge the brother.

You can also file for a [protection order](http://www.azleg.gov/viewdocument/?docName=http://www.azleg.gov/ars/13/03602.htm) through your local county or municipal court.

When you choose to contact the police to make a report or file for a protection order won't change much. The police may ask you why you chose to wait, but it likely won't change what they do, especially if this guy is a licensed firearm dealer and is making violent threats.

Also, it's important to note that adultery is a misdemeanor offense in Arizona, and it's possible you could expose yourself to prosecution if you or the woman admit to having an adulterous affair. However, this law has not been enforced, and the chance that either of you would be prosecuted is very small. (So small that worrying about this possibility at all seems like overkill.) Nevertheless, you may want to consult with a criminal defense attorney prior to speaking to the police so you can protect yourself and not admit any potential crime.


Title: Is "regular maintenance" (cleaning) for a home the responsibility of the tenant or the owner? CA

Question:
Howdy! Question pertains to Bay Area, CA.

Long story short, we're renting our home out to a tenant who isn't performing regular cleaning. The latest episode is that our tenant is complaining about the lack of water pressure in their shower, due to buildup of sediment in the shower head. They've previously complained that the toilet wasn't flushing well, due to the bowl being dirty (again, due to sediment build up).

While I was living at this property before renting it out, I would perform regular (monthly) cleaning on bathroom hardware (and appliances, etc) to keep them clean and functioning well. It's become clear that the tenant is not performing the same cleaning, which I would consider part of regular maintenance.

**Question is, does the tenant or the owner have the responsibility to perform cleaning (maintenance?) on the hardware or appliances included in a rental?** I understand that regular wear and tear is something that the owner must expect for and cannot take out of the security deposit at the end of the rental period (since the hardware, etc, would still deteriorate over time no matter if it was being rented or not), but the consequences of not regularly cleaning appliances, hardware, etc seems to be a grey area.

* I would think that if the tenant is enjoying the use of the appliance or hardware, they would be expected to perform cleaning or maintenance on it in order to keep it functioning as they desire. A good example I can think of (but want to bounce it off of smarter, less involved minds) would be that a tenant is responsible for changing the water filter in their fridge, which is part of regular maintenance and cleaning.

* That said, I have no idea if by using the hardware/appliance and NOT performing regular cleaning/maintenance, a tenant has unreasonably harmed or damaged property included in the rental, and would therefore be responsible for repair/replacement at the end of the lease, or if it breaks as a result of the lack of maintenance.

Thanks for the advice!

Answer:
 grey area but as a landlord in a different country, my expectation is surface cleaning is on the tenant. anything requiring disassembly is on the landlord, e.g. shower heads.

your water filter example in my opinion is like a light bulb. there are consumables provided in working condition at the start but the tenant is responsible for on going replacement according to his/her priorities. replace a bulb or live with a dark room. similarly an over used water filter will not break the fridge but will not be as effective. it's up to them to decide what is acceptable in the area of consumables.

the one exception I do make is the furnace filter. I don't expect my tenant to change it and I know I may shorten the life of the blower fan if I leave at clogged filter unchanged.


Title: My psycho ex is blackmailing me. Help?!

Question: My ex-boyfriend just revealed that he took nude pictures of me sleeping and videos of us having sex (without me knowing) throughout our 3.5 year relationship. I had finally left him, but now he's threatening to send these damaging pictures/videos to every grad school I applied to "as an update to my application" if I don't get back together with him, or at least keep sleeping with him. Physical therapy schools are pretty competitive and it's my second year applying because I didn't get into any last year. I want to get into school more than anything and this is my life, my career, my future he's threatening. Being a PT has been my dream since high school and the thought of admissions officers/program directors seeing that stuff is horrifying. I know this is blackmail, that it's very illegal, and that he could get in serious trouble if i report him to the police; however, he said that he gave a copy of all the footage to an undisclosed friend who will send it to all 20 schools I've applied to if I pursue this legally. At the end of the day, I just really don't want that to happen. What are my options?!

Answer:
 How has he said this to you? Email? Text? If so, contact the police with the proof.Answer #2: Police have ways of tracking these things if his "friend" makes the dumb decision to follow through, I believe they would some how be subject to " Felony, three to five years in prison, a fine not to exceed $15,000." as per [this site](https://criminal.findlaw.com/criminal-charges/revenge-porn-laws-by-state.html).

While I doubt anyone would do this, we have seen dumber before.

Like others have said, collect your evidence and get the police involved as soon as possible.Answer #3: > What are my options?!

To get back with him, or call the police.

I doubt that once he is arrested that his friend will fall on the sword for him by sending out the pictures. I doubt that there is even a friend who he set this up with.

But, I can't predict human behavior.Answer #4: Go to the police. Giving a blackmailer anything just extends their perceived power. He probably won't do anything, and if he does reputable schools will recognize it for what it is - especially backed up by legal paperwork against him - and disregard it. Answer #5: You cannot purchase peace from a blackmailer - you can only rent it.

&#x200B;

Take this to the police now, or he will have you bending over backward in both literal and figurative ways through your entire school career, then your professional career.  There exists no end to the employers, schools, and personal relationships he can threaten to send pictures to.  This will not end, and giving in to his demands (which are already unusually personal, invasive, and extreme for blackmail, they normally just want money - not rape), will only embolden him to make still greater and more terrible demands in the future.


Title: We're renting an entire home, can landlord prevent us from using the garage and can he lock it and show up whenever he wants to use it without notifying us?

Question: My bf and I are renting an entire home including the driveway and yard. Landlord said the garage needed to be repaired and it's unsafe to store a car in there so he's not allowing us to use it. He keeps a lock on it though and we don't have a copy of the key, and in the past he has shown up to retrieve his son's bike that he keeps in the garage. We've looked in the windows and there's a bunch of stuff in there that I believe are his personal items. All yard tools and lawnmower etc we are forced to store it in the yard exposed, making our yard look ugly. I'm wondering if he's allowed to prevent us from using the garage like that and keep a lock on it, and if he's allowed to just show up whenever he wants without notification to use that garage.

Answer: Is the garage specifically excluded on the lease?Answer #2: Unless the garage is excluded in the lease then you are presumably renting the garage.  If he is refusing access then you are likely owed a reduction in your rent for the loss of storage space.  As well since you are renting the yard every time he comes over without providing 24 hours notice he is likely violating your lease.  Check your lease and state laws.  Also if you are month to month keep in mind if you make a stink over this he could choose to not continue renting to you next month.  If you are on a year long lease then I would expect to either A: a reduction in rent for the lost storage space base on square footage of garage.  Or B: He clears everything out allows full access and repays you for lost access up until now.Answer #3: Read your lease. If it says entire house, and there is nothing excluding the garage, then no, he cannot do that.


Title: [TN] Possible illegal tow? Looking for advice on what to do next.

Question:
Hello,

My car was towed yesterday for parking on private property. Apparently, the parking lot in which I parked belonged to a restaurant. I have parked in this parking lot before with no problem. I thought it was just a "general" parking lot that was there for all of the businesses in the nearby area. There were NO signs whatsoever in this parking lot saying that parking was reserved for the restaurant only and/or that cars parked there would be towed.

When I returned to my car to find it missing, I spoke with someone at the restaurant and she told me there WAS, in fact, a sign. When I looked, the "sign" she was referring to was printed off a laser-jet printer and taped on the opposite side of a nearby light post facing away from where I parked. Not only was it not in view of the lot in which I parked (so I wouldn't have seen it upon pulling in), I really don't think it was there when I had parked. She also told me that other businesses in the area have exclusive parking lots so I should have inferred that her parking lot was also exclusive. Unfortunately, I had parked there in the past because it gave the distinct impression that it was for anyone since there were no signs indicating otherwise.

The guy that worked at the tow lot said that the woman I talked to had asked some random guy not to park in her lot, the random guy gave her the finger in response, and then she had all of the cars in the lot towed.

Now, I am out $130 plus gas money that I really don't have for picking up my car from somewhere out in the sticks.

According to the Tennessee municipal code, there has to be a sign in order for a tow to happen. Specifically, it says:

"The owner or person in lawful possession of private property, including an apartment complex or condominium association, may cause the removal of a vehicle parked on the property in compliance with applicable law; however, there must be displayed, in plain view at all entrances to the property, a sign not less than 18 inches by 12 inches in size, with lettering not less than one inch in height, prohibiting public parking and indicating that vehicles will be removed at the vehicle owner's expense, and containing the telephone number of the city police department report center and the name and telephone number of each towing company that is a party to a written general towing authorization agreement with the owner or person in lawful possession of the property. The sign must also indicate that a citation may also be issued for the violation..."

[Here's a link to the code in more detail](https://library.municode.com/HTML/15114/level3/TIT6BULIRE_CH6-88WRTOOP_ART1INGE.html#TIT6BULIRE_CH6-88WRTOOP_ART1INGE_S6-88-15PRPRTOAU)

Is there any recourse for me here? What should I do? I don't have a ton of money to throw at this problem but I would really like to get my $130 at least.

Thank you in advance!

Answer:
 You can sue the restaurant. That takes time. And you need to take pictures of the lot to prove your side of the story.

Take pictures and send a certified letter to the restaurant including a copy of the tow fee and the laws. Ask them to pay.  See what happens


Title: School related question

Question: If a school is to confiscate something does it have to be explicitly stated in the schools handbook, I know it is like that in some states but is it like that in MA, thank you in advance

Answer: Schools have vast power to confiscate any item that is disruptive to the educational environment regardless of if there is an explicit policy regarding the item taken.


Title: Got fucked over by my gym [CO]

Question: So I signed up for a 1 year gym membership this time last year, which is over at the end of this month.  I paid in full up front for the year and made sure this would only be for 1 year with no cancellation fee at the end of the year because I am moving soon and won't need the membership because my new living situation has a free gym.  Anyways, 2 months ago I let them know I wouldn't be renewing the membership just to have my bases covered and now I received an email and a letter in the mail saying I need to setup payment for the upcoming year.  I went in and talked to one of the staff and he's claiming I signed a 2 year contract, not a 1 year.  I know for sure he's lying and he doesn't have any copy of the contract to show me other than my account in his system showing 2 year contract.  He said I could cancel it now, but there would be a $180 cancellation fee.  I eventually got pissed off after arguing with him for a little while and walked out.  I plan on going back tomorrow to see if the manager is there to talk to him.  I definitely don't want to pay for something I can't even use and have no need for, but I'll pay the stupid cancellation fee if it comes down to it because I'd rather pay it than ruin my credit.  And before anyone asks, no I didn't save the papers I signed (I know I'm dumb).  Is there anything I can do here if they don't have a copy of my contract?

Answer:
 We had a thread a while back about the same thing at Gold's Gym. I wonder if it's the same gym.Answer #2: I don't understand why every gym membership seems to be a scam. Why do people even do business with them.Answer #3: So neither party has a copy of the contract?

If you refuse to pay, they can take you to small claims.  They'll need to prove by preponderance of the evidence (i.e. that it was more likely than not) that you had a 2-year contract.  They'll be able to show your payment history to show you had some kind of contract, that their system says it was a 2-year contract, and perhaps some other circumstantial evidence (maybe the person who set your contract up will testify, maybe that they only offer 2-year contracts, maybe that your payments would have been higher if it was a 1-year contract, etc.).

You'll be able to come in and say that you remember it being a one-year contract and introduce your evidence in rebuttal.  Other than your memory, what evidence do you have?


Title: Applying for visa through my university, they are pushing me to use their approved immigration lawyers who are expensive. I already have my immigration lawyers who would do the visa processing for free. Is there something I can do about it?

Question:
Hello,
I'm on a non-immigrant visa in the US. Currently, changing to another non-immigrant visa through my university, but they have a university approved lawyer who process all visa applications. They are charging me $5K. I already have my immigration lawyers who are preparing my green card application, and willing to help process my current visa application for free.
My question is, this just seems like an extra 5k expense on me for no reason. Does the university have a legal argument against me using my own lawyers? Is there anything I can do about it?

Answer: Is the school sponsoring your visa? I could see why they'd want their own lawyers to do the application in that case.


Title: Lease states I must give 90 days notice for termination, but landlord says I must find someone to continue my lease.

Question:
I signed a lease and wanted to leave early. In my lease, it says under the section "Other Provisions":

> - To give the landlord 90 days notice of lease renewal or termination, and to permit the landlord, or agent of the landlord, to show the apartment during this time.

On October 15th, I sent my landlord a message that I would be moving out of the apartment effective December 1st. I don't mind paying the extra 1.5 months, if need be.

The lease appears to be signed with my roommate, as the payment adds up to both of our rent put together. I am trying to keep him out of this problem as much as possible and bring as little trouble to him as possible.

The landlord said I would have to find someone to replace me on the lease or else I would have to pay until the end of the lease, which seems in direct opposition to the clause mentioned above. He says they would have to draft a new lease for my roommate and his potential new roommate.

After December 1st, I would not have the ability to show the property to anyone as I would have left the state at this time. It would also be unviable to continue paying it until the end of the lease, which is in September, and doesn't even seem to be accurate given this clause in the lease.

In the case that I do not find someone by December 1st, what is the appropriate course of action for this?
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer: The notice requirement is for when you are terminating your tenancy when the lease expires. You don't get to just terminate in the middle of the lease. The landlord is correct here.


Title: Agent Orange

Question:
Hello,

This is probably a pretty outlandish question, but I've been curious for quite sometime about this. Apparently my father was in the military during peace time on a base that was doing some kind of either storage, or experimenting with Agent Orange. He has been contacted by some kind of officials and asked for all kinds of medical information, and was made aware of this. When I was 18 I was diagnosed with a Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma. The doctors told me it probably had been growing in my lungs since the age of 14. This cancer is typically found in saliva glands but mine was found in part of my lung. This made my situation a rare case. The only explanation offered at the time was, "bad luck". It has been suggested to me that my cancer could possibly be linked to my fathers proximity to Agent Orange. Is there any legal recourse for this, or is this so out of the question I should just move on? Thank you for your time.

Answer:
 The Veterans Benefits Administration (the benefits part of the Department of Veterans Affairs) is authorized to pay compensation to some children of veterans exposed to herbicides such as Agent Orange.

However, there are two reasons you would not be eligible for these benefits.

1) The benefits are only authorized for children of veterans who either physically served in Vietnam between 1/9/62 and 5/7/75 or who served at the DMZ in the Republic of Korea between 4/1/68 and 8/31/71

2) For male veterans, the benefits are only authorized for children with spina bifida born after the qualifying service in Vietnam/Korea.

[VA info page](https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/special-claims/birth-defects/)


Title: Do siblings have visitation rights? (AR)

Question:
Washington County, Arkansas.

I'm 18, and I've always had a mediocre relationship with my father and step-mother. I just spent two months living with them, but was basically forced out, and my step-mom has declared that I'm unable to see her children again. Not really worth getting into the details.

My half-siblings are 7 and 10. They are my entire world. Nobody matters more to me, not being able to see them feels like somebodies taking a steak knife to my heart.

I'll do absolutely anything I can to make sure they know I love them, and that I'm there for them. Their parents are shitty people, and I'm scared my dad will hurt them like he's hurt me and my full siblings.

It's hard to find a clear answer... I just want to know if I have any inherent right to visit with them, in any way, or what I can do moving forward to be a part of their lives, aside from leaving presents and letters in the mail. Is there anything I can do to make myself more fit to get the right to see them?

Thank you, sorry if this flair is wrong?
Topic:
Custody Divorce and Family

Answer:
 I was going to say that siblings usually don't have visitation rights... But it looks like in Arkansas, you might actually be able to petition the court for that.

> 9-13-102. Sibling visitation rights

> The circuit courts of this state, upon petition from any person who is a brother or sister, regardless of the degree of blood relationship or, if the person is a minor, upon petition by a parent, guardian, or next friend in behalf of the minor, may grant reasonable visitation rights to the petitioner so as to allow the petitioner the right to visit any brother or sister, regardless of the degree of blood relationship, whose parents have denied such access. The circuit courts may issue any further order that may be necessary to enforce the visitation rights.

I am not clear from reading this if this holds true if the parents aren't divorced, as it's included in a discussion of visitation rights after talking about custody in divorces. So your next step would be to contact a lawyer who does family law to see if you can pursue this, and how much it would cost to do so.Answer #2: You’re going to need a family law attorney.

Unfortunately these kinds of cases aren’t common so I don’t think anyone here can give you a picture of what these cases would look like and your chances of succeeding.


Title: [VA] Can I schedule my own doctors appointment about possible UTI? I'm 16.

Question: I'm 16 years old and sexually active with my boyfriend. Lately I've been feeling some symptoms of a UTI and was wondering if I could schedule my own appointment at the doctors without my parents' permission. I know the rules are slightly bent for minors' scheduling appointments concerning STDs but I'm not sure if a UTI really counts. I know that if I ask my mom to take me she will immediately suspect sex (which is probably the cause!) and I'd rather not have her be suspicious and cold to me.

Answer: Utis are not STDs. I used to get them before I was sexually active. Just tell your mom you drank too many sugary drinks because utis are the result of sugars and bacteria on your bladder wall.Answer #2: UTIs are in no way an STI, they can and do happen all the time without sex. Just schedule a doctor's appointment. Just tell your mom you're not comfortable having her in the actual appointment room. If you tell the doctors you are sexually active that is privileged information and they can't tell your mom without your express permission. But either way, unless they're a chronic issue the doctor will likely not care too much how you got it, other than to give you a lecture on post-sex hygiene.


Title: Non-custodial Father trying to protect son from an unfit, custodial mother

Question:
I am a non-custodial father in Texas and I am loosing my mind trying to protect my son from his un-fit, custodial mother. I have spent thousands trying to get custody of my son only to have every judge turn down my requests. I have been to counseling with the mother and she will not listen to reason. She listens to her friends and drinks and parties.

Right now one of her friends keeps my son after school every day and her live-in boyfriend has an ankle bracelet from assaulting officers. He also has a history of domestic violence. I don't want my son around this person and the mother, myself, and the counselor had settled the matter during a session, I had thought. However, the mother has just been ignoring our agreement and having my son around this man anyway.

I have a good job, a family support structure, a stable home, and I am an upstanding citizen. Yet the law says my son is better of with his mother who drives around with him in the car drunk, constantly parties, leaves him with the shitty people she calls friends, and generally neglects him. My son cries every time I have to take him back to his mother. This is the most fucked up shit for a parent to have to deal with.

What can I do legally to help protect my son? I have given up on trying to get custody, and run out of money. Can I get a restraining order to prevent him from being around these fucked up people? Somebody help me?

Answer:
 You can get a restraining order on behalf of the child but you would have to **prove**  family violence has occurred and is likely to occur again.

Does she have full legal/physical custody or is it split?  If you have none why were you not awarded split in the first place? What is different of your situation now compared to when the original order was filed?
These are factors that help with changing child custody orders.

You spoke of an agreement, is that stipulation/agreement that was filed with the court, or, a personal agreement made at therapy?

Can you prove the DUI w/ kid? Or will it just be your word against hers?

With everything that you have just said, I cannot see how a judge would rule in her favor or deny you at least split legal custody.  There must be more.

Answer #2: If there are orders that she is violating you can file a motion for contempt.  If you have evidence that the child is being exposed to domestic violence or that the mother is driving drunk with the child in the car, you can make a referral to child protective services.  Absent that, it is unlikely that you will be able to obtain primary physical custody.


Title: Is it illegal for a 19 year old to have sex with a 15 year old?

Question:
I'm from New Mexico and one of my friends got herself it into a bad situation... What can she be charged with? I'd also like to know whether or not it's a good idea legally for someone who is 19 to date a 15 year old at all?
Topic:
Megathread

Answer:
 She can be charged with 4th degree sexual penetration, as there is a romeo & juliet law that lowers the penalty.

It is not a good idea whatsoever.


Title: Just put in my letter of resignation at work to find out about our tuition repayment policy.. which I didn't know about. Our employee handbook is a web page which I think they may have changed after I started.

Question:
Long story short, I was happy working at this place for way under market salary because they had decent tuition benefits to help with my MBA. They also paid for my industry designation. It seemed like a decent 9-5 gig to manage with grad school which was the main draw for me. At the time, market for me was around 50k but I was happy with 32k and good hours.

&#x200B;

2 years later, after I was done with my MBA and industry designation, they didn't want to increase my salary to market so I eventually found something else. My salary + bonus is going from 38k to 92k just for reference.

&#x200B;

They now pointed out a section in our employee handbook that details I'm responsible for reimbursing them if I leave. Same thing for the designation. I may have signed something when I started saying that I acknowledge the handbook, but I for sure never saw or knew about these details. There's also nothing in my employee contract about it and I never needed to sign a tuition agreement with the company.

&#x200B;

It's for sure possible I missed it and am just an idiot... but our handbook is a web page, and I'm thinking they may have added these stipulations in after I started utilizing the benefits. I can see when they updated it, and both the designation reimbursement and tuition reimbursement pages were updated multiple times during my employment, but I cant see what was updated.

&#x200B;

Here's what they're claiming I owe:

$8,900 tuition for the past 12 months

$1,400 expenses relating to designation for past 6 months

$5,000 designation completion bonus

Total: $15.3K

&#x200B;

Do you guys think I have a leg to stand on, or am I just an idiot that should pay it.. thanks for any help!

Answer: You can ask for the documentation proving you signed a version of the handbook that had these same stipulations, but I can almost guarantee you that you did and you owe this. Most companies are pretty careful about that kind of liability.


Title: Girlfriend harassed in public, and stalker

Question:
Edit:

Sorry. I should have added this to the title. I live in Illinois.

&nbsp;

This is going to be a long story. Thank you in advance if you take the time to read through it all. There are two parts to this.

&nbsp;

**Harassment in public**

My girlfriend stands out and looks very different most people here. Whether my girlfriend is alone or I am with my girlfriend, guys will always have something dirty to say to my girlfriend even if I am holding her hand or have one arm around her to indicate that she is a relationship with me.

&nbsp;

I am getting tired of men saying things like "Wow. Big boobs. Nice ass. Dayum that ass" and even more explicit things that have been said while I was with her.

&nbsp;

1) If a person says really dirty things to my girlfriend while I am in public with her, is it considered harassment and can I call the police? Or I cannot because the person never done any physical harm to us?

&nbsp;

2) If I am with my girlfriend, and someone intentionally grabs my girls butt or intentionally brushes his hand on her butt? Am I able to call the police? If so, what if I accuse the person and the person decides to escape from the scene? Am I legally allowed to physically detain the person?

&nbsp;

**Stalker and harassment**

My girlfriend has a stalker sending her emails with audio files of a snippet of an old song with the lyrics "Wherever you goooo. I will follow youuuu." The same snippet of the song was left in a voicemail on my phone too because this person called my phone many times with different numbers.

&nbsp;

On two occasions, my phone was not able to receive or send text messages. I was not the only person with a phone that was affected. My girlfriend's friends experience the same thing on their phones. After 3 hours, our phones were able to send and receive text messages again.

&nbsp;

My girlfriend took her phone to Verizon and they mailed her phone back for investigation and confirmed that the phone was indeed tampered or hacked into. Verizon would not disclose any information of what changes were made but they did found abnormal activity on the phone.

&nbsp;

She gets calls from unknown numbers with area codes from different states. I suspect this stalker is using one of those apps that generates a phone number for you to text and call over wifi.

&nbsp;

She will get text messages like "I have seen you outside your house with a yellow school bus." This is true because she would help her daughter to get on the school bus.

&nbsp;

One time the person called her on an unknown number, and she picked up the call. My girlfriend asked "Who is this?" The stalker asked back "Who is this?" pretending he didn't know. My girlfriend asked him again who he was. The stalker said "Inquired minds would like know." My girlfriend replied "I am hanging up." The stalker shouted "Wait! Don't hang u-u-p" and my girlfriend hung up before the stalker was able to finish his sentence.

&nbsp;

My girlfriend spoke to a police officer that was her friend and said the police cannot do anything because the stalker has not done any physical harm or has threaten her. Plus, she does not have enough evidence.

&nbsp;

However, all of this is at least considered harassment.

&nbsp;

3) Is there really nothing we can do about this cyber stalking harassment from emails, phone calls, and text messages?

&nbsp;

Again, thank you if you really took the time to read this entire post.

Answer:
 I'll address your first section with a little bit of life-mixed-with-legal advice.

You can never control what other people will say.  But if guys are saying things like that to your significant other right in front of you, then that means you are an incredible push-over, and your relationship is not long for this world.

That being said, no you should not call the cops if someone says "nice rack" to your girlfriend.  Seriously, don't be a pussy and suggest that.  And I'm saying this because I'm assuming you're young and can use the advice in how to make a relationship like yours work.  I'm not saying you have to threaten to fight/actually fight anyone who disrespects your girlfriend, but you should be prepared to actually command that respect for her, and not just sheepishly cower and suggest calling the police because someone licked his lips while looking at her tater biscuits.

If someone grabs her, yeah that's assault and you should call the police.  This is /r/legaladvice, so others might hate what I'm about to say, but if I was out with my wife and someone grabbed her (whether or not it was in my presence and she told me), said individual would be bleeding (or at the extreme least a very loud talking to) in less time than it took me to swear my oath into my state bar.  Again, I'm not telling you you should/have to get into fights with anyone, but you need to at least cast the appearance that you would so the lady feels protected.

And this is all coming from a guy that way out-kicked his coverage and when I started dating the wife neither of us lived in the best area to be going out around.


Title: [VT, USA] Crim fleeing drug enforcement cops went through our front and backyard and tore it up, broke a reflector pole. Town cops want to talk to us. Is there anything we can do to obtain compensation for the yard?

Question:
Title says it all except that we received (non-legal) advice not to file with our insurance because they won’t do anything and will raise our rate regardless

I am worried we’ll now be known as a well hidden turn-around spot for future crims, friends tell me that’s not a thing to worry about.

Answer: you can sue the criminal


Title: So I have Florida Blue insurance already. My SO applied for Medicaid recently since she found out she is with child. Upon applying they ended sending out a card for me as well. Am I able to use the Medicaid card without fear of repercussion? Or should I stick with my Florida Blue?

Question:
Topic:
Healthcare Law including HIPAA

Answer:
 You should definitely call the number for Medicaid in Florida and find out what's going on. If you didn't apply for Medicaid you shouldn't have been given it, and if you were for some reason it could still be considered fraud if you make too much money to be eligible for it while having a Medicaid case open.

Otherwise, if you are eligible for it and want it, it probably just covers whatever your insurance doesn't but you should look up Medicaid policies in Florida to make sure.


Title: Is there a law for this?

Question:
[deleted]
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer:
 >  ive seen on suits that if she contacts his lawyer and ask for paperwork he has to supply her with it, is this true?

Kind of, but not completely.  She can certainly request documents from the other party, and may be entitled to them.  But she's not getting that by tomorrow.  Also, she can't file suit and then demand that the landlord provide her evidence for her.  Such a suit would almost assuredly be dismissed on its face.Answer #2: > Hi so my friend is going to court with her landlord tomorrow and she can't get a lawyer cause she can't find her lease

This is almost certainly not true.

If nothing else, a lawyer she is paying to represent her could help her get a copy of the lease if it was needed.


Title: [TIFU] Using a family members handicap placard

Question:
[deleted]
Topic:
Traffic and Parking

Answer: Even if it does, the cop can just write one for your wife. So it wont make it vanish


Title: Can a Christian school not affiliated to a church reject my non-teaching (Accounting) employment application because of my different religious beliefs?

Question: Location: Florida, US

Answer: I would think people who want to be accountants would be better at following directions like "provide your location".


Title: Could Jim Acosta sue Sarah Sanders for libel?

Question:
So I’m not interested in the political ramifications of this question.

Could a member of the press corps show “actual malice” with regard to statements made by a member of the administration?

Let’s not get caught up in the details of the actual situation because who did what to whom here is not what I’m concerned about.

If we were to grant that the administration of the White House did know that they were lying when they made claims regarding the conduct of a member of the press corps and were taking action to remove his access, is there a scenario where someone could sue for that?

Or are they protected somehow?

Answer: Wouldn't he fall into the public figure exception?  He's well known enough Answer #2: Proving malice is a pretty high bar.  You'd need to find evidence that there is actual intent to do harm.  Short of an email saying "I want to get even by ruining Acosta and I don't care what lies I use" it's hard proving your case in court.