Title: [South Carolina] Dad attacked me and my husband, cops came and did nothing.

Question:
So, I'm writing this more for my sake than anything. Make sure I have a place to get out all of these thoughts so that I can refer to them if needed.

Day starts out relatively the same as usual. DAD peeks his head in around 1PM and sees that HUSBAND is playing League of Legends with one of their mutual friends. Doesn't say anything but I can see 'that' look in his eyes, so I follow him out and ask what's up. Says that he made a new account to play with MUTUAL FRIEND because he's the only one who will play with him. Okay, whatever, shrug it off and stay out of it.

DAD goes grocery shopping with MOM. Comes back about two hours, and going out to help bring things in, MOM gives me this 'he's gone off his fucking rocker' look. Oh Lord. So I kind of hang around while DAD is clearing off his desk because he's 'so done with this cocksucking game'. Tossing my $40 headset to the side and all but throwing the laptop onto the kitchen table - just being a general prick. Goes into his room and unplugs the router. HUSBAND gets upset because he had been in the middle of something. DAD eventually fixes it and then insists he wants the desk 'out of the room, either in the living room or outside in the garage but don't half-ass it'. Huge desk, can't move it by myself. Ask HUSBAND for his help - but he's in his own mood and doesn't want to be near DAD at all (to be fair I had warned him to avoid him since my MOM explained that he had been short-tempered and nothing short of outrageous their entire time out).

Things escalate. He wants to call immigration on HUSBAND (he's in the process of getting his visa) because DAD insists that he's done with being 'ganged up on'. Lots of other words exchanged. The breaking point was when I said DAD hadn't been my father since August (he's not my biological father - whom was physically abusive to my MOM and I growing up; also in August he had a mental breakdown where he threatened to kill me/himself/HUSBAND). He just started to get in my face, yelling and screaming how I was ungrateful because if he wasn't my DAD, then why was I still accepting things from him? (He recently obtained an old car from a friend and gave it to me; he was acting questionable around this time and I begged him to not hold the car above my head in the future if this was something he was certain he wanted to give me) He just kept going, screaming and flailing in my face and tossing shit around MOM and I. I couldn't get him to stop and listen, so I grabbed a nearby keyboard ($20) and smashed it on the ground.

"You want me to show you how I can hurt you?" DAD said, and immediately stormed to my computer room where HUSBAND was. I blocked his path, he grabbed me by the shoulders and started to push and shove me until he could physically throw me out of the way. HUSBAND intervenes at this point because I'm screaming. HUSBAND takes off his glasses and bows up, DAD starts throwing hits and lunging at HUSBAND while I'm between them.

There was so much blood. My DAD's on so many medications, including blood thinners. Not once did HUSBAND hit him, but most certainly pushed DAD around and out of the way to avoid getting hit. They wrestled and slipped on a bucket of water (I have ferrets who play in it) and my DAD hit his head on a window fan..hence all the blood that I mentioned. HUSBAND had him in a chokehold, and released when my DAD could no longer swing at him and let go when he said he couldn't breathe. My MOM and I tried slapping at the both of them throughout all of this to get them off of eachother.

I'm screaming, MOMs screaming on the phone with 911. Tells HUSBAND and I to get out of the house, and I talk to 911 on the way up the road. HUSBAND notifies our nearest neighbor of what's going on. During this time, DAD goes around and causes about $500 in damage by destroying several of our belongings (monitors and a few other electronic devices) as well as a bunch of things that belong to my MOM. 2 SUVS and 2 Sedans pull up.

One stops to stay with HUSBAND and I, and I explain what happened. I explained that my DAD would refuse to seek medical treatment. He asked HUSBAND if he wanted to press charges, he said no. I brought up that he had been put into a psych ward back in August after another incident like the one we had just been through.

After a while, HUSBAND and I start walking to the house and I can see my MOM going ballistic. They're refusing to hold DAD accountable for anything. I just can't stop crying at this point. The cop that MOM was talking to said that we were all responsible, and that if he took DAD into custody that he would have to put all four of us in jail for the night. Didn't matter that my DAD put his hands on me first, I 'shouldn't have gotten involved'. This cop literally went on to say, "Well if your husband got out of the house and worked then your dad wouldn't be stressed out and do this".

So for the next twenty minutes, it was just back and forth between DAD, MOM, myself and the cop(s) who looked irritated as all get out that they had to be there. MOM and I begging for them to do quite literally anything to keep him away from us, but DAD refusing to seek any sort of medical assistance or acknowledge that he had a problem. He wouldn't let the ambulance take him, he wouldn't let MOM take him because she wanted to get him committed, and he didn't want to be brought in by the cop.

So, the long story short after all of that was my SISTER came home and took him to the hospital as per DAD's request. He refused to get out of the car while he was there, and SISTER went in to get nurses. By the time she got back to the car he had left. DAD ended up getting a ride from a stranger home, and begged MOM to take him back to the hospital.

They came back home about two hours later. DAD broke his hand. Mom didn't say much else regarding the situation. Last I saw they were out in the living room watching a movie together.

I can't be near this man, but I cannot leave this house. If moving out were an option I would've done it a long time ago. He needs help and he's refusing to get it. The cops were completely dismissive of anything we had to say. I can already see my mom slipping back into her complacent passenger state where it's easier for her to let him do what he wants instead of doing the right thing.

How can my mother or I go about getting him the help he's refusing before he winds up killing one of us or himself?

Answer:
 TL; DR

Dad starts pushing and shoving OP

Husband intervenes

Escalates into full on fight

Dad most seriously injures

Nobody wanted anything done so police did nothing.

Answer #2: Your husband said he didn't want to press charges, so what do you expect. Sounds like you all keep enabling his bad behavior. If you're grown up enough to be married, you're grown up enough to live on your own. You and husband should move get your place and not be around for the whims of your father. Also, why are you married to someone who plays video games all day? Answer #3: You can't force him to get help. Forced commitment is illegal. So press charges or depart. He likely owns the home though, so you have about half a crumble to stand on. Either press criminal charges, leave, or suffer. That's it.


Title: I was wrongfully arrested for marijuana 6 years ago

Question:
When I was 17 I got busted at a party and got an MIP for marijuana. I went through juvenile diversion counseling and had the charge expunged.

Fast forward to freshman year of college, 6 years ago. Some friends and I got busted smoking weed in my dorm room. The RA called the police and when I gave them my ID, they said there was a warrant for my arrest and cuffed me. Of course I was confused and terrified and didn't understand why I was the only one being arrested and, in true police fashion, they refused to tell me why there was a warrant.

I found later as they booked me in jail that, according to them, I had an MIP from when I was 17 that I never followed up on. I told them this wasn't true, but obviously I was booked and spent the night in jail anyway.

It turns out my juvenile diversion counselor filed my paperwork under my name spelled 'Kristen' but my name is spelled 'Kristin' so my record showed I was a wanted criminal.

When the police got this information they released me and pressed no charges, BUT the arrest is still on my personal record.

I'm currently applying for the JET program, an English teaching program in Japan, and I must submit a background check. I found information saying if you have anything drug/alcohol related on your record, you don't have a chance of getting accepted.

I'm crushed and desperate. I know you can expunge something for around $1000 but I just don't have that money right now. Is there anything else I can do to fight this, or some way you would suggest explaining the situation?? Any comfort, advice, or experience with the JET program is greatly appreciated. Thanks Reddit

TLDR: Arrested due to a clerical mistake, trying to get expunged so I can get my dream job.

Answer: You need real life legal assistance from an attorney here. One mistake trying to DIY could ruin your chances for good.


Title: You don't want an eviction on your record

Question:
This comes up a lot around here and the way some people talk it sounds like it makes it extremely difficult to find housing going forward.

What I'm wondering is, does this refer to eviction in the sense of "received notice to vacate due to violations of the lease, and then left within the prescribed time?" Or more to the "wouldn't leave when given notice to vacate, landlord had to go to court/involve the sheriff?"

The latter makes a ton of sense. The former, while I wouldn't say it doesn't make sense, doesn't jive with my experience (which is admittedly limited to a pretty small geographical area).

Answer:
 The latter.  A "cure or quit" notice doesn't involve filing of anything until the time has passed.  If you're given a "cure or quit", and then cure or quit, nothing goes on an official record.  The only issue there comes in if someone contacts your prior landlord for a reference.

Once something gets filed, future landlords are very likely going to see it.  They might reject you just because it was filed, considering you too much of a risk.


Title: My friend and her boyfriend were kicked out of a Vape Store because the employee is her ex and the manager is friends with him. PA

Question:
First off, I should state that my friend and her boyfriend are of legal age to be buying vape and vape related products in our state. I'll be quoting the full story and follow up with my concerns and questions.
(From her text log to me yesterday) quote "Okay so yesterday Tommy went into by himself Novo so then we didn't have to share one anymore and we went to the vape shop in Quakertown because it's close and it turns out Eric work shirt and Eric looks at Tommy and screams f*** real loud and tells Tommy to get out of this out of his store and Tommys like okay but all I want to do is buy Vape and Eric stalking him all this s*** to tell me walked out and I was in the car.
And so we called today cuz we wanted to speak to a manager and and they told us to come in so we did so we did the manager is best friends with Erica guess I had my soon as we walked in he's telling I saw this nasty stuff saying that we have to get the f*** out of the store and all this other s*** and just being a complete a****** and as we're walking out he screamed you know and you and Tommy broke up we f***** and Tommy believed him at first then Nana got nose-to-nose with Tommy and told Tommy that if he doesn't cuddle s*** out he's going to lose some teeth cuz obviously he's acting like a little kid she's believing eric of all people"end quote
   My question is is there any legal action she can take because this refusal of service isn't based on a valid reason and seems like more of a personal vendetta due to the history she has with her ex.
Topic:
Other Civil Matters

Answer:
 It does not matter, it’s a private business they can refuse service to whoever they want.

Do they really want to go to the same vape shop as their ex anyways?Answer #2: A business has full rights to refuse service for any reason or no reason. Not a lawyer but that's always the case from what I've heard in the US. It just loses them a customer or two.


Title: Can you sue a company for false advertisement when they claim best benefits in retail when they pay 2.50 less an hour then competition?

Answer: Pay isn't really considered a "benefit", it's your compensation.


Title: Afraid I'm gonna lose my house.

Question: Okay, so this is a long story. I have lived with my grandparents all of my life. In 2014 they finally got their house paid off on a land contract. They wanted to give the house to me because I live with them and take care of a lot of stuff. They also didn't want the nursing home getting it if they had to go in. Anyway, they did this by contacting an attorney and asking how to do it. The lawyer said to come into his office and he would draw up a deed and make it look like I bought the house from the guy who sold it to them on a land contract. He drew up a deed for 98,000 dollars which is what they paid for it. It had my name and the name of the seller on it. My grandparents name was nowhere to by found on it. So everything was fine until my grandpa passed in 2016 and my grandma just passed recently. My mom called me the other day asking what we were going to do about the house. I told her "the house is in my name and I've been paying taxes on it since 2014." Which I have. She didn't believe me and says she's going to take me to probate court for it. I am scared I'm going to lose my home. What should I do? I live in Kentucky, USA. Sorry for the long post but I'm worried ad don't know anywhere else to ask.

Answer: If she persists, get a lawyer. If you don't have the money you can take out a loan against your house for the lawyer


Title: I got hired at a local McDonalds in Florida as a Minor. The Orientation for the job was during school hours. Is that legal?

Question: [deleted]

Answer: Yes.  Don't miss school to work at McDonalds.Answer #2: Tell the manager, who probably has a GED due to missing school for orientation, that they knew you were in school when they hired you and that you can only do orientation on Saturday or Sunday or after school during the week. If they won't work with you, go to BK or Subway or somewhere that will.


Title: (Colombia) Can I sue my band for releasing a CD without my permission?

Answer:
 what sort of paperwork did you guys use to form this band, as that will govern. with out it, you may have grounds to stop it, but may not.
consult a local attorney on this, possibly ip.


Title: Is it illegal to make college students in all grades live on campus exclusively?

Answer: Given your complete lack of context or location I'll give this a solid maybe.


Title: Job clocks us out when we pull into station even though theres more work to be done.

Question: Job clocks us out when we bring the trucks back. We don't get paid for parking or dispatching which could take 10-15 mins based on how many trucks came back. One dispatch says we're complaining even though most people get food in the am during work hours while we're getting gas.

Answer: File a wage complaint against your employer with NJ's department of labor, and keep track of how much time you're actually working so you can accurately report how much you're being underpaid.


Title: [NY] We caught our neighbor on video walking out of his house at 1 am and sticking a big orange flag in our front yard (just to piss us off)... BUT he was wearing a mask. Even though it was obviously him, do we not have case because his face was covered?

Question:
Is there anything at all we can do without having his face on film? Can a judge say "in my opinion, this was obviously you" and convict?

edit: maybe "convict" wasn't the right word here... lol

Answer: Case for what? Trespassing? IF the cops even remotely cared that someone placed a flag in your yard...they don't have to cite him (convict...hah).  They can just warn him.Answer #2: Sounds like he was too shy to just give you a free orange flag or wanted to surprise you with an awesome gift!Answer #3: Why does that piss you off? Can't you use the nice orange flag your neighbor gave you?Answer #4: If a crime has been committed against you, call the police. If you are looking to sue, you first need to show you have damages. Not sure what other legal advice you're looking for.Answer #5: If this is the only thing he has done, nobody will care.  If this sort of thing continues, it could be considered harassment, but being a small flag in your yard, I still doubt anyone will care.Answer #6: It's very nice of your neighbor to give you free flags.Answer #7: But why ? Just to annoy you ?


Title: A school bus flipped its sign out as I was passing and now I am being charged with a class 1 misdemenor

Question: (Virginia) My lawyer obtained the video which shows I had less than 1 second to stop when the sign flipped out. Should I plead not guilty or no contest and point out mitigating circumstances and hope the judge gives me a break?

Answer:
 Usually the bus' yellow or red lights are flashing *before* the sign pops out.

Were they?

What did your lawyer suggest you do?

> point out mitigating circumstances

What are the mitigating circumstances?


Title: Tenant is suing management company, wants my emails as evidence

Question:
An apartment complex I lived in a few years ago (located in Michigan) is being sued by a previous tenant, they have lied to multiple new residents about a roach infestation. The tenant would like to use some of my communications with the office as evidence for her case. I would love to see this management company be held accountable for their actions since they have cheated dozens of others, myself included. What should I expect if I give over these emails? Do I need to find an attorney as well, or can my messages simply be used as evidence without me being directly involved?
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer:
 >What should I expect if I give over these emails?

Nothing unless you're contacted by an attorney representing the case.

>Do I need to find an attorney as well

Not unless you're being sued.

Answer #2: I am not a lawyer.  With that being said, I really don't see a problem with turning over the emails.  To be honest, if the individual were to hire a lawyer they could likely obtain the emails thorugh a third party subpoena.  I don't see any problems with voluntarily turning over the emails.

If there were to be an issue with your turning over of the emails, likely the Judge would not consider them in making the decision.  You should be fine.   Additionally, turning over the emails would not make you involved in the case.  I'd imagine the other tenant would be handling this case pro se.

If you are truly concerned you could try to contact legal aid in your state and see if they could give you a quick answer.  Also find out if the former tenant who is suing has an attorney who can answer the question for you.

Info on third party subpoenas "Under state and federal civil or criminal procedural laws, subpoenas offer attorneys a chance to obtain information to help prove or disprove their client's case."

http://litigation.findlaw.com/going-to-court/what-is-a-subpoena.html


Title: Consequences for confronting my little sister's bully?

Question:
This one piece of shit kid bullies my little sister (12 years old) constantly.  Both mental and physical abuse - pulling her hair, poking, calling her names, etc.

I pick my sister up from the bus every day and have always wanted to confront the little shit, but in the past my sister played it off like they were always joking.

After seeing my sister come home crying yesterday, enough is enough.  Would I face legal consequences if I went up to the kid and confronted him and/or told him to fuck off?  I don't care about the parent's reaction, only law enforcement's, lol.

Please spare me the lecture about how she's "just a kid".  She's a fucking asshole and clearly knows right from wrong.

Thanks in advance!

Answer: Do not confront the bully.  What you need to do is speak with the bus driver and principal.   They have the appropriate resources to help your sister. Last thing you need is the bully child to say you did something to her.  Report the situation and then let the proper people handle it. Answer #2: The consequences would depend on how you "confront" him and if you are a minor.


Title: Can you sue a landlord for defamation for giving you a negative reference when they said in writing (twice) that they would give you a positive one? Especially when you've been an excellent tenant?

Question: I'm a tenant in California. The situation with my landlord has deteriorated and I'm afraid she's going to give me a bad recommendation to my next landlord out of spite. I'd like to know if this is a possible course of action to ensure she doesn't try and screw with me after I move out of her property.

Answer:
 Statements of fact are actionable (like "She has never paid rent on time" when you have).

Statements of opinion ("OP is a frustrating and nitpicky tenant to work with") are not.


Title: [Philadelphia PA]I work from home, neighbor BLASTS music from 9:30am until 5pm... what can I do?

Question:
As my title says, I work from home and my next door neighbor blasts his music nonstop all day - until his mother gets home.  I live in a row home, so we're connected by a brick wall.  The walls aren't thin, but when he blasts the music, my lamp on that wall shakes and rattles.

I spoke to him a few times about it, letting him know I work from home and asking him to keep it down, but he'd just turn it back up an hour or so later.  I tried to be nice about it, but he just doesn't get it.  I'm really not a fan of involving police in things like this, but I got so frustrated that I finally did call them.  And call them.  And call them again.  They'd come out and tell him to keep it down, and then the next day, he'd be right back at it.

He doesn't work, doesn't do anything except leech off his mother and blast shitty music.  I tried talking to her too, but she's no help either.

It there anything I can do?  Anything?  I'm at my wit's end here.  Halp!

EDIT:
Thanks for the comments for far.
I *did* speak to his mother once before, and she was less than helpful... but I should probably try again.  I just very rarely see her.  But next time I do, I will have a talk with her.

Another question:
I own my property, and I *think* they own theirs... but I'm not positive.  Is there any way I can check who exactly owns that house and then possibly contact the true owner if it's not them?

Answer:
 Unfortunately there isn't much else you can do. In Philadelphia, the noise ordinance states that it's illegal to disturb the peace between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. There's no mention of noise disturbance during the day.

If your lease is up anytime soon, I strongly urge you to look for somewhere else to live. It sucks having to move because a shitbag won't be quiet, but you can't force him to be quiet. He isn't breaking any laws.

You could also look into noise cancelling headphones. My dad got a really good pair for around $150 that completely silences everything around him.

Good luck.


Title: Embezzling Boss

Question:
City/State/County: Beaverton, Oregon, Washington County.

I work for a property management company on-site as a residential manager with my fiance. This is my second job, I mostly do medical field work in diagnostic imaging as a CT technologist. Recently we received a promotion and moved to a new property that was double our own but the pay was good and the rent was free since that is the arrangement for this company. It leaves my fiance working most of the week and I giving her relief during my days off of my other job.

The property was a mess when we got there. The previous managers were lazy and it showed. The property had a pool area and all of the furniture was old and ripped and there were a bunch of other fixes me and my fiance had to go over moving in. Our manager within a few days of moving in had gotten a check for 1500 dollars from our corporate office in my fiances' name. He rode with us to cash it and then had us drive straight to home depot to pick out furniture. We did that and he started adding things right to the cart that he had no intention of giving to the property but believable things like an 89 dollar rug and sand and other various items of various dollar amounts. He then tells us that we too can add whatever we like to the cart as long as it "looks like it belongs at the property" we do add things to the cart, but hand of god....items that were strictly for the property like a bucket and a sprinkler. We did not even get sodas or anything that could be not for the property. We purchase 5 umbrellas and 4 stands and a  table set and that cart with the rest. Then in the store he rips the 1500 dollars cash from my fiances hands and takes 250 from it cash and says its for a giftcard that he needed to be payed back for. He then give us 45 dollars for petty cash and takes the rest all in all 450 dollars total. (Earlier in the day he asked us who the most recent move in's were and had us tell another boss via email that he had gotten them a gift card. I handle all of that kind of stuff since he is an asset manager not a property manager. No card has crossed my desk, nor my fiance's. We kept the receipt for our records but somehow we got two receipts one itemized that went with our boss \*\*Important\*\* and one that just showed the total (ours). As we are leaving we see one of our contractors  who happen to be an ex of his and after talking with them he decides that she and her fiance can move in rent free without being screened. A big no no for my company. He tells my fiance that they will be moving in  in a couple of weeks. It is going to be expected that I book the apartment as "vacant" and to go about my business. Then our boss  takes his fist and beats the soda machine that had backed up coins and straight takes them (5-10 dollars) in front of a pool full of residents. Then he unplugs the machine and says, "that solves that problem.".  Before leaving he takes his "share" of products and put it in his car. We were talking there since it was parked in our assigned spot. We noticed two long scratches down the side of the car and he started bragging about how he had passed out at the wheel and was unsure of what he hit. He had explained that he had taken a portion of a xanny bar and was too much for him .

A few days later he starts claiming one umbrella is defective (It wasn't we tested it and it was being used at that very moment. He straight takes it away from the property to "exchange it" in reality he takes the cash and bounces. He then calls us 5 minutes later and claims that Home Depot was out and they were on back order. Not believing him we went to Home Depot and checked and low and behold there were 20 just like it in the exact spot we purchased it for! He even did this with an umbrella while we are at the hospital for a family member. We know that he took that one because we called home depot as they were closing and straight asked if there were any returns that day. The guy who sold us the umbrellas processed the return. He told us that "your boss" returned the umbrellas a few times. Each umbrella was worth 69 dollars. Oh yeah and that petty cash...he calls us back in day and asks for it to "buy" something and....you guessed it.

We are scared on many fronts. We are scared of getting charged with embezzling, Losing our job with this company since he will likely fire us if we say anything or just pin it on us,  Losing future employment because this is my fiance's only stint as a property manager and being labeled as an embezzler simply doesn't look too good at the interview table. Losing our home, Losing my license as a CT technologist because since there is a high ethical standard for having it, I will lose it for any criminal activity especially something like embezzlement.

What in the world can we do? We have contacted a lawyer but have not yet sat with them. We have all of our receipts and even the return receipts from Home Depot. We also have confided in a boss that my fiance trusts from another property. He doesn't know what to do either.

TLDR My boss, who has a drug problem, is embezzling and we caught him with receipts, but its in our cash pool....

Answer:
 Why don’t you call corporate and let them know? Seems the most logical thing to do.Answer #2: The longer you wait to report it, the more it will look like you took part it in or may have benefited from it.

If you are concerned about potential exposure to criminal charges, book a consult with a criminal defense attorney and explain the details. The attorney may be able to report the information on your behalf or suggest ways to protect yourself. It may cost a few hundred dollars but may give you the peace of mind you need.Answer #3: Present all the evidence you have to the company and report ASAP to the highest level of management (or owner) as possible.

I had this happen in a company I worked for and reporting it is/was the right thing to do. The company can decide to report it to the police (recommended).


Title: My mother died without a Will and only gave me POA and an Assignment of Interests and deeds

Question:
My mother has been murdered yesterday. I don't want to get into detail I've been crying a lot. I'm handling the burial and funeral final expenses. She signed everything over to me I just did not change the deeds or interests before she passed away. What do I do for here? I love my little mama. I miss her so much :'(
Topic:
Wills Trusts and Estates

Answer:
 I'm sorry for your loss.

Find a local probate attorney to help you.  You will need to be appointed by the court to handle your mother's estate.


Title: GF (pregnant) wants to leave me and said she won’t pursue child support?

Question:
My girlfriend who is pregnant (3 weeks?) is an emotional roller coaster. She had threatened to walk out of our relationship numerous times prior to our news of our baby. Well I can’t control her or have her realize that gravity of what’s she’s doing. I walk on egg shells around her to make her happy.

Recently she has been wanting to just up and leave but then she comes back. Today she told me she wants me to sign over my child’s rights and to be out of her life. She said she will sign anything to be notarized and won’t pursue me in child support. She only says this because she has abused drugs forever and sees a therapist for her bipolar mood swings. She’s worried that I will take her to court and she will lose custody because of her drug abuse (Xanax, Valium, cocaine, marijuana).

So I ask:

Can a notarized document stating she will not pursue child support in the event of us not working out have any relevancy to my situation?

Answer:
 Nope. You can't sign away your responsibilities. She can decide to not go for child support on her own, but if she goes to use any public assistance (food stamps, medicaid, etc.), then she will be required to name the father and the state will come after you for child support. Until then, you don't need to help with any financial help. Once the baby is born, you could petition to establish paternity and go for joint custody. This could also start establishing a child support amount owed.

The only way you'd be off the hook is if she wants to put the baby up for adoption when it's born and you're also on board with that. Answer #2: No. Nothing you sign can get you out of child support.


Title: (North Carolina) Injured my knee at work performing duties on Saturday. Forced to come in today or be fired.

Question: I work in a kitchen with a basement. I was carrying a load of food upstairs when my knee twisted/dislocated/or something. Collapsed and couldn't move because of the pain. I can barely get in and out of my car without excruciating pain, and my boss wants me to carry on at work like everything's normal. Can he fire me for missing work due to a work-related injury? What steps should I take for myself?

Answer:
 Do you qualify for FMLA?

Was a workers comp injury report filed? Have you been to the doctor?


Title: My roommate might not let me off the lease. What do I do? (VA)

Question:
My lease is up May 22nd.  I told my roommate I was not going to resign the lease in mid-march.  I told my leasing office I wasn't going to resign April 11th.  The leasing office requires all roommates to sign a roommate change form to let someone off the lease, but I'm worried if my roommate doesn't find a suitable person to replace me, she won't sign it.  There are four of us in this apartment, and three of us are moving out.  She is all about the 'fit' of the new roommates moving in, so we have definitely had people interested, but if she says they aren't the right 'fit' then they can't replace me.

There is nothing in the lease about a single person on the lease removing themselves from the lease.  If the apartment is to give notice, all people on the lease have to sign.  The roommate change form is a $750 fee (which is also not in the lease and a bit ridiculous in my opinion) and all lease holders must sign the form.  There is a bit more back story to this (the leasing office in general being unresponsive and unhelpful, and the roommate who is staying lying to me several instances).  Any advice is appreciated.  Thank you.

Answer:
 That doesn't sound right. Your lease is ending. Not all parties are willing to continue the lease. If other roommates want to stay, they will start a new lease.

They can't charge you $750 for moving out at the end of your lease. Answer #2: Hang on a second. If your lease is up on May 22nd, then it's done and over. You have no further legal obligation.

A 'change' wouldn't be applicable.

Just make sure the notice you gave was in writing and you have copies.

That's all you need to do unless I'm missing something. They can't make you stay beyond your fulfilled lease obligation.Answer #3: Unless Virginia has some fucky law I don't know about, if all of you are on the same lease, and that lease ends on May 22, then any *one* of you refusing to renew should be enough to terminate *everyone's* tenancy on May 22.

The only time any sort of "change" policy would come into effect would be if one or more of you tries to leave in the middle, which you are not.


Title: [ME] Just found out potentially everyone in my apartment building has access to my apartment, how do I go about having landlord change locks?

Question:
Recently moved into an apartment in Maine and became very good friends with downstairs neighbor. Through conversation we came to find out that the front door key is the same as the key to our apartment, we confirmed by trying the downstairs neighbors front door key on our apartment door and it unlocked. Everyone in the apartment has the front door key. What do I do to make sure the landlord changes the locks as this is obviously a security issue.

Thanks in advance.

Answer: Have you tried asking nicely?


Title: (Iowa) Is it mandatory to report it if someone admits to you that they are a drug dealer?

Answer: No.


Title: [Pennsylvania] I work For my private school as an RA (residential assistant) and they are threatening to fire unless I release medical information

Question: [deleted]

Answer: They can't require you to disclose jack but you can be fired for refusing.


Title: Nebraska: I think my apartment may be trying to overcharge me for a pet deposit

Question:
So the gist of the situation is at my apartment if you move in with a pet, the deposit is 775$ plus 200$ for the addition of a new pet. If you move in without a pet, the deposit is 375$.

When we signed the lease, the landlord waived our pet deposit since we cosigned with a reputable renter. *It is stated on our rental agreement that we paid 0$ pet deposit and the owner acknowledges this*. So we only paid a 375$ deposit even though we moved in with two cats and the owner knows we had two cats.

Now I'm wanting to add a dog to the mix and the owner is asking me to pay the difference of the original with-pet-deposit (so 775$ minus 375$ = 400$) PLUS the additional-pet-deposit of 200$.

Can they do this? I would have thought I would only need to pay 200$ for the additional-pet-deposit since it is stated on our rental agreement that we didn't have to pay our original with-pet-deposit.

EDIT: I have been emailing the landlord back and forth trying to explain the situation, and she said I should call her at 12:30pm today (CST). Any advice for what to say on the phone would be greatly appreciated.

Answer: So you are really just paying what you would have in the beginning? Sounds reasonable to me when you decide to add more animals. Especially if the dog weights more than a couple of pounds.


Title: [EU] My Gf signed up for a seminar and then couldn't go, does she really have to pay?

Question:
We live in Germany, and she is not a German citizen, she's French. The only information she gave was her name and email address on the online regstration. She lost her job before the (75 euro) 4 hour seminar and they said unless she finds someone else to go she still has to pay.

I'm telling her if all they have is her name(a common name) and email address, she doesn't have to pay anything, they will never be able to find her. Well she's crying in the other room now cause they just sent another email threatening to charge her extra fees if she doesn't pay immediately. What's the deal? Will they actually be able to make her pay if they only have her name and email address or are they just being bullies?

Edit: I'm also not sure how to flair this, any suggestions?

Answer:
 Your girlfriend registered for the seminar and agreed to pay. Legally it is all on her. Not sure what is so difficult about this concept. Her suddenly not being able to pay is her fault, not those running the seminar, no matter the circumstances.

Whether the seminar people can actually track her down with just a name or an email is another matter.


Title: [US:FL] Some employee from a retail furniture store is calling me asking me for my PIN.

Question:
I am not sure if this is the right place for this or not but I am in a bit of a situation. I am also using a throwaway account.

About two weeks ago I bought a desk from a furniture store not too far from where I live. Everything went well, the guy was helpful and made my decision very easy. I went home after spending almost $400 on a desk.

Fast forward to about a week ago and my financial situation changed pretty rapidly with a few car repairs and a medical bill. I called the customer support line that I had bought the furniture from and decided to cancel the order. The was this furniture store is set up, you are put in contact with the same guy who sold you the furniture: to guilt trip you into staying I guess. Lets call this guy Steve for now.

Steve gave me no issues with canceling the order. I was off the phone in little under 30 seconds. After about two minutes, I get a call back from Steve claiming, "He had forgot he needed my card number and expiration date in order to fully cancel the order." I thought nothing of it and I didn't hear anything of it again.

Fast forward to today and I see that Steve has called me twice and left a voice mail. The voice message was short but said enough, "Hey SomeFLguy this is Steve. I will need your pin in order to fully process your order cancellation. Call back when you can." Since the money was already in my account, along with some obvious common sense advice, I knew where this was headed. I declined to call back for now and immediately canceled my card and pulled out enough funds to last me the week. But right now I am curious to what options I do have or what process I should go though. Because as of now, this guy is most likely not just doing this to me, but to quite a few people.

Should I try to get this guy caught in the act? Who should I contact? What should I do with the information I have now?

Anticlimactic update: I made a call, turned into talking to a manager who was pretty shocked to hear what was happening, but seemed to believe me. Nothing bad happened to me so I am grateful for that, but I should probably be less naive about who I give my credit info to. If my card was not set to only debit, I would have been in a worse situation now. Thanks for the info everyone!

Topic:
Criminal Law

Answer: I would just call and tip off the manager of the store as to what Steve was doing and wash my hands of it. Let them deal with it. Answer #2: I'd call the store and ask why Steve needed the PIN. Otherwise, since no money was stolen, the police aren't going to get involved. And since nobody was really harmed, your bank won't care much either.


Title: Taking out an online "loan shark" type of loan and not paying it back. Then giving it to a friend.

Question: I know this will destroy my credit rating. But is it illegal? US Citizen living in Europe.

Answer:
 At first I was going to say something like this is just a retarded idea.  But then, I realized this:

>...and not paying it back.

So you're preemptively deciding you aren't going to pay the loan back before you take it out.  That is illegal.  That's a textbook definition of fraud.  Answer #2: Even if a legal loan organization, this would be fraud.  So yes, very illegal.


Title: [Sacramento, California] Renting a house. Water heater is old and insufficient, but not broken. Landlord's or tenant's responsibility to upgrade?

Question:
Location: Sacramento, California, US

We are a three adult household (plus child on the way) renting a house from a property management company.

Our hot water heater is quite old (1977). It technically provides hot water, but not very much, especially in winter.

We figure that we can get about 10 gallons of hot water, plus 10 gallons of warm, before the heat drops to room temp.

We're curious about what the landlord is required to legally provide. My own googling just gives the general requirement of "hot water," but I haven't found any info on minimum requirements for volume, or tank age.

We're willing to split the cost with the landlord for an upgrade, but want to make sure that they're covering their legal requirements first before we contribute funds towards a replacement.

TL;DR - old water heater isn't meeting our needs, what are the landlord's requirements vs tenant responsibilities if we want to upgrade? We're willing to split costs.

Answer:
 I'm surprised a water heater from 1977 still functions in any capacity.

Call your landlord and tell him/her that the water heater is not working properly. It's their responsibility.


Title: Regarding meal violations and mandatory lunch laws in CA.

Question: About six months ago I started working at a shop where its basically 2 people splitting the day in half with their shifts. We dont get any breaks or lunches, it's just working 5-7 hours straight(sometimes more includin 12+ hour shifts) I never minded cause I was allowed to eat whenever(within reason), and I cleared out the storage room to make a chair out of boxes so i could sit down occasionaly(Also there are no chairs ANYWHERE besides the managers locked office). I enjoyed the job and the store started to do really well. The problem is now the space I had cleaned to make a chair has been purposefully filled up again, I just recieved a list of new rules, and the most notable was that I am no longer allowed to eat a meal unless I Work 8 hours. So I have to be on my feet all day with nowhere to sit down and not eat if i work 7+ hours which makes me very faint and lightheaded. Is this common and acceptable or is my boss oversteping his bounds?

Answer:
 Gathering from post history that you mean California.  Here are [CA's meal break rules](http://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/faq_mealperiods.htm).

If your employer refuses to change policy and you complain or seek compensation, legally, you are protected from retaliation.  But retaliation can be very hard to prove, so proceed cautiously.Answer #2: [Here are the rules](http://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/faq_mealperiods.htm) regarding meal periods in California.

 If your employer fails to provide the required meal period, you are to be paid one hour of pay at your regular rate of compensation (this is referred to as meal period premium pay) for each workday that the meal period is not provided. If your employer fails to pay the additional one-hour's pay, [you may file a wage claim](http://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/HowToFileWageClaim.htm) with the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement.


Title: GF Was Victim of Defamation

Question: Hi All, I'm not sure if this has a grounds for a case or not, so I just wanted to see what you guys thought. My GF received a letter from the board of health (shes an OR nurse in Philadelphia PA) saying that someone had reported her for substance abuse. After spending nearly $5000 on a lawyer, and months of figuring out what was happening, we eventually found out that her friends ex boyfriend reported both my GF and her friend to be using cocaine or some other drug to the PA board of health out of anger that they're no longer together. Once this was determined, the investigation was dropped. Is there any possibility that this has a grounds to sue him? My GF is worried sick that he'll try to do something like this again, and I don't think it's right that his false accusation cost her $5000 and months of anxiety. Thank you.

Answer:
 This is one of those hyper\-rare cases where there may actually be a defamation claim. Someone knowingly made a false claim that resulted in your GF incurring additional expense. She should definitely speak to a lawyer.

However, keep in mind that winning a case and collecting money are two different things. Answer #2: Defamation suits are crap shoots. You could spends thousands of more dollars and never win one. You could win one and your GF's ex could have no money. Maybe you might win and get your money back, but it doesn't change the fact that the rumor your GF was doing drugs is out there. Read up on the Streisand effect. You can't control what people think of you.  Starting a defamation lawsuit will absolutely spread the rumor more because you're going to make it a public display.  And just because someone wasn't found to test positive doesn't mean they couldn't have a substance abuse problem. Some people might just think "Well she didn't get caught."


Title: Can one co-owner require the other to pay rent?

Question:
A parent and adult son are named on the deed for their house, which they are both currently living in. The parent has been collecting rent from her son. If he stopped paying or even just paid his actual share of utilities, would she have any recourse?
I know it sounds like a silly question and a situation that shouldn't have been agreed to, but the son wanted to keep family relations decent considering he is also her caretaker.

Location is WV.

Answer: If he stops paying, she can get something called a partition. This will most likely involve her buying out his share of the house, him buying out her share of the house, or the house being sold and both of them collecting money proportional to their share.


Title: Fired for being deaf.

Question:
My dad got a new job, he's a truck driver. Before he accepted the job he told them he wears a hearing aid. I guess hard of hearing fits him better. Anyway, he was flown out, supposed to leave in his truck tomorrow, but today, after passing his physical and hearing test, he was fired.

A guy walked up to him and yelled at him, telling him he was deaf and couldn't hear, and my dad heard every word. He responded. The man said that he had been yelling for 5 minutes with no answer, but he hadn't. I'm 100% sure that's not true, because even without his hearing aid, he can hear yelling, or even a slightly elevated level of speaking.

So, the guy fired him, in his words," for being deaf."

Now he's on a bus home, with no job. What can he do?

Edit- we're in Tennessee, the company is in Nebraska.

Edit 2- I just found out that he was called out in orientation, in front of the entire "class", for being deaf, then he was fired.

Answer:
 * find a new job.

* contact an employment lawyer.Answer #2: Deafness and hearing loss is a protected class under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA.) If the employer has more than 15 employees, then they are mandated to comply with ADA and may not discriminate against an employee for his/her disability so long as the disability does not interfere with the normal responsibilities and functions of the job.

Have your dad write down the exact details of what happened (who, when, where, how) and contact a TN disability discrimination lawyer. He also should file a report with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Answer #3: He can always consult with a lawyer, but here's one free alternative: http://www.neoc.ne.gov/complaint/complaint.htmlAnswer #4: https://www.eeoc.gov/employees/charge.cfm


Title: To get an Appointment with the DMV I have to pay 200 dollars.

Question:
My parents are trying to get new driver Licenses in the state of Colorado. They have not had any problem getting it before since they passed [SB 13-251](http://www.dmv.org/co-colorado/undocumented-resident-license.php) . If you fallow that link it has a section about immigrants who can not prove legal presence which will send you [here](https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dmv/node/48731/). now my we have tried to schedule an appointment numerous times through the internet and they never allow you to pick a time for your interview, because of this you can not continue on and you are not allowed to schedule anything. We have tried contacting them through the number provided and everyone at the DMV has told my parents they have to do it online and that our computer must be slow or out of date. we have tried multiple computers, networks and phones, but nothing works. We have even put in a complaint and they gave us a ticket while waving my parents away and nothing was done.

Then we found out through family friends that in order to schedule an appointment they had to talk to a random guy who they meet in a random business who charges them 200 dollars in cash and then they schedule the appointment.

I unfortunately have not been able to talk to the dmv since they are closed but many people that I know have had to do this which I do not agree with. They are using the fear that immigrants have of the government to exploit them. Tomorrow I will call them and if nothing gets resolved I will go directly to the DMV until I can get answers

I do not know if this is illegal. I do not know who I can complain to since the DMV just keeps waving us away but this seems completely unfair to me. I would just like to know what I can do to make this stop and bring it to peoples attention.

 I appreciate any help that can be given and I apologize for any mistakes in my post.

Answer:
 You don't have to pay $200.  That guy's a scammer.  Your parents just need to go to the DMV and straighten this out in person.Answer #2: I checked out the website,  and it looks this is a demand issue - they only have so many appointment slots and they get snapped up quickly.   Very possibly the scammer is gaming the system by snapping up as many available appointments as they can and then selling them.

It looks like they schedule three months out, and appointment slots are put online at 8am, noon, 4pm and 8pm -- your best bet will be to figure out the 90 day date, and sit there with the page open just before the appointments are released and keep refreshing until see them appear.   Like you were sniping an auction on Ebay.

Good luck.


Title: Biological father suing over name

Question:
Hello I was hoping to get some guidance.

My step daughters biological father (who has always been in the picture with split custody and parenting time) has filed a motion against my wife demanding that she stop "forcing" her daughter to call me "dad." This has never been the case. He's also asking that we pay his legal fees.

My wife and I have been together for 4 years now. I've known her daughter since she was 1. She's always called me by my first name but recently started calling me "daddy." We never asked her to do so but its something that came on spontaneously. We also have never corrected her because we didn't want her to feel guilty or bad for doing so. Neither my wife nor I care what she calls me. But we do not want to and do not feel its appropriate to scold her for calling me "daddy"

Does this stand a chance in court?
Topic:
Custody Divorce and Family

Answer: You can sue anyone for anything. But he has to prove he has damages from this, which...well, IANAL but it doesn't seem likely.


Title: Neighbour tried to cause a car accident

Question:
While I was driving in my neighbourhood today, I passed a bicyclist and gave them a wide berth.
At the same time, my neighbour turned a corner about 100 meters ahead of me, driving towards me.   As soon as he saw me, still half in his lane, he hit the gas hard. It seemed as though he was trying to hit me or at least scare me. I got back in my lane and he passed me, no harm done.

My question is, if he had hit me, would that have been a fault against me? Equal blame? His fault?

I plan on reporting it tomorrow. Not to cause anyone grief, but to start a paper trail if anything else ever happens.

(Location: BC, Canada)

(I've had trouble with him in the past, this wouldn't be totally outside his behavior.)

Answer: Get a dash cam, he might try this again


Title: NC - started a small business, now have one employee. NC doesn't require me to carry workman's comp for less than 3 employees, but should I carry it anyway? What's my liability if I don't? Company is an LLC, I am sole member.

Answer: What does your company do? What does the employee do?


Title: (TX,USA) I think I got cat scratch fever from working with cats at my job. Workman's comp?

Question: If yes, should I get diagnosed first and then go to my employer or should I go to my employer and then the doctor?

Answer:
 I'm going to be honest,  I had no idea this was a real disease and thought this was a satirical post referencing the song. Answer #2: Do you work in a veterinarians office?

You need to look at the workmans comp website first: http://www.oiec.texas.gov/documents/ierightsrespeng.pdf


Title: [NY] Can I be punished for sleeping on lunch break?

Question: I work an overnight shift with a mandated unpaid 1 hour break. Today I was “caught” sleeping in the breakroom by the director of the department and am being threatened with suspension/firing. The job is unionized, however I have only been working there for 3 months so I am still on probation/not yet covered by the union. There is nothing in the union paperwork/ employee handbook about sleeping during a break. Are they legally allowed to dictate what I do on an unpaid break? Also does anyone have any case law pertaining to this for New York?

Answer:
 I would guess that if it’s an unpaid break it’s legal,  (ie you’re not committing timecard fraud by doing it) but if you’re at-will it would also be legal for your employer to fire you for it.Answer #2: While your time on unpaid break is your own, the break room itself belongs to the company and they may make rules as to what you're allowed to do there. Answer #3: NAL, but someone who worked third shift for several years. Take your naps in your car if you have one. It's a bit more comfortable and generally, they won't yell at you.

I've also had managers come yell at me for sleeping, not realizing it was actually break time for me. If you can, take your break with other people, it reduces the chance you'll get yelled at.


Title: Is this illegal?

Question: I am working in an office with 2 people (3 people total including myself). The other 2 people are married and one of them is a manager of the office (husband), and the other is in the same position as me (wife). I am receiving unequal treatment (i do extra work, the boss covers the wife´s work sometimes, if there is a mistake I receive harsh criticism compared to the wife. Is this illegal (discrimination)? I am thinking of seeking a lawyer...

Answer:
 > Is this illegal (discrimination)

It is discrimination, but it is not illegal discrimination.  There is a distinct and all-important difference.


Title: Question about a recent ticket violation that I got involving a motorcycle and my dog.

Question:
Location: Bothell, WA

Ticketed for: Having an animal outside the vehicle

**I've been riding with my dog on top of my motorcycle tank (securely of course) for over two years now.** I usually go for a ride with him after coming home from work, and we do one lap around my small town with a **speed limit of 30-40 MPH**. I never go to Highways, as I know that would be very stupid so I just do a quick lap around my town.

Today I got ticketed by an officer, citing me for **having an animal outside of the vehicle**. He said he *wasn't too sure* about my situation, but he thinks that a dog can ride in a motorcycle as long as it's inside a cage? **I've passed multiple police vehicles with my dog before, and some of them just acknowledged, and some even smiled.** This police officer did not have any clue which county jurisdiction the ticket should go to (he had to ask another officer).

Anyways he thought my dog wasn't secured, and that it would jump out at any moment endangering the dog's life and the others around me. *He never really bothered to do a close inspection on how secured my harness system was.* He stood in front of me about 5-6 ft. the entire time trying to explain how my dog was in danger, and how everyone is in danger. He then said he doesn't know what to call my violation as it wasn't a moving violation? He gave me a few example like if a squirrels runs by my dog could jump out and chase it, and if someone honked the horn my dog get spooked and run.

So here are a couple pictures of my doggie bag with a latch on it. As you can see from the pictures, my dog is wearing a non-slip socks, and a body harness with a d-ring that attaches to my doggie motorcycle bag. I've also attached a video to show you guys how we ride together.

* PIC 1 [Dog's body harness with d-ring](http://i.imgur.com/AXugkiS.jpg)
* PIC 2 [My doggie motorcycle bag with a latch that attaches to my dog.](http://i.imgur.com/wM5cME1.jpg)
* PIC 3 [My dog wearing his non-slip socks](http://i.imgur.com/kNpNxzN.jpg)
* PIC 4 [Picture of my dog with my bike - She looks aggressive but it's just for looks](http://i.imgur.com/8cWJeQc.jpg)
* VIDEO (uploaded in May 2013) [Video of me riding with my dog](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kr4AJdqL9fE)

Note: He actually turned out a pretty cool guy as soon as he found out that I used to served in the military (he was a former Marine). He also found out my last speeding ticket (with a car) was over six years ago, and I have never been arrested. He was the one that suggested for me to go to court, and try to challenge his decision.

Any advice? Will this effect my insurance? Because if it does not, I will probably just pay the fine :(

EDIT: He did put an X under traffic infraction even though he mentioned it's not considered a moving violation.
Topic:
Traffic and Parking

Answer:
 Does the citation say [RCW 46.61.660](http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=46.61.660) ?

I don't think there's any law [in Washington](http://patch.com/washington/puyallup/ask-a-wsp-officer-can-i-drive-with-my-dog-in-my-lap) that [prohibits driving with an animal on your lap](http://theweek.com/articles/476572/driving-dog-lap-dangerous-texting).   Unless the dog was interfering with your driving and you were swerving or driving erratically, I think that 46.61.660 is likely the applicable statute.

I think you can very successfully argue that the Outward Hound carrier, the harness, and the clip constitute a "suitable harness" as required by that law.

With those photos and if you bring the bag and harness, it should be a successful argument for dismissal of the citation.

Just bring a printout of that statute, and be ready to explain respectfully that you're very concerned about your dog's safety and that you were not relying on canine instinct or luck, but rather on a snug harness.

If you get to show that video ?   Slam-dunk.Answer #2: Not the type of dog I was expecting to see on a motorcycle.... 10/10. Would watch him ride again. Answer #3: I'd give you advice, but you're a damned jar head and I'd have to downgrade it to stick figures.

If you've got nothing better to do, fight it. If it's not worth your time, pay the fine.

Edit, my girlfriend is in the southwest and is loving cute animal stuff because she's without reddit. I just sent her the ride video. That was awesome. Answer #4: This is the cutest thing ever.Answer #5: Dude, it's illegal to be this cute.


Title: MI - I have a baby on the way. Am I required to have a second bedroom for the baby?

Question: I live in an apartment with one bedroom and one "den," a second not-bedroom with a desk where the closet would be. My parents keep telling me that I'm legally required to have a second bedroom for the baby, and this would allow me to break the lease. Any help is appreciated.

Answer:
 There is no such legal requirement.Answer #2: A lot of people think this because there are laws but they are for foster parents, not bill normal Joe parents. You are fine and it won't allow you to break your leaseAnswer #3: As an infant keep the baby close to you; it'll be easier to manage late night feedings and diaper changes.

As he/she grows you can move the baby into the den and that can become their own space.

Answer #4: No such rule. Can't imagine where your parents got that from. Even fostering, a child can sleep in the same room as an adult until 1 year old, or 3 if same gender (see http://www.michigan.gov/documents/dhs/CPA_2007-02_186047_7.pdf) but you're not bound by this for your own child anyway. Answer #5: I'm not aware of either requirement.


Title: I'm in Dallas, TX. Can my employer ask me if I'm coming back after maternity leave? I'm only 13 weeks and expecting me to know what I'm going to do already seems a little pushy.

Answer:
 They can ask, pushy or not. If they take any sort of detrimental action because of this (firing you because you said you didn't know) then that would be discrimination based on your pregnancy. Pregnancies are considered the same as any other temporary disability.

How many employees does your employer have?


Title: Is it illegal for an employer to not schedule an employee until they quit?

Question: Illinois, no reason given, just got back from vacation and I'm not scheduled for 2 weeks. I've never been written up in 3 years and I'm a hard worker.

Answer: Apply for unemployment due to reduced hours.  Don't quit.Answer #2: I don't know if you qualify, but you could try to file for unemployment benefits for those reduced hours. You might want to check it out just to see if you do qualify.Answer #3: No, it is not illegal.


Title: I signed a offer letter with a start date and the company now wants to push that date back (US)

Question:
Hi legal advice this is in the US specifically VA

So I signed an offer letter with a start date, because of that I put in my two weeks notice at my old job. Now the company is trying to push back the start date and my current company has already put someone else in my position so I can't go back and ask for more time.

Do I have any grounds to hold the company to my original start date?

Answer:
 Not unless you want your end date to be very shortly thereafter.

Is there a contract in place that guarantees you a certain term of employment?

If not, the best you can do is hold tight and possibly file for unemployment.


Title: [NY] Got in a small accident month ago, got letter 2 days ago saying im being sued because she got injured.

Question:
I was in a small fender bender month ago. I was going to park in a spot and decided to back into it rather than go head first. There were cars on both sides of the open spot. As im backing in the car on the left backed up and the right side of her rear bumper hits the right side of my rear bumper (remember im going backwards). She starts to yell and tries to blame me and that i should pay for damages to her car, mind you that her car didnt get dented and barely a scratch, mins on the other hand did get dented. We call police to report but since no injury they never showed up so we go our seperate ways.

Now month later i get a letter in the mail saying im being sued for $250k because i cause neurological damage to her spine while the entire time she was talking to me she showed no sign of injury and told the police on the phone there was no one injured at the scene.

Im 99% sure im in the right in the accident and 99% she is faking her injury. What should i do next? First time this has happen to me so im a bit clueless on what to do.

Edit: added bumper, added month, dropped 100 to 99%

Answer: Call your insurance company, they will defend you.Answer #2: You contact your insurance company (which you probably should have done right away after the accident), cooperate with them, and let them handle it.  This is why you have insurance.


Title: So, my former employer only took $6.92 out of my checks for my federal taxes last year and I was wondering if there’s anything I can do to hold her accountable for her mistake instead of me having to pay in $1300.

Answer:
 Nope. You had 52 weeks to look at your pay stubs to make sure they were correct. That was the time to ask her to fix it.

If you have a new job, check your pay stubs.


Title: Minnesota - Ticket sent to collections, collection referral rejected by collection agency

Question:
Debated whether to post this here or r/personalfinance .... But I was young and dumb and didn't pay a few parking tickets. When I go to pay them online I see that they attempted to send them to collections, but collections denied them. This was May 2016. Will they eventually resend them to collections ? I'm trying to figure out if I should just pay them all now and take on a bit of CC debt. Or pay them overtime, one or two at a time.
Also, some extra info, they are for a vehicle that was totaled and scraped back in January 2015. I have no idea what happened to the plates that were associated with the vehicle. I signed the title over to the scraping company.
Yes, stupid of me to let them go past I know that. Stupid of me to get tickets in the first place. Blah blah.  Advice appreciated.

Answer:
 The city doesn't want to ruin your life, they just want their money. Contact the city, explain your situation and work out a payment plan.

If they're not in the mood to play, then yeah just put the whole thing on your card and pay it off as soon as you can. The penalty for a delinquent cc debt (more debt) is way better than the one for unpaid parking tickets.


Title: Why ask for feedback then lock the thread?

Question: [removed]

Answer: I disagree with /u/thepatman here, fundamentally. this was a mistake, let us continue our discussion we were having.


Title: [MA] Received a notice to quit today, I think it is invalid.

Question:
I'm a month to month tenant with no written lease in the state of Massachusetts.

Today I received a notice to quit. I believe this notice to quit is invalid but I need to be sure.

Why I believe this notice to quit is invalid is because:

1. My name on the notice was spelled completely wrong. If I'm not mistaken I was not properly served because the name on the notice to quit is not mine.

2. The notice to quit did not exclude the date of service, 07/21/2019. This effectively did not give me the full thirty days of notice to quit as required under MA state law.

Am I correct in my analysis of this and do these points give me a valid argument against an eviction order in court?

Answer:
 1. No.

2. I mean, it probably gives you an extra day. But it likely won't force you LL to reserve the notice.


Title: Family member broke their leg on a Surfing Machine at a resort in Mexico

Question:
Last thanksgiving, our family was on vacation in Mexico, and the resort we were staying at had a Flowrider surfing machine. People getting on the machine were asked to sign a short form, which was probably a waiver, but almost everyone who used the machine didn't give it a second glance, signed it, and got on. This includes very young kids who couldn't have been more than age 9.

Long story short, a family member got on the machine, and broke her femur (one of the sturdiest bones in the body) when she was swept by the artificial waves onto the back wall. It took about one to three hours for the ambulence to arrive, and left her in excruciating pain. She had to get surgery done the night of.  This family member took months to be able to walk again, and it's still unclear whether she will fully recover (she can walk now, but with a limp).

So my question is: do we have a possible case to file here? Either with the Flowrider surfing machine company, or with the resort we were staying at. We've already contacted a number of lawyers, but they're slow in getting back to us, and it would be wonderful for us to know whether we have a possible case without paying extra legal fees :).

Answer: Next time read the paper you signed, which was almost 100% a liability waiver. And even without that, good luck suing a company in mexico.


Title: [MA] Piece of scaffolding fell on me [22m] at a theater. Caused a concussion and whiplash. Not sure if the theater company has insurance.

Question:
I was helping strike a set and a large piece of metal scaffolding fell on my head. I wanted an ambulance, but they wouldn't call one and had someone take me to a ReadyMed, who inmediately sent me to the ER by ambulance because of the severity.

No one was helping hold the scaffolding and I wasn't aware that they were taking it down. I was disassembling another piece of set 6ish feet away when I got hit on the head. There was a lot of blood. People said I stayed conscious, but I really don't know. I had CT scans done and they came back fine.

I still am in a lot of pain and have to work at least 2 days of work. Part of my agreement with this theater company is that as an actor I am required to be at set strike and construction. I have papers documenting that. I also don't think I had to sign anything in regards to injuries happening while working with them.

I need help on how to proceed. I'm in Massachusetts. Thank you.

Answer:
 workers comp most likely, an attorny will assist you. personal I jury is also possible.

however, if part of stage crew, it's possible they will have some level of defense, as you knew some risks. negligence will be based on stage crew standards of care.


Title: [NC] Custody Battle Clusterf**k...what's my next step?

Question:
This is going to be long and complicated, so I'm sorry in advance.

Got married in 2009, child born in wedlock in 2011, divorced in 2012ish. Ex husband disappears for a year, then reappears and wants custody. He wins joint custody somehow so he gets to see her every other weekend.
Sometime in 2015 he gets a girl pregnant and ends up marrying her.
May 2016 we revisit the custody arrangement and agree on week-on-week-off. Paperwork is filed (I later found out that this paperwork was never filed with the clerk of court and was therefor never legal).
Out of nowhere, in November 2016 I am served with an emergency custody document. They claimed I was abusing and neglecting our daughter. DSS gets involved. We both get attorneys. We go back and forth in court while DSS does an investigation. All of the allegations were completely false and ridiculous, however a judge deems me unfit and grants my ex temporary full custody until DSS is finished.
March 2017 DSS finally finishes their very thorough investigation and sends us both official letters with recommendations which include therapy for everyone involved. No abuse or neglect was discovered or proven.
My daughter is in therapy now and so am I. I am completely broke from this whole process. And I mean BROKE. I only get to see my daughter every other weekend and my ex has literally uprooted her whole life (moved her to a school where his wife is her teacher, switched her pediatrician, etc) all without my consent.
We NEED to be seen by a judge again so the custody order can be made permanent but I literally have no money for an attorney.

What are my options here? I have tons of secret videos of my daughter saying she wants to live with me and that her dad won't let her. He is manipulating her and abusing her in many ways. He abused me too when we were married.

Oh! On top of all of that, I am transgender (female to male) and came out last year. He is trying to use that against me of course.

Answer:
 You must get an attorney.

>I have tons of secret videos of my daughter saying she wants to live with me and that her dad won't let her.

This is likely to be viewed as parental alienation, which is taken very seriously, and absolutely will be held against you.  The only way to get such evidence is to have a trained professional talk to the child.


Title: Client threatening to sue - need advice

Question:
I'm a videographer/photographer in Arizona..

We had an agreement that he would pay me 2k for my equipment and rentals and then after I shot the 90 hours of videos he would pay me another 2k and then after the edit was done he would pay me the last 2k of the 6k that we agreed upon and he wants me to deliver the videos before he makes a payment...

what has happened in the past with situations like this is i give them the photos and then they pay when it's convenient for them and most of the time I'm hounding them for money so I never ever deliver my photos or video without payment in full...

I offered to review them with him,  but not hand them over until I the last 2k, but he refuses. I offered to send him the videos with watermarks so he can review, but he refuses. Now he sends me this

 "I am done dealing with this bullshit and wasting my time on this. These are the options at this point. Bring in the hard drive with all the videos today or bring in the money I paid you with my hard drive and we part ways! If you do not do either one of these by 5 today I will sue you. I already spoke with my lawyer. Not only will you be sued for the money I paid you but loss of revenue of not having the videos. I am done with dealing with this bullshit. I have better things to focus on."

Shame on me for not doing a written contract, and I'll never make that mistake again, but I feel at this point he is just trying to rip me off. I think it was reasonable to offer watermark videos or to review them with him before delivery, but he's having none of it. All the work is done, I've already had to pay for rental equipment and for assistants.. What can/should I do in this situation?

I really need some advice..

Answer:
 > I already spoke with my lawyer.

Narrator: He hasn’t spoken to his lawyer.

He hasn’t paid you. You haven’t delivered. That’s all there is to it. That he’s refusing watermarked content to review indicates that he’s absolutely preparing to screw you.

Ignore him until he pays or sues you. If you want to go scorched earth refer him to your attorney for all future correspondence.


Title: Employer replaced my salary with a loan

Question:
I was getting the same amount on my paycheck but eventually we started lowering my salary amount.  I didn't notice at first but then we I looked even closer I realized he had stopped paying my salary awhile ago and had instead replaced it with a company loan that apparently I have to pay back.

Is this legal for him to do without my consent?   What actions should i take?

::Edit::

I'm in California.  Los angeles county.

http://imgur.com/QUy9D4e

Here is an example of the paycheck that shows my salary as $0 and my "loan" payment of $1700.

Answer:
 First, you missed all the extremely obvious signs pointing to list your location.

Second, what?  A company cannot pay you with a loan.  You should file a complaint with your department of labor (if your state has one) or take your employer to court.Answer #2: Are you in sales? Are you commission only? It is possible you have a draw which pays you a baseline "salary" to make up for uneven sales, but you are expected to make this up with future commissions.Answer #3: I suspect the employer has inappripriatly categorized the funds he pays you as loan repayments in order to avoid it showing as payroll. This could aggect taxes and workman'comp payments, etc. You may find you owe a additioal taxes, etc.Answer #4: I posted this in response to another comment, but IMHO OP's pay is being classified as a loan repayment.  Not that OP owes a loan, but that OP's employer owes OP.

I could very well be wrong, but that is what it feels like to me.Answer #5: What do you mean by this?

> but then we I looked even closer I realized he had stopped paying my salary awhile ago and had instead replaced it with a company loan that apparently I have to pay back.

How did you determine that?
Answer #6: How much $ appeared in your bank account for this pay period? $482-55?

Can you show us your W2 for 2015?Answer #7: That doesn't make any sense. What makes you think you're being paid out a loan that you eventually have to pay back?


Title: [IL] DMV rejected bank statement as proof of residency

Question:
I went to the Champaign Driver Services facility and the manager there rejected 2 of my bank statements because:

1) they never heard of the bank (I use Simple Bank)

2) there weren't any transactions on statement (I just happened to be out of the country for the duration of the bank statement I used and I hadn't performed any transactions.)

I told the manager that they couldn't possibly know of every single bank in America but they didn't care. I also said the list of acceptable documents just lists "bank statement" not "bank statement with at least X number of transactions". When I pressed them on how transactions does it need to have before it can be accepted, they didn't give me a number. They mentioned that accepting a bank statement with few or no transaction would be breaking the law. Is there a law stating how many transactions need to be on a bank statement before it is a valid proof of residency? Also, how is "I've never heard of this bank before" a valid excuse for not accepting a bank statement? Were they just making up the law/policy?

Answer:
 That actually sounds completely reasonable to me... How would they verify proof of residency on a bank they don't know with transactions that offer no verification? Maybe try bringing a utility bill next time.

&#x200B;

Edit: Simple Bank appears to be a completely online bank based out of Portland, Oregon. No wonder they didn't accept it if they don't even have a branch in Illinois. Are you even for reals on this question?


Title: I was told to break the law by an Officer

Answer:
 Wow, the guy cut you a break and you want to get him in trouble?Answer #2: What did we miss?Answer #3: This is one of those situations where being legally right and not being a dick are two different things. He wasn't telling you to go rob a bank.

What if you lived miles away and had no one to ask for a ride? Would you be posting here asking if you can sue him for forcing you to walk 10 miles? Probably. This cop was doing you a favor.

Make a mental note to pay it forward and be a little nicer to the next cop you see. Answer #4: Your question was answered several times that yes, you can file a complaint if you want. No idea why you pitched a tantrum.


Title: I’m extremely worried, and would like some help, please

Question:
so.. I was caught w a wax pen (concentrated weed) and let my friends use it which I assume is distribution. don’t judge please, I was raised under unfortunate circumstances and have tried my best but ended up in the wrong places. so I live in Texas, and the officer said it was a 3rd degree felony. I’ve never been arrested or in trouble w the law and I’m only 15, almost 16.

I’ve read to get a lawyer but my family simply does not have the money for that. I know when I turn 17 the files will be sealed and colleges and jobs will not know, and what I’m worried about is if for some reason my punishment goes past my 17th birthday and does end up on my transcript or anything else.

so, how serious is this? Will the court go easier on my since it’s my first offense, and what’s the punishment I should expect from the judge.. I have my whole life ahead of me and I don’t want this to ruin it... I’ve been clean a couple days, it should take about another month to get out of my system. The court has not pressed charges yet, due to the fact that they have to test the wax pen for thc, and it will be positive.

advice and help please

Answer: Absolutely don't just plead guilty. If your family really can't afford a lawyer you can get a public defender to represent you. Do whatever they suggest and hope for the best.


Title: Robbed at the worse time!!

Question:
So i decided a few weeks ago that I was going to stop getting fucked by nelnet by paying off my highest interest student loans and using the money I save every month to rebuild my savings account. A week goes by after paying them and I get robbed. They took my PS4, a firearm, $200 in cash, and about $2000 in electronics and other things. The condo is in my dads name but when he called the insurance company to file the homeowners claim they woudnt cover it because he's not the primary resident. So the insurance company fucked us and now i can't afford to replace anything that was stolen. Any advice would be appreciated!
ummmm, a bot is asking for a location so...Louisiana? I don't post that much

Answer:
 The insurance company didn't fuck you. You just didn't pay them to insure your personal property.

You can file a police report. If the police catch the robbers, they may try to give them some kind of restitution deal; if not, you can sue the robbers in small claims court. But it's generally hard to catch robbers with no eyewitnesses, and in any case robbers rarely have money. So don't expect to get compensation.


Title: Utility company threatening cut-off

Question:
My girlfriend has been in a battle with her HOA and has been incurring HOA imposed fines.

The HOA is governed by the water company.

The water company is threatening to cut off her water.

She's due in small claims court on Thursday.

Does she have any legal recourse?

Whatever the issue with the HOA should not have any bearing on her utility status, no?

This is in Washington State.

Answer:
 How does a water company run an HOA? Sounds fishy Answer #2: This website might give you some useful information.  In most states contacting the public utilities commission is usually the most appropriate way to complain about utility companies.

https://www.utc.wa.gov/consumers/Pages/whenToCallTheCommission.aspx


Title: Took someones mail out of their mailbox and threw it into their yard.

Question:
Just as the title states, its on video and they've supposedly sent it to the police. What are my options and what should I expect?

In Texas

Answer:
 You might face federal charges which could mean federal prison. No matter what somebody does to you, no matter how mad they make you, you don't f*ck with their mail.If the police want to talk to you, say nothing and get an attorney.Answer #2: I am so curious about what could have lead up to this.

You could face a number of charges including trespassing, mail tampering and vandalism depending on your location which you failed to provide.Answer #3: Lots of possible charges, possible jail time, possible fines.

Tampering with mail is a federal crime. As silly as it seems, throwing it into their yard is a huge deal, especially if they say a piece is missing and you may have it.


Title: [UPDATE] [OH] Eviction Notice for "Criminal Activity" - Custody Battle As Well

Question:
Original Post [Here](https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/comments/3cg7sj/oh_eviction_notice_for_criminal_activity_custody/) - If I knew how to update the original post I would.

All,

I apologize for the lack of information here but this is for a friend. I'm just curious what advice or experiences other people may have - I know my friend needs to speak with an attorney in Ohio and he has, but the situation is pretty complex and I don't think he can afford an attorney that specializes in tenants/rental rights or whatever.

So here's the deal. My friend, lets call him Jack, recently "won" his court case for custody of his son. Temporary orders were set and the judge granted him everything he asked for in his affidavit which apparently things were done that way since the mother, we'll call here Jill, failed to show up in court for the hearing multiple times. Since she didn't submit an affidavit the judge granted everything my friend Jack and his attorney's asked for which included the majority of a shared parenting.... I guess agreement? So Jack gets the son 10 days, Jill gets the son 4 days and Jill owes Jack 300/mo in child support or something to that effect. Jack has "custodial parenting rights" whatever that means - I'm not really sure exactly. That all happened about 3 weeks ago. A future court date was set in September to I guess finalize the decision as the orders that have been set are only temporary (though according to Jack they are difficult to change unless there are adverse changes to the situation.)

Obviously Jill was upset with the outcome of the temporary orders. Jack has one count/a history of Domestic Violence on his record already from 3 years ago against Jill. In case it matters, Jill stayed with Jack for just over a year after the charge. To my knowledge, Jack has already paid a significant price for his mistake and carries the charge with him on his record wherever he goes (jobs, finding a residence etc.) His record is impeccable outside of the Domestic Violence besides maybe a speeding ticket. No other misdemeanors or felonies or anything of that nature. He does have PTSD after spending time in the military. All that said, the temporary orders were in Jack's favor and we thought everything would be pretty easy going forward and that all of this trouble was behind him. Wrong.

Okay so now the Eviction notice. A few days ago, Jill picks up the son from Jack for the first time (she was absent from her first one or two times she was supposed to have him.) Per Jack, Jill doesn't have a phone currently and corresponded with Jack through a friend we'll call Jane. Jane is a mutual friend of Jack and Jill. Now here's where it gets crazy. I believe the timeline is something like..... 1 - Jack and Jill exchange son without incident. 2 - Jack receives call from Jane stating that Jill has gone off the deep end and filed a police report accusing Jack of Domestic Violence (I guess due to the exchanging of their son it can be deemed Domestic Violence) and Assault. 3 - Jack's attorneys get involved and record some of the conversations with Jane. 4 - Jack is given the police report by his attorney's that he has a warrant out for his arrest with those two charges. 5 - Jack returns home the next day to find an eviction notice on his apartment door.

Per Jack, and I have no reason not to believe him, the exchange of their son was without incident (he got everything he asked for in his custody case after all.) He does have an existing charge of domestic violence already though. He believes that after they exchanged their son, Jill might have attempted choking herself and hurting herself to leave any sort of visible bruising/evidence for the officer that filed the report which is why things escalated so quickly. Jack already has an attorney for his custody case and an attorney for his criminal case - he can't afford one for this eviction so he's in a bad spot if he doesn't have a place to live.
Okay, I know that's a lot to digest but hopefully it makes sense. I've posted as much information as I have and feel is relevant. If you have any questions please feel free to ask.

I kind of have a lot of questions but I'll try to keep it to the most important stuff.... hopefully you all have some advice or experience.

1) I'm sure that a lot of his tenancy rights depend on his lease but lets assume.... I don't know some sort of general/common lease for Ohio. I will get more info here if I can but.... how is it possible that he could get evicted for a crime he didn't commit? Its literally just an accusation.... I mean he has a warrant out for his arrest but its based off a falsified police report. What are his rights? What can he do?

2) What action does Jack have against Jill for trying to ruin his life? He may lose his apartment, his job (actually multiple jobs,) and potentially custody (more on that next.) Jill will never have money that he can recoup (she doesn't even file her taxes and she works basically under the table.) So what can he do really? I mean should he even bother trying to recoup his lost wages or lost money paying for attorneys etc? More importantly whats to stop her from doing this again in a week? That's the scariest part to me is that it seems like she is going to get away with it and have very little punishment/deterrent for doing it again whenever she wants.

3) What impact will this have on his custody case? Lets assume best case scenario for Jack and that Jill is found out to have falsified a police report. But what if Jack loses his apartment due to this bogus warrant - then what?
Ugh what a mess. Help me wrap my head around this whole thing.

**UPDATE**
My friend Jack is going to jail today. Based on the advice of his attorney, he is turning himself in even when the warrant is totally bullshit based off a falsified police report. We still don't know what's going to happen though with his Eviction so any experience or advice is still appreciated.

Answer:
 Jack has an attorney.  Jack is talking to an attorney and listening to his attorney.  I don't know what you want from us?

Regarding his eviction, he can't just be kicked out of his house.  They sent a notice.  He will have a chance to appear in court and fight the eviction.  See: http://www.ohiolegalservices.org/public/legal_problem/housing/landlord-tenant-issues/eviction/qandact_view

There is a process.  The process, generally, works.  He has an attorney.  Presumably, he has enough money to make bail.  It's not like he is immediately getting kicked out of his house and sent to jail with no recourse.Answer #2: There is both too much and not enough information, which is common when a third party is the one describing the situation... it really is difficult to do anything without knowing what the lease says about the charges, and everything else is best left to Jack's attorney. The attorney is intimately familiar with his situation and far more able to advise Jack on what to do next.

The only advice I have is, suggest to Jack that drop-offs and pick-ups occur in a neutral, public location, such as the police station. Have Jack record each exchange. This could help him if Jill tries to make similar accusations in the future.


Title: Family sued for improper building code from renter, filing for bankruptcy [CA]

Question:
10 years ago, my wife’s grandfather built a kitchen without the proper permits in a house her family owned in California.  Last year, my wife’s aunt was sued by a renter of the home.  This renter had opened up the house owner’s mail (illegally, I assume) and found a complaint from the City regarding the kitchen.  She then went on to sue for $20k, and won.  My wife’s aunt paid up.

Fast forward to today, the lady is now suing again, this time my wife’s mom AND aunt, for the same crime, but this time as a Civil suit worth $40k.  My wife’s mom is a co-signer for the house.  She is not a rich lady (she is a cafeteria worker at an elementary school), and will have to file for bankruptcy in order to avoid the charges.

They haven’t yet sought legal advice, but early talks with their insurance companies have been “not good”.  They plan to seek an attorney shortly.

My wife and I are trying to help her mom however we can, and I have a few questions for you:

1. Can anyone point me to a weblink showing this law?  That a renter is allowed to sue for residing in a home with an improperly constructed addition.  I believe it is a law, and I believe they SHOULD have followed the rules with proper permits, but I would still like to see some official documentation that shows she is allowed to sue for this.
2. Why is she able to sue twice?
3.  If she files for bankruptcy, we would like to help her out by:

	a) Putting her on our credit card so she can pay her bills on time.  Will this hurt our credit?

	b) Transferring over her savings to our account so it isn’t fully liquidated.  When my wife mentioned this, she said that we can do it because her mom is a co-signer on her car, and she can say that it is being used to pay off her car.  To me, this seemed shady at best, and I felt like it could come back to bite us later on.  Any suggestions here?  Is this worth considering, or could it hurt us later on?

Thanks in advance.
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer:
 I can't speak to 1 and 2, but I'll do my best to address 3.

(a)  I have seen several instances in bankruptcy court (albeit, not in this factual situation) where a family member is going to be helping out with the debtor's bills.  Usually, this comes up when the debtor wants to reaffirm a debt (usually a car loan).  The judge may be critical, and ask why they should approve the affirmation.  If the debtor can say that a family member will be making/helping make the payments, they may approve it.

However, I would not put her on your credit card.  If you're willing to allow her on your credit card, I assume you're willing to pay for the utilities?  In that case, I would suggest  you just paying them.  With the credit card not in her name.

(b) This is something you absolutely should not do.  [It would likely be considered a fraudulent transfer.](http://bankruptcy.lawyers.com/bankruptcy-basics/fraudulent-transfers-in-bankruptcy.html)  As an possibly related issue, you mentioned that your wife and wife's-aunt are co-signers on the car.  This may be of importance, depending on how it is structured.  Is it in your wife's name, but the aunt is simply an obligor?  vice versa?  If it can be considered the aunt's car, the Trustee might have an eye on it.Answer #2: I'm having a hard time figuring out #1 and #2 as well.

When the aunt was sued, did she go to court and defend herself? Is she planning on going to court this time? She won't have to pay $40k unless the other person actually wins the lawsuit. Why are you assuming it's a foregone conclusion that your aunt will have to pay $40k?


Title: My low paying job at a water park is trying to force lifeguards and arcade attendants to acid wash the pools without giving us proper equipment.

Question:
   As the title says, my low paying water park job (I’m an arcade attendant) is trying to force the lifeguards and I to use a chemical to acid wash the pools. There is no ventilation, barely any safety equipment (2 masks, one full face coverage, one only covering the nose nothing to protect the eyes), no protective gear for feet or body. The masks don’t do anything and the chemical will get inside, it’s honestly awful.

We did this multiple days last year and one day last week this current year as we felt we didn’t have a choice, they let us use a chemical that burns your throat and eyes while wearing shorts and crocs. We have to mix this chemical and apply it ourselves with no help from upper management. This is not in any of our job descriptions and seems super unsafe which is why we assume our bosses won’t do it.

The waterpark I work at shuts down 2 weeks out of the year for “maintenance” all lifeguards and other employees basically are out of a job unless they come in and help which honestly is fine until they start giving us jobs they defiantly should be contracting out for. I work with mainly high schoolers and some college students who really only work one or two days a week so they don’t work shut down. The same 5 people who normally work 30-40 hours a week, work everyday during shutdown as we can’t afford to be without work for that long and the management knows this.

The newest idea upper management had to get us to work more “efficiently” is to have a competition where they will split up the 5 of us (keep in mind we are the only workers who come in to help) into teams and have us compete to see who can acid wash the biggest pool we have the fastest. The “winners” get a paid lunch while the losers get to just watch them eat? The five of us are all friends and refuse to compete against each other for only 1 or 2 of us to get to eat, and for the upper managements pleasure. The other problem is the fact that there is only 2 masks and 5 of us, we literally had to bring this to their attention as they were actually going to have 3 people use the chemical without one.

This is so jumbled and definitely not grammatically correct but I’m out for a lunch break and had to type this quick. When I get back to work I will post a picture of the chemical we are using, the masks, and the pools. Any advice is super appreciated, I need the money but I honestly don’t think this is safe or legal and I don’t want to put my health at risk for a horrible waterpark. Is this legal?

Answer:
 OSHA is your friend. Tell them what day it starts and they'll schedule a visit.Answer #2: Google 'Sodium Hydrosulfate MSDS'. That sheet will have information on it about the substance, and what safety precautions must be used. You can use these as talking points when you call OSHA.

You're right to be concerned. Working with chemicals inside of a pool adds a LOT of risk, because of decreased ventilation and because any vapors heavier than air will sink, displacing oxygen. Answer #3: An acid wash would most likely be muriatic / hydrochloric acid which is extremely corrosive and strong. Definitely not good for contact OSHA and mention what chemicals that you're being exposed to the lack of PPE for sure.Answer #4: Do NOT use this chemical unless you’ve been properly trained. It is toxic. Especially if ingested by handling food after being exposed to it. If you’re worried about your immediate safety call the local fire department. They are trained to deal with chemical incidents. They will investigate how this chemical is being used and who has been exposed to it. Otherwise contact osha.Answer #5: UNI364 Sodium Hydrosulfite 4.2 is extremely dangerous, if you breath it in you can have permanent scarring of your lungs. You need to report this OSHA and your state labor board.