Title: Quick question about getting pulled over by police.

Question:
The other day a friend I used to work with got pulled over. When he asked the cop why she said it was because she is always seeing him driving around. She let us go when we explained he works for pizza hut but I'm curious if that is actual probable cause to pull somebody over. This occurred in South Carolina.

Thanks for the replies all.

Last edit: As I have said in the comments we don't use the car toppers so we can't be identified. Our area is a pretty white area but part of it and the next store over is very ghetto. A few drivers have been robbed before one even being jumped for a gang initiation. This is why we don't use them. Where we were pulled was in the nicer part of town. I know he wasn't speeding because we never do, especially where the lights came on because he hit a dog there some time ago. The road is a steep hill and a dog ran out from some bushes on the side. He couldn't stop fast enough because somebody was riding his ass. Now he always drives mega slow right there. Next I was with him so I indeed have the full story. He is an good friend and we used to work together but ever since I quit I don't see him much anymore. The whole interaction was less than 2 minutes, she didn't even take his license back to the cruiser.

Answer:
 I'm almost certain you're not getting the full story from your friend. To answer your question: an officer noticing you on the road frequently wouldn't generally give valid reason for them to pull you over.

Unless you're charged with a crime or ticketed, there's not going to be a reason to challenge the stop. Your friend could file a complaint with the police department.

edit: additional info


Title: SIL accidentally bumped into someone with her child's stroller on an escalator. That person fell down the escalator. What's the liability for her miscarriage and injuries when it was an accident with no intent?

Question:
I don't want to give too many identifying details here. My SIL (my wife's sister) got on an escalator with her baby in the stroller. The stroller wheels slipped off the edge of the step they were on and the stroller bumped into someone on the next step. She ended up falling all the way down the escalator and she broke her cheekbone, as well as a bone in her arm that needed surgery to fix. She was also almost 7 months pregnant and had a miscarriage. My SIL feels devestated but it was truly an accident. However the police are investigating her and so is CPS over the idea she used her baby a "weapon". There were half a dozen witnesses that have sided against my SIL including a police officer and they have footage from a security camera. The woman who fell has a relative with the same last name who is a lawyer who has sent a letter saying a lawsuit is forthcoming. Like I said my SIL is heartbroken but it was just an accident and they was no intent. She is a homemaker with a new baby, not a criminal. Does the lawsuit against her have a chance? And if anyone has prosecution or CPS experience, could she actually be charged? My wife is devestated too and I don't know what to tell her.

Location; Minnesota state, United States of America.

Answer:
 You're not even supposed to bring your stroller on an escalator. Was there a sign?Answer #2: Negligence doesn't require intent. Your sister will also be sued in civil court, so unless the DA actually files criminal charges against her, she will remain "not a criminal."

Definitely tell her to call her homeowner's insurance, and if they can't help, she needs to hire an attorney. Resolving this situation will probably take years.


Title: [AZ] Landlords have been charging us for neighbors water

Question:
As it says in the title.  Our water bill doubled after some tenants moved in next door.  We called the water company, who came out and confirmed that the neighbors and us were on the same water meter. Then we called the water company again, and confirmed that the amount of liters on our bill was the full amount for the meter.  This has gone on for about 5 years (Yes, it took us 5 years to figure this out).  We estimate that we paid about $5000 for our neighbors water.

Earlier today, the landlords came over to talk about reimbursing us for water leaks (Our house has a long history of water pipes leaking or bursting), and they brought a woman along who said that she was a Federal Peace Officer.  When we asked her for her name, she said she didn't have to tell us then went back to chainsmoking cigarettes.  We have a recording of the entire conversation.

Unfortunately, I don't think any lawyer will take a case for only $5000. What seems to be the most prudent thing to do?

Answer: I am not a lawyer.  You could collect up all of your documentation (every old bill, statement from the water company, etc...) and file in small claims court.  There may be a statute of limitations on some of your claims.


Title: Should I Have Major Surgery Now? Or Can I Wait?

Question:
I was in a car accident in 2010. As a result of that accident, I need a major bone fusion surgery that I've been unable to due to financial reasons.

I had an 8mo gap in insurance in 2012, but have been fully insured since, via my husband's employee based insurance.

My husband is freaking out, worried the surgery won't be covered if the current healthcare bill passes because it is a preexisting condition. I thought that it doesn't count since I've been insured since 2013.

Can someone help me clarify?

I'm in Ga, our insurance is blue cross/ blue shield of TX.

Answer: The new healthcare bill is **not** law yet and will almost certainly not look like it does now *if* it does become law.


Title: My husband was hit with a car (literally and intentional) during a road rage incident. Does he need a lawyer? He wasn't injured. Man is facing 2 2nd degree felonies.

Question:
In Florida.

Thankfully he was able to hold on to the hood of the guys car and didn't go flying off. He has a small scratch on his finger and nothing else. The man is facing aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and he also impersonated law enforcement. 2nd degree felonies.

Does my husband need a lawyer? This was intentional. The guy followed my husband and fled the scene after....it was pretty crazy. Could have gone much worse.

Thank you for any advice!

Answer:
 For the criminal case? No.

For the personal injury suit? Probably... but if he wasn't hurt he'd have a hard time proving damages.Answer #2: Best course of action?

1) Let the state prosecute. As part of either a plea deal or conviction, assailant will likely owe restitution. Make sure you file a victim impact statement to ask for restitution. You can only ask for direct damages (like lost wages due to having to fill out police reports, or hospital cost for his finger), not emotional damages.

2) If restitution damages are to your liking, accept them, move on.

3) If restitution damages are not to your liking, hire lawyer and/or file a small claims lawsuit for extraneous damages.

Small claims judgments are generally dischargeable in bankruptcy. Restitution damages are not.

I'd recommend waiting until the restitution info comes back, and then proceed.


Title: [Belgium] wife and sister-in-law are psychologically abusing my kids

Question: [deleted]

Answer: The word you're looking for, OP, is Parental Alienation. And if this is what your wife is doing, it's illegal in the USA. Don't know about Belgium.


Title: [KY]Sending nudes

Question: [removed]

Answer: Maybe, maybe not. Sending her nudes to other people is considered a crime in some states.


Title: [KY] Friend is having trouble with employer threatening more responsibility with no additional pay, or taking the pay cut

Question:
She works at a daycare here in KY, was hired as a floater and given X/hour. Employer pushed her in a corner to either become a full time teacher with no pay cuts, but much more responsibility  (lesson plans, caring for the kids alone, etc.); or stay in the same position but with a reduction to her hourly wage.
What's the law with this?

Answer:
 That's not illegal.Answer #2: Welcome to the real world. Every employer I have ever had does this. They try to squeeze every dime they can out of their employees.

The problem is your friend has no leverage.  She is easily replaceable just like me and most people.


Title: My friend keeps getting rejected by landlords. Don't know why.

Question:
Hi /r/legaladvice.  My friend who wants to be my roommate is having difficulty getting added to my lease or getting on the lease at a new place due to "Something" that comes up on her criminal history.  Of course these places won't tell us what.

My friend believes it might have something to do with an individual that stole some copies of her vital records (birth certificate, Social Security Card, and Passport) and not only filed fraudulent tax returns, but also managed to get arrested and convicted of a felony.  We've run a Criminal  History report from Texas DPS and it comes up with a 20 year old shoplifting conviction (misdemeanor) and another Misdemeanor from 2 years ago when she got into a dispute with her ex-husband.  The first instance she got 18 mos Probation and the 2nd she got time-served (10 days in jail).

We've also run credit reports from annualcreditreport and they're not much worse than my credit is.  My salary is more than enough to cover the rent on my own.  Also, it's never been my information that's been the red flag and denied us the lease.

I've assisted my friend in getting a copy of the information provided by realpage.  We've faxed and Certified mailed a request of her consumer report and are waiting on that to be sent to us so we can dispute any innaccuracies.

My biggest question is how do we manage to get her name cleared?  We asked about taking the step of getting a certified criminal history from DPS, but the places we've been denied from have said they won't accept that as proof she isn't a felon (which to me seems pants-on-head idiotic)

If the answer is "consult an attorney" any particular legal specialty we should be looking for and a possible estimate of the cost?  My friend's been having an extremely difficult time getting a regular job (she's resorted to being a stripper and taking side jobs for friends) and basically couch surfs between me and other friends to keep a roof over her head.

tl;dr Friend keeps getting declined by landlords due to "something" in her background.  Any tips for disputing that?

Answer:
 It's often a condition of the screening companies LL's use that the reports can't be disclosed outside of the requesting company. The recent-ish charges stemming from the dispute could be enough to D/Q a renter under my criteria, as most domestic disturbances are an automatic no go for a few years if they go so far as a conviction.

The felony fraud stemming from old ID theft is also a life-time black flag for most PM's if it is still appearing on you record, and that will probably require attorney time to clear up.

If you're really struggling to find a place you may have to consider private landlords renting their own properties and that can get... interesting.

**I re-read your post and had originally missed the part about her employment and couch hopping. I'm sympathetic to the problem that people who fall into tough places then have a harder time getting back out of them, but her ability to prove income and previous residences will also pose problems. You need to find a private landlord or someone renting out rooms to begin establishing decent rental history.
Answer #2: That something is likely the misdemeanor from 2 years ago. Was it domestic violence? That could absolutely keep somebody from being approved for an apartment. It's a consequence of breaking the law and can follow you the rest of your life.

Below is a link to information on expungement and sealing in Texas. It doesn't appear that a conviction and probation for domestic violence would be eligible but she can certainly consult with a Texas attorney to be sure. There is also such a thing as having your record set aside.

http://research.lawyers.com/texas/texas-expungement-and-record-sealing.html

http://www.recordgone.com/expungement-in-texas/


Title: Daughter and potential criminal issue

Question: My daughter, who is 20, was contacted by local police for an issue that she may or may not be involved in (I don't want to give too much info and I don't know most of it anyway).  They started to ask her questions and bully her for info (IMO) on the phone.  I told her that she should not talk to the police, use her right to remain silent, and should get a lawyer (who I helped set up an appointment with, but who was not immediately available for consultation).  I told her to not go to the police station, as they requested, without that consultation first.  I didn't want to take her there either, as they requested, because I am not a lawyer either.  I'm in Illinois.  Is this the best course of action?  I'm in the camp that doesn't believe the police are there to be your friend, but I don't want to make it worse for her.  TIA.

Answer: Hire an attorney.  Have the attorney review the situation and determine whether she should speak to the police.  Ground her until she stops doing criminal stuff.Answer #2: You're right on the money here. She shouldn't talk to the police or meet with them without her attorney present.


Title: [Iowa-California] Ex-Jehovah's Witness and my No Blood Medical Directive

Question:
Sorry if this gets a little long winded, but it has been causing me a bit of anxiety lately.

Brief history of the situation: Raised one of Jehovah's Witnesses, disfellowshipped (kicked out or excommunicated) at 19, now out on my own in the world ever since!! When I signed my No Blood card, (I believe) I was 18 and still somewhat believing and also living with my parents. I was born and raised in Iowa, which is where I signed my card and gave my parents the power to make decisions for me if I were incapable of doing so.

Now here's the dilemma. I now live in California with my partner. We recently found out we are expecting. I'm worried that if anything were to happen to me and make me incapable of making decisions for myself, my parents will step in with this. I do not speak to them regularly, so I am unsure if they still have a copy, as I ripped mine up a long time ago. I do not want to ask them about it so they don't try to force it on me.

One of my aunts recently had a child and had lots of complications due to her age, and every time my parents would update my sister and I, they would constantly talk about "how amazing the blood alternatives they were finding for her" were, even though she almost died waiting for an experimental drug to be approved for her use, instead of receiving blood. This has especially caused a lot of the anxiety, seeing their responses to that incident.

Also I was unsure if the move from Iowa to California would affect anything, as I seem to remember from so long ago if you lived in certain states you needed a different card.

Is there anything I can do to 100% guarantee this card is void and my parents will have no say over my body? I do not want them to disrespect me or my partner by going against my wishes or what he feels is best for our new family if the situation were to arise.

Thank you for any help and/or suggestions!!

Answer:
 Properly executing a new living will/advance directive/medical power of attorney should revoke & supersede any previous documents.Answer #2: You can contact an attorney and create a living will. Or you can get married and then your partner would be the default person to make decisions. Answer #3: To add on to the others, when you do make a living will, make sure the attorney drawing up the new will knows about the previous living will/limited power of attorney, so the attorney can prepare the new living will with explicit language nullifying "no blood card" within it.

Answer #4: Not a lawyer myself, can anyone here say what it legally would mean if she got a medical alert bracelet that says she authorizes all modern medicine including blood products. A cheap one would only be like thirty dollars and is readable even if she is unconscious.


Title: Can this person really report me for harassment?

Question:
This is going to sound stupid, sorry in advance.

Over facebook, there was a woman talking about something I didn't agree with (she's an animal breeder who puts down any animal who isn't the perfect specimen) so I messaged her to discuss this. She automatically sent me a nasty message, even though my initial wasn't anything even close, and blocked me. So I got on my other account and told her she needs to take a hard look at herself, etc. With that, she tells me she's going to report me for harassment to my local police station. I just read that like what the actual hell.... Can her crazy ass actually do that?

Answer:
 In most situations, when someone doesn't want to talk to you you don't have the right to continue to engage them.

I doubt this goes to the level of harassment, but when someone blocks you on social media consider taking the hint.


Title: [NY] I was injured 2.5 years ago while on a motorcycle, when an 18 wheeler gunned it in reverse at a stop sign, after I honked at them for sitting there 5+ minutes with no traffic. No such thing as no fault on Motorcycle in NY. HELP!!

Question: What do I do? I’ve spoken with a lawyer, but they seem to be giving me the run around about pursuing the case. It took fighting with doctors, many visits, a couple mri’s and finally a surgery to fix my shoulder. I’m lost. I had to give up my job at the time and so I lost my health insurance. While pursuing treatment I was able to work another job for a while until the pain just became too much. Now I’m looking at maybe losing my home, and more. I don’t even know where to turn.

Answer:
 Talk to another lawyer. There is a 3 year statute of limitations so you only have a few months left to do somethingAnswer #2: Talk to another lawyer.Answer #3: You need to call personal injury lawyers until you find one to take your case. It should not be difficult and most of them work on contingency. Answer #4: If you’ve talked to multiple personal injury attorneys and they refuse to take your case and won’t return your calls, you’re either struggling to communicate the facts of the case, or are substantially mistaken about or misrepresenting them here.

Not to mention this would be a significant criminal act by the semi driver, possibly as serious as attempted murder.

If I had to guess, you’re just trolling.


Title: Underage niece kicked out to live with me and not sure where I stand legally (MI)

Question:
My (29F) niece (17) was kicked out of her mother's house (in CT) over the summer and came to live with me in Michigan.

Since then, she has started school and I believe her mother sent them something saying that I can make educational decisions for her. I know she did, because the school wouldn't let me until they found whatever it was her mother sent over.

Now that I've had to make her doctor's appointments I'm getting confused. One Doctor (general practitioner) just asked me if I was her guardian. I said yes, and there were no problems. Now I just tried to make her an optometrist appointment, and they said I need something saying I'm her power of attorney?

When I asked her mother about this, she said that she would send me a picture of a piece of paper with her stating and signing that she gives me permission to make medical decisions for her daughter..But the optometrist said that they'd need something more legal.

My question is, do I have to be her power of attorney to be able to make medical and educational decisions for her? If so, then how was I able to sign her up for high school?

Also as a follow-up question.. I know that my niece receives social security from my brother, her father who passed. Rather, her mother receives the social security for each of her children that belonged to my late brother. I've asked her if she could start sending that to me, since she is now a part of my household. She made it clear that the social security will only go to my niece once she's 18 (in 3 months) but only until she graduates highschool? and will continue to go to herself until then. I know that that is not morally right (she's sending me $100/month for living expenses currently...)  but is it legal?
I really would like this to remain as little messy as possible, especially because my niece will be 18 in 3 months anyways.

I'm just worried some big medical thing could come up and I won't be able to help her.
Topic:
Custody Divorce and Family

Answer:
 You need to get legal guardianship, but given that she’s going to be 18 in three months that just may not make sense.

As to the Social Security that she’s receiving, it goes until either she’s 18 or she graduates high school, as long as she’s a full-time student and not yet 19. With the survivor benefits mom only received her check until the youngest child is 16.


Title: How do prenups work with two lawyers?

Question:
I'm curious about how the process of getting a prenup works. If my fiance and I each get our own lawyers and we've both agreed on the general terms ahead of time, how does it work?

Does one lawyer draft the prenup (which one?), and the other then checks it and makes further edits, and it goes back and forth like that? Neither of us have worked with a lawyer before.

Answer:
 You tell your lawyer what you want, he drafts a prenup. The other lawyer goes over it with your fiancé and they propose any changes. You respond, and you keep going back and forth until both sides like what they see.

If you guys are basically in agreement it’s a fairly simple process.


Title: My friend wants to buy my car by taking over payments. What should be in a contract for him to sign?

Question: [IL]  Things like he must keep it insured with full coverage and he's responsible for upkeep and repairs should be in it. What else needs to be in it to protect me?  Does the insurance need to stay in my name but add him as another driver because the title is in my name?

Answer: Sell it to him cash in full and completely pay of your loan (either his cash on hand, or he has a loan to give you cash right away), or don't sell it to him at all. Answer #2: DON'T DO IT. You'll remain on the hook to the lender if they stop making payments.


Title: My brother stole my business idea and is now going to register the company with no mention of me being the cofounder. What can I do?

Question:
First time poster here, I live in South Asia

My brother and I used to discuss ideas on how to start a successful startup. He, after failing for 8 years, took up my advice and the startup is now beginning to flourish, to the point that we were going to register it.

But now he mentioned to my mother that he's only going to register himself and the other cofounder (not me, or my sister) as the company's heads.

While me and my sister can work on work and pay basis. As in, we find the work, do the work and get paid for the particular project.

It was my business idea he stole and is now banishing me from it.

What can I do?

Answer: So you talked about "how" to start a business or you talked about a product to create? What exactly do you think he stole


Title: Graduated from private academy a decade ago, job offer not accepting my high school diploma.

Question:
I received my high school diploma in 2008 from a private academy in South Carolina, in 2009 this academy closed doors to all students. I've recently interviewed and accepted a new position, but cannot start until they can verify my high school diploma.

One of the owners of this academy has died and I cannot get in contact with the other.

I have attended a local technical college but did not finish my associate's. I'm currently working with the HR department of this company to see if a transcript of the classes I've taken will work.

Answer: Who was the accrediting body of the academy? Do you not have a copy of your physical diploma?


Title: Called in to police for questioning after ODing on fentanyl.

Question:
 Around  xmas i unfortunately indulged in some "coke" that was laced with  fentanyl. I ended up in emergency, but was fine. Now a month later the  police in my town want to have a chat with me on Saturday. They say that  i'm not in trouble at all and won't be charged, but they want to know  who it came from. Of course i don't blame them at all.

Issue i'm having is my friend got the coke of the dark web. Now should i just  be completely honest and tell the cops it's from the internet? or will  that bring up some weird shipping drug charges? I'm 100% not ratting out  my friend who got it. I made the choice to do it. Would it just be  better to say i got it off some guy i don't know at the bar?  How does  this type of thing work out? If he told me he isn't going to charge me  does he have to stand by his word? or am i just walking into a trap?   Any advice appreciated.

&#x200B;

Small town Canada

Answer:
 You're not going in for questioning at all. You're going to call a criminal defense attorney and schedule a consultation with them for as soon as possible to familiarize them with your case and get preliminary advice in the event you're charged. If you go in, you are going to be charged.Answer #2: You are indeed walking into a trap. Do not answer further questions. Do not show up at the station or talk to cops. If you are arrested, hire an attorney and do as they say but don't talk to cops unless the attorney tells you to.

Also stop doing drugs you idiotAnswer #3: "I will not be coming into the station and will not be answering any further questions. Thank you for your understanding."

If arrested, demand a lawyer and say **literally nothing**. If they put you in a room alone to wait you out, take a nap.


Title: Hostile work environment and threats to involve company HR by a female colleague who pursued and was rejected by her married boss, after a brief fling

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Wall of text is wall of text.

The company likely has policies on this sort of thing, and your husband needs to look into what the consequences for having intimate relationships with an underling are. He may be looking at termination, period.

Regarding her, if he hasn't done anything at the office to merit a HR report she won't be able to pursue anything.

Lastly, OP, I know that she's the horrible villain in this story, but if you haven't SEEN those messages I'd take a lot of your husband's story with a grain of salt. Answer #2: Not legal advice: I would worry more about a divorce lawyer than worrying about his job.


Title: [CA] Walmart put me on unpaid leave for ten days after doctors note and request for accomendations.

Question: [deleted]

Answer: Reasonable Accommodation is something that will allow you to do your job. Doing a different job is not a reasonable accommodation.


Title: [WA] Booked a vacation rental and can't go, rental agency has a no refund policy

Question:
I booked a vacation house for this weekend, but plans changed and I can no longer go. The rental management company clearly has a no refunds if cancellation is made less than 30 days prior, is there any way out of this? Can I do a charge back on my credit card? Is there any recourse where I do not lose a large sum of money?
Topic:
Real Estate law

Answer:
 Assuming you don't have any form of trip insurance, no, you have no recourse. And you understand why right? You booked this property, and they have zero chance of re-letting because of the time frame. So they are out the money because "your plans changed".Answer #2: >is there any way out of this?

Based off of what you told us thus far, no.

>Can I do a charge back on my credit card?

Sure, you can initiate one. You will initially get the money back but after the investigation they will find out you owe the money and take it right back.

>Is there any recourse where I do not lose a large sum of money?

You could call the rental company and explain your situation.  Other than that, you agreed to the terms of the no refund policy when you initially booked.

This is not really a legal issue.


Title: I've been scammed but I know details about the person. What can I do?

Question:
Hi reddit,

I recently got scammed online. Bought a digital good in the hundreds of dollars through an auction site (not ebay) and the person ripped me off. Luckily I used PayPal to pay so I'm not too worried about not getting back the money.

Using a clue left behind by the scammer, I was able to build up a pretty good picture of who this person is.

Details that I've found so far are:
- email addresses
- first, middle and last names
- social media profiles: Facebook and myspace
- parents' names and home address
- city and state they are from
- potential places they have lived
- approximate age

Something else that found which is circumstantial: this scammer might be in the US military. This is from pictures that were posted online and from a zip code that is an area covered only by a US military base.

I've gotten advice from a friend that I should put in a police report to get an official compliant of fraud but the only problem is that I live in Australia and the scammer lives on the US mainland.

What should I do and is it even possible for me to get this person arrested?

Answer:
 > Luckily I used PayPal to pay so I'm not too worried about not getting back the money.

Then get the money back and move on.Answer #2: You can put in a police report, but I've been in the Facebook mom swap groups for long enough to see how rarely even larger scale scamming gets prosecuted. There is one in particular that is known to still be operating, who has been wreaking havoc in the baby carrier world for nearly four years. She has yet to be arrested. Answer #3: Call the MPs at the military base in question and give them your information.  They will take this case much more seriously than a PD.Answer #4: Put in a police report for sure. Especially if they are military. The US military does not take well to BS like that. ruin them.


Title: My son was asked to move a desk at school for a quiz and injured his knee

Question: Happened today, knee popped when moving desk and is swollen. Unless we go to the emergency room can’t get a regular doctor’s appointment to tomorrow.

Answer:
 It might be worth going to urgent care TBH. It’s cheaper than an emergency room, it’s usually open fairly late in the day (depending on where you are), and they can at least tell you if it’s serious enough for the ER or if you can wait until tomorrow without any harm.

Is there any legal advice question though?


Title: Family member somehow put a bill in my name without my knowing let alone consenting.

Question:
So I just found out some bills are in my name without my consent. These bills are past due and my credit is being damaged. If this person goes to jail they'd lose their job and not be able to pay the mortgage. Even if they don't lose the house, I'm pretty sure I at least would be homeless pretty fast since I'm staying in their basement and don't have anyplace to go right now.

I'm in Michigan, what are my options?

Answer: You can file a police report and then contact the companies involved and tell them that you never consented to an account. Answer #2: Pay the debt or file a police report for fraud. There is no middle ground in which you the debt goes unpaid and the person escapes justice.


Title: Landlord refusing to return security deposit [NYC]

Question: I'm sure this is a routine question but I'm unsure how to proceed. My landlord has notified me that she'll not be returning my security deposit on an apartment in NYC. I was surprised, as I'd had the place professionally cleaned before vacating, though I didn't supervise it (my roommate did). She sent pictures of some wear and tear that indicated the cleaning company hadn't been thorough--a food spill in the refrigerator, some burned food on a pan, some ink on a sheet--but no damage approaching the amount of my deposit. She refused to consider a partial refund. How should I pursue this? The apartment itself violates a few laws (its bathroom was in the kitchen, for example) if that changes anything. Let me know if I can provide any more info. Thanks!

Answer: Small claims court is typically where you'll have to go if the landlord is being unreasonable. Perhaps send a demand letter giving the landlord one last chance before you file.


Title: He slipped her Plan B.

Question:
My husband's coworker was bragging about how he slipped his hookup a plan b pill in her drink so she wouldn't get pregnant. Their manager said it isnt work related so there's no kind of action he's allowed to take.

I don't know this guy or have even the slightest idea who his hookup is, but I really can't ignore that kind of fuckery. What kind of trouble can this guy get in and how can I help?
Topic:
Douche

Answer: This is likely some guy bullshitting. A pill isnt going to instantly disolve and when it does you will notice the taste of the drink change, even when intoxicated.Answer #2: This isn't something the police are likely to investigate. There is no complaining witness, no one knows who this woman is, and it might just be made up entirely. The manager is likely referring to company policy rather than an actual inability to legally fire someone. If you're in the US and not Montana, you can be fired at any time for any reason that doesn't amount to illegal discrimination.


Title: Help with controlling neighbor (MA)

Question:
I live next door to a retired woman, we’ll call her Paula, who has lived on this street since she was in high school. Her reputation amongst the other neighbors is that she isnt very kind and with no hesitation will contact the city to report people who have t done their fall clean up in time or will verbally attack her neighbors that park in front of her house on the public street... she even slapped a neighbor.

About 4 months after we moved in (just after winter was over), she came to our door and introduced herself. She also wanted to let us know exactly where our property lies “just in case we were confused where to mow”. She went on to say request that we ensure we are trimming the bushes that were on our property but next to her fence as she didn’t want the fence to get damaged. And then ended with saying how lovely and quiet the neighborhood is and how she’d love for it to stay that way. Great, thank you for letting us know have a great day!

So, we left it at that for a while and  continued to have very little contact with Paula besides a few hi’s and bye’s. But i started to have some issues about two years later. Once she was raking the leaves on my property and raking them on to my lawn. My portion of the lawn is the downwards side of a small hill. I approached her and asked her not to do that. She indicated she used to do it for the woman who lived there prior I thanked her but said it wasn’t necessary.

Soon after that, we hired a recently established lawn care company. They were approached by Paula with a request that they manage the area in which our properties join and how to. They did as she requested  Although I had given them instruction to leave that area alone saying that we would take care of it.

Then one day in the beginning of the summer I looked outside and saw her mowing my lawn.  She is an older lady attempting to mow down hill so I kindly approached her and explained she didn’t need to do that, that that area would be taken care of. She thanked me saying “oh good because I almost slipped”. At this point I was getting fed up because it was getting to be more controlling then being kind. She wanted things to get done on her time meaning lawn cutting every few days as she does her lawn and constant raking. But We maintained our lawn with no issue- about every week and a half to every two weeks.

Anyway, a few weeks later she is outside using her leaf blower and I looked outside to see her blowing a bunch of debris from her lawn on to my lawn. So I go outside and allow her to finish. When she was  done I kindly approached her and asked that she not do that again and went on to say, as your neighbor I wouldn’t do that to you. Right away she said “would you stop picking on me!, last time you scared me when I was mowing the lawn and was being mean” I explained that I didn’t need her to manage my lawn and went on my way. Luckily another neighbor was there and said I handled her so well and also said she couldn’t believe that she would say I was picking on her because as far as she knew Paula was the bully on the street.

Now a few days later I’m in my backyard and notice that area we don’t cut (because it has large bushes around it and somewhat hard to cut) was recently trimmed. The area is near her fence that is on my property. I asked the lawn care guy and he said he didn’t touch it. So I asked Paula if she did and she denied it. I asked that she not come on my property and left it alone but I just looked in my backyard and noticed the bushes near that area were trimmed as well.  The same bushes she requested we maintain to ensure they did not damage her fence. Mind you the bushes are about 7 feet away from her fence. The sides that were clearly trimmed were on the sides closer to her fence. Some of the branches now dead as well.

Also, I should mentions few more things. On the hi we share she has it lined with hostas that are growing large and growing on to my property. I’ve never complained. And over the weekend my nephew was over and he wrote a line with chalk on the side walk in front of her house. As soon as I saw him do that I told him not to. The morning after I got a letter taped to the front of my door from Paula requesting I not allow him to do that.

So, with all that information what can I do?  I have a plan to write a formal letter requesting  she not trespass as per what I’ve read on mass laws regarding trespassing and giving proper notice. But how can I make her stop cutting my grass and trimming my bushes? Also, this chalk issue. Does she have a leg to stand on if my nephew or son were every to do it again ( not that I want to but I let them play outside alone). I was planning on get a land surveyor but the quote I received were between 1200 and 400 and I just don’t know if it’s worth it at this point.

Tl;dr. Neighbor is controlling and I suspect she has cut my grass and bushes.
Topic:
Real Estate law

Answer:
 I would put up cameras and if you catch her trespassing, call the police. I would not confront her anymore, it's not worth your time and it will just make her more crazy. Make sure when she wants to talk you're within range of your cameras.

A lot of states actually have laws against using chalk on the sidewalk. I really, really doubt you'd ever get a ticket for it, but with this lady I would not push my luck. Answer #2: Put up a fence with a “No Trespassing” sign on it. Answer #3: Put up a camera and let her know you've been having issues with someone tresspassing and doing whatever they want on your property so you will be sure to capture them on camera and file trespassing charges.

As for the chalk, sidewalks are typically public property, not hers. There is zero harm done by children playing with chalk and she should go fuck herself rather than harass small children about completely innocuous things.Answer #4: In addition to installing a fence and game cameras, I would start documenting every time you suspect her of trespassing and what you told her. You don't want her making an adverse possession claim on that corner of your lawn or trying to sue you if she injures herself on your property.


Title: Stepfather is trying to steal my life insurance.

Question:
Hey /r/legaladvice I need your help! I currently live in California, and long story short my mother lost her fight with cancer a few weeks ago. I've never had a good relationship with my stepfather, and he's always been an asshole to my mother. Now that she has passed he's trying to pull the same stuff.

Before she passed, she told me that my brother and I are beneficiaries in her life insurance policy, but the problem is that my stepfather is trying to take my portion of the life insurance payout. He is claiming that they made some oral agreement, that she supposedly went back on, and is now trying to force me to speak to his lawyers. He won't tell me what this agreement was and proceeded to tell me that the payout will be frozen, and that he will "file a motion to modify the payout to comply with california community property law."

People are telling me not to worry because the life insurance isn't apart of the estate, but I am still worried that he is trying to pull something. Please help! Thanks in advance for any responses.

Also sorry for grammer/typos. On my mobile.

Answer:
 You need a lawyer - RIGHT NOW. There ARE ways around a life insurance beneficiary designation, and what your stepfather is saying is roughly one of them. At a minimum it sounds like he's laying the groundwork to get the money. Do NOT talk to his lawyers until you consult with one of your own.Answer #2: CA has some pretty specific laws with regards to beneficiaries on life insurance.

CA, being a community property state the husband may need to sign a waiver in order to name the children as beneficiaries. If you had an insurance agent worth his salt and a non-spouse was named they would make sure to get the waiver. The insurance company should have this on file if there was a waiver.
Answer #3: I would wait to see what your step-father does. DO NOT TALK TO HIS LAWYER WITHOUT A LAWYER THAT ONLY YOU HIRED PRESENT. You do not have to speak with his attorneys.

My understanding is that this agreement would not hold up (IANAL however), but until your get served your papers, do NOT agree to anything he asks. IF he does file suit, then you should get an attorney immediately.

**DONT TALK TO HIM OR HIS LAWYERS**


Title: Courts obeying precedent from other districts

Question:
I am in Illinois and looking to take my landlord to small claims court over issues with my security deposit. The landlord and I are both located in the 6th circuit. I would like to cite a case from the [Second District Appellate Court](https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/1988220/mallah-v-barkauskas/?) which I applies perfectly to my situation and shows I should be getting money back.

I have spoken with two attorneys about the issues. One believes my court does not have to uphold the precedent because the case was from another district. Another attorney believes they do, especially since it was from a higher court.

Considering that the Mallah case is almost exactly like my situation, how likely is it that the court would follow their precedent and side in my favor?

Answer:
 I believe this is what's called persuasive authority. The court doesn't have to follow that ruling but may use it to factor in their decision.

Good write up from Georgetown University: https://www.law.georgetown.edu/academics/academic-programs/legal-writing-scholarship/writing-center/upload/secondarysources.pdfAnswer #2: I think folks are missing the boat here. The case you linked to is an Illinois appeals court ruling. It is accordingly binding on Illinois lower courts.

The likely source of confusion is OP stating that he is in the 6th circuit, and the opinion is from the 2nd district. People are probably assuming that the case is from the federal 2nd circuit, where it is actually one of the Illinois appellate districts.


Title: As a Licensed Massage Therapist, is it legal to *audio* record my outcall/in clinic sessions without a written consent?

Question:
In the state of Texas.
Main purpose is for my own protection.
EDIT -
For clarification - I'm not talking about phone conversations. I meant audio recording the massage therapy session itself. I'm a male therapist and heard horror stories about male therapists being accused of misconduct. I would like to be able to combat that if it ever becomes an issue.
I knew about the "one party consent" (thanks to google 😃) but wanted to make sure, bc it's a *private* session.
Anyone can shed some light on that

Answer:
 Texas is a one party consent state, which means only one of the parties (i.e. you) needs to consent to record a phone conversation.

The issue is with client confidentiality and the rules for how you must go about maintaining that confidentiality (if it is necessary at all for a massage therapist) . Contact your licensing board to see the rules regarding this.


Title: I have an idea for an existing business. I have zero ability to execute it. Is there a way to protect the idea and try to sell it to someone without the company stealing the idea? I am thinking patent law but my limited understanding is that you need to be able to produce it and make an attempt [TX]

Question: to bring it to market.

Answer:
 You can have anyone you're gonna tell the idea to sign a non-disclosure and non-compete agreement. Of course most of them will refuse and then you'll get nowhere.

The real deal here is that ideas are totally worthless. It's almost 100% guaranteed that no one is going to pay you for an idea. It's the execution that is worth money, not ideas themselves, except for in a very few limited circumstances.


Title: [URGENT] SO has been threatened physical harm and has been basically told to give someone money. She State is South Carolina and she lives in the capital of columbia.

Question:
Hello i want to hear if my SO can do anything about this in her state because of a coworker has been trying to blackmail her for money and promised physical harm where nobody can see it on her body while shes at work and this has both been done in a phone call and text and sadly she complied with his pushing her to delete the texts(though it can be recovered atleast half) and hes not backing out. And she really needs to know what she can do. Because as far as she knows in her state you cant do anything till it escalates into physical harm.
Edit** typo in title.

Answer: CALL THE POLICE!


Title: Near Death due to medical device failure (USA)

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 >Malpractice is very fact specific. If you feel you have a case you should take your medical records to a local malpractice attorney for a consult. Most malpractice consults are free.

[**/r/legaladvice wiki**](https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/wiki/index)


Title: New property was built next door which required road work that altered my driveway which is now unusable. What are my options?

Question: Long story short, neighbor built a new home (los angeles) and the existing road and part of the front of my driveway was taken out for installation of utilities. They eventually cut about half of my driveway out and poured a new section with no written approval from me. The result is a slope that is unusable (+ house is on a hill) and it was functional before all of this work. I cannot even get my pickup truck up. I have spoken with him multiple times and it looks like it won't be resolved easily.

Answer:
 Then your best bet is to speak to a property lawyerAnswer #2: Could you draw a diagram of this in MS paint?Answer #3: Agree with the other posters that you're well beyond self-help territory.

It might be useful to pull up any surveys that you have of your property lines as well.Answer #4: Lawyer time.Answer #5: Unless your neighbor put the ahovel in the ground and dug the utility trench himself, your beef is with the utility company.

Contact them, they usually bend over backwards to fix these kind of fuck ups. Often they'll even send out a contractor who specializes in restorations rather than an electrician or gas mechanic.


Title: CA landlord gave us 60 days, we found a place in 2 weeks, landlord is holding us to pay rent for nearly full 60 days

Question: We rent in California and were served a 60 day notice because our landlord is selling the property. 60 days would be up on March 11th. My wife and I found a new house to rent, but landlord said he wont prorate the rent at all and is holding us to pay through February 28th and wont budge even if we move out on January 31st (tomorrow). Is this legal, and is there anything I can do to prevent having to double pay through the end of the month? Thanks!

Answer:
 What county?

 It looks like if you are a month to month tenant who has lived there a year or longer he had to give you 60 days notice. For you to leave sooner than 60 days, you would need to give him 30 days notice of your plans.


Title: Wrongfully terminated under the ada

Question:
I was terminated from a company with over 1000 employees.  I requested a reasonable medical accommodation and they denied my request.  I never talked to any hr rep about getting that put into place.  No one ever talked to me about the medical accommodation.  I live with chronic pain due to a bad back and have issues with sleeping and heavy lifting.  I had a previous medical accommodation in with the employer about extra break time so i could get up and walk around.

&#x200B;

With them denying my request i have talked to the eeoc about filing a complaint i have not done that just yet.  I talked to the civil rights about this as well and they're taking a look into it and then will get back to me about my case.

&#x200B;

The medical accommodation was to have my start time be no earlier than 8am due to sleep issues and that the schedule i had was Sat sun from 12:30-10 and then from 6am to 10am Monday and Tuesday because i had another job.  They never did anything on their end for the accommodation.  If the civil rights files in my favor do i win money from that case or do  i have to take them to court for that and ask for a settlement?  Or do i have to talk to the eeoc and then see if i can get a settlement through them?  To me it's not about the money as much as justice being served to the company because they stated that they help disabled people with life and clearly they didn't help me with that.

Answer:
 This isn't really a simple legal question.

Speaking with a lawyer is your best bet.

You are only entitled to a reasonable accommodation that doesn't cause undue hardship on the company. Depending on the job, starting at 8 am instead of 6 am could totally be considered unreasonable. You can't expect a business to change their operational hours. Once again, this does depend on the specifics of the job.

Determining if your request was reasonable is, once again, not really a simple question.

I will say this tho: Most jobs could justifiably claim undue hardship as a reason to not accommodate your request and terminate your employment. I would deny a request like this at my work and I would feel completely justified in doing so.Answer #2: > The medical accommodation was to have my start time be no earlier than 8am due to sleep issues and that the schedule i had was Sat sun from 12:30-10 and then from 6am to 10am Monday and Tuesday because i had another job.

Were they accommodating you with the 6am start time because of your other job? Or are you saying you need the 8am start time because of the hours or your other job? They don't have to accommodate your schedule so that you can have a second job, and that doesn't have anything to do with the ADA.


Title: My insurance company cancelled my coverage without cause

Question:
I'll keep everything somewhat vague for the sake of privacy.

Today, I logged on to view my bill for my insurance, only to find out that they had cancelled all of my policies. This company insures my home, a condo, and four vehicles.

I immediately made contact with the company to figure out what was going on, since I had not been notified about this policy drop in any form. No email, physical mail, phone call, text, etc.

Turns out that they cancelled my policy almost one month ago exactly! I had been without insurance for quite some time. When I asked why, they boldly claimed they did not receive faxed paperwork from me that they required. I know I had faxed it for absolute certain.

Initially, they tried to sell me more insurance, in addition to a fee for not complying with contractual agreements! So, two supervisors later, I had them on a hunt to find paperwork they claimed they never received.

After nearly 2 hours on the phone while they searched, what do you know, they found the faxed paperwork, received well before the deadline date.

I have a serious issue with the fact that my wife and I, my son, and my homes were uninsured without just cause.

So my question is, do you think I might have a strong case here? I'm absolutely infuriated with the lack of transparency and communication on behalf of my insurer. They were negligent, at least in my eyes. I want to see if I have some case here because this is just unacceptable.

Answer:
 > So my question is, do you think I might have a strong case here?

Likely not.  They are not required to provide you insurance, at all.  Most policies allow cancellation by either party, at any time, for any reason or no reason at all.

Do you assert that you paid for coverage that wasn't given?  Answer #2: > I have a serious issue with the fact that my wife and I, my son, and my homes were uninsured without just cause.

Well, if they found your paperwork, and presumably you embarrassed them into reinstating your coverage, then you retroactively *were* insured. If you have claims arising from events in the past month, you could now file them. For that matter, if you had filed, had the claims denied on the basis of non-coverage, and then the events occurred as you describe and your coverage was reinstated, you could then continue with those claims.

So, there's probably not damages you can claim, but it should make you feel better about being covered - with the stroke of a key on their end, you now *were* covered.


Title: My sister (16 in PA) is considering fleeing my abusive parents to come live with me and my husband (24 and 32 in CA)

Question: There is serious emotional abuse at home and occasional physical abuse. My parents refuse to take my sister to a licensed therapist even though she struggles with self harm. They worked with their church (pastors and other parents) to cover up sexual harassment perpetrated by a boy in the church towards one of her friends. This boy later assaulted her and she felt she couldn’t tell my parents because they’ve covered up the boy’s harassment and assaults in the past. They refuse to take her to an allergy doctor even though she has severe stomach and cold issues that have been ongoing for her whole life. In the past week they’ve broken down her bedroom door, and covered her mouth while she screamed while they told her that her memories of abuse aren’t real and it’s all in her head. If she runs away to me and I take her to the police and ask for emergency guardianship, and help her declare emancipation, would I be able to successfully keep my parents from getting her back?

Answer:
 Both Pennsylvania and California consider that her parents, not her, determine where she lives until she turns 18, or until a court of law hands over guardianship to someone else.

If you believe she's being abused or neglected, you can contact Pennsylvania's [child welfare services](http://www.dhs.pa.gov/citizens/childwelfareservices/index.htm) and describe your concerns. They will determine whether she is in danger, and if so, they may opt to remove her from her home. _At that time_ you can offer to take her in, although being out of state will strongly count against you, as it means disrupting her whole life rather than "just" her home.

She's unlikely to be emancipated. That tool is largely for financial management, not abuse prevention, and unless she has the resources to live alone without your help, it's likely off the table.Answer #2: If you do this, your sister will be returned to her parents and you and your spouse will each be charged with very serious crimes, especially considering that this is interstate. If your sister is being neglected or abused, you call CPS. If she is at some point removed you can ask that she be placed with you.


Title: [ID] Airbnb owner continuously entering our space

Question:
We are renting an Airbnb for an extended period of time in Idaho. We technically have our "own" entrance but it is just a side door that goes through their laundry room and down some stairs to our space. There is a door that separates the Airbnb and the main house but it is at the top of the stairs and they are in the laundry room once a day at least.

The third day, the owner came down stairs while we were out to "change the trash" and left us a note after the fact that they did so. Everyone around us is equating it to housekeeping at a hotel.

Just today, the Airbnb owner came down the stairs with a friend showing her the house and called out asking if anyone was there and we said "yes" from the bedroom because we were still half asleep. She must not have heard us because she came all the way down the stairs and started showing her friend the place. I didn't have my contacts in and my husband had no clothes on so I was the one to open up the door to confront them.

She saw me and must have immediately known she did a bad thing because she scurried back up those stairs with a "sorry!"

As far as I know, tenants need 24 hour notice. Had we not been here .. there would have been no "sorry!" and leaving.

We still have a week here.

Answer:
 What does your contract say? It's airbnb, so you're not tenants.

Absent  language in your airbnb contract, if you want better privacy go to a hotel.


Title: Stuck in a leased apartment with windowless bedrooms. What are my options? (Minnesota)

Question:
My roommates and I leased an apartment labeled as a three bed, two bath, however two of the "bedrooms" don't have windows. We didn't realize at the time, but some friends of ours mentioned and a quick google search confirmed that bedrooms in Minnesota are legally required to have windows. Do we have a legal recourse? Of course we shouldn't have agreed to the lease in the first place, but we're first time renters, it was the best we could find at the time, and we didn't realize how tough it is sleeping in a windowless bedroom.

Edit: This is a third floor apt in a building that is only about a year old. According to my city's fire code, each sleeping room must have an egress window or door to the outside. Two of the rooms have neither.

Answer:
 Check that the building wasn't built before those codes were put into place; if so it may be grandfathered in and not need to meet them.Answer #2: Did you not have a chance to tour the apartment before signing the lease? :/

As GFrohman said, if it was built before the codes, it may be grandfathered in. You will have to do some research on the building.Answer #3: Is it listed as a three bedroom?  Many people will rent a one-bedroom and use the oversized closets and a den as extra bedrooms illegally.

Is everyone’s name on the lease?Answer #4: Is this a basement apartment? I would read up on what is legally required for your unit to be up to fire code.

Seriously. I had a relative who died in a fire because the windows had security bars on them and she couldn’t get out.

If the apartment isn’t legal, that should be enough for you to be let out of your lease. It’s not worth it.


Title: Officially began work on June 11, will not be getting paid until July 19. Legal?

Question:
Hi all,

I'm not sure if this is a dumb question (or if this even the correct place to ask), but I am in need of legal advise. Getting paid every month (US $40,000 per year). I officially started work at my new job (Indiana, USA) on Monday, June 11. However, HR has informed me that I won't be getting my first paycheck until July 19.

Again, job is in Indiana. Can someone with a bit more legal knowledge than me tell me if this is legal to do?

Thanks in advance for your help!
Topic:
Employment Law

Answer: Depending on how the pay period works that’s not entirely unusual.  Even the federal government which pays bi-weekly takes about a month to get around to issuing your first paycheck.  Pay period closes and then it can take a week and a half-two weeks to process it all and cut checks.


Title: Caught Landlord on Video Stealing UPS Package

Question:
Title sums it up well. I was at school today when at about 2:03PM UPS delivered a package. Less than a minute later my landlord comes into the frame and takes the package. I moved in 1 month ago and just set up the camera a few days ago (solely to catch package thieves).

I expected him to bring it by saying he was holding on to it for safe keeping. I'm not going to approach him, but let it go to see if he in fact does bring it over.

The item in question is a 4 port USB hub that Amazon decided to ship in an enormous package. It was $13.

What should I do at this point? Am I doing the right thing?

*edit* grammars
*edit 2* bot yelled at me, location is Utah, USA.

*update*

I went to him this afternoon and asked about it. His response was he forgot he had it and reached down and picked up the package from right inside his door. Case closed. I stand by my choices and still disagree it was a good thing for him to do. Without people in this thread knowing the guy, it would be difficult to understand my worry. One point being he refuses to do an initial walk-through of the apartment with me. After several times of him coming up with excuses I just gave up on that. I just documented the things I saw myself. Anyway, glad this didn't need to be escalated and I enjoyed the feedback a lot of people gave. Thank you /r/legaladvice.

Answer:
 Ask your landlord about it. You should not involve the authorities until he has denied taking your item or refuses to give it to you.

Only at that point, should you call the police. Explain the situation. Show them the evidence.Answer #2: I forgot to mention I live in a duplex and my landlord lives in a different duplex on the same street.Answer #3: To be fair, what if he gets packages off the porch (good guy) and keeps them until you get home? What if he forgot about putting your package in his house? Maybe something occurred and he completely forgot. I would first ask him if he has seen a package from Amazon. If he says no, then call the police and show them the video.
 Also, if he is proven to be a "package thief" (maybe he steals for the thrill and not just packages, some people have a compulsion to take things, no matter the risk) then maybe that is grounds to be questioning your lease, if you signed one. I am not an attorney, but if he did this, could you get out of your lease? Who wants to live near a thief?


Title: Coworker "stole" paycheck, HR is trying to cover up theft at my expense

Question:
I work for a grocery store chain. On January 12, I went to pick up my paycheck and it wasn't there. Our HR person was busy, so I didn't talk to her until Tuesday morning, January 17th. She told me she would file a "ticket" to corporate to have another check sent in my name. Sunday, January 22nd, I still hadn't heard from her so I approached her to ask for an update on my check. She told me that since it was a weekend, there was nothing she could do, and she would give me an update the next day. The next day I did not receive an update. Then, on Friday, January 27th, a coworker and friend of mine called me while I was off from work. She told me she had accidentally been given two checks, and cashed them both, and it turns out one of the checks was my missing check. She told me our HR person said it would be best if we could all meet and discuss a payment plan for the next couple weeks for my coworker to pay me back instead of me getting a new check. I was uncomfortable with this, but didn't know what to say on the phone to her. Once I got off the phone with her, I called corporate for my company. Once on the phone with them, I learned that my HR person had never filed a ticket with anyone at all, and this was the first they were hearing about it. Corporate told me that because my check was disbursed and cashed, they couldnt issue another check but told me in the next few days someone would call me.

Today at work my coworker kept trying to arrange a payment plan with me in front of customers while I was just trying to do my job. I refused to work near her because of it and was told I could be written up for not being compliant or something. I was told if I want to not work near her I need to explain the situation to our HR person, which obviously I felt like I couldn't do. I was so nervous at work, I'm afraid of retaliation from our HR person or from my coworker, or that they will want to get rid of me because they see me as a trouble maker when all I want is my check.

I need my check, and I need my job. What are my options?

Edit:
This took place in New York. You can cash checks at our place of work, so as soon as she got *my* check she cashed it and someone let her do it.

Answer:
 Your employer owes you your wages. They need to pay you and your coworker who stole your check can work out a payment plan with them. If they don't pay you, you can file a wage claim with the department of labor in whatever state you're in. Answer #2: Your employer needs to pay you. If they do not (within a timely fashion) file a wage claim with the NY Dept of Labor.

It is not your job to get the money back from your coworker. If your bosses want that money back, they need to pursue her, not you.Answer #3: File a wage complaint immediately.

Consider considering this a dismissal and filing for unemployment. They are gearing up to find a reason to fire you in order to cover up the mistake. Even if you get paid without the wage complaint, you will not have a job for long. Retaliation is illegal, but if they have documented incidents of you being written up, making it stick is hard. That's why you should consider cutting your losses.


Title: [MD] Little brother throwing a party in parents house while they're out of town.

Question:
So my brother told me he is throwing a party tonight and there will be underage drinking and smoking of marijuana. He is 17 and I'm 21. The house belongs to my parents who are and will remain out of town for a few days.

Can I be arrested for something if the cops come and if so what charges? I will not be buying them any booze or drugs and will stay alone isolated in my room trying to sleep and they will be isolated in the basement two floors below. Can they search my room? Or should I just go sleep at a friends house tonight to avoid getting tangled up in his bullshit.

I really don't want to call the police on him as he has a bright future ahead of him and I don't want him ruining that. I'm in Maryland by the way. Thank you so much.

Also - is there any advice I should give him to reduce the chances of police coming and what to do if they do end up showing up.

Answer:
 Call your parents dummy.Answer #2: If you are the only adult that lives at the residence and is on scene, yes, I am citing you for hosting the party.

You can explain to the judge why you allowed it to happen.

Your brother is a minor, you are the adult.

Act like it.


Title: Person buying house left?

Question: I decided to sell a trailer to a couple, we have a contract and agreed they would pay us completely once their taxes came in (small down payment), fast forward a couple of months and they just dissappear. They come back sometimes at nights and pick stuff from their house. They also owe the trailer park a lot of money and I'm going to have to pay from my own pocket. Anything I can do?

Answer: Sue them for breaching the contract.


Title: Lexapro fueled blackouts, is there any defense that can help me? [IN]

Question: [deleted]

Answer: Listen to your lawyer. You started drinking early in the morning and want to blame Lexapro for your blackout? No one is buying that, even if it *was* true.


Title: [IL] Rape accusation can be disproven with illegal audio/video

Question: [removed]

Answer: Tell your lawyer. Your lawyer works in your best interest and will navigate you.


Title: (NC) Friend was watching my cat while I was on vacation. Cat ended up dead and cremated without me knowing.

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Friend took your cat.  99% it's still alive, with someone who wanted a cat.

As already stated, you can probably only sue for the $ value of the cat, which is not high.

> The people happen to be W's dealers.

I can think of a completely legal way to have some revenge, however.Answer #2: As a lot of other people have said, it sounds like W gave your cat away. My advice is first, you call him on his bullshit.

Tell him that, if you don't get your cat back real rikki tik, you'll report him, then you report his dealers and give his name as the informant.

If he really did have your cat cremated on the "down low", do the above, then report the vet to the state licensing board for failing to contact the owner, and for the sketchy cremation.

I don't know about you, but I would be furious, and would find every legal and reasonable method in my power to fuck his life up. But that's your call.

IANAL.

EDIT: Because my phone doesn't understand old Navy terminology.Answer #3: Sounds like W traded the cat for drugs. You can confront him and give him a chance to get the cat back (unlikely), and then go ahead and report him and his dealer(s) if nothing happens, as justice/revenge. Answer #4: The cat is certainly still alive.  They just decided to keep it.Answer #5: Look around on social media. You may be able to find pics if someone does have your cat.


Title: Can my wife take my son?

Question: We sold our house a few weeks ago and are temporarly living in my friends basement until we close on a new house. Well shit has gone sideways and I'm concerned she's going to try to move out and take our son with her. I know under normal circumstances she can't take him.what about with us living in this temporary situation?

Answer:
 Most of the time, both parents have equal rights.
Until a court order  or custody arrangement is In place, she can take the child and go.  So can you.
She wouldn’t be violating any law, neither would you. Not a lawyer.  Did go through a nasty divorce.

If you are concerned contact an attorney and file papers.  Once she’s served things change.   Until then..


Title: [Missouri] Employer violating FMLA, how to proceed? I am in dire need of help.

Question:
There are two issues, the most pressing being that beginning this year, my employer began penalizing people who take FMLA leave with "attendance points" as though they were a normal absence, by assessing 1 point on the first day of leave after vacation has been exhausted. This could soon lead to my termination. This new policy is documented in my employee handbook sitting on the desk beside me. The second issue which has been problematic is that I use intermittent FMLA to care for my wife who has a chronic and well documented condition for which I filled out and submitted long form certification papers from her doctor which my employer accepted, yet every time my wife's condition flares up and I need to use intermittent leave my employer requires I furnish them with a doctor's note. Everything I have read indicates that they are not allowed to do this because it's the same as requiring me to re-certify more frequently than allowed by the law in 2 different precedents. Having to contact the doctor, get a note, etc is very time consuming and in the past has been very expensive and stressful. I have expressed concerns about the legality of this policy to HR and they insist their policy supersedes federal law.

How do I proceed? I have contacted a few labor law attorneys/firms and so far the only one that has bothered to respond has requested a $250 consultation fee. I also tried contacting the DOL via phone in the past for the second issue (requiring frequent recertification) and they never call back. I don't know what to do as I am very close to losing my job thanks to the additional attendance point I was penalized with for using FMLA.

UPDATE: Thanks for the responses. I'll contact the local BAR on Monday and file a complaint or whatever with the DOL if it's possible.

Answer:
 >they insist their policy supersedes federal law.

This statement is just bananas.  The company's stance is that they are above the law? I do not have the expertise to tell you how/when you might be able to take action, but I assure you company policy is not above the law.

unless you work for Judge Dredd, but even then, he isn't above the law, he *is* the lawAnswer #2: Have you tried contacting your local bar association for more options on attorneys?  That way you have more than just one option.  You definitely need to get an attorney, however, if all of this information is correct you have a case.Answer #3: $250 is a lot of money but less than it would cost to lose your job and have to get another one and be employed for a year before qualifying again. An attorney may be able to draft a strongly worded letter on your behalf, citing some case law that would keep your employers from being such assholes.

Also, you may want to have a chat with your wife's doctor or his/her assistant. They may be able to make an arrangement whereby your wife calls and confirms she is having a flare-up and the doc's office can fax over the doctor's note without going through the bother of an appointment. Some doctor's offices are more flexible than others.Answer #4: By any chance, does your employee handbook provide documentation regarding this attendance system?  If so you should keep a copy of it at home, similarly, and text evidence or other "hard" proof of this system would likely prove helpful.


Title: My mom is gaslighting me in order to steal my money and just being abusive, what can I do?

Question:
This is Colorado btw

I still live with her and she’s claiming my CD account which contains my life savings and is in my name is hers. Ten years ago she’s been depositing checks from my work for me, but the account is still in my name. Now she’s claiming that she has no recollection of making those deposits and, therefore, that money is all hers.

This has been a part of a decades-long process of abuse including emotional and financial abuse and gaslighting. I’m sick and tired of it and this last incident is the last straw. I’m wondering what kind of legal action I can take against her to remove her from my life permanently including having her ruled mentally unfit, bring criminal or civil charges against her, get her citizenship revoked (she’s a foreign national) or just file a restraining order against her.
Topic:
Custody Divorce and Family

Answer:
 If her name is nowhere on it, you say "No." and then hangup and drop the matter.  Or leave, or whatever you have to do to end the conversation.

If she doesnt remember making the deposits then I guess they are all yours and you must have deposited them.


Title: Family Law in Pennsylvania for non-biological parents

Question:
I'm trying to help a friend of mine with a situation and I'm hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst.
Her and her ex have raised a 5 year old daughter together. Her ex got pregnant using a sperm donor. After the baby was born, when the baby turned 6 months old, my friend came into the baby's life as "mom". It is normal for her and she is very comfortable with the fact that she has 2 mom's. They separated a year ago and since then, the arrangement was that my friend would have the equivalent of physical custody. The biological mom has her every other weekend and Wednesdays while my friend has her the rest of the time. My friend is also listed with the school as her parent.
My friend has since moved on and is dating someone which the biological mother isn't happy with. She is now threatening to take her daughter and never allow her to see her again unless she breaks up with the current girlfriend. I know that traditionally only mothers and fathers or biological family would be permitted to fight for custody, but given the situation, is there any gray area that we could utilize?

Answer:
 A lot of it will depend on HOW she was given custody.  Was anything formalized through the court.

She should most likely at least contact a lawyer and lay it out.


Title: What are the legalities of a "no soliciting" sign?

Question:
So, briefly: I work late afternoon/nights, keep getting woken up by solicitors at my apartment. There are already "no soliciting" signs up all over.

Long version: So I moved into this place about 9 months ago or so, and I'll get, on average, 3 people a day trying to solicit stuff at our door. The apartment complex I live in has posted "no soliciting" signs but they seem to be few and far between. Either that or people aren't giving a fuck when they do see them.

Anyways, I work an odd shift and I'm tired of them waking me up with pounding on the door. The solicitors range from places like comcast to weirdos trying to sell me a pie.

So my question is this: If I put a no soliciting sign on my door, and people still try to sell me a vacuum, what can I do from there? I'm not trying to sue someone or anything like that, I just want to get a full 7 hours of sleep. Can I call the police, or do I have to go through other channels? The apartment manager has confirmed that they do not want solicitors on the site.

I live in CO if that makes a difference.

Answer: Put a sign up that says "I work nights. I'm asleep. Go away." It won't have any legal ramifications, but letting folks know that they're disturbing you will keep away all the decent ones. "No soliciting" is so boilerplate that they probably assume it's just there out of habit.


Title: [Florida] I have $2,000 in the bank, but I can't find a divorce lawyer who will take my case for less than $7,000

Question:
I'm a stereotypical broke grad student finishing my second master's degree. My wife on the other hand, inherited several million dollars a few years before we were married, maxed out all my credit cards, and emptied my bank account before filing for divorce and hiring a $500/hr attorney.

I would like to use section 61.16 of Florida Statues to make her pay a retainer fee so I can hire an attorney. I filed a motion for a summary judgement of attorney's fees but the Judge said he didn't want to hear the motion until trial. Is there any other motions that I can file or anything else I can do? I can't even figure out how to file evidence, I'm going to get railroaded if I can't figure out how to hire an attorney.

Answer:
 You filed the wrong motion. You need to file a motion to have her ordered to provide funds for you to hire an attorney. It sounds like you just a motion to have her pay your attorney's fees. The judge has no idea that you are broke and she is rich and that she maxed your cards and cleaned out your bank accounts.

Tell him. Answer #2: [Here's](http://www.floridabar.org/tfb/TFBConsum.nsf/840090C16EEDAF0085256B61000928DC/A99E4C9F07844AC385256FF90073D012) Florida State Bar's information on finding a pro bono attorney.

[More](http://floridalawhelp.org) help.

[Here's](http://www.floridabar.org/wps/portal/flbar/home/ForThePublicURL?uri=nm:oid:Z6_022E1OS0J0JT30AS80JFVF20K7) Florida State Bar's Lawyer Referral Service

An attorney somewhere will hear this and have flash backs of their ex-wife and help you out. Part of being broke is having to go the extra mile but the alternative is her winning... Answer #3: I can't believe the divorce lawyers are not circling around you like sharks once you mention your wife's wealth...Answer #4: >My wife on the other hand, inherited several million dollars a few years before we were married, maxed out all my credit cards, and emptied my bank account before filing for divorce and hiring a $500/hr attorney.

Hmmm. I'm going to be nosey and ask if you signed a prenup.Answer #5: I'm really sorry man. It sucks how people can be vindictive. All I can say is hold your head up and keep at it. Maybe you can try to find a newer attorney who is still looking for a good client base and needs work?


Title: Injured and Potentially Taken Advantage Of

Question:
I am a 20 year old community college student. Last December I was working on a CNC table router and was injured on the job. I had to have reconstructive surgery on a finger, and when my employer took me to the hospital he informed me for the first time that I had been working for him under the table and I could not claim workers comp or even mention that this happened while I was working (even though he had been paying me with checks and paystubs from his Payroll and I could see that state and federal taxes, along with social security and Medicare was being withdrawn from my gross income). Due to intimidation and fear for my well being as well as his company's  (felt almost like I had been caught up feeling sorry for my captors) I told the hospital that I had been injured on my own property and that I was not injured on the job. Now my parent's insurance won't cover me because they know I did not do this at home and I owe over $3,000 for the surgery.

Is there any legal leverage I have on my ex employer? Or am I out of luck because I have waited almost 10 months until I've felt safe enough to get to the bottom of this. I'm in the state of Oregon in the United States of America, and I could really use some help. I have no idea who to call.

Answer:
 Whether you're paid under the table or not, your employer is required by law (in most circumstances)to cover the cost of your injuries sustained in the job. If his wc insurance denies the claim, that's his problem and he would still have to pay out of his own pocket for your expenses.  Definitely contact a personal injury lawyer. In Oregon you have 60 days to petition a claim denial, although i don't think your situation applies since it sounds like the employer hasn't even filed an incident report with his workers comp insurer.

P.s. Your employer is a scum bag. Seek new employment.


Title: People who have window tint beyond the legal limit, have you ever gotten pulled over for it?

Question:
Hello, I live in Illinois and the tint limit for my state is thirty-five percent for the front passengers but I was thinking about taking all my windows down to twenty percent. Do you think I’ll get pulled over for this and have you gotten pulled over for something similar?

I know this is illegal, however, I want to get input on how the law actually enforces this. Most of my friends are telling me I would be fine but I’m still unsure.

Answer: I have seen many cases that begin with being pulled over for window tent violations