Title: [ON] Can my roommate legally refuse to return an excess of rent sent to him by mistake?

Question:
My apologies if the title is not particularly descriptive. The situation is complicated and is better explained below.

I am an American PhD student studying in a Canadian university in Ontario and am currently subletting a room from someone who has turned out to be the proverbial roommate from hell. Although his circumstances are unfortunate and deserving of sympathy (his brother passed away in November and he spent two months living with his mother after the fact), he has become completely unreasonable and overtly hostile toward me since returning to our shared apartment.

On December 22 of last year, he called me while I was visiting my parents for the holidays and informed me that '[he was] no longer the same person that he [had been]' and that he 'could understand if I wanted to move out early'. At the time, I told him that I couldn't commit to moving out because I was in the US until the first week of January and therefore was not in a position to find alternative living arrangements until at least February. When I returned from my holiday, however, I immediately started looking for other accommodations because my understanding of his phone call was that he *wanted* me gone, and quickly.

When he returned to the apartment (about two weeks after I did), he went out of his way to avoid me and began stealing my food rather than buying groceries for himself (had he asked, I would have permitted him to eat whatever but probably would have asked for at least partial reimbursement...doctoral stipends aren't exactly large after all). He also began picking fights with my boyfriend whenever said boyfriend would come to visit me every other weekend.

At the end of January, I was finally able to find a suitable apartment of my own and I gave my roommate notice that I would be out on March 1 (30+ days' notice). He then told me 'if you were planning on moving, you should have left in January. How am I going to find someone to replace you for a lease that ends in five months?' To which I replied that that was an unreasonable expectation given the fact that he had only told me to start looking less than ten days before I was apparently supposed to be out and that by then, all of the listings with a January 1 start date had already been rented. The conversation ended with him telling me 'Whatever. I guess I'll just have to figure it out.'

Which leads me to the current issue at hand: I stupidly forgot to cancel my auto-transfer of rent and sent him $640 on February 1 which he accepted 'because if I didn't, the link would expire' which...as I'd paid first and last months' rent when I agreed to take my room, he should have just let expire. The money would have remained in my account and all would have been fine.

When I asked him about returning the rent last night, he told me that I should have given him 60 days' notice before moving out and that he was keeping my money as a damage deposit until after I left to 'make sure you don't ruin the apartment'. Because I'm subletting from him, I'm not actually on his lease but I don't think any landlords in Ontario require a full 60 days' notice before moving? Certainly the terms of my newly signed lease elsewhere state 30 days' notice. That said, I'm in a legally vulnerable position because I never signed a formal leasing agreement with him either. I realize that this was extremely stupid but school was starting up, I was moving from a different country, and was desperate to find accommodations at the time and so allowed myself to be persuaded that it was unnecessary. I should've insisted though, particularly when he said it made him uncomfortable that I was asking.

So, my question is this: do I have any recourse whatsoever? Would it be worth taking him to small claims court for the return of my money or should I just resign myself to having lost $640 and chalk it up to a learning experience? At this point I know that he will never willingly return it and will instead invent some kind of imaginary damage to justify that fact once I'm gone.

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer:
 60 days is standard for tenancies in Ontario under the Residential Tenancies Act. The question is, does it apply to you? I'm honestly not sure whether you're a subletter (in which case it would) or not (and it wouldn't). However, you're almost certainly in the right either way:

* RTA landlords are barred from collecting damage deposits.
* Non-RTA landlords don't have any special right to impose deposits mid-tenancy without notice or consent.

You can take him to small claims. Whether it's worth doing or not is up to you: do you believe he'll comply with a judgement, and do you have time to deal with enforcement if he doesn't?Answer #2: Not sure how auto-transfers wwork but you could also try calling the bank to have them reverse the transfer. He'd have no legal recourse to get it back since it was never owed.

Small claims is your best bet if not.


Title: [TX] A friend and i have a bet, with a handshake, Video evidence and witnesses, he lost and wont pay can i take him to small claims court?

Question:
First post here and am new to this sub.

Me and a friend bet $500 that he couldn't have six pack abs at the end of the semester, it is now at the end of the semester and he lost, 0 six pack and has even gained weight. I have evidence and witnesses too can i take him to small claims?

PS i know that a contract needs to be in writing $500+, but video is better than a written contract right?
Topic:
Contracts

Answer:
 More life advice- don't be that guy.  Its unattractive.

Im referring to your behavior, fyi.Answer #2: Are you that impoverished and spiteful that you would sue a friend for $500 when he has failed to meet his fitness goals? I think pursuing it could be a waste of time, but you could remind him of the bet and then say you'll be willing to accept a 6 pack if he can't come up with the 500. This is something to joke about, not sue over. Answer #3: IANAL.

>i know that a contract needs to be in writing $500+, but video is better than a written contract right?

If something has to be in writing, it has to be in writing. That being said, it's typically where the contract is for the sale of goods worth $500 or more that it has to be in writing, and in any case, Texas' [statute of frauds](http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/BC/htm/BC.26.htm) has no such requirement at all. Additionally, this type of bet does [not](http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/PE/htm/PE.47.htm) appear to constitute a gambling offence in Texas.

If your friend had been successful, would you have been obligated to pay him the $500?


Title: Runaway Brother

Question:
I'm unsure about the flair but I'll give a little background on the problem and then get straight to what happened:

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I have two half siblings who I lost contact with for several years up until about a year ago, they live with my former step-father and their stepmother. The runaway in question is a 17 year old male living in Atlanta, Georgia. I am a 23 year old living in Ohio. From what I've gathered, the father (as I recall) is incredibly controlling and occasionally physically abusive, according to my brother, the step mom is worse, going so far as to lock my brothers in the basement (which i don't believe is exactly habitable) for extended periods of time. The 17 year old escaped into the streets of Atlanta and (without a phone of his own) contacted me about an hour ago explaining what he'd done. I have no definitive way of contacting him. Our mother (who i normally do not contact) has had her phone reconnected but i have reached out on social media to explain the situation to her. I have not had a response yet. I have attempted to contact the nearest police precinct based on his last known location but have not had my call answered.

&#x200B;

This all happened very recently (1hr) so i'm in a kind of daze/was drinking when i first heard the information and apologize if i left out potentially important details, but I will be on all night waiting for any responses about the following questions:

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1) is there any more i can do to track my brother and get him off the streets for the night? I feel like if he gets to a police precinct an investigation with CPS or something similar can begin with his testimony

2) he seems to think that if I contact our mother she'll be able to whisk him out of the state to Ohio (also where the mom lives), but since he's a non-emancipated 17 year old and the mom doesn't have full custody i'm wondering if that's even remotely a good idea.

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I'm trying to handle this situation as swiftly as possible following all precautions to minimize legal fallout while still protecting my brother, and could really use any and all help. Thank you.
Topic:
Custody Divorce and Family

Answer:
 Wait, they were locked in the basement and your brother broke out and escaped the house?

This screams like a call CPS situation.  You don't need to wait for your brother to turn up at a police precinct.  You should be calling right now.

Your mother might be able to take him to Ohio but you'll likely need a modification in the custody agreement, which a CPS investigation can help with.


Title: A potential scam

Question: A few months ago my parents received a letter that they were being sued for they a car crash that never happened for 50 k. We talked with the insurance and found out the car accident occurred in a different state and that my mom's information was used for the claim.  Flash forward a few months and an old man comes to my home and yells at my mom to sign a piece of paper. My father told him to leave our property. They took a picture of him and his licence plate. They  called the cops and then the police told my parents to file a report in the state where the suppose crash took place. Are there any other things my parents should do ??

Answer:
 Don’t sign anything. Don’t pay any money to anyone. Don’t miss any potential court dates/hearings.

Your parents may want to check their credit history to confirm their identities have not been stolen. They can also put a temporary “freeze” on their credit/identity while the situation is sorted out. Check out IdentityTheft.gov for assistance.

Lastly, I would call the local PD where the accident occurred to check for any potential warrants issued to your mother’s name. If someone is fraudulently using her identity after an accident, they might be using it on things like speeding tickets as well.


Title: Can my previous employer request work from me after I was "voluntarily terminated"?

Question:
The story is this. I gave my notice for Oct 31st on the 8th of Oct. the reason for this was that I am a remote employee, and was traveling up until the day of my wedding on Oct 16th. I was in a company vehicle, would be leaving the vehicle in the lot at my wedding venue during my honeymoon, and returning it to my office upon my return Oct 31st.

I was informed the afternoon that the 16th would be my last day with the company because "it's best practice not to terminate employment just a few days after a period of PTO."  My PTO for my wedding/honeymoon began on Oct 16 and went to Oct 30th.  The informed me they would include "an extra days pay in my final check" to cover dropping the truck off at the sales office "no later than Nov 3rd". I was asked to do an exit interview, however, due to my rehearsal dinner and wedding the next day, I declined.

Here is the part I am curious about. I had a corporate credit card which had expenses on it that had not been accounted for with receipts and expense reports before I was "terminated". I received an email today in my personal email account from my former boss saying I had "been granted access to Concur to finish up any expense reporting."  This corporate card is not linked to me, aside from my name being on the card. It does not show up on my credit reports as an open line of credit. Beyond that, I have started with a new company on Nov 1, and have trashed receipts from company 1. I haven't worked there in almost 3 weeks.

What are my legal and financial obligations to do expense reporting for a company I was "voluntarily terminated" from?

Answer: if you don't want to be accused of theft, it's probably in your best interests to finish reporting your expenses.


Title: AZ - Daughter's father is drunk and violent during visitation

Question:
Posting for a friend:

My 12yo daughter's father has been drinking a ton and now has an interlock device in his truck. During her time with him, he gets drunk and tells her awful things. She asked him to come home to me and he grabbed her by the hair and smacked her in the face. His gf witnessed this and just walked outside. He leaves no marks though and the police have told me in the past that they won't do anything with no marks.

My daughter was secretly texting me during her last visitation and he demanded her tablet, read the texts, then hit her for them. When I called the police for a well check, I was told that it sounded like a kid playing parents against each other and that they wouldn't go out without a credible threat of harm.

We have no set custody schedule anymore - technically there is no order. We signed an order that expired in 2015 and were supposed to go back in front of a judge to solidify it but the judge cancelled it and wouldn't put us back on the schedule, but we've been maintaining it since then with her going over every weekend.

What are my options to protect my daughter?

Answer:
 Report it to the CPS rather than the police. Answer #2: Hire a lawyer immediately and get into court on an emergency temporary custody hearing.

You can call CPS, but once you do, matters are entirely out of your hands.


Title: Teenager asking reddit for help.

Question:
Hello everybody. I am 15 and have been attending from my dad and mom's house every other week. Recently, I have been wanting to stop this but never can because I feel too bad for him. Now, I think I am ready. When I am at my dad's I am barely with him ( just in the house ), I feel awkward around him ( keep in mind we have been switching for years ), and I don't like the overall environment in his house. The environment at my mom's is MUCH better than my dads. As an example, my older brother is constantly trying to have me better myself and fix my problems. My dad, on the other hand, doesn't really care about any of these problems. He just lets things slide. I feel so much more comfortable at my moms' and want to go here every time I am over there. Many people on here might think that it's tough to just end a relationship; but not in my situation. I don't really like his mentality ( close minded and uninterested in leaning new ideas that clash with what he believed in ) and really have no purpose on going to his house at all. My brother sort of acts as my father figure; always trying to make me have a better life and placing rules on me that will help do this. So, I'm wondering what you guys think about this. I've read online that kids usually have no say about this so am definitely worried. My dad might not want to listen to me or even if he does ( which I doubt ) will want to switch every weekend. Please believe me when I say it is an unhealthy environment for me and would like to switch as frequently as possible. Can we end this and have my mom get custody/ get child support? Thanks.
By the way, I live in Essex County and have thoroughly thought out my circumstances.

Answer:
 The only real advice for you is to talk to your mom.  Your mom can talk to your dad, and if that doesn't work, she can go back to court and fight to have the agreement changed.

If your dad doesn't want to accept the changes, then the only option is to get a lawyer and fight about it in court.


Title: My 21 year old friend is still controlled by her parents.

Question:
Okay so this story is very messed up and I don’t know how to help her and need some advice. So my 21 year old friend still lives with her parents. She has some mild disabilities, that her parents overly exaggerate, but otherwise is able to function in society and is even graduating this May from college. Alright into the stuff they do to her. Despite being 21 they will not allow her to drive or even get her drivers permit despite her doctors saying she can drive safely. If she doesn’t make her bed in the mornings they will remove it from her room and withhold it till she has “learned her lesson”. They go through all of her social media accounts and text messages. If she makes them mad she will lose the right to close the bathroom door. The make her use the restroom with the door open at all times for anything she needs to do. She cannot leave the house without turning on a tracking device and must text her exact location every 15 mins or else receive punishment. They have physically restrained her and given her multiple bruises all over her body for being angry and arguing with them over their rules. They have convinced her without them she will die because they will take her medication from her and her insurance. She plans to move out when she graduates but I doubt they will allow this to happen. She is very sheltered with no concept of the real world.
I could go on and on but this post is already very long.
So is there any services that could help her out of this situation? We live in Tennessee.

Answer:
 How disabled is she?

Frankly, she's choosing this lifestyle. She's an adult. She doesn't have to listen to them or their rules. They can evict her from the home, but regardless, she's an adult.Answer #2: If she doesn't like their rules, she can leave. If she is physically abused, she can call the police.


Title: Ks - What, specifically, are my legal obligations if a student (under 15) tells me that an adult impregnated her?

Question: [deleted]

Answer: If you are a mandated reporter you are obligated to report it to CPSAnswer #2: Report to CPS now. Your counseling dept should have all of that info if you aren't able to find it. Just because you told admin, don't assume they'll follow up.


Title: (Ohio). Hit a pothole on an interstate causing a blowout. $618 dollars later, and I would like to seek repayment from the State. How?

Question:
PREFACE - I am in Ohio. The I-70 incident occurred in Columbus, and the I-75 incident occurred in Cincinnati.

Ill start from the beginning to lay out all the facts. Thank you in advance for reading.

Feb '17 - I hit a large pothole in a construction zone on I-70, causing a sidewall bubble on my front right.

May '17 - I learn of ODOT claims, and filed a damage report. They defer me to the construction contractor who, for all intents and purposes, laughs at me. I am out +$100 for an alignment and now have a sidewall bubble.

July '17 - I hit another massive pothole on I-75 which blows my right front tire. I make it to a tire shop, and paid $618 for 2 new front tires and an alignment.

Today - I have filed another ODOT damage report, and attempted to file a claim but realized I was in over my head.

**I am looking for some advice on how to move forward. Here are my questions:**

What are my chances of repayment? This is the 2nd time in 2017 an ODOT liable interstate caused damage to my car.

What else can I do to accomplish repayment? Does this involve a claim?

Since my car did not need to be towed, and there was no police contact, there is little official documentation of the incident. Will they believe me?

I drive a performance car which has all wheel drive. This stipulates that all four tread depths must be similar. Now, my front 2 tires are new and my back two are 1 year old. I did not have the money to cover all 4 tires when replacing, so I did what I could. Since my car requires all four tires to have similar tread, is it reasonable to claim that the state pay for all four tires?

Thank you again for reading.

Answer:
 > Since my car requires all four tires to have similar tread, is it reasonable to claim that the state pay for all four tires?

No, because you don't have four tires with similar tread.  If it's OK for you to go onesie-twosie it's OK for them to do so as well.  If it was that important you'd have done it yourself.

As for the rest of your questions, we can't guess what might happen in the future.  We can't guess whether they will take your claim, pay the claim, et cetera.


Title: Importing an less than 25yr old car to the US for engine and parts.

Question:
I am interested in importing a 2002-2006 Civic Type R hatchback from the UK for its: Engine, Seats, Wheels, Misc Parts/suspension With the intention of swapping those parts on the same gen Civic Si that was sold here. Its a personal wish I've wanted to do, I know its not the most practical project.

I would never drive the car on US roads, simply caniballize it for its higher performance/premium trim parts. Is this legal? I have read the customs page over and over and can't find this scenario.

It seems alot easier to get the whole car rather than buying part by part. Even shipping the whole car at once may be cheaper than the total shipping costs for every part seperately, especially the engine/trans.

Answer: I believe the usual way this is done is to cut the car in half by removing the doors and cutting the floor and the roof since you would not be using them anyway and that makes the pieces “auto parts” instead of a car then ship it in two separate containers


Title: Made a sex tape with ex-boyfriend. He recorded fucking me. Can he do what he wants with this tape?

Question: [deleted]

Answer: Sounds like it's his video and he owns the copyright. But that doesn't mean that he can use that video to harass you, coerce you into doing anything, blackmail you or use the video in any other crime.


Title: Neighbour built a gravel pad for their trailer on our property

Question:
We bought the land, house, the whole thing from them around 9 years ago. They have been so-so in terms of neighbours and we have learned from our other neighbours that they are generally unliked in the community. The husband has had a few DUI and the wife only knows how to communicate to others with screaming.

Recently they have built a garage on the edge of their property, we didn't mind as it was on their side. After the garage was built they put in a gravel pad for their trailer which I noted was on our side.

They put in property stakes and still built the pad on our side.

They have trespassed before \[ie. coming onto our yard to look over the cliff, walk across the yard, drive their trailer across our yard, and even harass our previous tenant.\]

We have never given them permission to drive on our land or build the gravel pad.

Any legal ideas? I have done some digging myself and know they are not allowed on land without permission.

Location: NS, Canada

Answer: You should contact a property attorney sooner rather than later and possible have a survey done - the longer it goes on the more issue there will be


Title: Who has the legal rights to an illegal photo? Los Angeles California.

Question:
Years ago a dude took an upskirt photo of me; when he took the picture he told me that my underwear had ruined his shot ("I can't believe you're wearing panties, now this picture is worthless") and I asked him to delete the photo. I thought he had until I found the photo on his website a couple years after he took it (I was not the only girl he had upskirts of on the site).

The picture is taken directly up my skirt, there are other people in the background, we were all on stage at a tech conference party, no genitals are showing but my butt and underwear sure are; the way the camera is focused makes it clear that my butt and underwear are the subject of the photo.

Now, as best I can figure the photo runs afoul of ca penal code 647 i & j but I don't know if being onstage is a reasonable expectation of privacy (it was a freakshow performance, not a burlesque or anything, and I wasn't a performer I was an audience volunteer; I was surprised by having photos taken up my skirt but I don't know if I had any legal expectation of privacy)

Anyway my actual question is: what are the potential outcomes if I use the photo as the base for a poster I was going to sell?

Answer:
 You cannot use this photo on a poster unless you license it from this creep. But if you do that you will damage any claims you may have of him taking an upskirt shot of you without your consent, which is the actual legal issue here in my opinion. Answer #2: He owns the copyright to the photo.Answer #3: The fact that the photo was taken illegally has nothing to do with copyright.  He still owns the photo and you cannot use it on your poster without his permission.

With that said, since he broke the law by taking the picture, the odds that he is going to pursue a copyright case against you for using it are minimal.


Title: [KS] Cats were stolen

Question: [deleted]

Answer: Animal control might be willing to help, they might not.  If animal control does go out they may ask for police assistance.  This isn't technically animal control's job but I would have done it as a courtesy.  Get them to contact their local ACO anyway and ask


Title: [US][Ohio] Employer is interpreting PTO structure differently for different employees

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 I have more PTO than people who started at the same time as me because I negotiated for it.  Non-income benefits are a part of your compensation package.

Your employer has no obligation to make your non-income compensation equitable across coworkers unless it can be proven that it's different because of age, gender, racial, or religious bias.

If you deserve the same as your coworker, negotiate for it.  Don't make it an ultimatum unless you're really willing to leave over it.


Title: [CA] Son's mother made charges to my cable account, trying to subtract them from rent

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 If rent is not paid in full, you can all be evicted. The landlord doesn't care who didn't pay what. If rent isn't paid on time in full, all tenants can and will be evicted. This sounds like it will hurt you more, since you are financially stable.

You have no requirement to give her access to cable. You can cancel or restrict the cable in whatever means are necessary. This also hurts your son. Call your company and let them know that someone has been trying to make changes to your account.

This is not a legal question. You can sue her in small claims for the charges, but the account is in your name, so you are responsible until then.

Sounds like a bad situation.Answer #2: Pay what you normally pay and tell her to pay for the movies she ordered.  If she doesn't then the cable gets turned off until she agrees to pay for it.


Title: [Florida] Girlfriend possibly permanently injured at work, workplace is severely understaffed.

Question:
My girlfriend is a CNA and due to not having enough bodies at work, she has a pretty severe arm injury. They have given her a few days for workmans comp and physical therapy, but the doctor says that more than likely the injury is perminant. She is currently on light duty.

At the time of the injury, she was lifting one of her patient, who should be lifted by two people. There is supposed to be a notice outside the door stating that the person is a one, two, or three person lift, but it was not posted for him or a handful of other patients. There were a total of 3 CNA's on shift (which is below her workplaces requirement for available CNA's on shift). Apparently, they were busy and unable to help with the lift. She was left to choose between leaving the person as they were and risking a reprimand for neglect, or muscle through and move the patient. She chose to move the patient, and due to that she had injured her arm.

If the injury does come to be perminant, does she have any type of case? It doesn't seem right that with all of the descrepencies that her  workplace had at the time of the injury, she is left to just deal with her arm. Obviously I'm no lawyer, and dont know much about this kinda stuff, but were looking for guidance on how to move forward.

Answer:
 >The sign for a two person lift WAS posted outside this mans room

So the sign indicating a two person lift was posted, and your girlfriend ignored that and chose to not only put herself but her patient at risk by attempting the lift alone. She failed to properly follow safety policies that were in place to prevent just this kind of injury.

Understand that while she may have a case, the hospital has an excellent defense.

Obviously it never hurts to have a consultation with a local attorney.


Title: Judge ran out of time, rescheduled my court date on the day I am getting married out of the country, said he would change it, then refused to change it.

Question: I am the plaintiff in a small claims civil lawsuit located in Los Angeles, California.  the defendant flew in from another state, we were both in court and the judge mismanaged his time and failed to see us.  he rescheduled at a date that I will be out of the country.  I told him and the clerk in court I will be out of the country, showed them my flight ticket, they said file a postponement form.  I filed the postponement and he refused, stating I HAVE to show up the day of my marriage which has been planned 8 months in advance.  Is this judge insane or what?  What should I do?

Answer: If you withdraw the case, be sure that you withdraw is without prejudice. Answer #2: Can OP refile? or have someone stand in for him at the court date?


Title: Pawn Shops and Felons

Question:
Hi there,

Throwaway account. I just got convicted of a non-violent felony two months ago. I pled guilty as a first time offender in Georgia, USA and also had my court records sealed. I haven't met my probation officer yet. I've only been to the office once and the supervisor there told me they were short staffed and they would eventually issue me one.

However, I know part of my probation is no firearms. All it says in my probation paperwork is I may not possess or purchase a firearm. I owned one before I was convicted. I found it today while cleaning, so I took it over to a pawn shop and sold it.

Should I be concerned? Do I tell my probation officer when I meet them? Will the pawn shop report me? What should be my next step?

Thanks in advance.

Answer: This is a question for your defense attorney. Answer #2: I hold an FFL (as a manufacturer, not a dealer or pawn broker).  Possession of a firearm by a felon is a crime.  Transferring a firearm to an FFL is not a crime even if you are a felon.  I would keep my mouth shut.


Title: DM from old job un rightfully placed me as 'un-hireable' (Texas)

Question:
Hey there, from the title there, i am a 25 year old man, who worked for one company for 5+ years, but i had an issue with a DM that ended up with her not being favorable to me, and spreading false slander, I had a theft investigation be done on me which turned out fine for me on paper, but i put in my 2 week notice, did everything by the book, but as i tried to get back into the working world, I've yet to secure a job, and i found out that i was labeled as 'un re hireable' but that shouldn't be. that (then DM) placed me under that out of spite, I've tried calling HR, but im just being put through the loop with them. Any advice?

TL;DR : DM hated me and is currently trying to ruin my life despite being clean on paper.

Answer:
 If his label only keeps you from getting rehired at the place he works at, you’re probably out of luck. They can choose not to rehire you for most any reason.

If he’s going around telling other businesses not to hire you, you *might* be able to sue for that. Answer #2: That is legal. They have no obligation to ever re-hire you. Answer #3: >I've yet to secure a job, and i found out that i was labeled as 'un re hireable'

Is this with the same company?  If so, they're totally allowed to not hire you again for any non protected reason.

If its industry wide and you're going to other companies and you're not being hired for this reason, then you need to talk to a lawyer.


Title: Woman on public bus kept stroking my hair and said she'll have me killed when I told her to stop. Anything I can do?

Question:
I was sitting on the public bus minding my own business when this woman started brushing my hair with her hand and when I switched seats she followed me. When she continued I told her to stop and she said I was disrespectful and would have me killed? Anything I can do? Go to police, punch her, etc?
Edit: West Virginia

Edit 2: thanks for the people that replied with actual tips. No thanks to the trolls and people seeking to be dicks for no reason

Answer:
 You can report her to the police. Explain when it happened, what she said, what she looked like, etc.

She's probably mentally ill. Answer #2: > punch her

uhhh...


Title: [New jersey] arrested on possession of CDS, first time offender.

Question: This happened during the weekend, I had less than 1 gram of cocaine in my car, it was under my car seat and sometime during the drive it rolled out from under the seat. A cop pulled me over for a tail light not working and when he came to my window he noticed it, asked me to step out and then called for backup and searched my car and found it. I got arrested for possession of CDS and charged with a 3rd degree felony. I was released immediately as it was my first offense. I have received the court date for this Friday and I am not sure what to do. I am in US on a work visa, and have recently applied for an extension. I am scared on what to do, I have no experience in any legal matter and I am not sure on what the process will be. I really need advice on what to expect and how to prepare. I looked for lawyers online and made appointments with them, I searched online about first time offenses for possession it all looks so confusing, I have read about PTI(pre-trial intervention) and conditional suspended sentences, it says that if I can get either of those, the arrest records and can be expunged. Is it something I should bring it up with a lawyer ? Is it possible to get those sentences. I never did coke before ever, and I bought it just because I was curious and wanted to try it. I have no history of any arrests or any priors for that facet. Will I be jailed? will I be deported ? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Answer:
 Uh absolutely get a lawyer. You may be jailed, you may be deported, you may be barred from ever returning.

You need to read up on situations where this has happened to legal aliens, not US citizens.


Title: Police searching bags in public trainstation?

Question: Ok so I take the public city subway every day to work, and occasionally, maybe once a month, transit police set up tables and randomly search people's belongings on their way to work. This is a public, city, underground subway train, NOT amtrak or anything. Although it's never happened to me, what choices would I have? Do they legally have the right to search my bag?

Answer: They're not forcing you to have your bag searched, that would be illegal. Your recourse is to leave the subway and walk to work. However, depending on your location they may have specific laws regarding this.... since you didn't provide your location even after being prompted 3 times and auto-messaged by the bot to do so.... we can't help you any further.


Title: My friend's landlord could have (and almost did) blow up his 3 story multi-family apartment. (Details inside)

Question:
Ok, so my friend got home last night from a christmas party and thought the parking lot smelled like gasoline. He got to his apartment (3rd floor attic apartment) and immediately messaged us that it smelled horribly like gasoline in the entire apartment. He checked the pilot light on the stove and the burners and swore it wasn't rotten eggs, but gasoline he was smelling.

I none of us in the conversation knew who to call if it wasn't the natural gas leak emergency line, so I googled and saw the fire department handles it. After an hour or two of constantly telling him to call, he calls around midnight and they show up shortly after.

They found the smell was coming from the basement, but the landlord was nowhere to be found so they had to break a window to get in. Once inside, they found what they estimated to be 30 gallons of heating oil had spilled all over the basement. The entire building was evacuated and while outside he talked to the other tenants who said it had smelled all day, and the first floor tenant said his eyes were burning, watering, and getting sick all day from the fumes, not knowing what it was. Now you could ask why no one made a call until midnight and instead just going to bed, but it even took over an hour of heavy badgering to get my friend to call, so it might have been a bystander effect or something of that sort.

I guess the landlord was "working on something" which apparently had to do with taking oil from the oil tank and spilled a bit in the basement and parking lot, but tried to clean those up with some sand stuff. It seems like he didn't close the oil tank part or cap it correctly (not exactly sure right now how it was leaking) and he just left. The remaining 30 gallons spilled out.

I honestly believe that if my friend didn't take my (and one other friends) advice, they would be dead by either toxic fumes or more likely an explosion. The landlord is hired by a company that owns the building, so the company would be responsible for any lawsuits, correct? Is there a case here?

I can give you any other info you may need. I mainly want to know if my friend should contact a lawyer sooner rather than later since this happened just last night. I feel the circumstances around the oil leak are suspect at best, since I can't think of any reason to be taking oil from an oil tank to begin with besides possibly stealing it for his own residence (which is not on the property) although I don't know much about landlording and oil tanks.

EDIT: The location is in Western Massachusetts.

Answer:
 There is nothing to contact a lawyer for.  Your friend appears to have no damages.  If he does actually have damages, he could potentially sue the landlord for those damages.  Answer #2: Not so much legal advice, but a heating oil spill isn't going to blow up a house. The flash point of heating oil is well over 100F, you could have dropped a match in the puddle and it would have just put the match out. It's certainly a fire hazard, but it's much less volatile than gasoline.

Glad you got your friend to call the fire dept and that everyone is ok. Hopefully the irresponsible owner learns his lesson. Answer #3: A case for what? What is your friend's endgame here?


Title: [MI] Can a government body refuse to accept my passport?

Question:
I'm not sure if I have a legal issue, or if this is a legal policy that I just happened to be on the wrong side of, but I would appreciate any help I can get.

I was trying to pay my water bill, and i noticed there was a fee for paying online with a credit card. So I went to City Hall, as noted on the bill. I tried to pay with my debit card. The clerk ran my card, then asked if I had ID. I presented my passport because I recently lost my DL. The clerk told me they could not accept a passport as proof of identity. After arguing with the clerk, I asked to speak with her manager. The manager continued with the line that they could not accept my passport, and I would have to pay with cash if I couldn't produce a DL. After about 10 minutes of conversation, and no one being able to tell my why they wouldn't accept a federally issued document that OTHER COUNTRIES accept, the manager saw that I had my company id on. Just a white pvc card with a picture (that looks less like me then my passport, due to 2 years of beard growth) my name, and company name. He said they could accept that, but would have to re-run my card, as they had already initiated a refund. This was just the icing on the cake, because it meant I had to wait almost 3 weeks to get the refund on the original charge, after i was already upset about the passport issue.

There was a sign on the clerk's window, that said "All card transactions require valid photo ID".

Are they allowed to not accept government ID, if it isn't expired? If not, is there somewhere I can report them, or something I can take in next time to compel them to accept it? I will not have a DL for a while, and would prefer to just use my passport as opposed to getting a State ID.

Answer:
 > Are they allowed to not accept government ID, if it isn't expired?

Probably. This is likely an unlegislated area... unless there's a city ordinance governing what is/isn't acceptable ID for utility bill payments. Therefore, that office can setup whatever policy they want.


Title: I have been having bad reactions to the soap at my restaurant, what can I do?

Question: I work at a restaurant and naturally I am supposed to wash my hands. A lot, like multiple times an hour, with soap. Here's the problem, the soap my boss gets for the restaurant staff is so increadibly cheap and after a day of work the back of my hands will be red and the palms and fingers will be super dry and my skin starts to peel off. I got tired of this and started using soap maybe once or twice a shift and just using warm water all the other times. Boss noticed and said I can't do that. I told him about the problem and said that the soap doesn't bother him or anyone else. I asked if I could bring in my own soap to use on my shift and he said something about how it may not be approved for restaurant use or whatever and something about the smell of my own soap messing with the food. What are my options?

Answer:
 Step 1: Do some internet research/asking around to find a gentler product that will still be approved for restaurant use. My guess is that it will be unscented, and thus not interfere with the food.

Step 2: Bring it in to your boss, show him the certification, let him smell it.

Step 3: If he still won't let you use it, get a doctor's note that you need a "reasonable accomodation" under the ADA to use the special soap.Answer #2: You are not allergic to the soap.  You are allergic to one of the chemical substance ingredients in the soap.  Ex.  An isothiazolinone as a preservative, a fragrance chemical, a formaldehyde releasers, a glycol, etc etc.

You need to have a diagnostic test called a patch test by a dermatologist or allergist.  It is *the only* way to determine what specific substance you’re reacting to.  The patch testing specialist can then provide you with a safe list from a database called CAMP that will have cross referenced your allergens from the patch test with products (like soap) available to consumers.

Not all allergists or dermatologists do patch testing.  The best bet is the dermatologist department of your closest university teaching hospital... it’s possible to find them in private practices here and there but most don’t.  And what’s even worse is if they don’t offer patch testing, they will just offer you steroid creams and not even tell you it’s possible to diagnose the actual allergy.

This is the patch testing group on FB:  https://m.facebook.com/groups/1567785756868893. Lots of good advice on patch testing, lots of people in similar circumstances at work.

Having the formal diagnosis of a type IV contact allergy will help your employer help you.


Title: [MN] It's almost mosquito season. Can I buy and release several thousand dragonflies to counter the problem?

Question:
Mosquito season will start fairly soon. I'm wondering if I can buy a bulk shipment of dragonfly larvae to grow and release into the wild. This would help to counter them.

Are there any environmental regulations or other laws I should be aware of? Are there any agencies I should get the approval of, such as the DNR?

Also, to avoid importing an invasive species, which type should I buy? I want to choose a variety that's local to Minnesota.

Answer:
 As an invasive species biologist, in the name of God do not go around unleashing random armies of insects! If your local agencies don't have any helpful recommendations, I would at the very least contact some insect biologists (at a university, museum, zoo, anywhere with a entomology department) and ask them for their thoughts. At worst, they'll tell you that your idea is dangerous, at best they may be in contact with someone who already coordinates insect releases in your area.

If you import larvae in from overseas and release them and they cause any kind of environmental impact, you will absolutely be investigated by the government, and possibly sued/fined. I can't emphasis how much you SHOULD NOT do this.

If this is something you are actually interested in looking into....
1. Figure out if the types of native dragonflies available to you even eat a lot of misquitos.
2. Figure out if the dragonflies will even stick around. If you have no nearby ponds or lakes, they may go elsewhere.
3. Figure out what's involved in breeding, hatching, and raising dragonflies.
4. Learn about the dragonfly life cycle and figure out the best time of year to release.

So basically I hope you like biology and creepy crawlers. This isn't going to be a one weekend project.

Answer #2: Do you have a Mosquito Control District?

If so, coordinate with them. They should have a plan that you can help with. They also tend to have a budget that may or may not be helpful for you.


Title: If a guaranteed delivery from Amazon gets delayed, is there any compensation or discount one can get?

Answer: They have an SLA; you’ll get a free month of Prime. Just ask support for it. Be polite.


Title: Can I sue

Question:
If I get punched in the face by some random drunk guy at a bar, and if that drunk man broke my $600 glasses. Can I sue?

The frames are Ray-Bans which are around $300 and the lenses are hd, transitional, and have anti glare which also cost another $300.

Answer: Sure. And you should have called the police if you didn't.


Title: Rear ended in MI, other driver doesn't have coverage to pay for deductible. Need help to obtain payment

Question:
So as the title says I was rear ended a in December in Michigan.  I had the police come out and file a report etc.  My vehicle is just getting fixed now (finished my semester and was traveling before getting back up at school to start again) and I just received word from the at-fault driver's insurance saying it they don't have the necessary coverage to reimburse me for my deductible.  After some digging it appears they don't cover the "mini-tort" liability insurance? (I didn't cat the term exactly when the agent called me, but that is what it seems to be).

Now, from what I understand after talking to my agent is that the only real thing I can do now is take the other driver to small claims court and get my deductible back that way, however I would really not wish to do that if I don't have to.  Since I have the accident report I was planning on giving a call to the other driver and offer the opportunity to exchange a cashier's check for the deductible amount for a signed letter from me saying I will not pursue this issue further.  Should he not accept that I will prepare a case for the court, but I want to make this as enticing as possible and here is where I need some advice.

Do I had the opportunity to seek lost wages for the time I spent dealing with this? About 5 hours total form insurance claims, etc.

Should I win, is he also liable for any and all court fees I incurred during this process?

Additionally, my vehicle, driver's license, and permanent address are all identical but for my hometown, which is 400 miles away.  Now, can I make the claim in that district court?  The one 400 miles away from my school.

Should I have to take them to small claims court I wouldn't bother making them drive down there, because I don't want to. My goal is to make court as unappealing as possible so we can come to a mutual agreement outside of court.
Thank you for your time and help!

Answer: You can sue him where the accident occurred.  Where your vehicle happens to be registered has no bearing.


Title: Theft from employer under $4,000.00. Illinois, I screwed up, I want to do what is right.

Question: I have a substance abuse problem. Over the past 4 months I have used employers ATM card and taken around 3,000 from accounts. I am about to be caught. What are my options? I have sought treatment for my addiction. I want to get this guilt off my shoulder.s What can I expect the legal ramifications could be?

Answer: Get your affairs in order.   If you cannot afford an attorney chances are if you are renting somewhere by the time you get out you will be evicted and not have a place to live and everything you own will be gone.  Do not trust "friends" with your stuff.  If you have family get them your personal effects and sell everything you have of value and put that cash away for now.  Once this starts to roll its going to be a very rough ride.


Title: My department is rife with mis-classified employees. What else can I do?

Question:
I work at a california based tech retailer, inside of an in-house studio. Part of my job is handling contracts and invoices for all "contractors."

Some of these guys are the normal definition of contractor - they show up once a week with their own gear, perform a service, and leave when the project is completed.  Other contractors, not so much.

There are a group of them that are expected to arrive and leave a certain times, and are chastised for being "late." They work 40 hours a week, 8 hours a day, and are paid a day rate rather than per project. They utilize company equipment to do their job, and are overseen by the studio managers. Despite all this, they are ineligible for benefits, workman's compensation, overtime, etc. I work with the contract template they use to hire new contractors, and it feels predatory; paying per day, having the agreement "renew" every 5 days to circumvent having an end date, etc.

They are expected to invoice bi-weekly, and are paid on a Net30 basis... usually. Some checks arrive late; I am constantly asking for follow up information on invoices. Checks are mailed out from the same place we work. No matter how I try to get the checks and distribute them here, everyone insists that they be sent through the mail, and that no one has time to sort through the checks to find the studio employees'. Meanwhile, I receive a check every two weeks at the front desk for myself, because I'm an employee who opted out of direct deposit (i like keeping the paper records and seeing what was deducted and why).

I know that under California labor law, this is illegal, and that these people should be employees. What I really need to know is, other than filing a complaint with the labor board, what else can I do? I'm terrified to talk to anyone about this, since I don't want to lose my job, but it's killing me inside to see my coworkers unable to budget for things, coming to me to get updates on their paychecks when mine is guaranteed, telling me they can't pay for rent or gas to get to the office. It's horrible to think that if they get injured working with the studio equipment that they won't be compensated. Hell, I've got emails documenting debates over whether to compensate for GAS or FOOD for on-location shoots, despite language in the contract stating that "reasonable expenses" will be covered. It's absolutely bonkers.

Can I approach anyone at my workplace about this? How should I do so, so that no one loses their job? Or should I just wait on the labor board to do their thing?

Answer: Just file the report to the wage department and let them do their thing. Trying to stir something up in your company will probably end up with you being fired.


Title: Is reading someone's fanfiction on a podcast considered copyright?

Question:
Hello,

I am rather new to the podcasting world, I started back in November of 2018 and have only just introduced reading fanfiction - now, I was just wondering if someone could give me some advice on this. Would reading out someone else's fanfiction on a site be considered copyright. I like to read out stories that are written by people on [Fanfiction.net](https://Fanfiction.net).

Do I need to get permission from the author of the fanfiction as well?

Thanks!
Topic:
Computer and Internet

Answer:
 Yes, you need permission. This is a public performance and that is a separate right in copyright. In addition, if the fan fiction takes enough of the underlying work, you would also need permission from that author.Answer #2: INAL, but from the “Legal issues with Fanfiction” Wikipedia page:

“To have copyright protection under U.S. law, a work must be an "original [work] of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression . . . from which [it] can be perceived, reproduced, or otherwise communicated, either directly or with the aid of a machine or device.”

And,

“Copyright goes into effect automatically, even if a work is not published.”

Fanfic, even though it is transformative, is an original work because the author wrote those words. Therefore, they have the legal copyright to their fanfiction. It is technically illegal for you to podfic their works without their permission.

Also, it is an a-hole move to podfic without permission. General consensus in fandom is that you have to ask permission, and if they say no then you can’t record it. Just think if you found out someone recorded and republished the terrible fic you wrote in sixth grade. I know I would die of embarrassment.


Title: My ex hit my 7 year old hard enough to bruise

Question:
tl;dr My ex had an outburst for the first time and hit my child, should I do something legally or is it pointless until it becomes chronic?

&#x200B;

This is in Utah. I believe the laws with child abuse here are more strict. I split custody of my 2 kids, 3 and 7, with my ex-wife. We have a pretty good schedule that is almost 50-50/ She text me on Friday to let me know that she hit my oldest with a wet hand towel and he now has a bruise on his neck where she made contact.

&#x200B;

This was when she had them, both children were present at the time of the incident, I have her confession to doing it in writing and a picture, albeit not great quality, of the bruise and of what looks like something she stamped him with to cover it up. Like a kids paw print stamp over top of some of it.

&#x200B;

What she said was my oldest was hitting my youngest with maybe his hand or something, either way being a bully older brother which he is want to do at times. She was wetting a hand towel to wipe the youngest down because he was dirty. Saw what the oldest was doing and reacted by smacking him with the towel in her hand.

&#x200B;

This is the first incident that I've heard of and I generally believe it is the first one. But, she isn't the most stable person, hence the ex, and part of me is feeling petty as she tried to pull this card on me when we were splitting up, claiming I had been violent and then she goes and does this.

&#x200B;

I am concerned about it as she doesn't think her actions through. I would like to know what my options are. I am fine taking full custody, I have a house while she lives in an apartment. I have a steady job and she has been working at the current place, at a daycare, for almost a year.

&#x200B;

What I want to know is can I pursue this or if I do and nothing comes of it will it piss her off and I'd be worse off? Will I need to provide proof and there be evidence of continual abuse?

&#x200B;

Ultimately, is this worth pursuing legally now or will it be pointless until she does it again?

&#x200B;

Thank you for reading!

Answer:
 Don’t wait until your ex makes a habit of hitting your child to say something.

If it was hard enough to leave a mark, it was too hard.   Call CPS and file for a change in custody. Answer #2: Normally, if you call CPS, they'll know, and it's unlikely CPS will remove. They *might* do in home services or some anger management.

What changes the calculus here is that she works at a daycare. That changes the calculus quite a bit, as a CPS investigation could get her fired and possibly banned from working from children. And honestly, no one wants someone who hits a kid hard enough to bruise watching their child. Needless to say, that will piss her off more.

Before contacting CPS (because the child is not in jail), you should get a consultation with a family lawyer. You want all your ducks in a row before kicking this off.


Title: Landlord suing for $14,000 over broken water pipe [Ottawa, ON]

Question:
Long story short, I live in Ottawa, Ontario back in February it dipped down to -39 Celsius overnight and the main feed into my building froze. I'm in the upstairs unit along with my roommate, and two girls live below us. The pipe froze and the landlord didn't want to dig up the driveway in the winter to access/fix the pipe, so they jerry rigged a sketchy temporary water main sourced from the unit in front of us (which my landlord also owns). This temporary line froze frequently, requiring a plumber to come thaw it and forcing us to run the taps at all times (at the landlord's explicit request). The underground pipe was finally fixed properly last week, and the water main was found to only be 18" underground (as far as I know, building code in Ottawa requires lower). She sent an email today to everyone living in the building (total of 4 people) saying we need to cover the $14,000 in expenses incurred for providing us with alternative accommodations while the water wasn't working (a period of 2 weeks), the multiple plumber's visits, $2,700 in water bills due to trickling the taps, $8000 in excavation costs, etc.
The email she sent us wasn't notarized or signed by a lawyer or official in any way, so for now I'm alright, but what are the odds of myself and my roommates being on the hook 14k if she DOES send a summons or official communication? We're all 20 and in the middle of university and don't have the cash lying around to cover the bill, especially since something seems fishy and/or not legit about her billing us for this.

Answer:
 This is absolute nonsense to charge tenants for and you need to tell your landlord to go shove it. However, given the expenses involved, you should probably pool your resources and contact an attorney to write your landlord a letter telling her to go shove it so she understands you will not entertain any continued demands to be paid for something that isn't your fault or responsibility. You also should preemptively warn her against taking your security deposit over this if you've paid one.Answer #2: If you do end up needing a lawyer, it looks like both [Carleton](http://carleton.ca/ombuds/legal-aid/) and [Ottawa U](https://commonlaw.uottawa.ca/community-legal-clinic/) have legal clinics that students can access.  They specifically mention tenant issues.

Most cases like this would go through the [Landlord and Tenant Board](http://www.sjto.gov.on.ca/ltb/), I believe.  From everything I've heard, Ontario law is very tenant-friendly, and it sounds like her claim is pretty ridiculous anyway.  Maintenance is supposed to be the landlord's responsibility unless you did something to cause damage, which it doesn't sound like you did.


Title: Family member threatening with false child neglect claims (MN)

Question:
My significant other has had a toxic relationship with her mother nearly all of her life, and today it came to a boiling point. I won't give all the details of the story to reduce reading, but basically her mother has two foster children that both my SO and I have noticed deficiencies in their well-being. Examples include leaving one of the children in the high chair for long periods of time with food and movies to avoid having actively watch/play with them, ignoring medical issues or areas they are developmentally behind in, or just blatantly not supervising them while they move around the house and getting into things (big deal because he is only 18 months old).

&#x200B;

Fast forward to today, we receive a message from SO's mother with screenshots of a facebook conversation between my SO and I where we are venting and discussing how upset we are with her behavior and how much we think the kids are behind developmentally. A messaging argument ensues, and we tell her we are only concerned about the well-being of the kids, and that there have been many times we could have reported her to the county but did not because of our knowledge of how messed up foster families can be, and we wouldn't know about their condition or be able to help take care of them if they needed it. Her mother responds with claims that our parenting is just as bad or worse, and they she has plenty she could report us to the county with if she wanted.

&#x200B;

We don't think she will actually follow through on that threat, but we want to know what to do if she does. Our whole conversation with her is saved, and we are good parents so her claims towards us are completely false. Could she get in trouble for making a false claim, and should we do anything prior to a claim being made against us? Thank you!!

&#x200B;

TL;DR - Mother in law loosely threatening false claims about parenting our children. Can she get in trouble and is there anything we should do to prepare ahead of time?

Answer:
 If you are concerned about the well being of her kids, please call CPS.

If she calls CPS on you, if there are no issues to find, nothing untoward will happen (other than some wasted time). You can either cooperate with the investigation or retain an attorney.


Title: Googling my name turns up a stupid thing I did years ago as the first result from an ABC news article. I’d like it to go away.

Question:
Location: Maryland, USA

Hi, this is my first time posting here, sorry if I’m out of line somehow. Like the title says, I made a poor decision almost 5 years ago. I was young and dumb and tried to hire a prostitute and got caught in a sting operation. I got probation for a year so nothing much came of it. I’m in the process of getting it expunged from my record now that’s it’s been the required 4 years.

My concern though, are the news articles that come up when you google my name. The first, and 4th results on the page are news articles with “prostitution” in the headline. I’d never tried to do it before and sure as hell never will again,  but now when future employers decide to look me up by googling my name, (or family/future wife’s mother/anyone of consequence) they see prostitution in big bold letters. It really sucks.

An ex of mine who’s mother is a lawyer said about a year ago that there was a law coming into effect soon or just had that had something to do with getting your name removed from search results online.

If anyone knows anything about this, any way to handle this, preferably without suing every news outlet in my state who wrote an article on the subject, it would be greatly appreciated. You would actually be my hero. I don’t have much savings currently and can’t really afford much of a lawyer.

Answer:
 I know you said you don't want to resort to that, but just for the record, suing news outlets will just result in a bunch of "Man sues to try and remove article about soliciting prostitution" headlines, in approximately 10x the amount of the original. Google the "Streisand effect."

What you want to do is boost your own online presence to bury the articles. Online portfolios, a professional blog, a personal website, even your LinkedIn profile, all of that stuff can help push any old news articles so far down the results that they aren't going to matter anymore. Additionally, there are SEO specialists you can hire to help spruce up your image. May not be in your budget, but this is an incredibly common problem and there are a lot of both professional and DIY options you can pursue that don't involve ill-advised free-speech-chilling lawsuits against news agencies.


Title: My son is being charged with selling narcotics. How do I go about this?

Question: My son is being charged by the juvenile department for selling and oxycodone pill to a fellow classmate. My son says he did not do this and I believe him as he is a good kid who makes mistakes but always tells me the truth. His classmate told the school officer my son gave him the pill. The only other evidence they had on my son was that they were in the restroom at the same time. My son was questioned and then released and I was told by the school no charges would be held against my son as they did not have hard evidence of his involvement. This was back in January and now about a week ago I received a call from the juvenile department saying my son is being charged with selling the pill. We had heard nothing about the incident until that point. We now have a meeting with the juvenile department about potential options. I was told he can plead guilty and would not be charged but would go through a 6 month treatment program or we could go to court to dispute the charges.

Answer:
 This is lawyer territory. A mistake can have a devastating effect on your sons life. Get an attorney BEFORE you go to the meeting.

A guilty plea will preclude him from many careers, military service or any federal job, forever.Answer #2: If he pleads guilty it will likely be on his record and could prevent him from getting into college, getting federal loans and getting a job.

Talk to a lawyer to learn your options and don't take advice from your opponent.


Title: (CT) wife has medical marijuana card, but the lease we signed says no drugs allowed in our apartment. If a neighbor complained about smell, or if they found it in the apartment last, can we be evicted?

Question:
I should note that she is as subtle as she can be when using it.  We don't think anyone would be able to smell it,  but we always wonder/worry what could happen.

Thank you for any input.

Answer: Yes.  You can be evicted for breaking your lease.Answer #2: Yes they can evict you.  Just because it's legal medically and recreationally in some states, it is still illegal federallyAnswer #3: Not legal advice, but can she get a vaporizer of some kind? They have significantly less scent and sometimes none at all. I have both a dry herb vaporizer that requires an outlet and an oil vaporizer pen that's rechargeable, the dry herb one takes a bit to heat up but the pen is instant. Both are basically undetectable unless you're in the same room.


Title: Bullying causing broken arm at school (Washington)

Question:
So my daughter was on her way to the school bus today and two of the school bullies were nearby. One of them tripped and shoved her. They made the "don't cry drink milk joke"

We just went to the hospital and her arm is broken in two places.

What are my options?

Answer: You report to assault to the police / SRO; and sue the attaches to recover medical costs.


Title: Parents taking disability money?

Question: I have been on disability for a while but never used the money, my parents have been using it and then "saving this money", They wont let me use it and i know i will never get to use it it pisses me off that they are getting rich off it. I have a terminal illness and i know they will get away with a lot of money after I die. In addition they are always threatening to kick me out of the house, I need to know how to find housing somewhere.If i report they have been saving my money what will happen?

Answer:
 Do you mean that you're on SSI and your parents are your representative payees? [Here](https://work.chron.com/can-remove-representative-payee-23063.html) is a guide on how to get a representative payee removed.  As you can see, the easiest situation is if they were appointed because you were a minor at the time.

For parents of a minor, they're generally spending the money or its equivalent on feeding, housing, and taking care of you; there's really not enough to get rich off of.  However, if you're an adult and they're representative payees, they're supposed to track the expenditures. [Here](https://www.ssa.gov/payee/faqrep.htm) is a page, including contact information, about the representative payee program.

If they're not your representative payees, guardians, or otherwise legally permitted to handle your money, that's quite possibly a police matter.  If you're an adult, they're not required to house you, but they can't just kick you out on the spot either, or keep money that's supposed to go to your care if they're not providing that care.


Title: [BC, Canada] Climbed a train, is this illegal?

Question: So a few months ago I was walking to school, and there was a train stopped on my way. It had been not moving for ~ 10 minutes so me and my friends climbed on top of it and immediately jumped off the other side because we didn't want to do the 30 minute walk to go around. Could I get into any sort of trouble for this? There weren't any witnesses but I'm just wondering incase this happens again

Answer:
 Here. Just for fun.

This is from 2010. This situation has been going on since at least the 90s, iirc. And it continues to this very day.

CP rail has its own police force for its trains and land. They are actual, real police. Not mall cops or some type of suburban community security. They have guns and tasers and the power to detain.

http://spacing.ca/montreal/2010/06/14/citizens-mobilize-to-allow-train-track-crossing/


Title: Neighbors are abusing dog

Question:
Is it legal to film over a privacy fence to proof that my neighbor is abusing his dog? I hear the dog whining all the time, claps and clearly a hitting noise, while the neighbour is shouting "you piece of shit", "son of a bitch" etc

Edit: I live in Michigan.

Answer:
 Call animal control and have them check on the animal's welfare, or the police.

Without knowing your location we can't tell you if it is legal to film your neighbor in their backyard.Answer #2: Had a similar situation with my neighborhood. Find out who your elected official is to the city. Here it was the the councilman for our district in the city and inform them that animal control is not doing their job. Let them know that their is a dog running the neighborhood who is being abused and that you have called 4 times and no one is doing anything about it. That was the only thing that worked for me. If you know your neighbors, get them to call, too.


Title: Widow versus Daughter and Grandchildren + 2 wills

Question:
Copy pasting this from a friends newsfeed. Changed names for privateness. Any advice?
This was in Kentucky btw.
I try to keep this sort of personal stuff to myself or people that I trust, but seeing as a verdict has been locked in I figured now I'd share on here how utter bullshit the legal system can be in this very town.

As some of you know, I lost my gramps back in September. Me and him were very close, in fact he was more of a dad figure to me than my own father was. He had been fighting cancer for roughly five months and we were constantly told he was either recovering or doing better, so it was a shock when I woke up that morning to the news that he had suffocated in his sleep.

A week after the funeral we were told that he had a lockbox at his bank, addressed to my mother in the event of his passing. My mother did not have the key to the lockbox, so she contacted Shirley, my grandfathers wife, concerning the key. She refused to offer us the key, claiming that her lawyer told her to hold onto it. Afterwards we contacted my uncle, who then contacted the bank. The bank said that since the lockbox had been addressed to my mother, she could come by and pay for the lockbox to be replaced, and then take the one addressed to her home. My uncle agreed, paid for the replacement and we opened the lockbox left to my mother. It contained the sum of 1300 dollars across two envelopes and a written will.

In the written will my grandfather requested that his vehicle, furniture, tools and musical equipment would go to my mother, some of which he wanted shared among his daughters three children. The will was dated 2014 but was never authenticated, this was most likely due to the reasonless animosity Shirley held against our side of the family. I feel I should point out that my gramps was never the one to 'wear the pants' in their relationship, he needed constant approval of anything by her, and this is why we firmly believe his written will was never put on record as she would have never even allowed it.

My uncle strongly recommended we contact a lawyer and see what could be done with the written will, as he had informed us that Shirley was already planning to sell most of my grandfathers belongings, minus the vehilcle, furniture and some other misc things. We did so, and eventually had to go to the courthouse to hear what the judge had decided.

The judge informed that my mother was now administrator of the estate, and that we would be required to make a list of the items at Shirleys house that my grandfather specifically left for us. Of course we would need a permit for entry because Shirley would not simply allow us in to waltz in. The judge ordered Shirley to not sell any belongings during this time and we were told we would be contacted once the permit was ready, we were never contacted.

Here is where I would like to point out a few things before continueing.
First; In this state there is a law that protects the widowed spouse during these kinds of events. 15,000 dollars worth of the property left to 'someone else in a will' is protected by said law. Meaning my mother would have never got the vehicle or even his furniture to begin with, as the vehicle was estimated at 11,000. (This is purely the information we were given by our lawyer and his assistant, so I assume it's accurate.)

Second; Some of you know me or my family, we are not the greedy type. Heck, if you visit there's a good chance you're sticking around for a meal, that's just how we are. So if you think this is about coming out on top, it isn't. Those instruments he played hold sentimental value to us far more than they do to Shirley, whom we assume has probably already sold it all. And it's the same with the tools. I spent hours during summers with him, working on stuff, repairing things, just trying to spend time with him outside of Shirleys jurisdiction. Not a single tool he owned means anything to Shirley, but they do to me.

Third; The will Shirley wished to read after my grandfathers passing has no overlapping items in comparison to the written will he left to us. The vehicle, his side of the furniture, musical instruments and even the tools are not noted at all in the will she wished to see followed through. Meaning even if both wills were carried out, nothing would have been fought over. And in due time Shirleys side of the family would eventually inherit Shirleys property, while what gramps left to us would be ours. Obviously minus the furniture and vehicle that would have been covered by the above 15,000 protection.

So after nearly three months of pointless trips to see our lawyer, we finally got a conclusion, albeit not a happy one.

He had us meet with him early yesterday morning, and during this he informed us that the judge had changed her position on the entire matter, and that my mother was no longer administrator of the estate, and that the will my gramps had written was essentially that of toilet paper. The items or property he had requested for us would stay in Shirleys possession, and we would be required to return the lockbox and its contents to her, that includes the written will and the 1300 dollars.

So now not only is my grandfathers final wishes not being followed through, but we now owe her 1300 and whatever we owe our lawyer over the past three months. We spent all this time on this conflict, to come out in the negative. To be told 'everything is going to work out', and it be the complete opposite.

This hasn't been a rant, this isn't me being all up in arms over the matter, because I know it's finished and there's nothing that can be changed. But it's more of a 'heads up' for anyone that might find themself in a similar situation, because our legal system here does suck and you can't believe everything the lawyers, assistants, or even judges say because it can all be changed over night. They aren't on your side, they aren't your friend, so don't start believing that like I did. Because boy was it a mistake.

Answer:
 Yeah, this is all really the fault of lawyers and judges, and not the person who failed to get their affairs in order before they died.  A lawyer could have prevented all of this.Answer #2: >But it's more of a 'heads up' for anyone that might find themself in a similar situation, because our legal system here does suck and you can't believe everything the lawyers, assistants, or even judges say because it can all be changed over night.

It is more of a heads up that everyone, and especially people who are currently fighting a potentially fatal disease, should spend a couple hundred dollars and get a proper will done up by a lawyer.

In any case, every location will have a way to deal with situations where there are two wills. Very often the newest one wins, assuming both are valid (which sounds like one of these may not have been).


Title: [NYC] Can my landlord enforce a "no guests" clause in my lease?

Question:
One of the clauses in my (signed) lease is a no parties no guests lease that reads:

>NO PARTIES. No parties or social gatherings of people that are not registered on the license agreement are allowed. Guests
may not stay overnight in the property. A party complaint will result in an immediate termination of the lease and loss of the
full security deposit.

Is this legally enforceable? We recently received an email stating that:

>If this happens again we will have to fine the tenants responsible, which can lead to lease termination and the full security deposit withheld.

For context, I'm leasing one room in a shared apartment, and I have an inflatable mattress that I'd like to let a friend crash on for a weekend if they come to visit.

Answer: Yes it is. You agreed to the terms of the lease. Answer #2: Yes, it's enforceable. If your friend sleeps overnight, you will be in violation of your lease.Answer #3: If you signed the lease knowing that clause was in there and that you would be held to it, then yes, it can be enforced.Answer #4: Your friends don't get to crash at your place though. You agreed not to have overnight guests, so you can't.


Title: [California] GF got scammed $500 by a Psychic, Credit Card company sided with scammer. Not sure how to proceed.

Question: My girlfriend went to a psychic.. She ended up getting convinced to set up an appointment the following week to get her "chakra's aligned" and paid $500 on her credit card. After convincing her it was all BS and that it was an impulse buy she then decides to cancel. She contacts the psychic the following day telling her she wishes to cancel who then tries to convince her to stick to the appointment. After my girlfriend refuses to go through with it the psychic apologizes because she doesn't issue refunds. This conversation was a mixture of texts and phone calls. After realizing she couldn't get her money back from the psychic my girlfriend then proceeds to contact her card company. Keep in mind the chargeback happened 2 days before the appointment was even set to happen. After months of sending screenshots of the texts and explaining to the card company what happened they decided to side with the psychic even though my girlfriend didn't go to the appointment and tried to cancel before the appointment. Not sure what to do next. Thanks in advance.

Answer:
 She can sue the psychic in small claims court.

A cancellation fee would be reasonable.  Keeping the entire $500 isn't.


Title: Stopped by undercover police in Italy. I am an American citizen. Had to give my name and identity a "suspect." Please help me understand the ramifications.

Question:
I am studying in Italy for one year. I am researching for my undergraduate thesis. On my third night (yesterday) an acquaintance of mine was urinating on a very quiet street, when an unmarked car stopped and started to reprimand us. We emptied out pockets and we're found with $15 worth of cannabis. They took my name and filled out what's called a "questura," which I assume is an equivalent of an official statement. He gave me a copy which I signed and kept one for himself.

My broader question is will this appear on my "record," whatever that record is or may be.

My two more pressing concerns are as such:

I will be here for the whole year, but I will almost definitely return home (to the states) for Christmas, after which point I will then return here. Will I have problems at the borders? Is my name on a list of criminal activity, or something to that degree?

Secondly, my university here has a very strict anti-drug policy- and understandably so since they are operating a huge institution on foreign soil. You are promptly kicked out of the program if you are in any way invoked with illegal drugs. My question is whether the police will contact my university to alert them of the situation that unfolded?

I presume, somewhat optimistically, that the reason they stopped us was just to get information to curb the problem of drug dealing in that part of town, but am I more than just an "informant?" Or am I listed in their records as a criminal myself?

Thank you. I am not sure if this falls into the sphere of international law more than common law practices but I would sincerely appreciate any advice or information. To be completely frank, I am stressing out very heavenly over this and am losing sleep.

Thanks again.
Topic:
Searches and Seizures

Answer:
 Hey man, quick point:

I have lived all over the world:  Europe, Africa, Central America and multiple places in those areas.  This includes Italy.

Don't break the laws in foreign countries.

In the US I have been known as quite the party guy at my house and around the neighborhood, but I have never, ever, broken a law overseas.  I have seen too many people have their lives totally and completely fucked doing so.

I hope this works out for you but please please stop smoking weed or doing anything else.


Title: [CA] Mother left me her home in her will and my siblings are angry and making it difficult for me to place it under my name.

Question:
I apologize if this is a long wall of text or formatting. I'm doing this on mobile. A friend suggested I come here for advice and this is my first time using reddit.

I am the youngest of three siblings. My mother passed away a year and a half ago. For a variety of reasons my mom left me her home in the will. She gave my siblings a lump sum each of $50k that was to be taken from the equity of the home. Basically the will states I have two years to decide whether to A) sell the home. Give my siblings their $50k each and I keep the rest or B) keep the home but payout my siblings their $50k each. I decided to choose option B a couple months ago.

To say the least my siblings have been angry at only getting the $50k. They've been pressuring me into selling and splitting everything 3 ways evenly.

So here's my problem. My mother had a home equity line of credit before she passed away with BofA. I've gotten the ball rolling to get a loan to pay  of my siblings and get all the house paperwork in order under my name. Basically I can't get anything done until this account with BofA is closed. My oldest sibling was named executor of the estate. I've been in contact with the bank for close to two months now. They're requesting some document from my sibling the executor of the will. Every week I contact my sibling who lives in another state and am told the document was submitted but the bank says they've received nothing.

At this point we believe my siblings are plotting and purposely delaying me doing this. The will states I have two years to pay them off. We believe they're trying to let the 2 year mark pass without me paying them so they can then attempt to sue me for not fulfilling the will and possibly getting more money. Again I spoke to the bank today and they say I can't close this account until they receive a document from the executor/my sibling. I don't know what I can do at this point if my sibling won't submit that document (which she keeps claiming she has). I hope this makes sense. Any ideas on how to proceed?

Answer:
 Do you have a lawyer yourself? Your lawyer contacts the executor and points that an executor failing in her duties to the estate and its heirs is grounds to remove said executor and appoint somebody else who will actually do the job. If the executor still doesn't get the paperwork done, then your lawyer files a motion with the probate court to remove her.Answer #2: If they plan on suing you then you'll need to prove that you've repeatedly asked for the documents.

I'd definitely tell you to hire an attorney.

You need to draft a demand letter and have your sister served the demand so she can't dispute receipt.


Title: CPS alberta canada came with police officer and said my daughter could not stay the night.

Question: 2 workers showed up with a RCMP officer and said there was a saftey concern for my daughter (10) and that she would need to stay with a grandmother for the night. They only said she had to go and not my other 2 children (boys 8, and 6). They said a worker would contact us in the morning. My daughter is staying with my mom tonight. They would not give me any information at all and I let the worker briefly talk with my daughter alone in her room. All three of the children are autistic and we have multiple aids and counselors that visit every week. What should I expect tommorow and is there anything I absolutly shoud or should not do or say?

Answer: Hire a lawyer ASAP. You are being investigated and may be charged with a crime. The investigators are not there to help. They already forced you to remove your child from your home. You should be terrified.Answer #2: It sounds like there's been an accusation of sexual abuse to your daughter. Just be open and honest, hide nothing, they will find out. Where are you based?


Title: Can a Power of Attorney have THIS much power and is he abusing the system?

Question:
We're located in South Carolina if that matters.

Okay, so long story short, my mom and aunt are very sure that my uncle is abusing his name as POA for my grandma and is just transferring all of her money into his account. She has not been deemed uncapable of making decisions yet and obviously isn't dead.

Anyway, He has already tricked my grandma into signing her house over to him, and changing her will to allow him to get everything (when really my mom and aunt are the only ones who take care of her). He comes around when it involves him getting money.

He also tells our family that we aren't allowed to receive money from our grandma (like if she wants to buy us dinner or something) and that if we borrow money, we have to give it directly to him instead of her (which we know he juts pockets it instead)..He also tells my grandma that she should only be spending 20 dollars per week. Anything else and he calls my mom up ranting about why she is using up more money...

This is the short version of it.. Basically, is there anything we can do about it? He is definitely abusing her and his power in order to get money. He already tried putting her into a nursing home so he can sell her house but my mom fought him on it. He has always been a greedy person and my grandma doesn't realize it... Is there anything we can do??
Topic:
Wills Trusts and Estates

Answer: Your uncle has a fiduciary duty to your grandma arising from the POA.  This means he has to act in good faith and loyalty when acting on her behalf.  Misappropriating her funds for his own benefit certainly breaches this duty.  Since the duty is owed to your grandmother, she can sue him for breaching this duty.  Also, if you believe he got her to change her will through improper means, any beneficiary who would have received under the will can seek to contest the will when your uncle admits the will to probate.


Title: [Texas] How binding is official job description? Work suddenly requiring me to do something extra.

Question:
I am an hourly, strictly 40 hours per week, employee at a medium-sized company.

A few months ago my manager asked if I would mind helping out with a tiny temporary project, more details to follow when he knew more. I said maybe, let me know when you know more. Didn't hear anything else.

A few weeks ago I was informed I would be doing the project in question now and I received a brief inadequate training.

It turns out the project is a huge and complex black hole of time. It has almost nothing to do with my current job description or title. It is taking up 3 to 4 hours per day sometimes. I'm not getting paid anything extra for doing this. It doesn't have any forseeable end in sight.

I don't want to quit because I just started here 6 months ago and it will kill my resume.

Do I have a legal right to protest doing this extra job based on it being so different from what I was hired to do??
Topic:
Employment Law

Answer:
 1. In an at-will job, your employer can fire you for refusing a change to your responsibilities. You'd generally be eligible for UI.

2. Even in a non-at-will job, under a union or under a binding contract, if your job description is open-ended ("other duties as required" for example), then the open-ended bits generally cover anything that isn't flagrantly unreasonable, like asking you to break the law.

If you're in a union, talk to your union rep. If you have a binding contract controlling duties and termination, talk to a lawyer. Otherwise, suck it up or find another job - this sucks, but it's legal.Answer #2: > It turns out the project is a huge and complex black hole of time. It has almost nothing to do with my current job description or title.

Welcome to the working world.  I'm a software developer that is currently tasked with doing a marketing campaign and public speaking.  It now takes up 90% of my time.  Answer #3: IANAL, so I don't know how this affects things, but I think its important: When you say you are not getting paid extra, do you mean that a.you are working extra hours, but aren't getting paid for those hours, b.you are working normal hours and getting paid at normal rate working on the project or c.Something else?


Title: What are the chances of criminal charges in this scenario?

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Stop with the "SWIM" stuff.

It's you.

Everyone knows it's you.

You get no legal protection from pretending it's not.

If you did not solicit sex, and there was no sexual contact the chance of charges for you are slim.

If you're contacted by the police get a lawyer immediately.

Of course, you can absolutely be fired for this.


Title: (NY) Coworker threatens me after being suspended

Question: [deleted]

Answer: Document everything.


Title: [Illinois] I bought a used car which immediately had serious issues. Will be bringing back to dealer for repairs Saturday. I want to be prepared, am I protected at all as a consumer?

Question:
I purchased a used vehicle yesterday.  Within 50 miles a check engine line turned on.  The dealership was closed last night, but today I immediately called when the engine light started blinking with a warning "Drivetrain malfunction".

Talking to the people at the dealership, they seemed amicable and scheduled an appointment Saturday morning.  Assuring me that they would "take care of it", but not much in terms of what that means specifically.  Is there any state law in Illinois that protects buyers from people who sell broken vehicles?  I don't want to walk into this place as if I'm just a guy with car trouble; they *sold me* the broken car yesterday so I'm interested in understanding what my rights are and if I'm protected at all as a consumer.

I have an extended service contract, and I know there is also a 30 day warranty from the dealership (which may only cover 50% of repairs or something like that..)  I'm not necessarily concerned about the money, but I am very interested in understanding whether or not this car dealership is trying to screw me or potentially skirt the law.  Assuming I didn't have any sort of extended service contract.. can a car dealership in Illinois sell a broken vehicle with a drive train malfunction within 15 hours, and then charge me to fix any of these problems?

Answer:
 >can a car dealership in Illinois sell a broken vehicle with a drive train malfunction within 15 hours, and then charge me to fix any of these problems?

In Illinois, a dealer must legally give you a 15 day / 500 mile warranty on some components, including drivetrain, assuming the car has under 150k miles.


Title: Son's father is saying weird stuff, do I have to let him take my son for the weekend? (Iowa)

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 You have to abide by the custody order, but if you think there's good reason to believe your son will be in danger there's a way to file for an emergency change to the custody order. You'd be best served by contacting a lawyer ASAP.Answer #2: Is this his weekend or your weekend?Answer #3: NAL, but I think it would depend on a few important factors.

1. What kind of "wierd" statements? Statements like you wonder about his mental health? Statements as in you are afraid for your son's safety? Statements that make it sound like he's going to refuse to return your son?

2. What type of agreement do you have? Is it a formal custody agreement that's registered with the courts, or just an agreement between the two of you?


Title: My dad is having a baby with my boyfriends mom!!!

Question:
I need help.. is there something incest about us dating now ? My dad and his mom secretly started dating on the DL & surprisingly enough, he got her pregnant.. they told everyone just before Christmas. They haven’t even been together for a year... they’re not married or anything & recently just broke up. (My dad is currently also married to someone other than his mom, or my mom. It’s complicated..)
-me and my bf have been “together” since middleschool & finally made it official when we were in grade 11 (were both 19 & graduated now.) we’re so amazing together.. but now our parents are having a child! Does that mean we should break up and stop “seeing” each other?? Is it wrong?

Answer:
 I've seen this situation before and as long as you and your boyfriend aren't blood related then it isn't incest. It isn't even morally wrong either because you guys have been dating before your dad and his mom got together. If you guys are great together then you shouldn't be thinking about breaking up.Answer #2: There's no legal issues here, between you and your boyfriend. If you two want to get married, you're both fine to do so

And no its not incest.Answer #3: >is there something incest about us dating now ?

It's an unconventional family relationship, but no.  You are not genetically related nor were you raised together.  Multiple relationships between families used to be much more common than they are now, so you might get a few eyebrows raised, but your relationship is not incestuous simply because you parents later got together.

You may find that this family drama puts additional strain on your relationship, but there is no reason for you to break up.  A relationship between two people naturally brings their families together.  Sometimes in more ways than they would like.Answer #4: Legally you are fine.

Socially, you are well on your way to being Brother-Uncle & Sister-Aunt.

Now...please honor the bot and do a location...Answer #5: My moms mom is married to my stepdads Dad. Nothing wrong with it. Sure is weird to explain though.


Title: Town build a playground directly behind my property; Trespassers now damaging my property [Canada]

Question:
Behind my property is public greenspace, and a few years ago the town built playground equipment on the greenspace directly behind my property.

Because of this, now convoys of people and their kids walk, bike, and drag wagons through my yard. Some of their kids scream and actually blow whistles, all next to my windows.

I was here before the playground -- do I have any standing to make the town pay for repairs to my property and figure out a way to keep trespassers walking to their playground off my yard?

I want everyone to enjoy the neighborhood, but the people on my yard are starting to get out of hand.

Answer: Can you draw up a quick map on paint to help us visualise this? Are you saying people are cutting through your yard from front to back? Do you have fences?


Title: [Idaho] Wife just went back to work after maternity leave. She works at an investment and real estate firm with appox. 24 workers. The owner won't give her a private place to pump, a place to store her milk or extra paid breaks to pump. She can't pump at all there. Please help

Answer:
 Dude, I SO feel for you. Maternity and family leave policies in this country suck. I had a tough time breastfeeding, and I know how physically agonizing it can be when you can't pump often enough. When you don't have a supportive environment to pump in, that just makes a hard situation so much worse.

However, her employer is technically within the letter of the law. I know, I know, it sucks. Option 1 is she start looking for another job (which sounds eminently reasonable, IMO). Option 2 is to try formula, which can work - I ultimately had to do it, because breastfeeding and pumping was a no go for me, unfortunately. Option 3 is that she try being a stay at home mom or work part time for a bit. Depending on her pay and your daycare costs, this actually may be a reasonable financial decision. (Daycare costs me more than rent.)

Sit down with her, discuss your options, because her employer is going to win this fight. Please be supportive and understanding if she feels like going to formula means she failed; a lot of moms do. We all do what we can, and for some of us, breastfeeding just doesn't work out, for whatever reason.

Good luck to all three of you! And tell her boss to take a long walk off a short pier. Answer #2: If her job is exempt from providing the space, she needs to suck it up. She can ask for an unpaid break and pump in the restroom. Your state doesn't have paid breaks, so why should she be entitled to getting paid for pumping?