Title: How much of a vehicle can be in my spot before I can get the car towed.

Question:
Boston MA

I have an assigned parking spot in my apartment building and the person with the spot next to me parks over the line into my spot a lot (with a high curb on the other-side so I don't have much room), would his car need to be in my spot enough that I couldn't get my car into the spot, or couldn't get out of my car from the drivers side, or would he have to be fully in my spot for me to have it towed.

Answer:
 Intruding into your spot enough that you can't use it yourself would be sufficient.

Before resorting to a tow though, have you tried talking (nicely) to the person? they might not realize their parking is causing problems.  Most people don't mean to be dicks.Answer #2: Take pictures of car over the line for a few days.

Leave "nice" note and pictures asking them to park more carefully so that you can get out of your car.


Title: Disabled brother is having his hours manipulated by workplace

Question: I have an older brother who works for a grocery store. He has some disabilities and is not good with money or anything financial so me and my dad look after his affairs. I've noticed that his paychecks have been getting smaller and smaller despite him working the same schedule every week. I asked him if he'd been clocking in on time and he said his manager clocked him in and out for him. I compared his hours scheduled to his Uber history \(he doesn't drive\) and he's been going in at his scheduled times. He works 40 hours a week and he's only getting a check for 20 hours worked! What should be the next step here? Contact the Board of Labor? Lawyer up? Confront the store manager?

Answer: All of those options are possible. The first two are preferable. I personally would get a consult with a lawyer (and also get screenshots of the Uber history)Answer #2: I would look at his schedule as well.  Are you sure that his hours have not been cut but he is just sticking to his routine? He should get paid if he has worked those hours, and if his hours have been cut they shouldn’t let him work. Verify his schedule and actual work first, then take any labor claims to the department of labor.


Title: Partners Manager threatens to assault me.

Question: Hi first post in this sub, So I'm a 16 year old and my partner is 17. She works in a small diner which is a 5 minute walk from where we live, now this is where things get petty and he knows there's nothing I can do about it. So my partners contract is a 0 hour contract which from what i know they can give her no work if wanted, she frequently gets put on the closes (which are 10pm and 9pm) so we walk home in the dark. Today I was sat outside her workplace roughly 10 minutes before she finished, her manager quite often moans and complains to my mother about how i'm making her rush, Yet I see quite the opposite When i'm not there she finishes On time. When I turn up 10 minutes before And her manager is working she quite often comes out a 22:45 if not later which bugs me because i'm stood there for 50 minutes and not even offered to come inside which Disgusts me, a 16 year old outside in the cold for around an hour. So today like i said I turn up at the usual 10 minutes before she finishes and when she comes out she told me that he said "Is he whining. "No" my partner said "Good because if he is i'll go out there and punch him" Which in all honesty would cause way more problems than wanted as my family are extremely protective and believe that police do nothing and they will sort it out themselves (Peacefully first but if it carries on it will get more and more voilent) What can I do to one, Get him written up for it and two make sure my partner is out On time and not 45 minutes late. P.S Apparently she has to wait because By "law" there has to be atleast 2 people inside incase it gets robbed" Which is the biggest load of horsesh\*t i've ever heard yet 99% of the time there's 3 of them. So as I say again What can I do to stop this?

Answer: The most reasonable advice I can give you here is to move on. He alledgedly threatened to punch you. He likely wasn't serious, and he didn't actually do so. You're thinking with your child feelings. Put those aside. If your girlfriend is being paid for the work there's no issue with the fact that she works later than scheduled, (unless this conflicts with child labor laws. You didn't give your location, so we can't say). In most of the US, your girlfriend can be fired for nearly any reason. You shouldn't make trouble for her. They probably cannot allow you inside after close.


Title: (GA BAR C&F) — Responsible for Parent’s Charge Offs?

Question:
Hello!

I am a law student applying to take the GA bar. I filled out my C&F application and received a message that I need to amend.

The message stated that I had some charge-offs on my account.

BACKGROUND/STORYTIME: When I was 15-16 my mom added me as an authorized user to her credit accounts. I don’t know what her reasoning was but I didn’t know about it and I certainly did not have a card for them. My mother has awful financial habits and had $12,000 and change “charged off” and reported as delinquent. This all happened in 2010-2011 when I was turning 18.  These completely ruined my credit. I was not able to get a credit card for a long time and have been rebuilding since. I found out about my idiot mom’s decision to add me as an authorized user in 2016. I wrote letters to all of the credit agencies in 2016 to try to get these accounts off of my credit. They were removed from all reports except Equifax which the bar uses. I also put on my report in 2017 that my mom had done this, just in case they were still there.

I received a communication from the bar that I need to amend my application to add these accounts AND that I need to start a payment plan for them for a minimum of 6 months before I can get approved. OR I can pay the balance off in full which is around $12,000. If I do not do this I will not be able to practice law in GA.

GA Lawyers, is there any way I can get an exception for this rule? Are my liable for my mom’s horrible choice to add me as an authorized user on her accounts while I was a teen? I do not have a job and can barely pay for my schooling so I certainly cannot also pay my mom’s delinquent bills from 2011.

:/ any help appreciated. Thank you

Answer:
 There are C&F lawyers that can assist. If you have an assigned C&F lawyer to your file (some states do this) you can contact and explain.

It’s weird that they are pushing on this. Generally if you explain the situation, you’ll get admitted. Georgia must be a bit different. I’m a lawyer in the northeast, and this would come up in the interview but probably wouldn’t keep someone from being admitted.


Title: [ALABAMA/NEW YORK] my son's mom wants to gain full custody

Question:
I currently live/work in Alabama. My son and his mom still live in New York and have for the past year (my son is about to be 14 months) I lived with them til February. I've still paid all the bills and sent extra money to help with expenses.

Just kind of loss on what I should be doing to not have my custody of my son stripped away. I've never caused any distress or abused our son in any way, his mom and I don't get a long, upset at me for things from our past, and claims that I'm not doing anything anyways, so why should I have any custody at all...I understand that I'm not there and I should be, and would very very much like to see my son everyday, but it's not that easy. And at the very least, financially I've provided and still visited or they've visited since February.

If anyone has any advice what I should be doing, please. Initial hearing is Jan 2, and I'm not quite sure what I should be doing in the mean time. I've been trying to research online but have been having difficulty finding clear cut info on the topic. Thanks

P.s. Yes I was there for his birth and am on the birth certificate but he does not carry my last name

Answer:
 His not having your last name won’t hurt you in anyway.

Don’t believe everything she tells you. Just because she says she’s trying to cut you out doesn’t mean she’ll be able to. Unless you are a convicted child rapist who left your crack pipe in the table and let the baby overdose, it’s *extremwly* unlikely you’ll have your rights terminated, as long as you’re consistently present in his life and continue to provide financially. You may not get primary custody, but even if you don’t you’re certain to have substantial visitation.

Don’t fall for her games, and always be the more level headed and reasonable person. Keep your sons best interests at heart, and you’ll do fine.


Title: I recently sold a house and I signed the closing paperwork the day after the buyers did. Who would have been responsible for damage on the night in between?

Question:
I recently sold my house. I live out of state now and the lawyer agreed to accommodate closing on Saturday for me to make it out without having to take time off from work. The buyers signed on the Friday before, and all the paperwork is dated for Friday, while I signed everything that Saturday.

Suppose the house had burned to the ground Friday night after the buyers had signed the closing paperwork but before I signed. Who would be legally on the hook for the damage?

Answer: I don’t believe a contract is deemed executed until both parties have signed. Answer #2: In the states where I practice real estate, we don't allow buyers to take possession without a written agreement specifying who is responsible for insurance. If there's not such an agreement, then it could be contested. Answer #3: If I remember correctly, this is probably defined by your state's statute if the risk isn't specifically allocated in the contract. Answer #4: You haven't sold it until you sign the docs.  It's on your HOI.


Title: [California] I worked as a telemarketer for $12.00 an hour. I was logging phone calls I didn't do. I was caught and fired. Can the owner sue me?

Question:
My manager called it "time theft."  I was taking off on the clock and logging phone calls I didn't do.  We were supposed to do a 100 outbound calls a day, and I didn't  This went on for a few months.

Can the owner of the company sue me for time theft?  Or firing where it stops?

Answer: Not time theft, more just theft via fraud.


Title: I signed a lease for the summer (May-August), but need to cancel it.

Question:
I am located in Tennessee. I signed a lease at the end of March for an apartment just for the summer. Initially with my (then) work situation, I was going to be able to afford it no problem.

Unfortunately between that time and now, I have had some unexpected financial issues that I was not prepared for and I have to take some summer classes that won't allow me to work full-time. I won't be able to afford the apartment come May like I was planning to, but I also have nowhere to stay.

My biggest concern is how to cancel that lease without having any severe legal ramifications. I'm still very young, this would've been my first apartment and I really don't want to screw over my credit over a very bad/not well thought out decision. Any ideas on how I should go about cancelling it or (maybe) where I can get financial assistance for the first month?

Thank you guys for your advice!!

Answer: You can't just get out of a contract because it no longer fits your life circumstances. The best thing to do is to present a replacement tenant and hope the landlord is willing to accept this person instead. Otherwise you can get out of it according to the terms of the lease if they are present and can be held liable for rent.


Title: Is this Malpractice?

Question: Separate account to maintain anonymity. I'm basically wondering if my boyfriend has a case for malpractice against the doctor(s) who treated his father; he wonders this as well, as he occasionally thinks about it, but is the kind of guy who "doesn't want to start any trouble". He is also still mourning and part of him would prefer to let it go, but the other part is infuriated at the treatment his father received. Around seven years ago (it'll be six years since his death this February), his father went to the doctor complaining of lung pain and a persistent cough. The doctor told him, "It's bronchitis. It should clear up." Six months later, his father is back, and still has the cough and pain. Again, he is told by the doctor that it was bronchitis, and is given an antibiotic. Two months later, his father is in the ER from not being able to breathe. He is given scans, which show masses in his lungs. At this point, the doctor recommends surgery to remove the masses as no other masses were found on the scans. He goes in for surgery, and all masses are removed. They bring him back for follow-up to find that the surgery caused the cancer to metastasize to his lymph nodes and has now spread throughout his body. He is given six months to live, and four months later is dead at 69 years old. Does my boyfriend have a case? I should mention that this is a hospital in MA, and has should I say a less-than-reputable reputation? As in "Our ER wait times are so low because nobody comes here if they have a choice." It was recently taken over by another, much more reputable hospital. Also, his primary doctor retired almost immediately after his death. Thank you in advance for any help!

Answer:
 The statute of limitations for medical malpractice in MA is generally three years.  It starts running as soon as the patient knows, or has reason to know, he's been harmed.  In this case, that would seem to be when the father died, if not sooner.

BTW a misdiagnosis is not always malpractice.  Malpractice means the doctor(s) acted in a way that no reasonable doctor would act in a similar situation.  Some illnesses are hard to diagnose, and it can take a number of false starts.  It's also possible that even if he had been diagnosed earlier, not much would have changed (maybe the father would have lived a short time longer.)  I'm not saying that's what happened here, but it is possible.

In any event, you are welcome to consult with a local attorney, but it seems to me the statute of limitations is long blown.


Title: [FL] I had sex with this girl in school got her pregnant. Her parents gave me a choice of marrying her or have rape charges pressed against me. What are my options?

Question:
I'm 17 and my girlfriend is 16 I think. We wanted to try out sex this one time, and we thought everything was good till we both realized she was pregnant like 6 months later. Her parents found out about it and said that I had a choice of marrying her or getting rape charges pressed against me. I never went to jail before so I'm really scared. And idk what to do. Please help. Can you even get married at 17? I don't know how this works.

What do I do?

Answer: This is why we need free condoms at schools.


Title: [IA] University housing is disabling a service after I've been using it, and will now charge me to turn it on again

Question:
I have just been notified that Iowa State University Housing will be disabling my ethernet internet access, and to get it turned on again I will have to pay a $50 activation fee, and a $10 monthly fee. I have been using this service since I have moved in, and I have already paid for housing until May.

[Here is a link to the contract](http://housing.iastate.edu/sites/default/files/Forms/2015-2016%3DHousing-Terms.pdf). It explicitly includes "high-speed ethernet" as a utility.

I've lived in the on-campus apartments for five semesters (this is my sixth), and they have offered both wifi and ethernet the whole time. The wifi has been worthless, but the ethernet has been outstanding. They have installed more wifi routers (apparently at great cost), and will now be disabling the ethernet. The wifi service is awful- 10% of the speed of the ethernet, and absolutely unreliable. I won't stand for being forced to pay for worse access.

**Questions**:

* Is it legal for ISU housing to revoke my access to the internet via the ethernet outlet that I've been using, and charge me for it?

* Would I be wasting my time by talking to a lawyer? Is there something I could do short of spending my time and money going through some sort of lengthy procedure?

* If I were to meet with someone in housing tomorrow, what could I say to convince them to leave me and my ethernet access alone?

Answer:
 The lease clearly says your rates include ethernet and wireless internet, as well as other amenities, so they can't legally start charging separately  for them. Point that out and you may get a free pass as long as you promise not to tell any other students.

If you choose to sue them you'd do it in small claims court which would cost you about $50 to file, and you'd be suing for the $50 activation fee, the $10 each month, and the filing fee you paid.


Title: Landlord's mortgage has defaulted and bank has changed locks. Refuses to give back security deposit even though bank has said they are not responsible or obligated to paying out the deposit. What's next steps? Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Question:
Okay, so two friends of mine, and myself, just moved into a new apartment in the beginning of February. About two weeks later we receive a letter saying the mortgage had been in default and that we were now to pay our rent to the bank's property management company and that they weren't responsible for any security deposit paid to any prior landlord.

After calling the landlord he deflected us by saying he's trying to figure out what happening and that he'll let us know when new information become available.

After two weeks of no contact, we contacted him again and he said that he was not obligated to pay us our security deposit until our lease is up.
My question is how can this be true if he no longer owns the property (bank has changed locks and he does not have a key) and how can we legally go about getting our deposit back.

After further research landlord has a rip-off notice on his record and fellow tenants of his has expressed severe dissatisfaction with how he managaes his properties.

Answer:
 Small claims. I think this is probably your only viable solution.  Technically, the landlord is holding your deposit in trust. I cannot imagine what right he has to hold it now that he has no interest in the property.  He basically should have prorated rent back to you or the new owner based on closing date of foreclosure, and delivered the deposit to you or the bank.

You might want to search to find out if there's a tenant advocacy program in your area.  In our area, there's a group called echo housing that helps tenants deal with this stuff.  There might be a group near you that can help as well.Answer #2: In most places the lease and deposit go with the property. I'm not sure what the laws are in Wisconsin, but just because they sent you a letter that says something does not make it so. In my state, your recourse is to sue the management company/bank when you lease is up. Thier recourse is to sue the old landlord for the security deposit.

Sounds like they are trying to push the problem off to you so they don't have to deal with it. There probably is not much you can do until your lease is up.


Title: [OH] Can you put up a political sign that only your neighbor can see?

Question:
My parents' backyard garden ends at the side wall of the neighbors' garage, such that they're the only ones who ever see that wall. The neighbors have refused to paint that wall or let my parents do it. During the last presidential election, knowing that my parents were voting for the other candidate, they intentionally put up a political sign in the window of that wall, facing out, such that only my parents could see it (it's also been there since November, but that's a separate issue that's definitely against local laws.) But was putting up that sign legal in the first place during election season?

My parents don't want to give the neighbors the satisfaction of telling them it bothers them, because they're very passive aggressive people who will then make a point of putting up a new sign for every election. However, they might complain if it was illegal to put up in the first place.

Editing to add: the reason I thought there might be laws regulating this is similar to rules I've seen in most places about fences at the like on property borders (e.g. if you build a fence on your property border the nicer-looking/finished side has to be facing your neighbor.)

Answer:
 Why would that be illegal?Answer #2: >But was putting up that sign legal in the first place during election season?

Of course.  Answer #3: Of course it's legal.


Title: Neighbor's Dog Kills My Dog [Kansas}

Question:
Or really, my mom's dog.

History: Neighbor has two american bulldogs that are aggressive fence-rushers. When my parents moved there 3ish years ago, the neighbors only had a chain link fence on their property line, so my parents built a 6ft wooden fence 4ft into my parent's property (chain link on property line, privacy fence 4 feet into our yard). They did this in part because the fence builders refused to get any closer to the neighbor dogs because of how aggressive they were. Once our fence went up, the neighbors took down theirs for some reason.

My mom has...had 4 chihuahua rescues. Last year, the neighbor dogs had busted the fence through continuous ramming. The boards were pushed into my mom's yard a little, the neighbor kept trying to "repair it" but the dogs kept breaking it. The neighbors begged mom over and over again to not call the cops, and they would resolve it between them. Then last year one dog grabbed one of the chihuahua legs through the break, and tore the leg up. Mom called the cops, the city said there was no proof as she didn't see it happen and nothing changed.

Tonight: My mom watch her dog get pulled under the fence, and she screamed while she watched him get torn apart by those two dogs. He was still alive by the time she got over there, possibly one of the humans over there had to kill him for her, she wouldn't tell me.

She called the cops. The cops came and said there would be a court date, and there were 8-20 days before...something would happen. But the dogs stay there. Maybe the court decides to euthanize one or both dogs, but who knows.

I went over to ask the neighbors to keep their dogs in tonight since there is still that hole and my mom isn't in a great place to be taking the dogs out by herself (dad out of town). They started cursing at me and said they were going to call the cops on my mom for harassment because she was staring at them from her window and flipping them off. So I walked away from that.

**My Question**: Has anyone dealt with this before and can offer legal tips? About what my mom can and can't do in regards to their dogs? What do we need to gather to make a case? How is this kind of case even handled? Obviously, Kansas specifics would be awesome. We are inside city limits, if that matters.

I know a lawyer is probably in our future, as my mother wants to destroy these people now and she has the money to do so. But I was wondering what to do in the meantime or do my best to give my mom something to do/write so she's not just sitting there thinking about how if she only had gotten there faster she could have saved him.

Answer:
 Also, if the chain link fence was on the property line and the wooden fence is 4 into your property line, the neighbor was allowing her dogs onto your mom's property. Also they had crossed on to your mom's property every time they damaged the fence and when they pulled her dog under.Answer #2: You need to look into the property line fence and why it was removed, they may be trying to claim up to the new fence as theirs now. Make them put up a boundary fence again as they willingly removed something that may have also belonged to your mother or co-owned by both owners without permission. The dogs will most likely be destroyed.Answer #3: All your mom can do is what she already did, call the police and animal control. She could also sue them for the value of the dog that was killed.

I would strongly suggest that until the fence is fixed you do not let your dogs roam around.

Edit: She could actually also sue him for reasonable costs to repair the fence.


Title: Competitor Says FBI is Investigating Us

Question:
I run a small business in America. Just started this year.

Since starting the business, my competitor keeps sending emails to my suppliers and claims the FBI is after me. I don't know what to think. No FBI agent or police officer has contacted me. And what's more strange is that the competitor said I was going to be arrested in May this year. I never got arrested

What should I do?

Answer:
 You should talk to a local attorney about a potential suit for defamation (if you can prove damages).

At the very least, an attorney can help you craft a cease and desist letter.


Title: Romeo and Juliet laws and my own juvenile stupidity.

Question:
I (m18) had consensual sexual relations with my (f16) significant other in the state of Oklahoma.

My problem is... I did it in a not so legal place (elementary school parking lot during the summer) and we got the police called on us.

For the record and before any of you call me a
Dumb-ass I understand how fucking stupid I am, and I understand that it was incredibly cliche teenager thing to do.

When the police arrived I was giving oral to my SO, and they caught me mid-lick, so there is absolutely no deniability. The police practically scolded us, told us to be more sensible, and to be careful. I didn't get arrested nor did she. The only thing that had happened is that her father was called, and I was advised by the officer to leave the scene before the father showed up to prevent any further conflict. I didn't mention this to my parents, but her father contacted them and my mother told me he might be pressing charges.

My question is, given that we are both legally able to consent, can he press charges for statutory rape still, and/or for public indecency even if the peace officers at the scene didn't arrest me.

Thanks for listening to my dumb decisions!
Topic:
Juvenile and Youth Law

Answer:
 Oklahoma's age of consent is 16. She's free to have sex with whoever she pleases, R&J or not.Answer #2: Those cops did you a solid, by the way. Answer #3: You got good advice, but please pay attention for a moment: you can legally sleep with her, but for the love of god **do not take, send or receive any nudes**, they are considered **child porn** and could ruin your life. If her father wants to go after you, this is how he could do it. Answer #4: In OK you are perfectly in the clear for activity. But for the love of god do not take any picture evidence. And with her parents potentially watching do not even ask her for any because that could be construed as "Incitement to commit" and they could try to nail you for that. Answer #5: I'm a bot, *bleep*, *bloop*. Someone has linked to this thread from another place on reddit:

- [/r/bestoflegaladvice] [OP got caught mid lick, in an elementary school parking lot.](https://np.reddit.com/r/bestoflegaladvice/comments/6qqavc/op_got_caught_mid_lick_in_an_elementary_school/)

[](#footer)*^(If you follow any of the above links, please respect the rules of reddit and don't vote in the other threads.) ^\([Info](/r/TotesMessenger) ^/ ^[Contact](/message/compose?to=/r/TotesMessenger))*

[](#bot)Answer #6: Was the school active? I know several that host summer camps in the summer, and beyond that often have children playing on the playgrounds who aren't in camps.


Title: Please Help! I have a newborn and dealing with a jerk Landlord in NJ

Question:
Sorry for the long winded post, but here it goes. And thanks for reading.

in March of 2017 while living on the west coast, my wife and I decided we wanted to start a family where we originally grew up in NJ. But living basically paycheck to paycheck, it would seem almost next to impossible to move back and be comfortable while establishing ourselves again in NJ.

However my wife’s Aunt (and her husband) were kind enough to offer us a house to rent for pretty cheap, no move in cost (like security deposit), and best of all it was family. Or so I thought. I always felt like it was too good to be true.

Fast forward to July, when we finally moved in after being promised the house would be done by April. A little stressful living at the in-laws in the meantime, but no big deal. We move in. Minor repairs still need to be done, biggest of which is a plexiglass window in the 2nd bedroom needed to be replaced. No problem, get around to it when you can.

All is well. We have a big rainstorm. Water in the basement, not much, but worth mentioning. My wife’s aunt is on top of it, getting the contractor to put up a temporary fix up to stop the water coming in through the bricks on one side of the house, which were bowed out and water was leaking in. Great. Ripped down the bricks and put up some plywood until they could get around to fixing it. This is still July ‘17.

Next couple months are good, moving in, setting up. And then one day we get a call that the Aunt fell. She has apparently been very sick. She never spoke another word after that fall and shortly passed away due to undiagnosed cancer in October ‘17

After this, The Uncle takes over as landlord and things get ugly. Family fighting, etc. My wife and I stayed neutral because, suprise, November ‘17, wife is pregant.

All is still good throughout the winter. However the repairs are still not done, I’m getting a little upset because this wall is our bedroom wall and I have a pregant wife to think about. And the window still has plexiglass instead of real glass, and thatbis going to be my daughters room. Still, paying rent and just kindly reminding the Uncle every couple months about the repairs.

May ‘18.  He starts on me about lawncare. The last summer and as far as I knew, the arrangements with the Aunt were landscapers would be taking care of the lawn. Well that changed because “she’s not here anymore”. This is where I confirmed the weird vibes I was picking up were real. But still, whatever, I’ll cut the fucking lawn if you’re gonna be an ass.

August 2018, yay, baby girl is born. And still, no repairs to the plexiglass in the baby’s room or to the bricks on the outside wall. Still weird vibes whenever I pay rent. And by now I’m pissed and I am going to say something any day. It’s going to be getting cold, and I have a newborn who can’t sleep in her room.

So I tell him when I pay November rent that it is getting cold, my daughter can not sleep in her room and did he have any idea when the repairs would be done..

No response. Until...

Out of nowhere in November, we get a letter that he is selling the property and we have to be out by 1/31/2019. That was our heads uo. Less than 3 months, with 3 major holidays and an infant. Dog, 2 cats. Fuck. You. Bro.

We don’t pay rent for December because fuck him, repairs still aren’t done and he is kicking us out. We send him a letter asking him tomsee the bill of sale for the house because we are entitled to two months of time from when we see to bill of sale, to move out, as well as to have the opportunity to talk to the new owner about continuing renting.

I think we called him bluff because We get a letter from an attorney last week that he has retained to I guess go through the eviction process. The letter states we have 30 days to move out with a move out date of 1/30/2019 and that we still owe rent for December and if that wasn’t paid immediately, he would start working to evict us.

Received an invoice for January’s rent today and it says that he will contact the credit bureau and rent control bureau for non-payment of rent.

I think this was coming the whole time, however I think asking about the repairs expedited his want to get us out. I would love to cut ties with him and move out, buy a house (which was our plan eventually) and forget this part of my life even happened. But, we are not in that position yet. This was supposed to be a transition house and with her being pregnant and having the baby, almost all of 2018 saving potentional was compromised, she just went back to work December 1st!

If you have any kind of legal help or lawyers in the Souther New Jersey area who may be able to help me out, it would greatly be appreciated. I feel like I may have a case because of the repairs and the fact I have a 4 month old, and that it’s winter. But not 100% sure about anything to do with the legality of it. Thank you so much.

Tl;dr: dont rent from family. Rented house in 2017 from wife’s aunt and uncle. Repairs were needed. Aunt died 10/2017. Uncle takes over as landlord. Wife is pregant 11/2017. Repairs still not done. Baby girl 8/2018. Repairs still not done. Pay rent 11/2018 while also asking for repairs to be done. Received letter mid 11/2018 saying we have to leave by 1/31/2019.

Answer:
 > We don’t pay rent for December because fuck him, repairs still aren’t done and he is kicking us out.

You are making emotional decisions that can have serious repercussions on your ability to rent. Withholding rent isn't as simple as saying "I'm not paying you." For the sake of your family and baby cut it out. You presumably have no lease, from what you described, meaning you are on a month to month lease. You pay your rent, move to a new place, save up money to buy, and move on with your lives.Answer #2: You were given three months notice to vacate a month to month rental. So you vacate.

And you have to pay rent for a place you are living. You don't get free housing now that he is ending the tenancy.

You don't want an eviction on your record. Going to court isn't going to solve this. He doesn't want you living there anymore so moveAnswer #3: I’ve skimmed a few times, but not seeing any mention of problems that would make the house uninhabitable.


Title: Need help. A former romantic partner paid a friend's rent (CA.) with a credit card, then decided to file a chargeback out of spite.

Question: Ok, so this is an odd one. A female friend of mine works as an escort. A month ago she ran into some financial problems and was unable to pay her rent. She reached out to a former client, who agreed to pay it for her, no strings attached, and not expecting to be repaid. He was doing it, in his own words, "because she needed help, and it's the right thing to do". He made the payment with his credit card, online, to her apartment leasing company. Immediately after making the payment, however, he began pressuring her to see her, and threatened to call his credit card company and contest the payment if she didn't oblige. This is all documented in text messages and voicemails.  Fast forward to tonight, she gets an email from the leasing company, notifying her of the $2,100 chargeback and demand of payment. If anyone can offer any advice or help it would be greatly appreciated. It's pretty clear to me, that he's committing fraud, but where does she even start contesting this and can she avoid getting evicted?

Answer: Unless she pays her rent she can't avoid getting evicted for not paying her rent. Her leasing company doesn't care that he reneged on his promise to pay it for her with no strings attached. What he did is totally separate. She can file a police report with her evidence if she wants. But she's responsible for her own rent and if she doesn't pay it she'll get evicted.


Title: Revenge on my molster

Question:
In 2010, I disclosed to my family that I was sexually abused by another family member. Since that time, the father of my abuser took it upon himself to damage my good name to those who know me. A few months ago things got worse when the brother of my abuser also got involved in the intimidation attempts.

At this moment in time, I am looking into renting a billboard close to their home to let the community know what they did and who they are as human beings. Below is the sample text without the names:

[Name] and [name] allowed a child to be sexually abused in their home by their daughter. When the truth came to light, they and their son [name] were involved in the deliberate attempts to intimidate and silence the victim. As the victim who never had a chance to have her voice heard, I have one question...why?

-[name]

My faith in the justice system was greatly broken after their handling of the abuse case. I'm not looking for money, I'm looking to have them take responsibility for their actions. The only thing they care about is their reputation in the community. That's what I want to take from them. What I know comes from their friends who were told these things about me at events where I was not there. I was told as a warning to watch my back around them. These people are willing to testify but I have no faith in the justice system. My understanding of the law is you cannot plea the fifth during a civil suit deposition if you're the plaintiff. I guess my question is about my responsibilities when publishing something. I'm guessing it's similar to the responsibilities of a journalist.

Can anyone give me any advice about doing this? Any better ideas? I'm fully aware this is 100% revenge motivated. FYI this would take place in Ohio.

Answer: The billboard thing would be an astronomically stupid thing to do. You will almost certainly get sued for defamation and likely lose.


Title: Can I record a conversation in an official's office at a public university without them knowing?

Question: I am planning on having a meeting with an academic official at my University to discuss a conflict I am having with staff. It is a public university in Connecticut. Am I allowed to record the conversation without them knowing?

Answer:
 Connecticut is a one-party consent state for in-person conversations, and two-party for electronic conversations.  See [53a-187](http://www.cga.ct.gov/2011/pub/chap952.htm#Sec53a-187.htm) and following.

You may be in violation of your school's code of conduct, however.


Title: Stay home, disabled mom of 4 in Michigan, Husband just walked out on us. Need advice please!!!

Question:
My husband and I have been married for 4 years now. I have been a stay home mom the whole time, and have medical issues. Right now, I'm recovering from a total knee replacement.  Our youngest child we have together. This is my first marriage. He just up and left us suddenly this past Friday, and I don't know why. I have no idea what my rights are. Our vehicle, the only one we have, is in his mom's name, but was my valentine's gift. I have no income, no way to get my kids to school, and our boat he took with him. Can someone please tell me what my rights are? What I should/could do? Anything would be so helpful and appreciated.

Thanks so much in advance.
Topic:
Custody Divorce and Family

Answer:
 What do you mean rights? You have the right to ask someone to help get the kids to school and start looking for work. With from home jobs are pretty common now a days. You can call an attorney tomorrow and start the divorce process. You have a right to money on accounts with your name on them. Answer #2: as a lot of people have allready said goverment assistance which is correct. however somthing of note is that while he might want a divorce he can't just leave and stop paying for everything as you are a stay at home mom. you can have a lawyer file for emergency support that makes a court force him to pay the normal bills to some extent. (mortgage/rent ,water ,gas ,electricity) however you can only file for that once he dosen't pay the bills.

but you are not likly to get alimony so this is very much a temp solution and you will need to figure somthing else out be it working or getting disability checks.


Title: Best friend’s looking for a way to legally have a third in his marriage.

Question:
My best friend and his wife’s been happily married for 2 years. I know his wife personally and she’s perfect for him. Anyway about last year his wife reconciled with one of her ex and apparently she still has feelings for this person, which I’m just gonna address as Nia for now. My friend told me he was really confused about this at first but they talked about this and eventually arranged some “meetings” with Nia. One thing leads to another and now they are both in love with Nia and she has moved in with them. However he’s really concerned that one of his neighbors might rat him out and he could be in legal trouble for that. I’m no legal expert but that seems very unlikely, but then again my legal advice on this matter is as creditable as a Yelp review.

I told him to get on here to ask about his ordeal but he’s paranoid enough that people might find out who he was if he posted the question, so here I am. His questions are 1. Would he ever get into legal troubles if the authority finds out about this? He says he trusts his wife and Nia enough that they wouldn’t do anything without telling him first. 2. Him and his wife don’t wanna make Nia feel like the 3rd so now they’re trying to look for a way to get her into their actual marriage (?), most likely through some sort of personal contract. Could this be done legally and what sort of things should they address in this contract? I’ve told him that he’s attempting bigamy and it’d be the dumbest way to go to jail but he told me he’s very aware of that and it’s not what he’s asking. He’s asking how far he could go in this (contract) without crossing the line of bigamy? He hasn’t decided on anything yet but he’s certain that he really wants the 3 of them to be together without having to go through any legal consequences.

Answer:
 It is going to depend on location.

In the US, he can't marry someone if he is already married. However, 3 consenting adults sharing a relationship is not illegal in any way.

She can just live there and continue to be a part of their lives. Answer #2: I think you should stay out of your best friend's marital issues.


Title: Teacher messaged me post grad inappropriately took it to school, unsatisfactory response. Advice!

Question:
 - 40+ male teacher added on Facebook after midnight when at 19
- flirted, told me I'm pretty asked me out (I said no)
- called him out and he called me a homophobic slur
- as a response I contracted the school
- gave screenshots and details
- no outcome for two months, external investor called ...found nothing (else past what I gave them)
- finally school got back to me & said they'd taken care of it appropriately
- I asked what outcomes of this was - they said they can't tell me because of the privacy act (didn't specify but most likely 1988)

My question: AM I ENTITLED TO WHAT THE OUTCOME OR DOES HIS LEGAL RIGHT TO PRIVACY MEAN I CANT KNOW ANYTHING

ALSO: what other action can I take? Without possibly loosing all my money in a legal battle?

Thanks

Live in NSW, Australia
Topic:
School Related Issues

Answer: He hasn't broken any real laws, and due to the schools policies it's up to them on how he is punished.Answer #2: You are not entitled to the details of what, if any, disciplinary action is taken.  No responsible employer is going to comment on the details of internal personnel matters, even to the person who complained, other than to say that they investigated the complaint and took appropriate action.


Title: Should I [22M] sue?

Question: I [22M] [USA, FL] was recently injured at work. I was making an adjustment to a machine and the saw blade in the machine cut my hand making a deep laceration and severing a tendon (first dorsal interosseous) I knew the machine was on but the problem is that there was a safety mechanism that automatically shuts off the machine once you open it up to make adjustments and my boss removed it and his reason being is that you have to make adjustments pretty regularly and it takes a min or two to start back up so he removed to not stop production. so my question is can I sue even though I knew the safety was removed prior to the injury.

Answer: Go talk to a worker's comp lawyer. Most, if not all of them, will have free consultations and work on a contingency.


Title: How does one go about reporting a doctor for charging for services that were not rendered?

Question: My wife went in for a steroid shot for her shoulder and when she received the bill, she was being charged for a second shot of lidocaine. She most definitely only received a single shot, and the office said the lidocaine was to numb the area for the second shot which doesn't even make sense. She has had it in desputes with them and they stopped returning her calls and have since sent the bill to collections. What can we do and who can we report this doctor to so it doesnt happen to anyone else? P.s. we're located in NV.

Answer: The doctor may be charging for the two different drugs that were injected in one shot. Just a quick search comes up with information about steroid shots and lidocaine. https://www.med.unc.edu/ortho/files/2017/11/Patient-Guide-to-Steroid-Injections-RAC-JTS.doc


Title: (Can) (ont) I believe something is wrong with the way my workplace is treating my mental health disclosure.

Question:
I need to keep this short because I have 15mins. I will provide more details later if need be

I've been at my company for a year. In February I told my boss I have social anxiety, he didn't ask for a doctors note or anything. I told him because I was crying at work in the midst of anxiety attack. Ever since he has called me emotional and so have my coworkers.

Eventually I started get picked on by a coworker who follows me around and nit picks everything. She tells me it's because she has OCD but the thing is the standards of what's right and wrong seem to change based on her mood. I'm afraid to comnunicate with her because she gets very defensive and has said very gossipy things to me about my coworkers so I feared her bad side.

I told my boss one day that she was frustrating me by correcting my work when it was preference based. After it seemed to get worse. Even my boss started nit picking me. He made a comment about how little brain cells I had (because I madea data entry error) to OCD girl and another coworker. Other coworker told me. He sent an email in all caps to everyoneI work with addressing the issue. I emailed HR about it but her primary language is french and I don't think she understands me.

One day I got very frustrated and bluntly told him that when you put anyone under a microscope you'll find mistakes and it's unprofessional to make comments about my intelligence. He apologized and seemed super regretful and I felt I was too intense so when I spoke to HR I just said we discussed the issue and if it comes up again I'll contact her.

OCD girl started trying to bait me into conversations about my boss by making rude comments about him. I just acted as an ear to listen. I did tell her I was frustrated about something minor. Then my boss calls me into his office to discuss it saying he "heard it through the grape vine"

He also told me I missed out on an opportunity because of my ability to communicate with others. I had been hoping for it for months so it was devastating and caused me to re-evaluate myself and my performance.

I started trying to be extremely quiet and only speaking when spoken too. Then OCD girl and the entire team kind of start being extremely critical of me. Boss does nothing to stop it and allows the rampant gossip. He even called two other staff members into his office to keep an eye on me.

He kept calling me into his office to speak to me. I started working and OCD girl complained saying it was her task. My boss stopped me from working in her favour. He verbatim told me that because of my issues with anxiety lately I need to redeem myself amongst my coworkers and he picked OCD girls side. I explain I can't redeem myself if I'm literally being stopped mid-task and told to basically do busy work instead. I explained that I didn't tell him about my mental health so he could use it against me to make decisions. He changed the subject

Another coworker pulled me aside and warnedme that OCD and my boss are beer buddies outside work and be careful what I say to him.

My anxiety got really really bad. I had been very blunt towards my boss about how disruptive ocd girl was towards our daily processes. I started having issues sleeping. Only getting two hours a night tossing and turning. I started going to therapy again. My performance at work started a nose dive. I was late twice and had to call in sick twice due to stomach pain that I suspect was from anxiety. My therapist wants me back on medication which I worked very hard to get off of using rational techniques. I'm really disappointed in myself. Family members start encouraging me to talk to someone. I got a note from my therapist to excuse social and schedule disruptions and gave it to my boss.

I've been requesting to speak to HR but she either barley replies to my emails or when I meet with her she doesn't say much.

I just feel like this can't be right. Is my boss just a poor one? Am I the bad guy here? if I am I know what I can work on. Is this a legal matter?

Topic:
Employment Law

Answer:
 90% of what you are saying is non-actionable. But, you work in Ontario and specifically Canada so you are in luck.

The next time you go to HR, you need to specifically mention that you are experiencing **workplace harassment and bullying**. Once you've done this, your employer is required to start an investigation. [Here](https://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/pubs/fs_wvh_atwork.php) is some information for you. Consider printing this out and bringing it to your HR and employer. They might not be aware of the employment laws around this. You need to make sure that they are aware. Even tho we have strong employment laws, sometimes you need to force the issue.

Most of the time, in situations like this, the issues are resolved but the investigation itself. It also lets people know that you will not be pushed around. After the investigation is done, if the behavior continues, you'll need to seek out an employment lawyer to see your next steps.

One further thing. If you do get other advice here, make sure that they are familiar with Canadian laws. In the US, what is happening to you would be perfectly legal. Here, we take bullying and harassment in the workplace for more seriously.

These situations can really have an impact on your mental and physical well-being. I wish you the best of luck. If you have any more questions, please feel free to ask away. :)


Title: [Washington] Are there alternative solutions to an RO, for keeping my ex-husband's girlfriend away from my kids?

Question:
My ex-husband and I have an amicable divorce and joint custody of our two kids, 2 and 4 years old.  He started seeing a new woman about a year ago, the problem is that she tells my daughter that she is her real mom, amongst other boundaries she crosses in terms of what I consider my parenting rights.

My daughter and the ex's girlfriend get along fantastically, and while that makes me slightly jealous I can put that aside--however, I am NOT ok with my ex and his girlfriend encouraging our daughter to listen to this lady's craziness.  It's been affecting my daughter, she asks me confused questions now more and more frequently.  Last night, she barged into my house while I was gone and took my son who was at home with my boyfriend.  My boyfriend called the cops, and she told them it was fine because he is "her son," and then lied about my boyfriend hitting her.  The cops didn't do anything because they wrote it off as a squabble, but I've had it!!  There is no way I'm allowing her to start this on my son, who is just starting to speak.

I've tried talking to my ex husband about setting boundaries with her when it comes to the kids, but he is afraid to confront her.  She and I have had heated catfights about it, but they don't result in resolution.  I am adamant that this woman not be allowed to be around my children, and while I believe I have grounds to file for a civil harassment suit and get an RO, I'd really not like to do that as I fear it will strain the relationship between my kids and their father.  Are there any other options??

I've read about a "no paramour order" that seems to work in other states, and while it doesn't seem to be a thing in WA, if there is something similar, I would be ok with a mutual agreement that neither parent is allowed to have their unmarried partners over during child visitation.
Topic:
Custody Divorce and Family

Answer:
 >I would be ok with a mutual agreement that neither parent is allowed to have their unmarried partners over during child visitation.

You have little to no chance of getting something like this.

You should speak with an attorney so they can inform a judge about what's going on.  If what you're saying is true the girlfriend's actions are inappropriate and a judge can order her to stop.Answer #2: Bare minimum I would have an order written up on the picking up/dropping off of the children. Language such as change of custody can only be made between yourself and your ex. Eliminating others from taking/grouping off the children.


Title: [Atlanta, GA] Lease-Violating Squatter

Question: My lease-violating (severe home damage) tenant knows I'm moving to evict, and so they aren't paying rent, I guess riding free till they do evict. I thought I still had to give 30 days, but police said not if they violated the lease. And they really violated it! Must I still wait and go through the eviction process? Or could I change the locks now or do something else to inspire them to get out sooner?

Answer:
 >Must I still wait and go through the eviction process?

Yes even a tenant in violation of the lease cannot be evicted without going through the eviction procces. You should give your tenant notice according to NOLO there is no set minimum requirement for non payment of rent (but 3 days is good practice) for more information check [this link](http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/eviction-notices-nonpayment-rent-georgia.html)

>Or could I change the locks now or do something else to inspire them to get out sooner?

Do not do that under any circumstance because that would be an illegal eviction.

regarding your title: this person is your tenant and not a squatter.


Title: [GA] Can my family get into legal trouble if we allow a healthy family member to starve/dehydrate to death if it is their wish?

Question: She is elderly but has no terminal illness and is mentally competent. She's expressed a desire to refuse food/drink/medical help till she dies. Her family has agreed to let her do it when she's ready. Do we need to obtain proof that she is competent and witnesses to hear that she doesn't want any food/drink? Because she is otherwise healthy, I've been a bit concerned that if we let this happen maybe we could later be found at fault somehow?

Answer:
 Georgia Code Section 16-5-5 makes assisted suicide a crime, but it specifically "shall not apply to...  Any person discontinuing, withholding, or withdrawing....nourishment, or hydration pursuant to, without limitation, a living will, a durable power of attorney for health care, an advance directive for health care, [or] a consent pursuant to Code Section 29-4-18 or 31-9-2"

This is likely legal, but they should take every possible precaution to ensure that she is mentally competent to make that decision and provides valid consent in one of the forms specified by the statute.


Title: X-post r/relationships --- How should I split awarded money with roommate after housing case?

Question:
** ADDED: location, New York Along with advice on being fair, members of the other subreddit suggest I post here to keep it legal. Both names are on the lease. Only my name was used in the court hearing. **

I need some advice on how to be fair in this situation... what would you do?

I found out that I was overpaying on my rent stabalized apartment so I hired a lawyer to get my rent reduced, to get a legal lease, and to get back payment on the overcharges.

I asked my roommate / friend if she wanted to split the lawyer fees. If it's worth noting, she makes 3 times what I make and the fee would have been no problem for her. She was not interested so I spent most of my savings to pay the lawyer.

I paid the whole fee on my own. I communicated with the lawyer and took care of everything on my own and *we* won the case. *We* were paid back the overpayment, got a legal lease, rent cost has been quartered, plus a large sum of money for "treble damages" (some legal stuff idk and idc, but it's an additional sum of money).

I haven't told her anything nor has she asked about the progress of the case. And now I am wondering what the fair thing to do is. I am vacillating between.... pay myself back the lawyer fees then split the rest OR pay her back the portion she overpaid then keep the rest for myself.

And of course, now tell her the rent has been quartered and we split the new cost when we pay, right?

I just want to hear all sides and be fair. How would you feel if you were her and found out the case was successful and loads of money was awarded?

Tl;Dr : I paid a lawyer and did all the work so that my apartment could be cheaper. In addition to getting the cheap rent, a large sum of money was awarded and now I want to split it fairly with a roommate that did not help.

Answer: Are you both on the same lease?  Has she signed this new lease?  Was she a plaintiff on the lawsuit at all?


Title: A bipolar lawyer in manic phase is threatening a Frivolous lawsuit? (NYC)

Question:
 I am being threatened by a common law husband of my dear friend for exposing his affair with another woman. He wants to sue me for conspiracy and assault (completely fabricated. I never touched him). He is bipolar and happens to be a lawyer himself with a history of frivolous law suits. What are my options?

EDIT: Thank you for all your responses. Much appreciated. We need more of you guys out there!
Topic:
Personal Injury

Answer: If he follows through and you clear yourself, lodge a complaint with the state bar against him. We don't need lawyers using their profession as a weapon.


Title: 20 years old possession of alcohol

Question: I got a ticket at a 15 person “party”. I had some beers and was honest with the officer. He then proceeded to tell me the worst that can happen is community service and a fine. Then he told me I won’t need to get a lawyer because he is on my side and doesn’t want to ruin my life. This is in Virginia by the way.

Answer:
 He's probably right.

You're likely to just get community service and a fine no matter what and it's not going to ruin your life.

But you almost for sure still need a lawyer, and that officer is definitely not "on your side" here.

Talk to a lawyer.Answer #2: It's fascinating that you're taking advice from the person who wrote the ticket, don't you think?

The honestly probably didn't help you a great deal. [Virginia's minor in possession statute is actually rather strict](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title4.1/chapter3/section4.1-305/) and the offense is the same level as a DWI in the state. You absolutely need to get a lawyer.


Title: [GA] The company I work for owes me about 6 months in back pay and at this point I'm worried I will never get paid.

Question:
I've been working at an architecture company as an intern for over a year now and things started going south around October. Clients were refusing to pay our company for the work we had already completed and a bunch of bullshit. My bosses did their best and used all the money they had in reserves to keep us employed, but eventually that money ran out. They were unable to pay me starting in December, but I stuck around since they lost a lot of staff and we still had work. I also thought things would improve in a month or two and I had enough saved up to handle it.

It didn't really get better. They eventually lost ALL their staff (minus me) and were still getting work, I had nothing to lose and stayed with them thinking (still, I know) that it was going to get better. Eventually I was in my own financial rut, working for no pay. I was trying to be understanding and helpful because I believed in the company and didn't want to see it go down, so I stayed. I lost my apartment, my morale, and eventually became super depressed. At this point I've only stayed with the company because they owe me so much money (almost $10,000) I want my money in hand before I quit. I'm starting to think that will never happen.

I have my hours that I've worked printed out, but our system changed long before everything went down so I don't have time sheets signed by my boss. I have pay stubs that prove they were paying me money from December in like March. I also have letters stating how much I make hourly from raises and such. Is this enough for a case? I've tried looking up on the DOL's website but it seems a bit confusing.
What are the steps that I should take? Go to the DOL or get a lawyer (that I can't afford)?

I'm tired of being taken advantage of by my employer, I worry that if I quit, I'll never get all the money they owe me.

Any advice is greatly appreciated. I'd like to report them anonymously while I still work for them since I'm worried I will be treated poorly if something were to develop.

Answer:
 http://www.dol.gov/wecanhelp/howtofilecomplaint.htm

Georgia doesn't have a place to file the unpaid wages complaint so you need to make the complaint on a DOL levell.

Get the hell out of there.

* Get a new job, ask them to pay for your wages, if they don't, make a non-anonymous complaint and drive them into bankrupcy so you get paid.

Seriously get a new job and be prepared to not get all your money.
A company that can no longer pay payroll is a fast sinking ship, that said, you as an employee are generally at the top of the list of being paid when they do go bankrupt.

> I'd like to report them anonymously while I still work for them since I'm worried I will be treated poorly if something were to develop.

You are already being treated like a slave. **YOU WEREN'T GETTING PAID FOR 7 MONTHS**.

Edited: Apparently you are an intern. **STILL GET THE FUCK OUT**


Title: [Australia] Wish to sue over prolonged abuse

Question: [deleted]

Answer: You can move out now and stop the abuse from continuing.


Title: [LA] Denied service due to gender at barbershop

Question:
Hello! I was wondering what sort of action I can take against a barbershop which denied me service based on my sex. I am a woman who keeps her hair very short. I prefer men's cuts, and I prefer going to barbershops.

Here's my story:

 I moved to a new area, and walked in to a local shop on a whim. I was greeted by the barber, who asked me if I was "here to collect anyone." I told them that I was not, that I was here for a walk-in. He told me he doesn't cut women's hair. I asked him why not, but he instead directed me to a women's salon down the road. I re-iterated that I wanted a men's cut, and he told me that I "don't really want clippers going down the side of head," and again recommended the salon down the road. I asked him if there were any barbers in town who would cut my hair. Again, the salon. He then told me that I have "that undercut thing" and that he would not cut my hair because he wasn't very good at that style. I left then.

I have a men's haircut, and walked in with that cut (albeit overdue for a trim). I was never offered a chance to explain what kind of cut I want.

His website claims that he can do all kind of cuts "even mohawks" so I do not think a simple short sides and long top is beyond his described abilities.

Do I have any legal recourse in Louisiana for denial of service?

Answer:
 Best action to take is to never go there again and just brush it off your shoulder.Answer #2: [File a public accommodations complaint.](http://gov.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/form/home/28)

From the site:

> According to Louisiana Law (LA R.S. 51: 2247), it is discriminatory practice for a person to deny an individual the full and equal enjoyment of the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, and accommodations of a place of public accommodation, resort, or amusement, on the grounds of race, creed, color, religion, sex, age, disability or national origin.


Title: IA- Wife wants a quick divorce without lawyers, and is withholding property to make it happen.

Question:
Hey all, I've read /r/legaladvice for a long time so I think I know how this goes, but this is the first time I've ever needed some advice. So here it goes...

My wife and I have been separated since January 16th, for a while living in the house together, but for the last 3 weeks she's been couch surfing since she didn't want to see me anymore. I've arranged to move out March 25th, which she seemed fine with 3 weeks ago. I planned on filing for divorce after I was out of the house.

She recently found out I had started seeing someone, I know stupid decision but the marriage had been broken for quite some time and I was ready to move on, and in a fit she rode off on my motorcycle. She has said it's safe where it is, and I will get it back when the divorce is finalized, which she wants to do without lawyers and as fast as possible.

The bike has both our names on it, and it is my pride and joy. I work at a motorcycle shop and I use it in my business to walk customers through stuff I've done to it and all.

She claims that since she is the only one on the mortgage I have no right to anything in it, even though I'm on the deed/title and my parents contributed 5k to the down payment. I pay money towards the mortgage.

I don't know if it's worth mentioning, but she's said that she has a lawyer and probably a good one, since her dad's a surgeon and more than willing to throw cash her way. I'm more or less broke at the moment, with a good job but quite a few debts.

TL;DR do I need a lawyer, do I have a case for having rights to the house, and what can I do to get my bike back ASAP

Answer:
 If she has a lawyer, he's either not a good one, or else she's not listening to him.

I practice divorce law, but not in your state, and I would not advise my client to withhold the other spouse's motorcycle like this. I would also educate her that the fact that she's alone on the mortgage doesn't give her any additional right to the house.

So to answer your question, yes you should talk with an attorney, and listen to their advice. I don't know for sure about IA, but most states have a system in which after a divorce is filed, one of the parties can request a temporary order hearing, which could address things like who gets temporary use and possession of particular vehicles.


Title: [Maine] My doctor accidentally billed my insurance for a test he didn't do (and that I didn't need), and is now expecting me to come in for the test and pay the deductible. Is there anything I can do?

Question: The deductible is $20. If I have recourse available but it's a huge legal process or something, I'll probably just pay it... But I'm in a financial situation where every dollar counts and I'd rather not pay for someone else's mistake.

Answer:
 Here's what I would do: I would call your doctor's office and let them know you will not be coming in for the test. Request that they contact your insurance company and rescind the claim as services were never rendered. They'll have to call and explain they made a billing error, and return any money that insurance paid on your behalf. This is not super difficult, it generally takes one person a phone call, and maybe sending in a form with the returned check.

If they will not do this, or claim they'll do it but don't (you'll need to follow-up with your insurance), you'll need to call your insurance and alert them. Explain the whole situation, that you were told it was a mis-bill and now they're trying to make you come in for services you don't want/need so they can keep insurance's money. Your insurance should handle it from there.

If you need to go the second route, you probably won't be welcome at that doctor's office anymore. However, as it seems they're playing fast and loose with potential insurance fraud, that may not be a bad thing.Answer #2: You don't need to pay for his mistake. He'll need to accept that responsibility.Answer #3:  What kind of mistake was this? Did he bill for a test you need but did not give it to you? Or did he bill for a test you don't need and is now looking to administer it for insurance sake?

If you need the test done and it was his mistake, then tell him to wave the copay, as that test should have been part of your last visit you paid for. That should be easy enough to agree to.

Talk to your insurance company.

Possibly change doctors.


Title: Should I drop charges against my bf who is an id theft?

Question:
Hey guys,

(I live in PA)
So my bf somehow got my pin number and stole over 8 grand from my debit card. I didn't know it was him and I called the police right after I found out. Then he texted me indirectly admitted that he stole my money. However, more stuff happened and I found out he's actually still married with a kid. (He even showed me a fake divorce paper). Now he wants me to drop the charges and make a settlement with the lawyer. He's on probation and is prolly facing a 10-year sentence if the police finds him guilty. The 8 grand is my tuition bill money and I have to get it back no matter what.
My concern is, I already got threatened by his frd and wife and they say they will spread rumors about me being a homewrecker and "make my life a living hell". I ran into his dad the other day and he almost ran me over with his truck yelling "dead meat" to me. His best frd lives only a block away from me and it's a really small town. He has stolen all kinds of things from his family and frds but no one ever pressed charges against him, he is really smart and seems genuine when ppl find out. Now I'm just scared to pursue this charge coz it might get me into troubles afterwards. The detective told me the texts I have are not enough to be evidence, at some point they need to record a phone call between me and him. I'm also afraid that the prosecution won't be successful and he will walk and do worse stuff to me.
So should I drop the charges for my own safety concern? If so, can I file a restraining order against him just because I'm scared (he hasn't done anything violent to me yet)?
Thank you so much for giving me advice, this is just a hard time for me and I just moved to the states a year ago, I'm not sure what to do especially with all of my money gone I can't even get a lawyer to help right now.

Answer:
 No, don't try to drop charges. In fact, if you don't get restitution you should also sue him in civil court.

Contact the DA's office and express your concerns about his family. See if he can advise you on how to protect yourself with a restraining order.


Title: I'm 13. I think my parents are selling weed (marijuana). [GA]

Question:
If you did not see the title, I live in Georgia in the United States. I am 13 years old.

My parents are selling (not medical!!) marijuana and have done so for several years. They don't attempt to hide it from me - I have known it for a long time, they regularly bring their family and friends over to smoke and stuff and have said lots of slang terms like "a twenty".

I want to report them to the police but I am afraid of what would happen if I do so - will I be taken to a foster home? I don't want to strain the relationship between us. I just do not want things to go bad. I am also concerned for my privacy, I have a computer that I don't really want searched (I have nothing that bad on it, maybe some pirated stuff, I am just concerned for my privacy), even though my parents haven't done anything related to their selling on it (they mainly use their phones).

I do not live in an abusive or bad home - my parents are normal and I am fed and everything. I go to school online (8th grade), but I do go to a thing on weekdays where I get help with homework and things.

What should I do? Should I just not report them? Should I tell the adults that are not my parents that I know? I need some advice)

TLDR: Parents have been selling non-medical marijuana for a few years, I want to report them to the police but I'm afraid about things going bad and having our/my stuff taken away.

Answer:
 Reporting this will lead to your parents being taken away. 13 year olds cannot live alone so you will enter into foster care unless a relative is willing to take you. If things are okay, as you say, it wouldn't be wise to stir the pot.

A wiser action on your part may be to bring this up to your parents directly and let them know that they're illegal activity is starting to affect you and they should stop. Maybe they don't realize that you realize what's going on. Answer #2: I'm not sure why you'd want to report your parents to the police, unless you were very upset with them or desperately wanted to be out of your parents' house for some reason.

If you do report them to the police, it may or may not lead to both of them being arrested and charged with a serious crime.  If it does, you would be taken into custody of the state and placed... somewhere.  Maybe in foster care, maybe with a relative, maybe somewhere only temporarily.  You would probably get a chance to pack a back but you wouldn't be able to bring all your stuff.  And even if you did, keep in mind that if you are stuck in a house with bad kids they might steal things from you.

If it doesn't lead to the arrest / serious charges your parents would keep custody of you and probably be absolutely furious.  Forget your computer not being searched, I would expect you lose absolutely every privilege they can take away from you.


Title: Can my employer force me to take a 30 minute break?

Question:
Lately my employer in Minneapolis has been saying it is mandatory that employees take a 30 minute break at work. While I’m glad they are making sure everyone can rest, I don’t necessarily want to do so. I already have a long commute and I’d rather work my 8 hours and then leave, saving myself 2.5 hours of doing nothing at work waiting to clock back in. My understanding is that employers are required to provide a 30 but employees are not required to take it. How far off am I?
Topic:
Employment Law

Answer:
 No they cannot literally force you to take a break. But if you continue working when told to take a break you could be legally fired and would probably not qualify for unemployment because that's pretty clearly insubordination. Answer #2: Depends on where you are. In the US, it goes by state but, pretty much every state requires the employer to give you at least 30 minutes for lunch. The wording of the law leaves it to the employee but, most employers are told to make you take the 30 minute lunch so that you cannot come back in the future and say that you were not given your proper break time.
That is what I was told in the same situation years ago. It sucks but, you gotta do what you gotta do.


Title: My roommate and I are getting evicted for no reason. What can we do?

Answer:
 You've given literally zero details. So I'm gonna say you and your roommate can take actions ranging anywhere from jack shit, to lots of things.Answer #2: Generally speaking, they can't evict you for no reason. We are going to need more details, so let's start with:

- Your location
- What the eviction notice says
- Any details that may surround the stated reason
- Any action your LL is taking beyond the notice


Title: Informal Dog WalkingBusiness and hiring "employes"

Question: Hey guys I have been running and informal dog walking business since I was 11 and I am now 17. I say informal because until now it has only been me walking the dogs and I don't make enough to have to pay taxes. I currently want to expand my business. I am thinking of hiring some friends from school and putting out fliers mail fliers to obtain new clientele. My first question is is all this legal and what procedures should I take when hiring people. I know I would hold responsibility for my employes actions. Additionally, how should I go about paying my employes. Since most of my client pay in cash, should I collect a payment after each week/month and then pay my clients in cash or should my clients be paid directly and then they have to pay me royalties. Also what if my employees just leave my company after I have gotten all the clients for them and begin walking those client dogs for cheaper? Is their a way to prevent that? I know some of these questions don't necessarily fall under the category of "legal advice", but if you could please help me out in answering at least some questions it would greatly help.

Answer:
 And how much is insurance to cover if your employee gets bit while on the job? What happens when an one calls out sick? Who covers them?

The point being that opening a business with employees is difficult and costly. Talk to a local attorney about everything you would need


Title: (CA) Moving out and Property Management is stating that all holes in walls (including the small holes for the nails of picture frames) must be patched and painted. Is this legal?

Question:
The move out letter says "No matter how long you have lived in the home, or age of the paint, you will be responsible for crayon or other marks, holes, stickers, missing or dented drywall, or any other damage done to the walls. All holes should be patched so that one cannot tell there was ever a hole." Would holes from hanging picture frames be considered reasonable wear and tear? Can the property management legally require us to patch those holes and paint it or deduct it from the deposit? When we first moved in to the house it was with Property Management, A half way through our lease the landlords fired Property Management A and hired Property Management B. Property Management B does not know the condition of the home in which we received it. There were holes in the wall from the previous tenants hanging picture frames. Also Property Management B is asking that we get the windows professionally cleaned with proof of a receipt or it will be deducted from deposit. Are dirty windows (outside) considered reasonable wear and tear? They aren't like nasty dirty or anything just not pristine. Also they are asking for other professional services to be done with proof of invoice; carpet cleaning, flea/tick bombing, satellite removal, etc... The landlords have seen a dog at our home, but it was a friend's and we don't own a dog. We had a satellite installed, but there was already one there, do we really need to get it removed? I feel like the property managers are really going to try and take our entire deposit or as much of it as they can. What can the property managers legally ask for us to do (or deduct from deposit) in regards to the professional services? I want to know if there are any laws or anything I can state to try and salvage our deposit. This was the first property I rented and I am unaware of what my rights are as a tenant. Please help!

Edit: When the landlords switched property managers, Property Management B never had us sign any paperwork. We lived at this house for 22 months. Property Management A's lease expired June 2015 (18 month lease) and we have been month to month since without signing a new agreement.

Answer:
 First, dig out your lease and see what it says about move-out requirements.  If you agreed to the services, you may need to do it, but I'm guessing that isn't included on the lease.

Here is a great source for California tenants: http://www.dca.ca.gov/publications/landlordbook/catenant.pdf

The lease you signed stays in effect regardless if there was a change in ownership or management companies.  The list of things they want done sounds a bit more onerous than you typically see.  Your lease should have a paragraph about move-out obligations.


Title: Tenant told to leave for reno. By end of June. Landlord claims its not an eviction.

Question:
Any help would be beyond appreciated...

I rent a 1st floor apartment in Central NY State. My brother, and I reside in the back half, our parents reside in the front half. It is 2 , 2-bedroom apartments, but they aren't separated by a wall, so they can't legally charge for 2 apartments. Therefore, it's treated like one big apartment on their end.

We have been 'month-to-month' tenants since april 1st. Several promised services began disappearing several months ago (snow removal, trash removal, lawn care). My parents have made several complaints to the landlords to no avail.

Starting this past winter, my kitchen floor (stone tiles) has been eroding, and coming apart with water collecting below the tiles. Landlord came to look and said we had to deal with it as best we can until nice weather. Turned out the non-functional dishwasher was still hooked up to water but had a leak in the pipe that was causing the damage.

2 weeks ago, the landlord came and tore apart the entire kitchen. Floor, walls, cabinets, everything. It still sits in that state currently with no indication as to when it will be finished despite several messages to inquire about the progress.

A week ago, my mother began receiving text messages from one of the landlords telling her he is "sick and tired of her complaints", and "enough is enough". He then accidentally sent another text meant for his friend bragging about how he "told the bitch off".

Today, he texted her the following:
"We no longer want to continue this landlord tennant agreement. You guys have until the end of June to move out of the apartment. Its not an eviction. There is no current lease. You've lived there over two years and there is some sort of issue every month. Ive tried to make it work and it doesnt get better. This is the best solution for everyone involved."

I've looked up renters rights but the info is difficult to know how to apply. I believe month-to-month tenants still have protections, and nobody can evict you via text.  Any help with how to proceed, or what my options are from this point would be greatly appreciated.

Answer: This isn't an eviction, it's your landlord deciding to end the month\-to\-month arrangement, which is their right. You've been given sufficient notice \(must be 30 days\).Answer #2: You have the right to recieve one month's notice in writing. The text may qualify. If you want to argue it doesn't you can refuse to leave but that is likely to end with you all having an actual eviction on your record.


Title: [US-NE] Ex friend wanting to sue me

Question:
I was going through some financial difficulties seven years ago. My best friend was kind enough to help me with some bills (rent, groceries, etc.) totaling around $2,800. Despite my multiple attempts to pay her back she said not to worry about it and that she was glad to help. I tried to give her checks, and it almost seemed to offend her. She always threw them away.

We had a major falling out (unrelated), so our decade long friendship went down the drain, and I haven't spoken to her since. We were like sisters, so it was truly devastating.

Today I received an email from her telling me to pay her back and threatening to sue. I don't have any proof that it was a gift as any messages between us have long since been deleted. I don't have that much money saved up and I'm not sure what to do. Does she have grounds to sue me?

Answer: Nebraska debt statute of limitations is 5 years for written contracts and 4 years for oral contracts.Answer #2: Can she provide proof that she asked for repayment before your friendship went sour?  Can you provide proof that you tried to repay her before?


Title: What law am I breaking if I put an extra bike lock on a stranger's bike?

Question: Just curious

Answer: If you're preventing then from moving it, likely theft.


Title: (CA) when is it mandatory for a facility to have an elevator or some type of lift for handicap reasons?

Question: long story short i had an accident and broke my leg and ankle and my work place does not have a elevator or some type of lift to get up to the 2nd story. going up and down the stairs is causing pain in it from the hobbling up and down and i dont want to want pain meds while i'm at work.

Answer: It depends on when the building was built or if it had gone significant renovations since ADA went into effect.


Title: Fired from invalid drug screen

Question:
I just got fired from my job that I have been at for almost 2 years because my urine drug screen from Friday came back invalid. I immediately contacted my boss who told me to go repeat the test yesterday. I went immediately and completed the test. I am now being fired for the invalid test that the lab claims "was not a human specimen" and I have no report of the results from the 2nd test. I did not tamper with or give any urine other than my own. What do I do? Do I even have any options? Or am I just screwed?

Edit: I am in Oregon.

Answer: Offer to do a blood or hair test at your cost to your boss. Hair would see much farther back. Answer #2: You're screwed unless your boss relents.


Title: Girlfriend's(U.S. Citizen) Father(resident) died in Mexico today. How does she get him to Texas so he can be buried with her family?

Question: As the title states, my girlfriend is a U.S. Citizen, and her parents are Residents, but are currently in Mexico. Her father died this morning and she is on the way down there to be with her mom and take care of everything she can down there.  We need to find out how, if possible, we can bring him back to the United States for burial. I have found generic information on the [CBP.gov website](https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/237/~/requirements-for-importing-bodies-in-coffins-%2F-ashes-in-urns ) about shipping remains, but it is proving difficult to find any information specifically about the rights of a non-citizen being brought to the United States for burial.

Answer: Contact the funeral home in the city where he will be buried


Title: Im scared my brother will kill me and my mother

Question: Ever since I was youn my brother was violent. he constantly punched holes in the walls, kicked and hit me and my mother and was overall just a huge danger to the safety of everybody in the house including my dog. recently he went off and it was bad. I called the police and he threw glass, fans, demolished an entire wall and threatened the police with a baseball bat. he was put into a hospital but since he is 18 he can get out whenever he wants. this makes me and my family fear for our safety. he said he wanted to go live in NYC in a shelter but he has no money, phone, or anything; we have cut him off entirely. Please im begging for some help and advice. thanks everybody in advance.

Answer: Here in CA we have legal holds, a 5150, which can be imposed on a person by law enforcement or mental health/crisis counselors.  A 72 hour hold can be placed on a person in Ca if they meet one of three criteria. If they pose a danger to self,  a danger to others or they are gravely disabled. Your brother sounds like he could be mentally ill and needs psychiatric intervention.


Title: Could I just buy a BB gun off Amazon? (New Jersey)

Question:
I was really looking forward to ordering this [Daisy Red Ryder Model 1938](https://www.amazon.com/Daisy-Outdoor-Products-Model-Ryder/dp/B001IB4SBM) BB gun, however with the recent bull about gun control and etc., I was wondering if this was allowed?

Could I get in trouble for buying it? Or is it allowed?

If it matters, I'm 16 and live in New Jersey (right bloody next to NYC if you haven't a clue where it is)
Topic:
Juvenile and Youth Law

Answer: No.  BB guns are illegal in NJ without a permit.  They are treated the same as firearms


Title: Purchased a gun and forgot I had a medical marijuana card (California)

Question:
I had gotten a medical marijuana card in the summer of 2017 which I had forgotten I had. Fast forward to the beginning of this month and I purchased my first firearm.
Anyways a few days after the purchase while looking at online safety classes and other various tutorials on how to clean guns etc... I saw something about how having a med card and purchasing a firearm is a BIG NONO. I acted promptly, cancelled the med card immediately and asked the gun shop to cancel my purchase. I have to go in a pay the restocking fee which is going to happen tomorrow. I was wondering if With the cancellation of both items I’m okay or should I go see a attorney just in case?
I cancelled both the gun and med card this past Saturday. But I figure the gun shop probably didn’t halt the sale because I haven’t paid the restocking fee yet. Any thoughts?

Answer: If you aren't an active user, you're fine.  Just because you had a card "in the past" doesn't really matter, unless you're a current user.  Good for you for trying to do the right thing though.Answer #2: It is illegal to possess a firearm if you are "an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance". The government rarely prosecuted people under this theory, but if you use marijuana regularly you did technically attempt to commit this crime.


Title: Property manager is known for Security Deposit scams, how do I protect myself?

Question:
Region: Northern California

The potential property manager of our future apartment has some sketchy reviews:

>Communicating with the manager has to be the most nerve racking thing in the world. She pretty much comes off as she hates all her tenants, and we are just getting in her way when we ask for things. It makes sense that things have to be written, but she doesn't require formal work orders. You can literally take a sheet of scratch paper and just write in giant letters: "change smoke alarm battery. apt #xxx". That's all.

>Anyways, that's not the reason behind the 1 star review. The reason is...
These people are scammers.

>I recently moved out and I just received my security deposit in the mail. Mind you, my security deposit came a full MONTH after I had moved out. Her excuse? I didn't provide her with an address to mail the check. I DID provide her with an address, but I guess she lost the paper on which I wrote it.

>Now the security deposit was missing a huge chunk of cash. What did she charge me for? Painting and cleaning. Cleaning, okay, I understand. Painting? I didn't tear giant holes into the walls. I didn't throw a sledgehammer around on my spare time. I didn't take a sharpie and draw dinosaurs from wall to wall. California law prohibits landlords/managers to deduct from tenants' security deposit unless the damage can be considered beyond normal wear and tear.

>Now this is where it gets good...
>I was curious about the painter and the cleaners, so I did a thorough google search. Not only does the painter have a disconnected telephone number provided on the invoice, the address is a residence. Who's name comes up when I google the address? None other than the manager herself.

>What happens when I google the PO box for the cleaners? ____ Properties shows up. Prior to November 2012, _______ was known as _______. The invoice for the cleaners provided no phone number, simply a P.O. box.

>So what I've collected from the little bit of snooping I've done... They're falsifying documents to pocket the money themselves. It's a shady, shady place.

How can my housemates and I stay protected from these kind of Security Deposit scams?

Thanks!
Topic:
Removed - PII

Answer:
 You protect yourself by not associating with 'shady' people.  If you think someone's going to steal money from you, don't go into business with them.

If you're gung-ho on doing this, document the heck out of everything.  Take copious photos upon move-in and move-out, document maintenance requests and fulfillment, et cetera.  That won't stop them from keeping it, or prevent you from needing to sue them if they do so wrongfully.  But it'll increase your chances to win.


Title: Is it legal for my employer to force all employees to use Facebook to work from home?

Question: Hi all, I live in Texas and work for a private school. It has closed due to coronavirus and the leadership team is using Facebook as a primary means of all work communication. I was forced to create a dummy Facebook account. All of our assignments for work are on a closed Facebook group. To prove I’ve done assignments, I have to post pictures and videos to this group. Is this legal?

Answer: yesAnswer #2: What’s the issue? If you’re able to use a fake account, I don’t see what your problem would be.


Title: Busted for DUI in AZ, no money, ready to call it quits and pop a cap in my stupid head.

Question:
I was busted for DUI a couple of days ago in Gilbert, AZ. I am out of work, lost my job a year ago and haven't been able to find a new one, I have about $17,000 in unsecured debt and I owe friends and relatives money. I am 62, took an early retirement and get about $1,200 a month. My bank account is negative, I am renting a room from a friend. By the time I pay everyone after I receive my SS I have nothing left for food. I lease the car and there is a $500 deductible I have to pay to get it fixed, I don't have the money. ( Have you ever told anyone you have no money? They find it hard to comprehend. )

My question is this: I had a PBT 0.124 and it is my 1st offense, I did hit another vehicle but the damage was minimal. My car however is !@#$%, not totaled but pretty screwed up. I know if I don't have the money for a lawyer I can get a public defender but how am I supposed to pay all the fees associated with DUI? Will they set up a payment plan or just tell me to borrow from a friend or relative. I've already tapped out my relatives and friends and may soon be living on the street. I have no idea how I am going to pay those fees. If I don't pay the fees I think I will end up with jail time.
I have no problem abstaining from alcohol, I stopped drinking for 10 years, I was in pain and had nothing to relieve the pain so I went to a bar and drank. The damn bartender was server me double and triple shots  for the price of 1 so she would get a good tip
I can see only one way out of this mess I have created, suicide. I was in a bad situation and I made it worse. I have lost all hope.  I'm screwed, any advice at all would be appreciated.

Answer:
 I don't know about your state, but in Oklahoma they won't throw you in jail for not paying the fees.  Of course that means tons you can't get your license back, however.

Have you tried getting a job as a Walmart greeter?


Title: Mother injured on job, taken to hospital, job now requiring her to get a drug test for workman's comp?

Question:
Apologies if this isn't the right subreddit to inquire. My Mother resides in Texas, and works for a major national retailer. Yesterday, while working, she tripped over a box and smashed her head into an end cap (shelving). She was taken to a hospital by ambulance from the job and given an x-ray / CT scan for the injuries. At the time of admittance, a manager from her retailer location accompanied her to ensure she was all right, and purportedly to get the ball rolling on workman's compensation. The hospital indicated they were also filing her paperwork under workman's compensation. Today, she spoke to someone from her job's HR department that indicated she needs to come in to fill out some more paperwork, and then proceed to a drug testing center to determine whether she was "on drugs" (I'm assuming they mean pharmaceutical?) at the time of the incident. They indicated they're doing this as the hospital did not test for drugs. My question, is this normal procedure for workman's compensation in Texas?

Edit: Thanks for all the clarifying responses. We'll get her to their drug testing facility to further the process.

Answer: In my experience, this is normal everywhere. A buddy of mine who ended up with a severe hernia at work had to drug test for WC claims too.Answer #2: This is normal.  My insurance agent (at work) has told me the first thing we need to do in case of an injury, after getting medical attention, is to schedule that person for a drug test.


Title: What are the laws surrounding abandoned property in a public place? (NJ)

Question:
(USA, NJ)

Hey guys,

This is my first time posting here and I read the rules but if I missed something or should add something, let me know and I'll try to correct it.

I've recently put myself in a shitty predicament.

Without going into too much detail, there was a seemingly abandoned stroller left at a public park when my friends and I arrived and we (against my better judgement) started fooling around on it and there was damage done to it.

Much later on in the day (must've been 2-3 hours after), a woman walks up with her child and starts taking photos and calling her husband talking about us and saying we broke it.

We panicked and left, but not before the lady took a picture of my friends car. She's now gone to the local Facebook group with the pictures and calling us all vandals. She also states that she is going to the principle of our school AND the police.

So what's the situation like? I know I should not have touched it in the first place, so I guess my question is, was what we did actually punishable by law? Could there be any repercussions?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Edit: Thank you everyone for answering my questions. Keeping my fingers crossed and my nose clean and hopefully everything will be okay.

Answer: Yes, damaging someone else's property is against the law. I have trouble believing that's a serious question.


Title: [Florida] Towed while out of the country!?

Question: I have been on spring break out of the country for the last week. I return home to find my car has been towed out of my apartment complex because they were re-paving the parking lot. I was not emailed nor notified of this prior. However when I called up the office they explained they put a flyer on my door. The only problem is that I was out of town already before they gave me the flyer. It was less than a weeks notice and I was not even directly contacted. What should I do? And legal help on what to do/say would be very much appreciated.

Answer:
 > What should I do?

Go pay the tow and storage bill and get your car back.