Title: (Phoenix,Arizona) work place discrimination due to mental illness.

Question: I have psychopathy and someone tried to fight me at work. Knowing my illness, my manager said he was worried I'd retaliate and now whenever that man is working, they tell me not to come in. He has gone unpunished, and it's looking like they are going to fire me due to this issue. Do I have a reason to file a suit with the crd or eeoc?

Answer: Why did you get into the fight, and why do you believe you are going to be fired? They are accommodating you on this issue by not allowing you to work together, that doesn't mean they aren't punishing him.


Title: If I drink 20 redbulls and get a heart attack, can I sue redbull? It doesn't say on the bottle that you shouldn't drink 20 at a time

Answer: Sure, you could sue. You'll lose, but you could sue.Answer #2: Post history folks.


Title: I am a server in Connecticut. is it legal for my employer to charge me to use a new computer system he will be implementing?

Question:
My employer wants to charge all of the waitstaff in his restaurant $8 per week in order to use his new POS computer system for taking orders. It is not optional; you will have to use this system for your job.

It just seems odd to me, like asking employees to pay rent or something. It's not a lot of money, but it really had me wondering. I don't know how to proceed if this is actually illegal.
Topic:
Labor Law

Answer:
 Not legal without your permission. Holy bajeezus there are some ignorant employers out there. You can google allowable wage deductions for any State in literally 30 seconds.

Sec. 31-71e. Withholding of part of wages. No employer may withhold or divert any portion of an employee's wages unless (1) the employer is required or empowered to do so by state or federal law, or (2) the employer has written authorization from the employee for deductions on a form approved by the commissioner, or (3) the deductions are authorized by the employee, in writing, for medical, surgical or hospital care or service, without financial benefit to the employer and recorded in the employer's wage record book.


Title: 7th grade student humiliated by teacher about dress length at public middle school. How can I help? [AR]

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Don't go looking for reasons to be outraged.  You will have plenty of reasons and opportunities to be legitimately outraged by many things in your career as a teacher.

This is not a legal issue.  Answer #2: Dude. What on earth... . No. Nothing about anything here has any legal consequence.Answer #3: Although unprofessional, I do not see any legal issue here.


Title: [FL] Just a scam or am I in big trouble?

Question:
Im your regular college kid, semi recently got the dating app OkCupid, surprisingly worked out pretty well so far until today.

I had been messaging a girl for like an hour and she asked for my number. So we texted for a big here and there over a couple of days and eventually it turned to sending a nude back and forth (literally one each, first sort of red flag).

Well come this morning I wake up to a call from her number, except its a man claiming to be her father. He says that she was under age and that I had sent the nude to her and his wife some how (what??). I am of course mortified and tell him im so sorry and I certainly wont contact her again if that's the case. I explained that she had her profile clearly set as 18 and that at no time did she say otherwise.

He then says his wife/him want to go to the police but he doesn't want to just ruin someone's life. He then says if I pay for his daughter's phone cancellation fee he will talk his wife out of going to the police. At that point I think its a scam tell him so and hang up.

I then receive this text: http://imgur.com/G51RVw9

So on one hand this sounds like a scam, but on the other it certainly has me freaked because what if it isn't.

I guess I just wanted a few more sets of eyes on the situation.
Topic:
Criminal Law

Answer:
 ScamAnswer #2: As an aside, I think Florida is one of the few states the requires both parties to consent to record a phone call. So if he recorded the call without your knowledge and permission, he might be violating state eavesdropping laws.

Edit: Not to mention, that's blatant extortion.  So there's that too.


Title: Photoshopping underage girls online

Question:
Hi all--

Straight to it: My friend discovered multiple websites created by the same person (on Tumblr and DeviantArt) that had pictures of her in high school that were photoshopped to look like she was gagged/bound/being prepared for sale as a sex slave. Some of them are just photoshopped pictures of her in high school from Facebook, others are her head photoshopped onto porn actresses.

Upon further inspection into these websites, we found 40 other girls from our high school that were on this website. Some were far worse than others. To make matters worse, the captions under the photos often included sex slave scenarios and ALWAYS included the girls' real names and sometimes their home towns.

Because of the connections between the 40 girls, and the profile details online, we were able to identify the creator of the website with 99% certainty.

We've reported this to the police, the FBI, and notified all of the girls and advised them to do the same. Some of them say they spoke to police and the police said it wasn't a crime. Other police officers say it is. Is this a crime, and are there any other steps we should be taking? Thanks.

EDIT: Suspect lives in Texas. Victims live in Texas, California, North Carolina, Mississippi, and Kansas, but all went to high school in Texas.

Answer:
 Photoshopped images of minors into pornography is considered child pornography if the resulting image is "indistinguishable" from a photo of an actual child.

So if it photoshop is good enough that it passes for a real photo, then it is technically CP.

...Which does not guarantee an investigation or prosecution of the offense.

But it would violate the federal CP laws.

You did what you were supposed to do- I don't think there's anything else you need to do.Answer #2: INAL and I'm not sure about all those states listed but if the person is making money from the images the victims in California may be able to sue the person directly for using their likeness to make money. Even if they can't prove damages, I think they would win $750.

[Cal Civ. Code, § 3344](http://codes.findlaw.com/ca/civil-code/civ-sect-3344.html)

Hopefully, someone will correct me if I'm incorrect on that one.


Title: Is a court mandated caregiver entitled to compensation?

Question:
I am posting on behalf of a woman who is the court ordered caregiver of her grandson. When he was young the parent shook him and now he has a severe form of shaken baby syndrome with lots of health issues and requires round the clock care now.

The thing is, grandma took the required classes to care for him medically and he has been in her care for years. But instead of paying her to stay home and care for him, which she is now qualified to do, they're paying nurses to come in while she goes to work (which is, of course, way more money). Grandma would of course prefer to be spending the time working with her grandson, but is poor and cannot afford to stay home and care for him all day without compensation.

Is there any way that she might be entitled to such compensation? This is in Florida.

Answer:
 I am not myself familiar with the available options, but many states will pay family members to provide caregiving services, because it is both cheaper and probably better quality care than third parties will often provide.

A quick google search turned up this:  [https://www.payingforseniorcare.com/paid-caregiver/florida.html](https://www.payingforseniorcare.com/paid-caregiver/florida.html)

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A social worker would also be an excellent person to get in contact with.Answer #2: Your grandmother needs to register with the state as a certified caregiver. They will check her credentials and then appoint her as the care provider. She will be compensated by the state at that time. I don’t really know what the compensation level would be but it’s dependent upon what type of care and the patient.Answer #3: NAL,  but are the biological parents still alive? If so it might be possible they are still on the hook for child support.


Title: [Urgent] Days after signing lease property manager calls in to notify I won't be able to move in because of problems with current tenant.

Question:
(Boston, Ma) They haven't cashed the deposit checks yet but called in to let me know that the current tenant won't leave and they are going to have to fight legally against the person. I'm just trying to figure out what are my rights in this scenario.

At this point I have already moved out of my previous apartment and have all my belongings in a door-to-door "Pod". I wasn't even in town anymore and had to cancel my travel plans to go visit family back home. All of this is costing me last minute flights and hotel expenses. What can I do in this situation legally speaking?
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer:
 You can ask that they pay for temporary housing and other expenses while they find an alternative. If they have to evict somebody it's not going to be a quick process. Ultimately if you cannot reach an agreement you can sue them for breaching the lease.  Keep detailed records of all expenses caused by this.Answer #2: Before you get ready to sue, check the lease:  Most leases have a section about what happens if the dwelling is not delivered on time; it is common for a lease to give the landlord has up to 30 additional days to deliver the apartment before the lease is broken, with no penalties due to the tenant except an abatement of rent.  Sometimes the tenant has the option to break the lease immediately upon notification, other times you have to wait a period of time.

In the future, if you see that clause in a lease, you should edit it to be more favorable to you, and refuse to sign it if the landlord refuses.  You may be stuck paying for expensive temp housing  and storage for as long as the lease requires it.


Title: Shady Nanny Situation! (PA)

Question:
I'm in the beginning stages of finding a nanny job. My main lead is going to pay me well, and it's a great fit. However, he wants to pay me on the payroll of the company he owns, as his "exec. assistant," rather than out of pocket. I didn't see a problem, but my boyfriend thinks it would be a good into to look into this scenario because he finds it "shady" and thinks there may be "repercussions."

So my question is, it a good idea to work under a company's payroll when you do not actually work there, but instead in the owners home?
Secondly, if I am going to work on his company's payroll for 40-45 hours a week, does he have to provide me with healthcare and other benefits? I've already asked, and he said none of his 3 employees receive benefits.

Answer:
 I can't address how "shady" it is since that has no specific definition. What I can tell you is that he's probably doing it for the sake of simplicity.  He's got a payroll at his company with taxes   and he may have other legal protections which don't expose him in his personal capacity.  If he hired you as a domestic, he's gotta do a different set of taxes, etc and you are employed by him personally.   Frankly, that's between him and the IRS.

And since he doesn't have 50 employees, he's not required to provide healthcare. You are, however, required to sign up for it.  Answer #2: Not a lawyer, but I've worked as a nanny.

I suspect this guy isn't trying to be shady so  much as use the payroll service he already has at work - rather than having to figure out how to do that at home.  I've done just enough payroll accounting to know that it's a pain in the ass for anyone not familiar with how it works.  He may just be trying to save himself the annoyance.


Title: [IN] Burger King covering up minors labor violations. Millions in fines.

Question:
So I'm 17 working at Burger King. I recently graduated but am not 18 so I'm stuck with at Burger King because my friends work there.

A majority of the staff are underage minors 15-17. Many of which don't get breaks and work over 40 hours a week during school weeks. Minors working until 2am on school nights without parental approval. I just got off work at 2:30am. One day this 15 year old worked a 14 hour shift with one break. I know this is in violation of laws because we have a bulletin that has the required rules and regulations regarding minors in the work area.

All of our times are regulated on the computer so a manger can go in and change it if someone forgot to clock-in. On the computer it also shows the violations of required breaks and hours during that day.

If Burger King were to get caught with these violations they would pay millions in fines. How do I know this? Because I saw the manager changing the computer to make it seem like we took "breaks" and fix those violations. And I asked her what would happen if they were to get caught. Her response "Millions in fines and I'd probably get fired". 😐 Is this illegal or what? I don't really care if she gets fired I could care less. Can I do something about this? How can I get this to pay my college tuition? Idk plz help with some Legal Advice.

Topic:
Employment Law

Answer:
 Well, you didn't just strike it rich, but you can be compensated for the time you are owed, and they can be fined for the violations.

Call up the [Indiana Department of Labor](http://www.in.gov/dol/) and ask them how to file a report.

You will likely be fired.  You could claim it was for illegal retaliation, but that can be difficult to prove.


Title: can I sue for defamation?

Question:
I am a freshman in college this year, and my roommate when I got here turned out to be amazing. We were the best of friends, and always hung out together and with other people. Around our Fall break, and out of nowhere, she filed a sexual harassment claim about me, saying that I would touch her inappropriately and take pictures of her when she wasn’t aware, and follow her to the bathrooms during class and look at her through the stall. This is all lies, and I know they’re all lies, and we had the claim prove me innocent after a long while of interviews and interrogations, but only through the college. No actual police were ever involved.
The day the claim was filed, I was forced to move all of my belongings out of our shared dorm, to a whole other dorm building across campus. Since it was so abrupt, I had to move everything by myself (including a mini fridge a TV and a microwave) without a car, and before I even had a chance to call my mom or anyone for assistance.
I have,since the claim, not been allowed to have any visitors to my dorm room, and I have not been allowed to go to any school related activities, because I am not allowed to be in the same area as her. This means that I had to quit 3 clubs that she wasn’t even in. I had to stop going to the classes that we shared, and had to personally reach out to my professors to ask them to email me the notes for the class. I was in the Honors program here at my college, but I had to drop out because I could not fulfill the requirements of going to campus activities for credits.
I have also received a lot of harassing messages from her friends, and even from people I do not know. I also get angry, disgusted looks from people when I am simply walking to class.

I am wondering what I can do about this, since my name has been ruined on my campus, and I lost most of my friends, and had to move across the campus by myself, all because of her made up stories. I am sick of being in the same category as the people who have raped college girls, and I actually firsthand know what it is like to be sexually harassed. I hate the fact that I am associated with those disgusting types of people, even though I have already been proven innocent.

I’ve read up on defamation, but as far as I can tell, that would be hard to do as a college student, when the actual police were never involved in the first place. Any advice to regain my positive reputation would be helpful.

Thank you.

Answer:
 Defamation claims can occur without the police being involved - defamation isn't a criminal complaint and doesn't require that you be arrested for anything.

You will have a difficult time proving you have been harmed financially, but you CAN prove mental or emotional or social harm, almost certainly.  My understanding is that accusations of sexual misconduct are assumed to cause harm, when they are made where the other person engages in defamatory speech.  The phrase here is "defamation of character."

I would recommend contacting an attorney with experience in civil litigation and defamation claims.


Title: Being bullied by Harpers Bazaar Magazine out of my Twitter account.

Question:
Long story short. I've had the twitter handle @harpersbazaar for over 6 years. Today I've received a message from their social media accounts manager asking me to change my handle so that the magazine could use it.

Responding politely I replied I would not as it's an account I use daily and not only has followers that listen to my radio show (I'm a radio host) but acts as a contact for celebs and reporters. That there had to be an amicable way of resolving this.

The reply was a simple "our lawyer will be in touch."

What should I do? ( also important to note I've never acted as the magazine or a parody of it, in fact have replied to people mistaking my account as the magazines that their's was @harpersbazaarus)

Answer:
 Right now, there's nothing to do until you hear from their attorneys.  They could do anything from send a cease & desist to offering to buy it from you.  Once you know what angle they're going for, you can find an attorney with the relevant specialty to help you.  Answer #2: If Harper's Bazaar is a trademark, Twitter can reclaim the username from you to give to the rightful trademark holder. (EDIT: Harper's Bazaar doesn't appear to be trademarked per the USPTO website)

(EDIT 2: per /u/litmustest1 Hearst Publications has several registrations. Ultimately it's going to come down to whether or not Twitter is willing to reclaim the handle and give it to Harper's Bazaar.)

https://support.twitter.com/articles/18311

>Trademark: We reserve the right to reclaim usernames on behalf of businesses or individuals that hold legal claim or trademark on those usernames. Accounts using business names and/or logos to mislead others may be permanently suspended.

But Trademark links to this:
https://support.twitter.com/articles/18367

Twitter's Trademark Policy

>What Is not a Trademark Policy Violation?

>Using another's trademark in a way that has nothing to do with the product or service for which the trademark was granted is not a violation of Twitter's trademark policy.

>Twitter usernames are provided on a first-come, first-served basis and may not be reserved. For information on why you may not be able to select a certain username, please see our Why Can't I Register Certain Usernames help page.

So I'm not clear if they will reclaim the username upon request of the registered trademark holder or only if you were using it in violation of trademark policy (as in impersonating or acting as affiliated with).Answer #3: Is your name Harper? Do you run a large middle eastern marketplace?


Title: My niece may have been put in to foster care in Georgia (USA). What are my options, as her aunt, to check on her welfare?

Question: Hi, I am hoping someone can help me. I have called the local DFCS in Georgia , and have not been able to reach a person. I received a message on Facebook saying she had been put in to foster care by her grandparents. I live in Canada, but I am a citizen of the US. What are my rights as her aunt to check on her? Can I get custody of her? I don’t even know where to start with this. Thank you for your help!

Answer:
 >What are my rights as her aunt to check on her?

none

>Can I get custody of her?

possibly, but it won't be quick.  You can contact an attorney where your niece lives.  If she is in state custody, there is a process to get custody to a family member.  Out of state changes take a while, out of country will be even longer.


Title: (NJ) I am a victim of armed robbery and DA and victim advocate want to meet me before the trial. Now what?

Question:
Long story short, my parents and I were robbed last year and we tried our best to just forget about it. However, the DA of county called me yesterday to ask if my parents and I can meet with him. I said okay because I thought saying no to him would lead to the DAs issuing a subpoena to make sure my parents and I will have to testify at the trial.

I am okay with having some conversation with the DAs to give them more details, but we REALLY do not wish to testify. We do not wish to see the perpetrators’ face and do not wish to spend our time explaining one of the most excruciating moments that we experienced. we are also afraid the victims remember our face and retaliate (or do anything stupid like vandalizing our house or car) once they get out of prison.

Should I just call them and tell I do not want to meet up with them? Or should I give all the details during the meeting and get a lawyer to make sure we do not have to testify at the trial? Our priority is not to be present at the trial.

Answer: The DA likely wants to speak to you to hear what you have to say and get you to testify.  That's because without you, it'll be much harder to prosecute and put the person in jail.


Title: Hospital damaged my dental implant

Question:
I have a full upper dental implant, which cost me a lot of $$ (25k).  Last fall I had a heart attack, and was in the cardiac ICU for five days.  I was on a respirator for several days.  When they pulled out the respirator from my mouth, one of the 'teeth' from the implant cracked off.  I was doped-up at the time, and despite the fact that I could feel that the tooth was broken, I didn't complain about it because I was grateful just to be alive, and felt it would be churlish to complain at the time.

Afterward I didn't say anything, and spent the winter recovering, chalking up my snaggle-tooth appearance to 'shit happens'.

A few weeks ago another tooth from the implant broke off when I was eating popcorn.  When I visited my dentist, she said that the recent incident was probably related to structural damage from removing the respiratory.  It is costing me $500 to have the implant repaired.

Can I ask the hospital to deduct the cost of my broken implant from my bill?

Answer:
 NAL, but a former medical biller and coder.

You can ask, but the hospital's answer will be "no."

Damage to the teeth, or mouth in general, is a common risk of intubation.  The hospital isn't going to deduct the cost of the repair from their bill for a common risk that happened in the course of saving your life.

As you said, "shit happens."


Title: divorcing unemployed wife

Question:
Hello,

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My wife and i are going to get a divorce after 3 years of marriage. She stopped working 10 months before we got married and i was ok with it because i made enough to support us. most of the money goes to her credit cards. roughly $900 per month just on her credit cards. I only own 3 credit cards. (her credit cards she had before we even got married, none of them have my name on it). i know i will most likely have to pay spousal support because i am currently the only one with an income, which i have no problem with because i also want to help her although we are separating. We have been living in her parents two family house paying rent. They are allowing me to still stay there untill i can find a place of my own. However now my wife wants to go back to college. she tells me this the day after we decide its better we divorce. we have not filed any paperwork yet or atleast i havent. will i end up getting screwed with this if she wants to go to college all of a sudden? will i get stiffed with the bill? and will i have to pay all her credit cards even though they are in her name and nothing in my name?

PS: we have no kids. no house. no car payments. no assets besides my 1997 jeep (worth $700) and my $900 computer.

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Thanks for the the advice

Answer:
 Speak to an attorney immediately. If she takes out student loans while you are married but before you file for divorce, they may be a joint marital debt and you may in the end be be responsible for them.Answer #2: You need to talk to a divorce attorney ASAP.  All of these questions are very very context specific, there's no general answers here.  You need someone who can look at your entire situation to give you a worthwhile assessmentAnswer #3: IANAL. Where. are you located?

In my state, if you have no kids and have been married less than ten years you don't have to pay any amount of spousal support.

I'd check your state laws for something similar.

As others have said, debts incurred during the marriage are shared, debts occured before or after belong to the person who incurred them.

Same goes with property, down to the magnets on the fridge.

You have no assets, no real debts besides hers and no kids. You could easily do this pro se depending on your location.

When I had my divorce I paid off all cc debt which was just a grand, filed pro se and claimed no assets on other side. He took his car, I took mine and we parted ways. If you can do something similar and cordially all the better.


Title: Caught With 9 Oxycodone Pills During Traffic Stop

Question:
Ohio

I was pulled over at 3AM for a dead headlight. Officer asked if he could search my car, I said yes. I keep kicking myself for that. I asked if I could take my purse and he said no, when he looked inside my wallet he found 9 oxycodone pills. He also found bits of marijuana in the door slot.

I was detained for maybe 10 minutes while they decided "what to do." After I was let out I was told the report would be given to a detective and I was sent on my way. No ticket, no paper, no copy of the report.

The pills came from my dad, who has terminal lung cancer and has a prescription for the pills and can prove it if that will help. Is there anything I should know or any advice you have to give? Should I contact a lawyer?

Answer: If charges are filed hire an attorney. If the pills belong to your dad why are they in your purse?  That fact is probably not helpful for your defense.


Title: Neighbor took out sand

Question: Hello this is my first time posting on here but here's the situation there is a family owned cabin up north on a lake when its winter time the ice from the lake pushes Sand up on the beach. Once it get warm out u have to use that sand to level out your beach again. Ok that being said this year one of my neighbors went up for the first time this year and found that multiple houses have had the sand piles missing and there is a new neighbor that took the sand off other people's property and used it to level his own beach I'm honestly unsure what to do any help would be appreciated

Answer: Does the property extend to include the lake shore? If you have any proof you can sue him for the cost of the sand.


Title: Friend was hit by an uninsured drunk driver in a crosswalk. Does she have any options?

Question:
Hello /r/legaladvice,

As the title says, the other night around 11:30PM here in Salem Oregon, my friend was crossing the street with her groceries, when a drunk driver hit her in the crosswalk.

I found out about it by getting a call from the Salem Hospital, where she was taken by ambulance. I stayed with her until all the imaging results came back. She miraculously didn't so much as break a toe. But she still has staples in her scalp, massive bruising, and she can't walk on her own right now. She was discharged around 2AM, and I stayed with her all night in case she needed to be rushed back to the hospital.

The police came in and were asking her a lot of questions while she was in the hospital. They told us that the driver was arrested for DUI, Reckless Driving, and Assault IV.

On the report they gave to her they had his make and model of car on it. and under the "Driver's Insurance Company" the cop checked the "[x] None" box, indicating the driver was uninsured.

In the address section of the police form, the driver gave the address of a homeless outreach center here in Salem. Next to the address it said "(Mailing Address)".

We're just confused as to what the hell we can even do. My friend does not drive and therefore does not have insurance that might be able to help in something like this. She has health insurance but even with that she's expecting the hospital bills to be overwhelming. Does anyone have advice on what she should do? The guy clearly seems homeless, and he was not insured. Does she have any recourse?

Thank you in advance.

Answer:
 >Does she have any recourse?

She has recourse, but she may not be successful in recovering her losses.  That is to say, she can certainly sue the driver.  And the driver is likely to be ordered to pay restitution to cover her losses as part of the criminal proceeding.

It is also quite possible that the driver does not and may never have assets to make good either a judgment or a restitution order.

Your friend might inquire of the district attorney as to whether there are any victim's assistance funds available to her in these circumstances.


Title: Legal strategy in the opening of the Shawshank Redemption

Question:
There was some discussion recently about whether Derek Chauvin should testify, and the overwhelming response was that the defendant shouldn't unless there is a really, really good reason.

That got me thinking about the opening trial in the Shawshank Redemption.

I understand that, as far as the story goes, showing Andy Dufresne as a "hard man to know" leads into the judge's sentencing ("an icy and remorseless man"), but I'm wondering whether a defense attorney would likely put a client like Dufresne on the stand.

Was it a mistake?

Also, the evidence looks pretty damning, but it always struck me as odd that he left all this evidence, but his prints would not have been in the house at all. Would that have been enough to sow reasonable doubt?

Answer:
 Seeing as he got convicted to two life sentences for murdering his wife and her lover, presumably while they were going at it. I'm going out on a limb and say his defense strategy was botched.

Yeah, seeing that court scene, he definitely should not have testified. I can't see a reason why his attorney would put him on the stand, he has nothing to say that would help him.


Title: Parents Withholding Savings Bond from Adult Child

Question:
[removed]
Topic:
Custody Divorce and Family

Answer:
 I was just reviewing my daughter’s bonds with her because she is getting married next month.

I have them in the safe deposit box for her. We last reviewed them when she was going off to college. Some are old enough (not at 30-year maturity) to have a pretty good fixed interest so we kept them all earning.

The review showed that while most were payable to her AND me or her AND her father, a few only had his name or my name and some others had her OR me. If there was an OR on the bond, it could legally be MIL’s to do with as she pleases even if that wasn’t the intent of the original gifted. Answer #2: If you want to put up a wall then you can employ a lawyer to be that wall. All communication to you from the mother in law in question would have to go through the lawyer, who will filter out and reword attempts at contact as necessary.

Attempts to bypass this would technically be harassment and therefore a crime.

I don't know what a local lawyer might charge for this, but if things are bad enough it might be worth it.


Title: Car got repoed -- company requiring a "processing fee" and basically making me buy my own belongings back

Question:
Charleston, SC. First Choice Repo.

Repoed my car (fair enough) but telling me I have to pay $25 to get my things back. Not that $25 is a lot but I mean if I had money my car wouldn't have been repoed in the first place. Is it legal here? I've done some research online and it says no but you know how websites are.

On a side note, very unprofessional staff. Hung up on me and when I called back the guy ended up calling me a faggot and hanging up on me. Now I won't lie -- I was a little angry about the first woman hanging up on me so it's not like I was the nicest guy in the world when I called back, but I tried to be at first until the guy started trying to talk over me like an asshole. But I digress. Sorry I'm just absolutely pissed off right now.

Answer:
 I paid over $100 to get my car out of a repo lot one day in Charleston from a lot i had paid to be able to park there. Apparently, I parked in a space that wasn't clearly marked as a residential parking space.

Is it legal? Maybe, maybe not. But it's probably not worth trying to take it to small claims court over and not have your stuff until the matter is settled. And even then, you stand to lose more on the filing fee than you would to just pay the $25 dollars. Consider yourself luckier than I was.


Title: Employer claims they don't have to pay me minimum wage

Question:
Over the summer, I worked at a summer camp as a counselor for 7 weeks in New Jersey. I made  $7.50 an hour which is below the minimum wage in New Jersey. After talking to my employer about being paid minimum wage, they claimed that since it was a "part time seasonal position", they weren't obligated to pay me minimum wage. What I want to know is, are they right? I feel I should make minimum wage and find it wrong that they would pay me any less. My friend said it might be because I'm only 17 and minimum wage only applies to those 18 or older, but I don't know if that's true.
Topic:
Labor Law

Answer:
 The camp is correct.  See  http://lwd.state.nj.us/labor/wagehour/lawregs/nj_state_wage_and_hour_laws_and_regulations.html#5632

Your friend is partially correct -- the federal minimum applies to 17-year-old.  The NJ minimum wage does not, except for a few places like food service and farm work.Answer #2: Yep, they're right.  There is a special exemption to the minimum wage for summer camps and other "seasonal entertainment establishments".  It has nothing to do with your age, or the fact that your job was seasonal, it all hinges on the type of business you worked for.  If they're open for 7 months or less in the year, and they make 2/3 of their revenue in 6 months of the year, it qualifies.


Title: Who to report Doctor to?

Question:
Alabama. My 19 yo step brother was prescribed some opioids and died the next day after taking them as prescribed. We got the medical records and the doctor had not made any notes regarding why these were given, the records are pretty much empty other than name and address and charges to insurance etc. He went to the doctor for back pain from a sports injury. This was not a pain clinic.

I don’t want to sue anyone, I just want to know who to report the doctor to. DEA? Pharmacy board? Just want to make sure this doesn’t happen again to someone. I don’t even think the doctor knows he died. He died 6 months ago.

Answer: I’m sorry for your loss. You don’t say exactly how your brother died, nor how you think the doctor’s lack of notes is an offense. Can you expound, please?


Title: Is an unborn child of a non-American mother subject to American jurisdiction?

Question:
If the mother is not an American citizen, is the unborn child subject to American jurisdiction considering it is not a citizen yet since it is not born?

Does it change anything if she is not in the USA legally?

Thank you.

Answer:
 I am not a lawyer, but I don’t think the child has any American rights as it is unborn and not a citizen.Answer #2: The question should probably be phrased as "if a pregnant woman leaves the country against the wishes of the unborn child's father, is she doing anything wrong or illegal?Answer #3: Has the unborn committed a crime?

Edit: in all seriousness you need to ask a more specific question.


Title: Was sent a Corteir Love ring and have absolutely no idea why

Question:
So today I received a Corteir ring via mail and I have no clue why. I am a high school student in Wisconsin and the ring came from California. The package was addressed directly to me with my name and address. The ring was purchased through ebay I've gotten no email verifying or thanking me for the purchase.

 I did some research and the ring is probably worth  $1000+ assuming it's even real. It came with the matching Corteir box and bag, it even had a certificate of certification. My parents have checked there credit cards and no suspicious activity has come up. We're just holding on to it for the time being while we try to figure out where it came from.

I'm looking for advice on what to do with it... should I just send it back? Is this some sort of scam? Or what ways could someone attempt to scam us with this ring? Legally is this our property now? or could someone attempt to "reclaim" it

Answer:
 Sometimes criminals send packages to addresses with the intent to collect them before the homeowner notices. They do not need to use the resident's actual name to do this, as any alias will work, but sometimes they do so anyway.

 What was the return address?

 It also might be a  cheap knock off from China. Sometimes Chinese merchants send random people strange things in order to boost their visibility on online marketplaces that originate in China.

 You can check to see if it's even real gold by taking it to a local jeweler or pawn shop. If someone comes looking for that package, don't give it to them and call the police. Answer #2: Cortier or Cartier?

Either way if the package was addressed to you at your address then the package is indeed yours.  The [USPS](http://about.usps.com/publications/pub300a/pub300a_tech_021.htm) and Federal law is very clear on this... unsolicited goods received in the mail are yours to do with as you please.  Doesn't mean there isn't a scam out there, but you don't have to respond.


Title: [OH] Employer is forcing me to sign a document.

Question:
I've worked in a sales position here for 3 years. We are paid commission quarterly.

This week all the sales staff was sent a document to sign and return. What it said was essentially, "You will only receive your commission check if you are employed with the company at the time of payment". Meaning if you quit or are fired mid quarter, you don't get any of the money you brought in. They keep it.

I really don't want to sign this. I could be leaving 10-20k on the table if I happen to get a great job offer during the wrong time of year.

Is what they are doing legal, and can they fire me if I refuse to sign?

Answer: Yes (employers are allowed to change their commission structure going forward), and yes (you can be fired for just about any reason at all).


Title: [Texas] Landlord wont fix Central AC unless I provide paystubs?

Question:
I've been living in this apartment complex for the last 6 months. My AC unit had been out for the last week, so it's 85-90 degrees in my apartment and I've been sleeping in my car. I let my landlord know on Monday and I was told they'd put a work order in. Yesterday I got a call from them saying they can't fix my AC unless I provide 2 pay stubs dated for June or July (ie they can't be old). I checked lease and don't see anything mentioning this sort of policy. I don't have any recent paystubs. I was unemployed in June and only recently have started a new job.

What should I do? My biggest fear is they're trying to kick me out of my apartment (they've recently gone under new management, tons of reno work its being done).
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer: if your lease doesn't say anything about needing paystubs or verifying employment, then they cant kick you out for not having itAnswer #2: What city are you in? Dallas requires landlords of multitenant buildings to ensure units can be cooled to at least 85 degrees. This effectively means they *have* to provide you with working A/C in the summer.Answer #3: Depending on your city, they don't have a choice. The state does not mandate they provide AC. If it is listed in the lease then that requires them to repair it. You should call your city code enforcement to see if they are required to provide working AC. They will also be the ones to drop the hammer if need be. As far as providing pay stubs, that is strange and unless that is stated in the lease you can politely tell them to go pound sand on that one.


Title: Tenant died in property. Wife lives in another state. What do I do? I’m in Washington.

Question: I’m renting a unit in a duplex to a man who is married and his wife lives in another state. His name is on the leasing agreement for a year (about 4 months in) and his wife’s name is listed as his emergency contact. I’m assuming that we’ll have to terminate the contract?  I don’t have any small print regarding death to explain the process. What do I do?

Answer:
 The lease attaches to the estate of the decedent.  As long as you are receiving rent you must maintain the property for the estate.  Just like with a regular tenant, you must follow proper eviction procedures if rent stops being paid. But as long as you get rent checks and the lease is in force, think of the estate as a good but very quiet tenant.

Get copies of the death certificate, and get ready to have keys made for the executor of the estate. Lock the apartment.

If the executor wants to have the unit cleaned out before the lease term expires, you can treat it like a normal lease break process or negotiate a break that works for you and the estate.

NAL


Title: Supervisor talking about how much she hates gays and trans people.

Question:
I work for a large security firm and recently we got a new supervisor who has been the union president in a different company for 13 years. She’s recently needed to step down and work a bit more simple job. Anyway, she is Lesbian and conservative. My problem is that she will go on about how much she hates most gay people and how trans people aren’t real and should just “look between their legs”. I don’t like talking about politics at work because that never leads to anything good, however, she mentioned how climate change is fake and made up by Al Gore and when I criticized the claim she said “what are you? A democrat?”

I didn’t say anything after that. Obviously from my post it’s clear I disagree with her, and she is free to have her opinion just like all of you if you happen to agree or disagree with her opinions. However I find this unprofessional in the work place and is a headache to myself and multiple other employees who just want to do our jobs. So far HR won’t do anything because they are too ecstatic to have a supervisor with so much background experience. Is there anything else I can do to have peace at the work place again?

Answer:
 >Is there anything else I can do to have peace at the work place again?

Don't engage with her. There's nothing in your post that I've seen that would qualify as something actionable. Merely having shitty opinions about something doesn't mean they rise to a level of some type of discrimination or hostile work environment.


Title: Wife said she opened a child abuse investigation.

Question:
This last year has been the single worst time period of my life. My wife and I had been living in Japan (she's active duty) and I just started falling into a state of depression. I became short tempered and it got the best of me. On one occasion I saw my 3 yo hurting (not intentionally) my 1 yo and grabbed him by the arm and spanked his butt. When I grabbed him it left bruises on his arm. The other time was I walked into the bathroom to see that the boys had completely destroyed it and whe I yelled my oldest tried to run away a i bopped him on the forehead twice and picked my youngest up and put him in his crib, he fell and bumped his head on the side of it and got a bruise. I didn't think i bopped him hard but my wife later sent me a picture of the marks my wedding ring left. She then told me she had pictures of the bruises in case she would ever need them. All this time she never hesitated to leave the boys in my care and advocated on my behalf several times after. Fast forward to the beginning of September we decided it would be a good idea if we separated so I moved back to the states and left her and the kids in Japan. We never had any problems agreeing that we would share custody and that neither of us would try and "screw" the other. A couple weeks ago I asked if it would be ok when they got back to the states if they could stay with me and my mother for a month or so while she got settled into her new duty station then I would bring them to her. She immediately flipped saying no and that she would never let them live with me for any period of time and that we needed to take it to court. Since then she told me she contacted CID and opened a child abuse investigation. None of this started until I asked if they could stay with me for a bit and I don't know what I can do. I already feel like the biggest piece of shit for letting my mental health effect my children. But I also feel like she is only using the pictures because I didn't do what she wanted. She never seemed to be concerned about leaving them with me until she realized we were going to court.

I tried to get as much info into it as I could if you have questions I'll do my best to answer. I just want to know what I should do?

Answer:
 Sounds like you have anger issues and are a child abuser. You "bop" your 3 year old and you violently grab them so hard you leave bruises.  Maybe you should get some help.Answer #2: You wife has a case. Considering you are abusive to your children. I was spanked as a kid. Never hard enough to leave bruises.

You have issues and you are trying to under play how rough you are with your kids.

Get help.


Title: Stolen Check [NC]

Question: Hello legaladvice!  So in early May, I wrote a check to Chase Bank for my CC bill for about $150.  I put in an envelope, and since my neighborhood is a bit sketchy, while I was out shopping, I dropped into a blue Post Office box that I have used before.  About two weeks passed, and the check had not cleared.  I was concerned that it got lost in the mail, but that Chase would charge me a late fee.  I paid my balance online, and went on my way.  I should have stopped payment, but what's done is done.  Late May, I got an email that my account had gone into overdraft (luckily I had protection).  I checked my account, and someone had tried to deposit the Chase check, but for $2200.  It bounced.  I called the bank, who sent me a photocopy of the check.  Someone erased everything I wrote but my signature, put their own name, and tried to deposit it.  The bank also gave me their account and routing number.  Post master general says they might have used a coat hanger to get it from the box, and "it happens."  Police say I can't file a report, because I didn't lose any money, and wasn't damaged.  No one cares that this person is going around stealing, opening mail from boxes, and forging checks.  I have her information, and it shouldn't be hard to find her.  I don't think it's fair she's getting away with this, because she'll do it to someone else who will lose money.  Is there anything that can be done to catch her?

Answer:
 Really, you got the Postmaster General to talk to you? I doubt it. You likely got the local postmaster.

Contact the [US Postal Inspectors](https://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/). I've heard they don't screw around, and live for this kind of thingAnswer #2: This may not comfort you much, but the bank's fraud department will follow up on this and take action from there, if it's warranted. Answer #3: You can't force the police to do anything. Since you are not out any money you don't have a civil case against her either.


Title: less than 5 years in NC -- $24k?

Question:
I feel like I'm being conned by my soon-to-be-Ex. Here's how not to do it guys and/or gals. We met on the internet, got engaged after 5 weeks, married less than 5 years and she just asked for $2k a month of support?

She lives in NC and I lived back and forth from NC and FL for the duration of our marriage, (my two children and employer are in FL). I have decided to remain in FL where I was given a promotion in exchange for living here. Even during the months that I was in NC - she had her house and I leased an apartment. We only saw each other on weekends, no kids, no assets, we never even had a bank account together. Why was I even married? I have no answer for you.

In the state of NC - a couple has to be separated for 1 year before a divorce can be filed for. We've been separated for 8 mos. I make approx $60k more a year than her. Assuming that I ignore her and file for divorce at the 1 year anniversary - it's laughable that she can actually get $2k a month right? RIGHT? This is crazy.

edit: support here is meant to refer to alimony

Answer:
 Do you have a lawyer for this yet? If not, sounds like you'll need one. The Multi State issue as well as your children being yours and not a product of the marriage, even without the other party asking for alimony/support would be more than enough.

Besides, a lawyer already sounds a lot cheaper than the amount she's asking for.


Title: Target exclusive limited item purchased by employees and sold on ebay at inflated prices.

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 really?

target producing a limited edition run, or saying that something is a limited edition, is not a contract, at least with you. it doesn't tell you anything about how big the run is, or whether the company might change its mind or policies in the future. the production would be governed by the merchandising license executed with the owners of the rights to Fallout 4; you aren't one of those people, and you have no right to see, or know, anything about that agreement.

your purchase on ebay is your own problem. target has no obligation to you to support your habit speculating on the "value" of useless crap.

your allegation of employees purchasing and then reselling the product, even if true, is a question of target policy that the company should handle internally, not a tort.

anybody who pays a hundred bucks for a bottle of soda deserves what they get.


Title: How can you stream movies so it's not piracy?

Question:
Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

No money will be made. No critizem will be given to the movie.

ok some clairifcation it's for friends not for myself, I already have Netflix and own some of the movies too.

Edit: location

Answer:
 You purchase a subscription to a streaming service like Netflix.Answer #2: If you're referring to offering the streaming service itself, you need to license the movies properly.

If you're referring to just watching them, use a service that licenses the movies properly (Netflix, Amazon, etc.).Answer #3: You pay for it from a legitimate source.


Title: I believe my sister and mother want to cut me out of my family inheritance

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 You are not entitled to see your parents' estate planning documents, nor are you entitled to any of their money or property.

I skipped most of your diatribe, so feel free to summarize any relevant parts that I missed.


Title: Trying to sell a property with a crazy neighbor...

Question:
&#x200B;

First  before you read this. My client has had a lawyer who didn't do much for  her. She has appealed to the Sheriff. Everyone kinda shrugs their  shoulders. This morning while showing the property to a Buyer the  neighbor was setting off a CANON. The guy owns over 200 acres but set up  a shooting range RIGHT on the property line and as close to her house  as possible. Property is in the county (Oregon) so he is legally allowed  to shoot.

I will try to make the story brief. I have listed a property for sale that has a neighbor from hell.

The   owner of the property owned her house before this guy moved in, lived   next to him for 5 years till it became unbearable. Moved out and had   been renting it but she can't keep tenants because of him either.

Things he does:

Puts up gates/chains etc.. blocking access then hides to watch her get out and open/cut chains etc.. (she has an easement).

Pulls  a gun on people coming in and out of the property. Never been caught on  video because it has always been a total surprise and is usually  someone visiting her tenant who isn't aware of the situation.

Has set up a shooting range right at the entrance to her property.

Calls/texts/threatens Tenants

Rides   motorcycles across her property to get to a part of his property he  can  easily access a different way (see below about the easement) throws   beer bottles and trash etc.. at her house while doing this, the road  he  is driving on is directly next to the house.

Etc.... the guy is a menace.

She   HAS gone to court with him about the access. She won, he appealed, she   won, he appealed again and was able to not stop her use of the  easement  but found a vague paragraph and twisted it to get use of the  easement to  go through her property.  It is obvious the intent for the  easement was  NOT for this but he won when the final appeal kicked it to  a state  level and the people looking at the case never saw the  situation in  person.

When she reports  his behavior to  the sheriff (this is in the county) the sheriff just  says it is a civil  matter and she needs to take him back to court.

The   guy wants her property but he wants it cheap and is trying to make it   impossible for her to sell it or rent it so she will be forced to sell   it to him. He is part of the motorcycle riders association that has  been  known in our area for similar tactics. Harassing people  till they   leave etc...

What do you do with someone who seems to be willing to escalate indefinitely?? She is currently working on a restraining order.

Answer:
 Call the Oregon department of environmental quality on him.  They enforce the sound ordinance laws and set the decibel level that you can't go above.  I can't find the decibel level that the law requires it to be below but I have a feeling that the guy is in for a major fine.  He's not law enforcement and I doubt the shooting range exemption is for firing a canon.

[https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills\_laws/ors/ors467.html](https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors467.html)

[https://www.oregonlaws.org/ors/467.020](https://www.oregonlaws.org/ors/467.020)


Title: (Kind of) Sold a convenience store, buyer doesn't want to uphold his end of the agreement and already sold to another owner.

Question:
Kind of a confusing story, my uncles asking me how to fix the issue (hes owner of a convenience store in Salt Lake City, Utah)

1. Owner (A) had first gotten the convenience store with guarantor (B) on the leasing agreement

2. A and B had a falling out, store continued to do worse and worse, A couldnt afford to pay rent for about a year and to stay afloat didnt pay sales tax.

3. B says he will pay for back sales tax, back rent, and purchase remaining inventory at purchase price to the owner and he is left to own and take full control over the business.

4. B gets a laywer and gets A to sign a document.

5. Months go by, B decides he doesnt want to pay for the inventory and will only pay what turns out to be 10% of back taxes after B sells it to another owner.

6. A tells me that he doesn't have a copy of the contract, and he is not sure if it says he is getting paid inventory and back tax. B is saying they never signed a document. Meanwhile, all the leasing agreement, and everything is still under A's name although there is a completely new owner (neither A or B) in the picture.

My questions are as follows:

-If he upholds they didnt sign a contract, isn't it fraud to sell it to someone else? They never went through escrow, or anything similar,so I can't imagine he is rightful owner without a contract.

-Any other course of action that can remedy the situation?

Answer: Lawyers are necessary and should have been present at the initial sale


Title: Mother caught stealing from grocery store shes works in, store now proceeding with $22,500 claim, what can i do?

Question: [deleted]

Answer: You can contact a lawyer or work out a lower settlement with the grocery store. Not much else you can do.


Title: Girlfriends ex won't leave us be.

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 I don't see what grounds there'd be for a restraining order.  However, Dad might well be able to get a change to the court order giving him discretion about who watches the kids when their mother can't, given that her choice left a toddler with bruises.

Keep in mind also that while you and the gf may end up being together for 50 years, right now it's only been six months, and you're using "we" about somebody else's kids in a way that courts aren't going to warm to. If the kids' dad is expected to trust your gf on who she lets watch the kids, your gf (not you, since you have no say here) would need to have a pretty good reason why she shouldn't have to do the same.  It sounds like it'd be to Mom's benefit to do so, so if you're egging her on here, consider egging her off.


Title: Emotional service dog

Question:
I have lived in an apartment for five years that does not permit pets.  I signed a year lease when I moved in and nothing since.
I currently do not own an animal but would like to obtain an emotional support dog. If I  provide documentationan, can my landlord evict me even ?

Answer:
 You signed a 1-year lease 5 years ago, and you have not resigned anything since?

They can not evict you in the middle of a lease, but they can certainly choose to not renew your lease when the time is up.
Answer #2: You would need to have them approve the dog before it moves in. To do that you need an actual professional who is currently treating you in real life (not some online service) to write you a letter stating that you have a disability and require the dog because of that disability.

You also need to ensure that your home is covered by the FHA. If you live in a single family home or a unit in a small (less than four unit building) with your landlord it may not.


Title: My parents won’t tell me about sexual abuse I experienced as a child. (MI)

Question:
When I was very young (under 5yrs) I experienced sexual abuse by a family member who was living with my family and was also a minor. Most of the details are hazy to me bc my parents don’t talk about it, and what I have heard was when I was really young. As far as I know, my parents found out and reported it, and my abuser was taken to court. I remember being questioned by the police and being examined, and then having therapy. My parents were able to maintain custody and my abuser kept living in the same house.

This is as far as I know about the details. My question is: am I able to access legal records pertaining to the case? Since my abuser was a minor and this happened ~20 years ago, I’m not sure if those records still exist and if confidentiality protects those. I just want to know what happened.

Answer: You can access and public court documents but your parents don't have to assist you or tell you anything at all about this if they don't want to. Before you go down this path have you talked to a therapist about whether this a good idea?>


Title: Legality of wiping your hard drives if you don't know the police are going to issue a warrant(not expecting a warrant being your legal position, not your physical state of being.)

Question:
I work in a legal adjacent field and I need some perspective on this as it was not come up yet.

Lets say the place come to your door and ask you if they can search your house and take your electronics, but they don't have a warrant and are hoping you are stupid enough to comply. But you sent them on thier way.

Lets say within a couple of minutes you have used you hard data erasing boot disc, and then ground your hard drive to dust with an angle grinder before speading the dust in the hudson river, singing scotland the brave all the while.

Even if there was nothing remotely illegal on them, you just don't want the police to read you erotic fanfiction or steal you personally infomation. And its not like when the police take your shit you are getting it back, so if you can't have it. Nobody can.

Would the police consider this "pretty sus" if they came back with a warant? and what would be a good explaination for this which would not look incriminating.

"What officer? those hardrives contained both my bank details, and my erotic MLP fanfiction, and quite frankly sir, I do not trust you with either of those regardless of your claimed intentions."

Any advice for this kind of situation?

Answer: I think the point is that is doesn’t matter what was or wasn’t on the hard drive, you destroyed them after you had reason to believe they had evidentiary value. The destruction itself becomes the/a crime.


Title: Is it legal for a professor to not allow students to use the restroom at a public university? (VA)

Question:
One of my professors will literally yell at students if they get up to use the restroom during class. He had a lengthy discussion about how students should hold it before they come to class, unless they have a specific medical condition.

I usually work out in the mornings before class, its the only way I manage to focus during a long day of lectures (and the only way I have time) , and I drink a lot of water. It literally gets painful holding it in for an entire class.

Is it legal for my professor to do this? If a student just ignores him and goes to the restroom during class anyway, is there any action he is allowed to take? Thanks in advance

(This is a public state university)

Answer: I was going to delete this thread but some of these replies are actually pretty funny so I'll just leave it up


Title: The legality of weaponised psychology.

Question:
Assume the law of and location in the United States. Weaponised psych might include media maniplation, propaganda, cult activity, etc.

If I or a group of people suffer a loss caused by the actions of individuals who are motivated by weaponised psychology of some sort, is this actionable? Would it be possible to sue the originator? Would the people affected by some form of weaponised psychology be able to bring suit once they realise they are affected? What if the affected people had some sort of loss?

Conversely, is it legal to use some form of weaponised psych to cause third parties to create loss or injury?

Answer:
 There is no law against "weaponized psych".  The term itself is vague.  Absent a law against it, it's legal.  However, there are some areas where manipulation could be deemed illegal, such as when a person of some authority or position of power manipulates a person of compromised mental facility into doing something against their will.  Typically, manipulation to gain sex or money.
 And any such law would be at the state level, not the federal level.Answer #2: It’s possible to sue for anything, and it’s possible to argue any kind or harm is criminal in one way or another.

However, the issue is always proof.Answer #3: Anyone can sue another person or entity for anything.

That said, proving actual damages occurred as a result of a yet unidentified and unspecified psychiatric phenomenon would be difficult if not impossible.

Off the top of my head, the state/opposing party would argue that the plaintiff already had some sort of psychiatric issue, or that the damages were not caused by the defendant,


Title: How to distance myself from my name?

Question:
Located in the USA - Pennsylvania, for the time being.

Short of legal action, my wife and I have clearly communicated to my in-laws that we want no contact from them (they have some serious mental issues). Despite this, they have continued. Legal action is next, though we doubt it will have the intended effect. We have contemplated establishing ourselves somewhere far away, but are concerned that our (somewhat distinctive) name will quickly lead them to us.

Is there a legal way to either:

1. Change our names without the change being public information?
2. Purchase a home with a corporation such that we and the corporation cannot be linked?

Which states would be most favorable toward either solution?

Answer:
 Seems like it may not have as many barriers to public notification as I originally thought.

>[The notice must be published in two newspapers of general circulation. You may publish the notice in a local newspaper in your county of residence or *in a nearby county*. An official paper for publication of legal notices may also be used. For example, *the local County Bar Association may have a publication for legal notices that you can use*.](https://www.palawhelp.org/resource/changing-your-name)

Definitely look into the name change options more.Answer #2: My understanding (I'm not a legal professional) is that name changes can be sealed at the courts discretion if there's a legitimate reason to do so.   I'm pretty sure not wanting your in-laws to bug you would fall short of a valid reason.

Yes, real estate can be purchased by a company, but company ownership is public record, and unless your company has a solid history and tax filings to back it up, you'll have to buy the house in cash because no bank will loan money to a shell company without verifiable and established revenue/profits going back several years.


Title: Elderly friend taken advantage of at dealership

Question:
I have an elderly friend that went to a dealership and leased a brand new Toyota Yaris after having one for 10 years. He drove it for 2 weeks before he decided the new model was too small for him. He gave $3000 as a down payment on the lease.

After returning the Yaris, he purchased a 2018 Corolla, and the total financed amount is ~$29,800. They added on a service contract for $2600, oil change program for $1100, and GAP for $949. He has submitted a request to cancel those additional things, but even then, the amount “financed” would be around $25,000, and the vehicle’s MSRP is $19,445. He even gave an additional $2500 cash for the down payment on the corolla.

The dealership conveniently left out page 2 of the contract which would show the break down of the down payment, purchase prices, and taxes, so we aren’t exactly sure what that will show. We have requested that page but of course they are dragging their feet. Does my friend have any legal recourse in this situation or is he SOL because the contract was signed? State is SC. Any information would be helpful!!

Answer:
 if you can prove that they took advantage of him and did not show him certain parts of the contract or a fee breakdown, you can certainly get it unwound and redrawn, it would be advantageous to have a lawyer consultation in this case and have them contact the dealership to light a fire under them.Answer #2: If he leased a car, on assuming a 3 year lease, he would be responsible for all 36 payments of the lease or would be given the option to trade the car in based on its value. Cars in that category drop like a rock (depreciate) so paying off the lease was probably the lesser of the two evils in regards to what his payoff/buyout was. Putting $3000 down on a lease payment is essentially paying ahead of the lease, It does not establish equity.

If he bought a new Corolla with an MSRP of around $18000 with tax & tags that is probably around $20,000 financed on just the Corolla. He was probably rolling around $6000-8000. After you cancel all the extras that math doesn't sound too far off for me.
.
-Source: I sell new Toyota's for a living.


Title: [France or Brussels?] Brussels Airlines is refusing to reimburse me for damages caused by their ineptitude

Question:
I'm a US college student currently studying abroad in France for a semester. My family decided to visit me over fall break. My mom loves to cook, and as an early Christmas present, I got her a pressure cooker set from Fissler (made in Germany) that cost around 340 euros. She used it to cook meals during our stay in Paris.

After we saw Paris, we headed for Florence, Italy. The flight was with Brussels Airlines (denoted as BA from here on out), from Charles de Gaulle to Brussels, and from Brussels to Florence. Both of my parents are members of the Star-Alliance, a global airline alliances which BA is a member of, with my dad being the diamond-tier and my mom the gold-tier (highest and second highest). We had a total of 3 checked bags, and 2 of them were checked in for free due to their membership tiers, and we paid for the third one.

When we arrived in Florence, we found out that none of the bags arrived. We were informed that they were still in Brussels, and it would arrive the next day sometime in the afternoon. This screwed up our plans to visit Pisa, and I ended up staying behind at the airbnb to receive the bags the next day.

The pressure cooker that was inside the checked baggage was shattered. I went and filed a formal complaint through their proper channels on the BA website, and used twitter to expedite their response time.

I received [this](http://imgur.com/Skddj2f) a few days ago, and I have been lost as to the next course of action. What can I do? Would filing a complaint on the Star Alliance website make any difference? Any advice legal or otherwise that will get them to take this seriously will be very appreciated. Thank you.

[TL;DR] Brussels Airlines fucks up. Bag gets delivered late, and the contents broken. File a formal complaint, get an email saying that "it is forbidden to pack gifts in checked-in luggage," and therefore they can't reimburse me jack for any damages caused.

Answer: You can try to file a complaint or elevate this higher, but this is why it is never a good idea to pack fragile goods under the plane. If you didn't purchase insurance on your bags you are likely SOL, as they are correct in that you violated a policy.


Title: [IN] Was called a liar and a thief by Asset Protection, my credit card purchase history was searched without a warrant

Question:
So I've been placed on Unpaid Suspension from my job over allegations of theft. (I didn't do it, but that's irrelevant to the question) I was called into an office by one of my bosses, and one of our security/loss prevention people sat across from me at a computer. She began accusing me of falsely marking down product for my own purchase, and I told her that I didn't. (The product in question was milk that expired in two days, and we were receiving a new shipment that night. I marked down 5 half gallons and put them out on the floor. At the end of the night, there was one left and I bought it.) I explained the situation to her and she told me I was lying, because the item I marked down was fresh milk that had just came in that day. The she told me "Look, we both know what you did was theft. Just admit, don't waste everyone's time by making corporate investigate it." Then she turned her computer screen towards me and searched for my name in some program, and she showed me every purchase I made at the store with my credit card. She pointed to the date in question (May 1st) and said "See? That's not full price. So obviously someone marked it down."   I tried to explain I wasn't denying marking it down, but that the item was justifiably marked down. She told me again I was obviously lying and that another employee reported that I had taken a jug right out the shipment, marked it down, and set it in the back. This all happened on the 16th, so I had already thrown away the jug to prove the date was right, or to show what time the markdown sticker was generated. (I marked the old milk down in the early afternoon, around 3, and the new shipment came in around 10 so it couldn't have been a new jug)

The store suspended me until corporate finished an investigation and told me it would be 7 days at the most, but most investigations are done in 3-5. It's been 11 days and I haven't gotten a phone call with the results like i was told I would get.

If a police officer would need a warrant to search through my purchase history, can security at a store do it without one?

Answer:
 > If a police officer would need a warrant to search through my purchase history, can security at a store do it without one?

They weren't looking at your bank records, they were looking at your purchase history *in their store*.


Title: Management is making me go to a (paid) mandatory lunch meeting!!

Question:
I'm in Massachusetts,  my company does this all the time and in sick of it. Is this legal? Can I take an unpaid lunch after the meeting? Its probably not worth the headache I'll hear from them but I'd like to  stick it to them also. . .
Topic:
Employment Law

Answer:
 You want to "stick it to them" for paying you and giving you lunch?Answer #2: > Can I take an unpaid lunch after the meeting?

Legally, yes, they owe that to you under Mass law. Your paid lunch isn't a lunch break.

It's pretty fucking petty though. And "taking an unpaid lunch" isn't "sticking it to them."Answer #3: You don't have to go. And they don't have to keep employing you.


Title: Someone stole my credit card number, bought an item (no returns), but had it shipped to my address. Can I just sell it on Ebay? I have no use for it. I'm in NY, USA.

Answer: So you paid for it, and you received it? I mean, yea, I guess you could.. but are you sure someone stole it and you didn't just go drunk shopping like I do sometimes?


Title: [MI] My friend let us park a vehicle at his house to field buyers and instead signed it over to himself

Question:
Hey all,

For more context, this was a van used by our small business. It was registered to one founding member (A) and parked at another's home (B) - the rest of us didn't have a place to park the vehicle mid term in between when we'd need it and we'd resolved to sell it.

So, "B" turned away people we sent his way to see about buying it and secretly signed it over to himself. He did this in April 2018 and didn't inform us until later that year when we were discussing parting ways due to increasingly erratic behavior.  I'm not 100% certain if their name is still on the title or if they then transferred it over in a sale to a family member living with them, but something tells me those are two different scenarios.

&#x200B;

"A" in the meanwhile has called lawyers and called the police and the response across the board is either "nothing we can do" or "you need a different kind of lawyer" - followed of course by calling the suggested kind of lawyers and being sent in unending circles.

&#x200B;

**I'm not sure if there is any recourse for me - since the vehicle has never been under my name - but does anyone know what option(s) may be available for "A"  or our business in general?**

Answer: Whose name was on the title (not the registration), and how did B secretly sign it over to himself?


Title: [UT] Cops searched car and took unopened bottle of Rum while I was at party

Question:
I got designated as the DD of my group last night so I should also note that I’m [17m]. We got to the party and parked and they cracked open a bottle of liquor and they all finished it off between themselves. We couldn’t bring alcohol in to where we were going so we left the rum in my car in the box unopened (I wouldn’t let em have any open bottles in my car).

Fast forward about 4 hrs later we decide to take the party back to my buddies aunts apartment and we get to the car and my buddies cousin who wanted to just sleep in my car while we were doing our thing was gone and so was the liquor. We figure he had a friend pick him up and then my buddy says somebody went through his backpack he left in my car and that his jar of weeds gone. So everyone gets furious because at this point the obvious sign is the cousin rummaged through his shit took his weed and stole the alcohol and dipped.

Our buddy finally gets in touch with his cousin and supposedly what happened is that the cops went through my car since it was unlocked and took the liquor and weed and just left.

I’m not trying to say I’m in the right in any way. I don’t give a shit they took the rum, weed whatever. I’m feeling straight blessed that my car isn’t impounded, I’m not fined and pretty much that I didn’t get fucked over in any way. I still have my doubts that this was actually cops but if it was I’m curious to what reasoning they could’ve used for going through my car.

TL;DR cops searched car my unlocked car while I was elsewhere, took illicit substances, curious as to how it was legal to do so.

Answer:
 The cops didn’t do that.

Answer #2: Bruh you got scammed. Cops didn't do this. Your friends scumbag cousin did. Answer #3: Cops wouldn't take your stuff and not say anything. You would have heard something by now. Answer #4: cops dont confiscate drugs without atleast a ticket to show where they got the drugs and whoever they took it from

do you believe in the tooth fairy also? Answer #5: Yeah, you've been lied to. The cops are a cover story. The cousin stole that stuff. Answer #6: Cousin too the rum and weed.


Title: Could I sue an app store company for depriving consumer rights because they removed apps I paid cash money for and won't let me reinstall them anymore?

Question:
2 app stores have done this and Im so sick of it. The first time, it was a lot. Around 4th gen of iPod touch, I had one and bought a shitton of games for it. My favorite being Risk. Years later someone gave me an apple product, so I figured I'd give that crap brand another go for all my old games. Just about all of them that I literally paid for, have been removed from the app store, so I couldn't redownload them. So at this point in time, they have my money, but I don't have the products I gave them it for, isn't that illegal??

If it isn't, it should be, or least a mandatory refund. I understand sometimes they have to stop selling certain games for whatever reason, but they don't issue a recall without compensation. Digital or physical, a product is a product and they are denying a product I already paid them for.

Amazon App Store just pulled the same shit with another favorite, I'm so sick of this shit.

Answer: With something like that, you aren't buying ownership of the game, you are buying the rights to use it. You should read the TOS.


Title: I have a hypothetical question concerning military law. Location is Florida but this is about military law.

Question:
I hope this is the appropriate subreddit for this. Assuming two people. Person A is a commander of some type and is legally authorized to give orders to Person B and Person B is legally required to follow Person A's orders.

If person A gives an order to person B and person A dies while person B is in transit to fulfill the orders, is person B still required to follow the orders of the deceased Person A?

Answer:
 Generally, yes.

Your orders don't come from a person, they come from an office. So if the Commanding Officer of a unit orders you to do something and then immediately croaks you are bound to do that thing unless whoever the new Commanding Officer is countermands the order.


Title: (WA) hotel in Florence/booking.com digging in their heels about fraudulent $200 charged

Question:
I posted [earlier](https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/comments/7325yi/wa_hotel_in_florencebookingcom_charges_an_extra/) and didn't get much response but got the advice I was looking for at the time. Things have escalated and I need more advice.

Tldr of original issue - Booked non refundable rate for Florence hotel in November through Booking.com for 170 euros. Realized I made a mistake on dates and contacted the hotel and Booking asking if I could amend dates and pay difference in rates. Hotel gets back to me, offers new rate of 255 euros for correct dates. I accept. 2 weeks later Booking.com finally responds to same inquiry and says hotel offers rate of 438 euros and to let them know if I accept or not. I say no, that I had taken care of it already with the hotel. Next thing I know I receive a new reservation confirmation for the rate of 438 euros and another 183 euros is charged to card. At the time of my original post Booking.com had not responded with any solution and my plan had been to just dispute the charges with my cc company after returning which was the advice another user gave.

Now - Booking.com finally responded to my attempts to resolve this issue by doing absolutely nothing and telling me "We have contacted the property and they confirmed us they have charged 255 euro before the amendment and then 183 euro after the modification. The total charged, as per Non Refundable and Prepaid Rate, is 438 EURO." The amended rate itself was 255 euros and the original rate for the wrong dates was 170 euros. Nowhere in the email chain I have with the hotel does it make any mention of another 183 euros or a total rate of 438.

The emails I have regarding the rate are as follows:

Hotel: *We cannot apply the rate of euro 190,00.
During that weekend in Florence will take place the marathon and the difference is greater. If you try to book your new dates on booking.com you will find a rate of € 290.00.
In order to remedy the problem, from 23rd to 26th November we can apply a discounted rate of € 255.00 (city tax excluded).
Please reconfirm as soon as possible.*

Me: *That is fine. Please go ahead with the rate of €255.

Thank you. *

Hotel: *We are glad to reconfirm definitively your reservation from 23 to 26 november 2017
3 nights.
As per our agreement we charge the amount of euro 255,00 on your credit card.
At your disposal for further information we remain with best regards.*

The hotel is now digging in their heels and blatantly stealing from me by refusing to refund the extra 183 euros they charged me. I have provided Booking.com with all the evidence including the entire email chain in which the hotel clearly gives a rate of 255 euros to which I responded accepting the rate of 255 euros. Booking.com has basically refused to respond to any evidence I have provided that the hotel is in the wrong and given vague generic answers to my inquiries.

At this point I have asked that the hotel do me the courtesy of simply canceling the reservation. Booking tried to tell me if the hotel did do it,  it would have to be an exception to the terms and conditions of the non-refundable rate. At this point I think citing the terms and conditions means nothing when the hotel is, in my opinion, breaking their end by stealing from me. Terms and conditions don't give the hotel the right to steal. I received a notification now that the hotel is refusing to grant the "exception" of canceling the non-refundable rate, saying I would have to pay the fee which is 438 euros

The bigger issue now is that  neither my friend nor I want to stay at the hotel any longer. I feel enough time has been given to rectify the situation that it's now very clear the hotel is run by thieves and scammers. I had faith before that it was merely a miscommunication that could be cleared up but what the hotel is feeding Booking is completely off base. The thought of staying there now makes me very very uncomfortable. I don't feel good about leaving my goods and belongings in the room as I go about the city. Frankly neither of is feel safe with this hotel anymore. I feel that the trust customers place in the hands of hotels when making reservations has been completely broken now. Booking and the hotel have had time to fix this issue. It was as simple as saying "oh there was a miscommunication error, we have mixed it." Instead Booking is trying to act like their hands are tied and they can't do anything about the hotel and the hotel won't respond to me directly anyways.

Advice on what to do now? Any keywords or phrases I can throw at Booking to make them see my point of view and do something? I always had good experiences with them and I'm flabbergasted that they are basically endorsing this scam by the hotel despite all the evidence I have provided showing that I am in the right. At the end of the day I simply do not trust this hotel anymore and do not feel safe or comfortable staying there or leaving my belongings there and I want my money back. My personal opinion is that the hotel has already broken their end of the terms and conditions by trying to steal from me so I should be able to get out of this. Ultimately I think I will end up having to dispute it with my credit card company but I don't know if I should do it prior to the trip or wait until I'm back. Will it make a difference if I contest it after I've returned without having used the reservation? Either way I have booked a backup hotel as both my friend and I are very uncomfortable with staying at this particular hotel now knowing they are very plainly trying to cheat us. Should I dispute the charges now and get a new card so the hotel cannot try and charge me again? Can they do anything on their end by trying to report me to authorities or anything that could make my trip there a mess?

Edited for typos.

Answer: Why haven't you disputed it with your credit card yet?


Title: Getting married, venue says they have right to use the photos we commission from photographer for advertising?

Question:
My fiancé and I are planned on getting married at this great venue. We signed the contract a few months back and now are choosing our photographer. The venue says they have a right to physically take photos of us as well as using the photographers photos. I thought the “take and/or use photographs of us meant them physically taking photos of us not taking the photos we’re paying someone else for. Do they have a right to use photos we’re paying for without our permission?

Venue contract states “I grant [venue name redacted], it’s representatives and employees the right to take and/or use photographs of me and my property in connection with above-identified subject. I authorize [venue], it’s assigns and transferees to copyright, use and publish the same in print and/or electronically.

I agree that [venue] may use such photographs of me with or without my name and for any lawful purpose, including for example such purposes as publicity, illustration, advertising, and web content.”
Topic:
Contracts

Answer:
 > Do they have a right to use photos we’re paying for without our permission?

The contract gave them permission.


Title: 3 years ago, I accepted a promotion. The pay raises verbally promised never happened. Do I have a case for promissory estoppel?

Question:
Throwaway just in case.

In July of 2016, I accepted a promotion. In the offer meeting, my manager and director told me that my pay raises would be done in steps. I was making 41k at the time. The steps would be as described below:

Small raise immediately.

Small raise at 6 months in the position.

Small raise at 1 year in the position to bring me to 50k.

Unfortunately, when I asked for documentation, my director refused. I should have seen the red flag, but I was just happy to have a leadership position.

A couple of months after my promotion, our company started having a lot of financial problems. We were put on a raise freeze. The only raise anyone could get (except for executives) was 1% annually. That meant my next step never happened.

I really do love my department (company, not so much), so I've stuck around. I have a lot of schedule flexibility and down time, so I've been going to school. I don't plan on leaving my job anytime soon, but I will if I can get some more money somewhere else. If

My question is, would this be something I could bring to the Department of Labor under promissory estoppel?

Answer: Without a contract that says otherwise, you are not owed the raise.


Title: As an American citizen living in Canada, what would the legal ramifications be if I used Marijuana after it becomes legal next year?

Question:
Marijuana is set to become legal in Canada in early 2018, and not the half-way "legal at the state level but still super illegal federally so by the grace of god goes thee" legal of Washington and Colorado.

So my question is: what legal ramifications would using legal Marijuana in Canada have on my status in the States and crossing the border specifically?

Answer:
 You are entitled to buy and possess marijuana where it is legal. If you take that marijuana out of the state where it is legal, or cross the border into a country where it is not legal on the federal level (and into a state where it is not legal on the state level), you will be committing any number of crimes. Answer #2: You can do whatever you want in Canada.  Do not try to cross the border with any marijuana in your possession.

If you apply for a job here that requires drug testing, a positive result (and marijuana can stay in your system for some time), the fact that you used it in Canada where it is legal may not help you.


Title: [Ireland] I broke into an abandoned apartment block and got caught.

Question:
I broke into an abandoned apartment block with a friend and started setting up a home of sorts. I have problems with shoplifting and I live with my parents and have no source of income, so naturally that is where all my stolen goods go. I had things like food and drink, spray paint, scented candles (to cover up the smell of the fire I had), fire lighters and a wood burning camping stove.

 I had the keys to the block because they left them in the room doors, so I had access while no one else had except my friend. We had sprayed some very big words and images on the walls of the second and third floors. None of it was visible from the first floor.

We had kept stuff there for a while, so we got cocky. We went on the first floor to scrounge around in the maintenance closet which was right in front of the glass door entrance. The caretaker of the complex saw us and we ran around the corner, going upstairs to get our items that we owned. We ran around and went to one of the back apartments and used the keys to get onto the balcony and we vaulted over the side. My friend got away with the caretaker not really seeing his face, but my bag which looked like [this](http://imgur.com/6BR1T1Z) got snagged on a branch and I fell, I got up but not before the caretaker managed to get a hold of my bag and kept me there.

I lied when he asked me my name and never told a last name, when he asked how I got in and where were the keys I told him that a man with a beard let us in and let us just look around. I begged him to let me go and he let me off saying to never go back or he will get me arrested. Now I'm worried because I left my multi-tool and a bunch of personal items that can be traced back to me.

I am thinking about going back tonight to get some stuff, and make sure I lock all the doors.

TL;DR: I am a fucking retard.

Answer:
 > TL;DR: I am a fucking retard.

Yep, you are.  Do not, under any circumstances, ever go back there.  For any reason.  I don't care if you left a bag filled with gold coins and free blowjob gift certificates.  You will get caught, and you will get arrested.  The guy who caught you will absolutely be watching for **you specifically** for the foreseeable future.


Title: Age of majority in Alabama vs Texas and how it affects a move.

Question:
My little sister lives in Alabama and, after some quite absurd incidences involving our family, quite frankly wants out as soon as possible. I live in Texas and she in passing mentioned wanting to move in with me as soon as she graduates (which would be totally fine with me), but I don’t want to offer her something until I know it is 100% certain not going to go horribly terribly wrong.

My sister, at time of high school graduation, with be 18, and the age of majority is 19 in Alabama. I know if she ended up here, our dad would do absolutely everything possible to get her back, including using the law and even physical force if necessary. (I know this because he tried to do the same with me when I moved out in Texas at 17, but at the court hearing the judge ruled that going to live with my father would end up worse than before due to my circumstances and him never having been a huge part of my life before that and I was only two months away from being age of majority in Texas, where I had lived my whole life, and he wanted to move me to Alabama.)

So here are my questions:
For one, in taking my sister in, when she is an 18 year old, can I be charged for kidnapping/harboring a runaway, etc. even if we will be located in Texas?

Two, can my dad have my sister legally forced to move back home?

Three, once she gets her drivers license in Texas, is she no longer an Alabama resident?

Four, if she does NOT change her license over before my dad tries to start legal proceedings, would she be treated as an Alabama minor or as an adult in Texas?
Topic:
Juvenile and Youth Law

Answer:
 (1) No.

(2) No. If she is 18, once she's in TX, she is a legal adult. The police might do a welfare check if your father calls them, but once they see she is fine, they should leave her alone.

(3) Depends on the TX rules of residency.

> Texas Residency Requirement for Driver Licenses and ID Cards
>
> To verify Texas residency, an individual must present two documents from the drop down menu below. Both documents must contain the individual’s name and residential address. One of the documents must verify that the individual has lived in Texas for at least 30 days. This 30 day requirement is waived for individuals who are surrendering a valid, unexpired driver license from another state.

(4) If she is 18 and in TX, she is treated as a legal adult in TX.


Title: [New Jersey / Florida] Lawyer dropped my case, would like to request that she destroy person information and records

Question: My FL lawyer dropped my NJ case, and I would like to request that she destroy all records related to my file (they have health care records and other personal information, including my social security number). I don't have a clause in my engagement letter that requires them to do so upon request. Is there any action that I can take (in addition to emailing them and asking for a confirmation) to compel them to destroy my records?

Answer: Most states legally require their attorneys to maintain case files for "X" years, so you can ask but there's zero chance they're going to violate their ethical requirements for your peace of mind.


Title: My boyfriend’s sister and her crazy girlfriend are threatening to sue him and the entire family.

Question:
Backstory

So basically my boyfriend’s sister (who is almost 30 and has a 2 year old son) started dating this new chick less than 2 months ago. This chick is beyond rude, disrespectful, and down right delusional. She wears a dog tail and dog collar at all times and says cringe things like “rawr XD” on Facebook even though she is in her late 20s as well. On top of all that she talks about casting spells, and chanting, black magic and other weird shit so obviously the family wasn’t really on board with this new girlfriend but my boyfriend was at least  trying to give this girl a chance for his sister’s sake. However from the moment he met her, she was just insanely condescending and just an overall douche. Because his sister still lived at home and my boyfriend’s parents no longer wanted this girlfriend  coming around, they told my boyfriend’s sister to not bring her over anymore and to go hang at her place instead. This generated huge arguments and his sister continued to sneak her girlfriend over. Eventually things blew up and his sister left with the kid saying she was going to leave forever to live her girlfriend. Her girlfriend currently rents out a room in a house with a convicted  sex offender and the baby daddy is still very much present in the kids life so obviously my boyfriend’s family freaked out. The baby daddy ended up going out and meeting up with them and taking the kid with him. Sense they have no legal custody agreement (though the father is now looking into getting legal full custody) there was nothing she could do.

Anyways my boyfriend’s sister has gone completely off the deep end since meeting this chick. The family has been trying to get his sister some professional help and to come home so she can see her kid, but now she’s randomly accusing everyone of abusing her and her son though his family has done nothing but help and love them both.

Legal question:

My boyfriend attempted to reach out and called the girlfriend in order to talk to his sister. The girlfriend made his sister hang up the phone and so my boyfriend texted her saying to stay away from his family/home or else. They exchanged a few texts back and fourth arguing and then she stated that she is “terminally ill and is going to sue” my boyfriend. She said that this is harassment even though they have only talked a hand full of times and have exchanged maybe 5 phone calls total and less than 15 texts of back and fourth arguing. She said she’s going to the police and filing a report and that my boyfriend should get a lawyer. Anytime anyone tries to reach out to the sister, her girlfriend comes in insisting she is terminally ill and going to sue everyone for harassment and emotional damage? Today she called my boyfriend’s mother telling her to stop trying to reach out to her daughter and that she needed to lawyer up because in 3 months she’s suing everyone, again mentioning this supposed “terminal illness” which is apparently cancer. She does not look like a terminally cancer patient what so ever. Anyways is there ANY grounds to sue my boyfriend’s family?  The texts my boyfriend sent were not the nicest but the only possible threatening statement made in their exchange was asking her  to leave the family alone “or else”. Any help would be great!

Answer: People threaten to sue all the time. And they dont. But if someone tells you to stop contacting them, you stop.