Title: Service fraud from a dealership... what do I do.

Question:
My car was flooded and I took it to the local Toyota car dealership. They worked with the insurance company to get a supplement done and they performed the work. My father being a mechanic of 30 years normally inspected the car after it was given back. To the surprise a lot of the work that was paid for was never done.  One example is the jute in the car needed to be replaced. It was still in the car marked with the manufactures date. The dealer knowing they are wrong gave me a rental from there inventory of cars and constantly apologized that there technicians would do such a thing. I have the entire conversation audio recorded and pictures of the car and all the work they performed in there lot. Do I have any ground here? I want the car back in the condition that it was in before I took it in and the damage was there. What are my options? Is this grounds to get an attorney? I've been told to do this. I left the car with the dealer so they could get back with the insurance company and make good on what they have done.  I dont want the car back until its the way I had it. I bought it not even 4 months ago,

&#x200B;

Thanks in advance for any advice.
Topic:
Insurance

Answer:
 It's entirely possible that the missing work was an honest mistake. They've taken the car back and are (at least for the moment) correcting the mistake. So you don't have any grounds to sue as of yet that I'm seeing.

That being said, there are really 2 outcomes here:

- 1.) The insurance company decides your vehicle is a complete loss and they cut you a check for the value of the car. Do your research on what the fair market value of the vehicle is and know that you can deny their payment if you don't agree with the price.
- 2.) The insurance company/mechanic fixes your car and returns it to you. I would say you're being unrealistic to expect the vehicle to be in the same condition it was in before the damage. Flood damage is simply too extensive to make that happen without replacing damn near everything. In this case I would examine the car again to ensure all the work listed on the invoice was actually done and go from there. You can also pursue the insurance company for the lost value of the vehicle as a result of the accident even after it's fixed.


Title: CA: Employer didn't make reasonable accommodations for disabilities and terminated before doing so.

Question: So this is a twofold situation. I started working for a company in November of 2014 where I worked a 9pm-5:30am shift 5 days a week. In March of 2015, I started to have severe medical problems, to the point where I had to take a leave of absence for the whole month of April. Faster forward to november, had to take another month due to complications. In december when I got back, I started to have severe side effects to the new medication I was on, I missed approximately 6-7 work days in 2 weeks. My manager aware of the situation, still decided to pursue disciplinary action, queue a write up (second warning), the day before I had to take a 3 month leave, from January 8'th to March 31'st. In May, my psychiatrist told me she wanted me off of that shift (they're a 24/7 operation with 3 shifts, 5am-1:30pm, 1pm-9:30pm, and 9pm-5:30am), and with regular sleeping hours. I turned in all the paperwork, got my doctor, my manager, and HR to sign off on it,  but then nothing happened. During this time my psychiatrist wanted me to enroll in an intensive outpatient program, which took place over the weekend. That paperwork got turned in 2 weeks ago of this posting. It was then my manager informed that my new schedule would start August 5'th (5am-1:30pm monday-friday). For this company I worked in a packaging department as a versatile packaging employ (knowing multiple facets of the different packaging components) as well as being their Certified Forklift Trainer as of September 2015. The company has a 0 tolerance policy of using cell phones while operating a forklift, after seeing several employees using their cellphones on forklifts, I decided to ask our Safety Manager (the person in charge of forklift training/certifications/all things safety) for clarification on the policy. Just like a person can get a DUI for sitting behind the wheel of a parked car even though the keys aren't in the ignition. I asked him I had noticed several employees using their cellphones while on lists, could you clarify the policy for me please? Is it an absolute no, 0 cell phone usage while operating a forklift? or if the forklift is turned off, may employees use their phones? He told me that they may use them if the forklifts are powered off. I spread the news to the other forklift trainer, and go about my day. July 27'th, my supervisor called me into work on my day off to operate the forklift, due to a staff shortage. Armed with my new information I had pre-staged everything that we'd need so there were large gaps between when I was actually needed to drive, so... I pulled out my phone and started texting, making very very sure the forklift was turned off each, and every time before I even pulled it out. (it's even on camera, that I turn the key to the off position before my phone left my pocket each time). Fast forward to 8/3, my supervisor tells me my manager and hr rep would like to meet with me, it's my friday so I assume we're just going to go over the paperwork my doctor submitted and touch bases about my new schedule. Nope... I'm getting terminated for... using a cell phone while operating a forklift. I told them I had confirmed the policy with the safety manager, and told them they need to verify with him as I'm not signing my termination paperwork until then (still haven't), I did deposit my check, as the payday was that friday. My question is this, do I have any legal recourse or way to dispute my termination? In the time I'd been there (11/14-8/16) I'd never heard of or seen an employee get fired for that reason. Should I pursue wrongful termination with the labor board or try and file something under the American's with Disabilities Act? ( disabilities include: Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia, Borderline Personality, and Bipolar II) Since last wednesday, I was contacted by 1 coworker who asked me if the rumors were true, I asked her to clarify, and she responded that I had been terminated for using a cell phone while operating a forklift. What are my options here on out?

Answer:
 You have no case for wrongful termination. You were terminated for cause, and California is an at will employment state, so they can fire you for any reason other than being a member of a protected class.

> Should I pursue wrongful termination with the labor board or try and file something under the American's with Disabilities Act? ( disabilities include: Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia, Borderline Personality, and Bipolar II)

What makes you think you have any sort of case regarding the ADA?


Title: My cousins girlfriend got him arrested, stole his house key, and is refusing to let him make contact with their son. What should we do now?

Question:
I don't know the full details or how accurate the details actually are, but here:

For months, my cousin and his girlfriend, who he's been living with for 7-8 years, have been fighting. She left him but came back because she didn't have a job. Once she got a new job, she kicked him out of the house. I don't know if that's important information, but eventually he was able to move back in. They were no longer "a couple", but because neither of him had any other options, they stayed in the same house for their kid.

Now, last night (this is where the details are what I heard. I don't know how accurate they are.) she went out drinking and came home drunk. He was trying to leave for work, but apparently she kept getting in his way and trying to yell at him. He pushed her out of the way to quickly leave for work. Some time later, she stole his house key. They both rent the house, and they both had separate keys. I don't know when, but at some point he punched a hole in the wall. This is definitely his fault, since it's a rented house, and I'm sure he's fine with whatever he has to pay for that. But regardless, she stole the key. She then called the cops on him for pushing her. He went to jail for a short time (maybe an hour?) before being released with a no-contact paper for their son. Now he can't enter the house he's renting, can't get access to his vehicle's to get to work (the cars are on the property, and she won't let him near them), and most importantly he can't see his son.

Now, I'm trying to stress out the fact that I don't know if these details are 100% accurate. But assuming they are, what options does he have at this moment? He has no plan of ever getting back in a relationship with her, but he wants to be able to see his son. Thank's to anyone who can help out.

EDIT: I forgot my location. It's Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Answer:
 He needs a lawyer for sure.  Punching a wall is evidence that he was aggressive which is probably why the cops arrested him.   Sane people dont punch walls.

He has to fight the battery charge and for custody.  It wont be easy at this point.    No one wants to give custody to someone that punches holes in walls.

In the mean time, he should have a family member go get his car.    Get the police involved if she wont let them get the keys or the car.


Title: Maxed out property damage liability

Question:
I was recently in a car accident and I may be found at  fault. The damage to the other vehicle is extensive, but thankfully there were no injuries.

When I first moved to California I got the state minimum coverages as I was a recent college graduate with no money. Several years later I'm doing much better but never remembered to go back and change my coverages.

My liability coverage only covers the minimum 5k and the insurance company told me that if I'm at fault I could be personally liable for any damages over 5k.

I've already upped my coverages for the future, but what should or can I do in the meantime to prepare for the worst case scenario? Also, my I insurance company told me to contact them if a lawyer reaches out to me because they have a legal team to deal with these types of things.

Any advice is appreciated.

Answer:
 >  but what should or can I do in the meantime to prepare for the worst case scenario?

Save money.

Depending on how much the property damage is and your income/net worth and all, your worst case scenario is probably bankruptcy. That may suck but is arguably not as bad as having a judgment looming over you for decades.


Title: I live in an area with only one ISP, that is very unreliable and has the worst service. Is there anything I can do?

Question: My area only has one ISP and the service itself is super slow ( like 3mbps Down and .3mbps Up Speeds ) and it will always be off and on. We always try and contact them for problems but they never do anything about it. Is there anything I can do to fix this problem? I want faster internet and or a reliable company that will work with me to help fix my issues. It seems like a damn monopoly because they know I have to use there services. What can I do?

Answer: I believe you will have to move.


Title: Is sexting illegal between two consenting adults?

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 >>Two days ago, police showed up at his door and they are telling him he could face ten to twenty years in jail.

Then you're not getting the full story. Clearly the cops have something on him to arrest him. Sexting isn't illegal between adults. Either he's sexting underage teens or other things are happening that you're not being told.

Cut ties now, you'll regret it if you don't.Answer #2: Have you met your boyfriend in person?Answer #3: Hmm, how do you know he didn't sext somebody else who is NOT legal?Answer #4: You dont have the full story. I bet he's lying for some reason or another


Title: A kid broke my child's glasses at school, but the parent is denying to pay for it.

Question:
A kid broke my child's glasses at school. The vice principal is well aware of the situation, since the kid is such a trouble maker who has anger issues. The glasses are valued at $99, so I demanded the outstanding price, but the parent is denying to pay for it.
She is only stating she will pay the "minimum price" which is about $39. Furthermore, she states that her son only broke the frames of the glasses, therefore only should pay the frame's value. This is not true although he did only "damage the frame only", the nose bridge which elevates the glasses from the nose completely disassembled from the glasses. The existing frames can't be fixed and my son's glasses are out modeled, so my optometrist and I decided it is best for my son to get new glasses.
The frame is worth 89$, and the lens is worth $30 (since it's poly-carbonate lens). The optometrist was having a special back to school promotion, so I got $20 off.
The problem is, the principal is now stepping out of this problem suggesting me to contact the police department, and he told me to be careful since the child's mother is "not a typical mother" and that I should just take the $39 since it's better than nothing.
+ I know the police wont do anything since they claim "civil disputes" should be solved in court, and that it is not their job to interfere.
I am in a dirty situation at the moment, and what are some suggestions I should carry out?

Thank you.

Answer:
 What everybody else said. Also keep in mind that typically with damaged or destroyed property you're not entitled to the full replacement value of a brand new version of that item. If you borrow my '98 Toyota Solara and you drive it off a cliff, you (your estate, actually...) doesn't owe me the cost of a brand new 2014 Toyota Solara (though that would be nice). You owe me whatever my '98 Solara was worth on the day you totaled it. Similarly, the child's mom probably doesn't owe you the cost of a brand new pair of glasses. She probably owes you whatever your kid's glasses were worth, depreciation and all, before they were broken. In that sense, $39 might not be such a terrible deal.

Edit: But see /u/Karissa36's response to me above. You may or may not be entitled to the replacement value. Whether that would make small claims worth it, I'm still not so sure.Answer #2: >Furthermore, she states that her son only broke the frames of the glasses, therefore only should pay the frame's value. This is not true although he did only "damage the frame only", the nose bridge which elevates the glasses from the nose completely disassembled from the glasses. The existing frames can't be fixed and my son's glasses are out modeled...

The nose bridge is generally included when they sell you the frames.  So are the same frames currently available for purchase or not?  If yes, you are only entitled to the cost of the frames.  You are not entitled to the cost of updating to a different model, just because the broken frames were out of style.Answer #3:  Just move on with your life.  Is this really about the cost of the glasses, or your personal pride?


Title: (Austin,TX) After shoplifting, employees confronted me in parking lot, said they were calling cops, and I drove away.

Question: Today I went to Office Depot.  I walked into the store and stole a box that cost $20, a pair of headphones that cost $50, and batteries that cost $20.  I left the store with stolen goods and went next door to Michaels.  After 30 min, I left Michaels, and began walking to my car which was parked in front of Office Depot.  I was approached by three employees telling me to give back the cord that I stole and that they were calling the cops. (I did not steal any cord.)  I asked them if I could come back later and got into my car and drove away quickly.  They were taking pictures and I used my debit card there so they know my name.  Cops obviously didn't get to speak to me...is it protocol to persue me further?

Answer: Time to figure out if you can afford a lawyer.


Title: (US) CA. 4 pay cycles in a row I haven't been paid on time.

Question:
Exactly what the title says. For the last 4 pay cycles, I haven't been paid on time, ranging from over 2 weeks late, to 4 days late, and one of the paychecks, they paid me for half the hours I worked. I'm just wondering what kind of legal standing I might have in a case like this. I have saved text messages between me and my manager, as well as bank statements for when checks were deposited (the day i received them), and payday statements for when i SHOULD have been paid. Thanks!
Topic:
Labor Law

Answer: Find another job. When a company starts missing payroll, nothing good comes next.


Title: Help needed

Question:
So my mother hasn't been getting me up for school like she said... I'm already on truency and if I miss more than 4 days (which I already have) I get into more trouble. So far alarm clocks conviently don't go off and no one wakes me like they say they will. I don't know how to deal with this. I'm a junior in high school and I don't know if anyone will believe me because I don't have proof any advice? (I could really use some)
Topic:
School Related Issues

Answer:
 How do you get to school? If you take the bus or walk, it's time to manage your alarms better and take charge of this.

If you rely on your mom for transportation, you need to speak with your school's counselor.


Title: (AZ) Work for a drug free workplace. Have medical condition that would approve me for a medical marijuana card. What do?

Question:
Please let me know if this should be posted elsewhere...

I work for a company that adheres to the Drug Free Workplace guidelines. I understand that means that if an accident on the job turns up illegal drugs I can be fired (via a urinalysis). However, in Arizona, medical marijuana has been legalized. I did some Googling and came across [this](http://www.quarles.com/hb_2541_az_2011/). I am not sure how to interpret what it means for me as an employee. I drive for work. If I were to use, I would be treating it as alcohol (I'm not an idiot) and using off the clock. However, unlike alcohol, it will be present in my system the next day but I won't be under the influence. Will an employer under the Federal Drug Free Workplace guidelines be able to terminate my employment based on THC in my system even though I have a legal medical card? Any advice would be appreciated. Or any suggestion as to what type of attorney I should speak with regarding this as well. Thanks!

Answer:
 You should probably decide whether or not you want to use marijuana more, or keep your job more.

AFAIK, they can absolutely fire you for violating their zero drug policy.  Answer #2: Arizona enacted a statute that made Medical Marijuana Cardholders a [protected class](http://www.azleg.gov/FormatDocument.asp?inDoc=/ars/36/02813.htm&Title=36&DocType=ARS).

You should sit down with an Arizona employment law attorney and discuss your situation in depth with them. They will be able to give you the answer you need.


Title: [sortof x-post /r/askmen] I own a property with my girlfriend of 3.5 years, and she recently got impregnated by another mans spunk and told me I was the father. What legal protections do I have to not get screwed on this condo?

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 I would pay so that your mortgage does not default, which could trigger a bunch of problems and also impact your credit.

Really you are fighting over 4.5k. So how bad do you want your portion of that? It may be best to just sell, split the cash and move on. Answer #2: All she owns is the her half of the equity, right? Just buy her out and find a room mate if possible.Answer #3: > This would go a lot smoother if we were married.

Heh.  Not necessarily.

I would go real estate lawyer route.Answer #4: You sell it and take a bit of a beating or you buy her out if she's willing or you let her buy you out if able.  What you don't do is fail to make payments or decided to walk away from it.  You do not want to *destroy* you credit for a couple grand.Answer #5: Sell. Take a loss. Chalk it up to a life lesson.

Or fight it out and be broke.

The good news is you are a little broke.


Title: [TX] my pickup was parked in front of my house and totaled by a drunk driver.

Question:
three months ago i was awoken at 4AM by my roommate and cops at my door. my truck was accordion'ed by a drunk driver who had to have been going at least 50-60mph on a residential street. pushed my truck about 2 more houses down, and the driver ended up in a tree 4 houses down. at the time the cops told me he was sober.

last month i got a letter from the county courts saying they are prosecuting him for DUI.

his insurance has paid out, and i was able to pay off my loan and used the rest to put a down on a new truck.

so here's my question: all of this has created a financial burden i was not prepared for. a higher interest rate, a higher monthly car payment and higher insurance rate. three years of paying off my car note, just wiped away. even tho i did nothing wrong, i feel like i'm the one being hurt here. is there any recourse to recoup some of cost to me in either criminal or civil?

Answer: From your post it sounds like you were paid the value of what you lost. If you bought a more expensive truck with higher payments that's on you.


Title: Is it legal to have an alert system in my house that triggers vibration motors in a bunch of beehives?

Answer: No, man traps that indiscriminately trigger the use of force, and this would absolutely qualify, are illegal.


Title: Is Red Robin doing something illegal?

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 > Is discrimination based on name a real thing?

Yes it is. It's just not an illegal thing.

> Can a restaurant owner charge people differently for the same service depending on what their name is?

Yes.


Title: I asked for nudes on the website anon.ib can I get in trouble?

Question:
(United States)

I asked for nudes of a few girls on the website anon.ib (all over 18), not realizing that what I was doing could be wrong.

All I did was ask and view the website, from what I have read I am fine but a more concrete answer would be nice.

Answer: You're fine, though you sound likely to end up as the victim of some common scams. If you "meet" a "girl" who sends you nudes and then claims to be underaged and her father or a detective calls you asking for money for therapy or anything else, it's a scam. If a "girl" asks to see your penis over the webcam it's a scam and she's going to record you, find your social media via social engineering, and threaten to send the video to your friends unless you send money. If you send money she'll ask for more. She may share the video regardless. Make sure your true self is indiscernible from your horndogging.


Title: Mother doesn't seem to think the parenting guidelines apply because my support order was set "too low" in her opinion.

Question:
I'm located in Indiana, and I am the father of two boys. Me and my ex have had a rocky time agreeing on the IPTG guidelines. Here are a few key points that I want to highlight about our situation.

-The judge gave me a pretty big credit on my child support because I take the children so often and play such a big role in their lives. I am currently playing $24 a week per child. My ex is not at all happy about the judge's decision in this regard. She tells me that I am not supporting the kids. This, in spite of the fact that I often take them two - three nights per week and make almost half the income that she does from her job. I am always available to take my kids when I am not working, and I have made that clear to her on many occasions.

-Because she feels that my support was set too low, she also feels as though the IPTG shouldn't apply when it is inconvenient for her. For instance, she refuses to provide any transportation during my visits in spite of the guidelines clearly stipulating that the driving should be split up. This is a great inconvenience for me, as we live thirty minutes apart. I don't want to be strict on the transportation, but it would be nice if she helped out with it.

-She has demanded that my four hour visit to be planned before Sunday of every week. This is not a big problem for me, however we all have such busy schedules that we often find it easier not to attempt to plan the visits too strictly. Normally she doesn't have a problem with the visit planning. She only brings this up when she is angry (therefore, I often forget the notification), and furthermore she uses it to claim that I have revoked my four hour visit by not meeting her requirements. This is in breach of clear wording in the guidelines that state such preconditions are not a valid basis to revoke visits. She feels this does not apply "because I do not pay enough support." She thinks I should be happy that she lets me see them at all even though I pay so little. She doesn't seem to understand that the support is NOT a payment for privilege of being in my children's life. Her views about the significance of the father-child relationship are entirely warped, and I can't seem to get her to understand. I intend to focus more on providing advanced notice in the future, but regardless she seems to be in violation of the order.

-Lately she has been restricting my extra visits that the guidelines do not order. I believe this is because she intends to get my support raised. If I explain this to the judge, do you think I can get my visits increased instead? It is not that I do not want to see my kids or that extra visitation hasn't worked out in the past, it is that she is artificially withholding them from me because she wants to increase the support. I WANT to see my kids more, and I see no reason that the support should be an issue when I am able and willing to provide great care to them directly. I don't feel any of this is fair when she would otherwise cooperate on the matter. The only problem she has over this is the money.

I REALLY don't want to get a lawyer involved in this. I'm busy. I don't have time, I don't have money and I'm a dirt poor college student with a job and a house to maintain. I don't need the added stress of a legal battle. I would like to investigate mediation services, but I really have no clue how it all works. Does Indiana offer any free mediation services? How would I go about pursuing them? Any advice as to how to proceed with this situation in general?

Thanks.

Answer: You need to get a lawyer involved and you will need to go back in front of a judge who will reprimand her. You need to be pro-active and not re-active when it comes to your kids.


Title: Rape...

Question:
I'm going to keep this as short as I can.
This is very scary to talk about but I feel safer talking about it online where no one will know me and judge me... I'm sorry...

For a few years from ages 9 through 11 my cousin who was in his 20's took advantage of me well I didn't know what sex was..
later on I started learning in sex Ed and told him to stop, I was threatened but luckily left alone after that. I never told anyone until I met someone I trusted but my mom went through my Facebook messages and found out what happen. I told the person about what my cousin did over a message.
My mother cared, my father didn't. My mother attempted to take it to court but it was thrown out because there was no proof and I was so stressed out that I wouldn't tell much, and even when I did, I still had no concept of how horrible the things he did were. So I didn't take it seriously and would show up looking fine and happy.

Years passed and now I'm diagnosed with chronic depression as well as being chronically sucidal. All I think of is him and his face and everything he did. I've tried killing myself multiple times. I just was released again for an attempt. I've been in and out of therapy and counseling and so many things. Nothing has helped. The meds don't help.

What he did has ruined me and has made it so I can't live my life. I'm terrified of leaving my home now. I quit my job because I would see a men that had a single trait or similar looks of him and I would be sent into mass hysteria in front of my co workers and lines. ( I was a cashier for Walmart)

My family accused me of lying despite the fact I was never going to say anything. I was outlasted and told that I wanted it. My dad was bribed to end the case and most likely took it. (Why the case might have been thrown out because I had no knowledge of it being thrown out.)

A little history about my fathers side of the family, (where my cousin is from) they are all into incest and have been all sleeping around together and I'm completely disgusted. I recently found out that my father was talking very nasty things involving me, him, and his girlfriend and still do. There's also a chance he was possibly taking advantage of me as an infant....... I'm just now finding this out...
I assume that's why my family and my father swept it under the rug.

I am now almost 17 and have been living with a friend for free. I'm still in contact with my mom, I finally have been able to end contact with my father.

My question is, is there anything I can do? Is there any chance of me being able to take him back to court now that I'm older and am being destroyed over this...? Is there anyway I can get justice...? No ones cared until someone recently told me I should fight again... I'll do anything to feel free of him in some fort of way... I want him to go to jail...

What would happen if I took him back to court? And how would I? What would happen if I win?

Small details..
He raped my other cousin supposedly but they also swept that under rug... also for a long time he would stalk me and drive by my house over and over, there was one time I was leaving a friends and he was standing at the door when I opened it...
There was a time him and his cousin took advantage of me as well..

Please excuse how badly written this is.. I struggled enough writing this...

Answer:
 Call a rape crisis organization like RAINN, and they can help guide you through all these questions, decisions, and feelings.

You're not alone, and I'm so sorry for what you've been through.

edited to add: call 800.656.HOPE (4673) and you'll be directed to your local RAINN chapter. Answer #2: Rape prosecutions are tough. I highly recommend rainn as a resource. Additionally you may be able to pursue him civilly for your medical costs but you would need to consult a private attorney. Answer #3: RAINN also has a website.  Please contact them.  They're a great resource and the hotline people are trained to discuss rape and abuse


Title: [Tx] I work part time at a fast food restaurant. Application said I'd be paid $8.50 an hour yet my check is saying $7.50, and the manager is saying it was miscommunication on their part. What do I do?

Question:
I recently started working at a chain fast food restaurant. I applied for part-time, and it was agreed that I'd be paid $8.50 an hour. I recently got my paycheck and it stated I was being paid $7.50 instead.

I contacted one of the managers regarding the pay and if I should hold onto the check until the next time we meet. He replied," There was miscommunication on your starting wage on our part since you're only able to working 1.5 days/week. (Owner) said that for your schedule, that's all that will be paid for your hours until the summer if you can work a least a part time. Do you need to find another job?"

I only recently turned 18 a few months ago, and am unsure on what to do/say.

Any advice on what to do?

Answer: Maybe they were lying, maybe they just miscommunicated. In any case you did the right think by contacting the manager, who has been clear in that your wage is $7.50. (Your start paperwork listed that as your wage, correct?) So your choices here are to continue working for $7.50 or look for another job that pays more. Good luck.


Title: Girlfriend's Old Boss is denying Unemployment (USA, Oregon State)

Question:
So, I'll try to keep this brief. My girlfriend worked for this startup that her friend had, there were other employees, she had paychecks and commission based sales. He made her sign a non-compete that forbid her from working in real estate in the states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho. The company did real estate investment.

She was salaried plus base commission, it was quite stressful, it was affecting her mental health the way the boss treated her. It got to the point where she was really depressed and anxious. She confided in her boss, also her friend that she wasn't feeling well and was seeking support. Her boss told the employees not to talk to her and they pretended like she wasn't even in the office. In his mind he said that he wouldn't enable depression. Her boss then said she had to leave the office because her negativity was affecting other employees. She was told to seek mental help yet if she couldn't continue working she wouldn't have a job. She was not allowed back in the office and the boss instructed all the employees not to communicate with her, except by e-mail and only related to work, and very limited.

She kept asking when she could return to work and he wouldn't let her, she was forced to work remotely without access to resources, after a few weeks of this, and it affecting her negatively as well, he decides he's closing the business. He said she can finish out whatever deals she has but she would no longer be getting base salary. He said he's closing the doors and all employees have been barred from the office, he's done being a boss. She then applies for unemployment, the unemployment office said there are no records of her working for the past year, he received notice of this and e-mailed her saying that he doesn't think she is qualified for unemployment because her behaviour and attitude affected the business poorly and they were legally liable, also she slandered his name. He then followed up in the same e-mail saying he also offered her an alternative to work remotely.

She is quite upset and distraught over all this, honestly she has had a lot of mental stress over this and her boss' behaviour. I'm wondering if there's any violation of employee rights or such. He did tell her she was cut from base salary, so I believe that qualifies for unemployment in itself since the structure of pay originally agreed upon has changed, but I'm not an expert.

She has been seeking counseling weekly since the issue and has not been the same, I wonder if she has suffered mental trauma as well. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Answer: The denial letter has an appeals process. She can submit paystubs and proof of working to show that he is lying.


Title: TX - Boyfriend's ex is accusing him of abuse and rape on social media

Question:
Update: The ex has posted more information claiming that my bf has sexually harassed someone "very young" and is calling for people to cut all ties and association with him. I will post a screen shot later, but as of right now I have to go to work.

Okay, I've never asked for legal advice about anything before so here goes. Throwaway for obvious reasons.

 My boyfriend and I have been together for over 2 years. We love each other madly and he has been nothing but caring and supportive through a lot.

 My boyfriend was a virgin when we got together and I was the first person he ever slept with. He's told me that he and his ex used to fool around but never did any PIV because she wanted to wait for marriage. He never pushed or pressured her, in fact he proposed to her and they were engaged when they broke up. She's had a long history of being on different medications and has been hospitalized for her mental health multiple times before.

They were together for six years altogether and started dating when she was 17 and he was 19 (He is now 27). For the last few of those years they lived together and her anxiety prevented her from keeping a job so he was the sole provider and took on a lot of debt as he was putting himself through college at the time as well. From everything he's told me about the relationship it just seems like he tried and failed to take care of and essentially "fix" her mental health issues. She was incredibly needy and dependent on him for everything and would break down crying any time he wanted to go out and hang out with anybody but her. She convinced him that getting married would fix all of their issues which is why they became engaged in the first place. It became evident to him quickly that he was simply not the person to rescue her from her illnesses and that marriage wouldn't magically fix their problems and this is was spurred their breakup which ended pretty badly in a huge fight. (Sorry if this sounds like I'm telling a bad story, I'm just recounting as many details as I can as I don't know what's important for things like this and I just want to get across a clear picture of the nature of their relationship.)

Fast forward two years later and my boyfriend received an e-mail from her asking that he apologize for being abusive and misogynistic towards her for the whole relationship. He clearly did not agree with her assessment of his behavior and never wrote back. So today we both find out from mutual friends on facebook that she has been accusing him of [abuse](http://i.imgur.com/oM78TGC.jpg?1) and [rape](http://i.imgur.com/rV0oru7.jpg). She also said a lot of other [terrible](http://i.imgur.com/4NjfD3s.jpg) things and needless to say we are pretty fucking pissed off. Is there any legal recourse to take here like perhaps filing for a cease and desist order?

Edit: Okay sorry, I had my bf look at this after posting and the relationship did NOT end in a fight, it was mutual. I was misremembering a fight that they had before they broke up.

Answer: I believe you can untag yourself in others' posts. That would help keep her craziness separate from you.


Title: (OHIO) Finacee's (26F) parents set up a Life Lock account in her name, using her SSN, to soy on her.

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Call life lock, and let them know about the fraudulent account.  Setup a credit freeze with the three credit bureaus, and if need be file an identity theft report with your and their local PD.

Could also hire a lawyer to write a C&D letter to scare them into stopping, or showing a history if you need to pursue charges laterAnswer #2: NAL- She can call the police and report her identity being stolen since he's opening fraudulent accounts with her SSN. But your girlfriend needs to be okay with her dad may go to jail for this. Has she done a credit check on herself?Answer #3: Your fiancée must so furious and so heartbroken.

Ironically she may want to get a Life Lock account of her own, or at least refer to some of their advice regarding ID theft, a credit freeze etc.

Talking to an attorney is a good start as he or she should know whether a no contact order of some kind might be a possibility. Unfortunately a police report may be needed to close any fraudulent accounts so Fiancée should be prepared for that possibility.

The parents haven't opened any credit card accounts with her info or anything like that, correct? They have just been spying to your knowledge? I would be surprised if the spying would result in jail time for anyone but getting the police and a lawyer involved might be the wake-up call that these people need.


Title: My fiancée and her coworker were fired from job wrongfully I believe

Question:
Okay so to begin, my fiancée worked at a aviation airstrip inside airport that flew in military and private jets. She was a receptionist. Her boss (for secrecy) will be named Kait and Kait’s boss will be named Bob. Now bob is head of everyone at that location and Kait is his Assistant that is over receptionist.

My fiancée and Kait  would bicker often at Petty things. My fiancée would come home almost everyday and have something to say about Kait. Kait does not do her job and gives her work to most of girls as she leaves early and my fiancée brought it up to Kait attention privately and Kait told my fiancée that she did not need to feel appreciated cuz my fiancée was a bad worker. She then fired my fiancée.

A side note Kait was my uncles ex gf who cheated on him and my uncle dumped her. So my fiancée feels like Kait purposely picks on her specifically because she wanted to be in family and my fiancée is. She gives her task to over load her and work she is not qualified to do. That’s why she brought it to Kait attention.

So my fiancée wrote bob a email about the whole situation and he sounded pretty corporative. My fiancée co worker also wrote Bob and told him about how bad of a worker Kait was and was picking on my fiancée as she had witnessed it. My fiancée co worker also stated for it to be confidential.

Bob then fired my fiancée co worker as well and told Kait about the letter which she asked to be confidential. That just seems messed up to me

Edit: thanks for support and advice guys. Turns out nothing illegal happened
Time to just move on and get her another job
Topic:
Business Law

Answer: it may be messed up but its legal


Title: FL military member stationed in MD warned for not having MD address on FL driver's license.

Question:
I'm an active duty military member, resident of FL, and stationed in MD. This morning a civilian police officer warned me to get my address updated on my FL driver's license. He cited MD state law when he warned me. He did not vote a specific law, just "MD state law."

MD DMV says they don't have a requirement for me to get a MD license and they obviously can't issue a new FL license. FL doesn't seem to be able to issue a FL license with MD address. I've been active for 15 years, have not been FL that entire time, and haven't been told to update my address before.

Is there a MD state law that applies to active duty military to update the address on an out-of-state license?

If yes, how do I get that done for FL?

If not, is there a reference I can refer the officer to if it happens again in the future?

Topic:
Traffic and Parking

Answer: In many states, active duty military are exempt from regs about establishing residency. Don’t know about Maryland so check with your JAG.Answer #2: Go up your chain of command and figure out who handles legal issues at your base.  They will be able to give you advice on responding to this situation in the future.


Title: My future mother-in-law has been constantly verbally abusing me. Last night she told me to kill myself. How do I obtain a restraining order against her? (NY)

Question:
I can't take it anymore. At this point she is starting to become seriously abusive, telling me to kill myself already, that she hopes my fiance never calls me again, he deserves a million times better, wakes up and leaves my bitch ass, etc.

I know this will be the definite end of our relationship - the point of no return - but I believe our issues are irreconcilable at this point. Especially after she's told me to kill myself. So, how do I move forward with obtaining a restraining order? My fiance supports my decision entirely.

Answer: That doesn't sound like enough for a restraining order. You need to learn to ignore her.Answer #2: Why do you even speak to her?  Just never speak to her again.


Title: Neighbor complaining about our clients breaking into his place and stealing

Question: We have a motel and behind us lives another business. One day he comes over and tells us someone broke through the fence from our side and went into his property and stole items. He asked us to put a fence and so we did. They broke that too. He now comes over and says we if dont do anything about this he will have to go through the legal system. Note, this guy has no clue if it's our tenants doing this, he is just blaming us because they cross through our property. I feel like this is his problem, but I sure can use some advice

Answer: You're not responsible for the criminal conduct of your tenants unless you're somehow encouraging or facilitating the conduct.Answer #2: He's going to have a lot of fun trying to sue you for something you're not liable for. Unless you handed them tools, helped them plan their heist, and/or helped them carry it out, this has nothing to do with you.


Title: My friend is going through a divorce in Nevada, and her lawyer suddenly drops her saying she felt threatened for her life

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 I'm having a hard time with many of the details of this story because it reads like a bar exam question on ethics violations.

First, I don't think the first lawyer can withdraw from the representation in the midst of hearings without permission from the court.

Second, the new lawyer asking for $100,000 in up-front fees would appear to violate the rule against charging excessive fees.

Finally, it's also a violation of the fee rule for a lawyer to take a contingency interest in a domestic matter.Answer #2: She should drop that company and get a new attorney who isn't trying to scam her. There's no reason a divorce lawyer should cost six figures unless the parties involved are really rich.


Title: [CO] I was kicked out of a skate park by police for not wearing a helmet

Question:
So I skateboarding at a local skate park a couple weeks ago and 2 undercover policeman came up to me and informed me that there was a rule about wearing helmets in the park and stating that it was a city ordinance. Also as this was happening, 3 other police officers in uniform approached other skaters in the park about the same issue. So at the same time there are 5 police officers in the park for 3 people skating and having fun. After talking to the undercover officers for a couple minutes he asks me for my ID and that I have to leave. I cooperate because I didn't really know my rights and what to do in that situation. So my question is, what should I have done in that situation and what are my rights? Because I plan to skate all summer. And I know I should be wearing a helmet but sometimes I forget it.

EDIT: I guess a better question is. Can the police kick me out of the skate park for not wearing a helmet?

Answer:
 You might not look quite as cool wearing a helmet but you'll probably look less cool drooling on your t-shirt in a wheelchair. Wear a helmet when you are in danger of bouncing your head off of concrete. The city says you wear a helmet, why is that confusing?Answer #2: >So my question is, what should I have done in that situation and what are my rights?

Wear a helmet or don't skate.Answer #3: > So at the same time there are 5 police officers in the park

Lots of people want police officers to focus on "serving and protecting." Well, they were. You didn't get in trouble and you got a reminder of how to protect yourself both legally and, more importantly, against a TBI.Answer #4: >I guess a better question is. Can the police kick me out of the skate park for not wearing a helmet

Probably not.  But hey can give you a ticket.  The second you start skating again they can give you another ticket.  They can stand there handing you tickets until you stop skating.  Each time they begin to write another ticket, they can force you to sit down and wait for them to finish writing it.  So essentially they can take all of you or your parent's money and you won't skate anyway.


Title: Wallgreens HIPPA Violation?

Question:
I went to Wallgreens to pick up my anxiety medication this afternoon at the drive thru window. After getting my ID and payment the tech told me the pharmacist needed to speak with me. The pharmacist approached the window with about three other pharmacy staff and customers behind her and told me loudly that the prescription I take is to be taken on an as needed basis and that based on the length of time I’ve been on the prescription I should also be on additional prescriptions such as Lexapro. She implied that I used other pharmacies and told me she needed to contact my doctor before filling my prescription again.

I told her I take my medication as prescribed by my doctor and I take only 2 regular prescriptions which are both filled at Wallgreens from the same doctor. Her response THROUGH the loud speaker with another occupant in my car in addition to 4 cars behind me and people standing behind her was that I was on too high of a dose for that medication and that I needed to be on Lexapro. I was embarrassed and anxious by her attempt to label me as an abuser when she doesn’t know my medical history. I told her I’m a cancer survivor, yes I’ve been taking the medication for awhile but I’ve also worked closely with my doctor to get off of multiple medications I was taking during chemo and I’m now down to two medications and I don’t want to take an additional medication. She informed me that if I didn’t get a prescription for LEXAPRO that she would delay my next prescription refill for at least a week or longer and that she would call my doctor.

I asked her to go ahead and call my doctor today and get whatever information she needs to validate the prescription. She responded that I might need to find somewhere else to fill my prescriptions.

I’m livid. I do not abuse any medication. I’ve been warned by my doctor to not suddenly stop taking this particular medication because of the potential side effects the withdrawal would cause because he knows I don’t like taking medications at all.

I understand a pharmacist has a duty to inform me if any of medications had the potential to interact or harm me but this was not a new medication and not a new pharmacy. There was absolutely no reason for her to confront me that way loudly through a drive thru speaker. It most definitely was out of line for her to tell me I needed to be on an antidepressant like Lexapro repeatedly through a speaker.

Clearly she was filling a prescription for an anxiety medication for a patient with anxiety. She doesn’t know my history or why I’m taking the medication if she’s questioning me that way. How is she qualified to tell me what medications I need to be on? I don’t know if pharmacies are bound by HIPPA but my right to privacy was blatantly disregarded.

Do I have a legal recourse? Why would a pharmacist tell someone with anxiety they need a different medication when they don’t know the persons medical history? Why would they create an anxiety provoking situation by having what can only be called an intervention through a drive thru speaker?

Thoughts?

Answer:
 It's HIPAA (one **P**, two **A**s).

> There was absolutely no reason for her to confront me that way loudly through a drive thru speaker.

That is the risk that *YOU* took by using the drive-thru window; loudspeakers are used in every drive-thru everywhere, and it was your choice to have a passenger in the car when you picked up your meds and spoke to your pharmacist. How else was she supposed to counsel you about your meds and his questions regarding their use (which are all his job)? If you had gone inside, most pharmacies (including Walgreens) are set up so that lines are placed somewhat away from the front counter where pharmacists counsel patients on their meds.

> Do I have a legal recourse?

For what? If you believe she violated HIPAA, you can [file a complaint.](https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/filing-a-complaint/index.html) But, there is no private cause of action with a HIPAA violation, which I am skeptical that this was.Answer #2: This isn’t a HIPAA violation, it is the pharmacists job.


Title: How is it legal for professors to require textbooks they wrote themselves?

Question:
I have taken, and know many people how have taken, university classes where the instructor requires students to use a textbook they wrote themselves. Some go even further and ban physical textbooks but allow e textbooks on tests (presumably to squash the used market).
They sometimes cost hundreds of dollars. To me, this seems like an obvious conflict of interest and an invitation for instructors to rip-off students.

If the university is public, shouldn’t there have to be a bidding process for the textbook contract, like any other government deal? If a city mayor picks a construction company they own to build a new road, they’re facing corruption charges, yet nobody blinks when this happens. It doesn’t seem consistent. Thank you for your insight!

Answer:
 It is legal for the simple fact that there is no law making it illegal.

In the case of textbooks written by the professor of the course, if the professor is a sufficient expert in the field to have written a text book, what book do you think he should base his coursework and teaching on?

So, you would be in favor of the government (filled with politicians who bend whichever way the political wind is blowing) determine the content of higher education? That seems like an extraordinarily horrible idea to me.


Title: Would it be illegal for me to use magic to turn someone into a frog?

Answer:
 I am NOT a magical lawyer, I am NOT YOUR magical lawyer.

This is under the assumption that you are a licensed wizard, in the same way that a doctor is licensed to perform medicine.

It would depend on the rationale for turning them into a frog. If the subject requested it, or it was necessary for their wellbeing (in the course of performing another magical procedure), then it might be legal to turn them into a frog. You would need to make sure you have taken all the steps required that prove turning this person into a frog was the right course of action. Not doing so could open you up to a magical malpractice suit.

If on the other hand you weren't licensed (a backyard practitioner, for example), then turning someone into a frog would be illegal on the basis that you were performing magic illegally, that is without a license.Answer #2: Kinda need to know your location to answer this laws vary by country/state/county/city/HOAAnswer #3: Yes, it has been unchallenged law ever since the Manga Carta, which cited Merlin vs Vivienne re: That Whole Tree Thing.


Title: Landlord gouging us for small scratch

Question: Portland OR. We moved out of our old place on Oct. 1st and today we got a letter from our previous landlord with the info about our security deposit and deductions for cleaning and damages. They are claiming it will cost $500 to repair a two-inch scratch in the hardwood floor and that we owe them in addition to our security deposit to fix everything. Pictures in the comments. Is there anything we can do about this? This was our first time renting and this feels like straight up robbery.

Answer: $500 is not an unreasonable amount to repair that scratch.


Title: Just moved into a new spot, no clean drinking water(particles ) CA residents

Question: As the title said my drinking water is dirty and I don’t feel comfortable consuming it. There’s all kinds of stuff in the rap water (probably lead) My landlord just sold this spot and I have less then a week to move out. I have only been at this new spot for barely 2 months and I’m forced to leave but posting this here now. Whole time had 0 clean drinking water and had to buy cases of water to cook. Is there anything I can do in my situation? I asked my mom and she said this landlord can pretty much do what ever she wants because she is a private party.

Answer:
 You won't see lead.

More likely calcium.  Best to get a water test kit and know what you are dealing with


Title: My small town is replacing side walks and not making them ADA compliant- Oregon

Question:
I live in a town of about 3,000 people. What sidewalks the town does have where put in in the 60’s and 70’s. These sidewalks have started to crumble and the city has started to replace them.

The problem is that as they replace the sidewalks they aren’t bringing them up to ADA. There are still telephone poles in the middle of the brand new sidewalk, which wheelchairs cannot maneuver around.   They are also putting in new corner crossings (with the fancy yellow plates) but have left a 6 inch curb with no slop for wheelchairs.

I am not in a wheelchair, but I have a difficult time with my double stroller. I don’t think a disabled person would be better of than me.

I did call and ask my towns public works if they planed on fixing these issues. They basically told me they don’t have to make thing ADA compliment? I’m not sure if this is true or they are blowing smoke... the way my town operates I would say they are blowing smoke. But I’m not sure.

Do they not have to bring things into ADA compliance?
If they do who do I report this to?

Answer: As a public entity, the ADA mandates they comply. This however is a civil issue, you'd have to sue, or find a group that would. Since you don't have standing, somebody else likely has to.


Title: Father lied about paying my college tuition

Question: I was stupid and signed over my college savings to my dad as it wasn't enough to cover all 4 years of school so my parents agreed to chip in the rest. Put it all in the same account and my dad was supposed to be paying the bills. I left school without finishing my degree and didn't realize my tuition wasn't paid during my last semester there for almost 5 years. A collection agency is asking for a one time payment of 6x the original amount. I'm assuming I have no legal recourse since I was 18 when I started school but this debt is destroying my life. My dad hid all billing statements from me and my mom so we literally had no idea this was going on for years. I would like to go back to school but I'm afraid the only way I'll be able to get those transcripts is if I declare bankruptcy.

Answer:
 At best, you might have a claim against your father for something like breach of contract or unjust enrichment. You would have to somehow be able to prove that you and your father had an agreement: that you would give him your savings, and he would pay the bills. It would not be easy to prove, and if it went to court, it would take a long time and you might wind up paying more in legal fees than you’d get from your father.

That’s separate from the money you owe the school. Whatever your dad did or didn’t do, you owe them that debt. His breaking your agreement or failing to pay as agreed won’t get you out of owing that money yourself.

You may be able to negotiate the amount down with the collection agency. Collection agencies are frequently willing to take less than they’re asking for if they think it’s all they can get.Answer #2: NAL, but don't take acknowledge/claim responsibility for that debt until you've looked into the statute of limitations for it (and/or talked to a lawyer about it). The collections agency might be coming after you aggressively because they know that soon they won't be able to do anything about it, if the statute of limitations is 5 years.

(Again: NAL, don't know anything about how that works in Missouri, but it'd be a good idea to check just in case)


Title: What happens if someone ignores a summons to appear in small claims court?

Question: My landlord is ignoring my texts/calls and isn't returning my security deposit and it's well past the time period they're allowed to wait. I'm going to be mailing them a letter to appear in small claims court (she owe me $800), but what if she ignores it and doesn't show up? Location is RI, USA.

Answer: If they are actually served (which your letter is not service) then you can probably get a default judgement.


Title: Will SO be deported after 90 days and green card denied?

Question:
I’m an American citizen (IL) and my SO is from South Korea. My SO is here on ESTA for the 90 days. We met only 5 months ago but can’t afford to travel back and forth to see each other and as a result decided our only options were either to break up or get married. If my SO were to stay after the 90 days and we got married would my SO be deported? I’m not very knowledgeable on this subject and need help. I’m open to any advice.
Topic:
Immigration

Answer:
 You need an immigration attorney to help you with a status adjustment.  This isn't a DIY process.

Consults are typically free.


Title: Can I call my representative about Net Neutrality even though I'm not a US citizen? (California)

Question:
Hello everyone,

I'm a Permanent Residence (got 10 year greencard) living in California. I was thinking about making calls about Net Neutrality but I know there are laws governing non us citizens from being political. I wasn't sure if this particular case was allowed or not.

Thanks for your help!

Answer:
 Yes, you can call.  If asked if you're a voter you should tell the truth, though.Answer #2: The word to use would be “constituent” or “resident of _____’s district”. Answer #3: They represent residents of their district--which you are. Go ahead and call. And thank you for being engaged.Answer #4: > Can I call my representative about Net Neutrality even though I'm not a US citizen?

Yes.


Title: [CO][SC][FL] Globelend has been calling me at all hours despite me not being on the Do Not Call Registry and their own do not call list. This has been happening for nearly a year. Using multiple numbers.

Question:
I'm from Colorado but my number is from SC where I lived up until the last 3 years. The company where the calls are originating are in Florida. I have their address and name if that's needed.

----

I'm not sure how they got my number or what started this, but I've been getting calls from these guys for a long time. All hours of the day and night, and always an automated recording then a person to speak with.

Every time I've asked to talk to a manager, to be put on their do not call list, or simply "fuck off, it's 3AM" they hang up (I understand the last one).
I can call the number back and it defaults to a "Press 1 to be put on our do not call list" but they just keep calling. At least 100 calls in the last year, it's quite literally every other day to every 3 days.

I've got a block list longer than my actual contact list, but they keep using new numbers.

The last time they called I went with it, but told them I had issues and if they could email me the information. They did, and I got their corporate phone number, a department head and his office and personal line, fax, and email.

I called their public phone line and asked them to be removed from their list as I was on the do not call registry, but he hung up in the middle after I told him I wanted to be removed. They have blocked this number (the one they are calling several times a week) from calling them (automatically hangs up) but they are still calling me, so they didn't put me on their do not call list.

Is there anything I can do? I'm not changing my number.

EDIT: They just called me again with a new number. This is literally 30 minutes after my last call to their corporate line through an alternate phone number requesting both be taken off.

EDIT2: I'm seriously about to lose it. Called again and asked to be removed again only to have them tell me not to call back. They hang up when I ask politely to be removed, they hang up when I tell them I'm on the do not call list. They just keep calling. It's really starting to get to me - half the times the bot doesn't work so it's just a clicking until I hang up.

Answer: Do you have a physical address for these people? Getting a lawyer to send them a cease and desist letter on her letterhead may solve this.


Title: Girlfriend Was Raped -- Need Legal Advice

Question:
Hey guys,

My gf of 6 years just told me that she was raped last week by her friends husband. She said she got drunk with the the couple and fell asleep at their house.  She recalls being put in their bed and waking up later to him behind her putting either his finger or his penis inside of her vagina while the wife and their kids were sleeping across the room. She said she immediately pushed him away and then fell back asleep (apparently she had gotten blackout drunk and could barely do anything).

She doesn't seem too traumatized, just a bit upset. She contacted his wife a couple days ago and his wife immediately blew up her phone accusing her of lying so my girlfriend blocked her.

My girlfriend just filed a police report today, and they told her that she will be contacted by a detective sometime next week.

My girlfriend is considering unblocking the wife to try and reason with her / tell her all of the details, but I told her I wasn't sure if that was a good idea.

**Do you guys think it is a good idea for my girlfriend to tell the accused party of everything she recalls? I was thinking they could potentially distort the facts if my girlfriend told them all of the details.**

She doesn't plan on pressing charges, she just wants it to be on record that this guy is a rapist.

My girlfriend is trustworthy and the story was very sincere.

I also can't stop thinking about revenge. I know where this guy works and I am finding it really hard to let this go.

I really need advice guys.

Thanks

&#x200B;

TL;DR I put my question in bold lettering

Answer:
 No do not talk to the husband, wife, or anyone except the police and or her lawyer at all.  And get a rape kit done.

Shes not gonna get this guy labeled a sex offender without assisting the police in what will likely become a very public matter.  Answer #2: Definitely do NOT contact his wife, your gf shouldn't talk about any details with this woman at all. It could result in this woman helping to cover for her husband, she's probably already told her too much.

Edit to add. Also, as tempting as revenge may be for you, don't get yourself in trouble, you would be the first person on the suspect list.


Title: (CA) If an employee runs a red light while making deliveries, is the employee or employer liable?

Question:
Does the law specifically say one, or the other? I'm guessing the employee can claim that they were rushed to deliver before customer closed.

That being said, in our case, the employee was not being rushed by anyone, and just carelessly ran a red light and got a ticket. Who would be liable to pay for the ticket?

Answer: The employee, as the driver, is responsible for his actions.


Title: Seller of house won't prove they own the house, meaning we can't get a loan

Question:
Hi, from Portland, OR. My wife and I signed a contract to buy a house and the seller has been difficult the whole way through. We are in escrow and about to have inspections this next week. The seller inherited the property from her mother and needs to get an Affidavit of Heirship to prove they are the only ones allowed to sell the property. They went to [rocketlawyer.com](https://rocketlawyer.com) to get the affidavit but our title company has it's own specific form that they would need to use which releases them from certain liabilities. They also need to talk to an actual attorney who will look through public records to ensure there are no other heirs to the estate.

The seller doesn't want to spend the money to do this. We told them that we would pay for the lawyers fees which, if they are the only heirs and it's easy to verify, should cost at most $300. The seller said no to this as well. I'm wondering what options are available to us to force them to fulfill the contract? I've been looking at suing for performance but I haven't seen anything about forcing sellers to show they can sell. They haven't completed their disclosure form so it shouldn't be hard to get our money out of escrow. Any advice would be awesome. Thanks!

Answer: Walk away. If it's that much of a headache just to get some paperwork from them can you imagine all the stuff they haven't disclosed or discussed? Smells like a bad situation to me.


Title: A company is claiming ownership of my music and sending copyright claims to YouTubers using my work.

Question:
I’m a composer who’s main following comes from my YouTube channel.
The majority of my works come under the use Creative Commons under the agreement that proper credit is where necessary.

The song in question has been sampled and remixed by an artist under a music label, and someone has brought it to my attention that this label is harassing a smaller YouTuber by claiming ownership of my song due to the fact they remixed it.
The video being disputed uses my original work and there’s no direct evidence it’s the remixed version.

I can only assume this is just one case out of many that’s been brought to my attention.

What legal action can I take here?

Also, sorry for formatting and errors. I’m on to phone and auto correct is being very generousl today.

Answer:
 Have a lawyer draft a cease and desist letter and tell them to screw off.Answer #2: NAL but companies do this all the time (See: Sony and Bach or Sony and the still image case (they bought use of an image, then copyrighted the person they bought it from on YouTube, breaking contract)).

Send a cease and desist to the artist who made it under the music label. I don't know which CC version you exactly used, but they broke it without attributing it to you. A lawyer may be able to even help you sue them depending on how much they sampled and how much money they made. Answer #3: You should contact a entertainment attorney who has knowledge and experience with music licensing and copyright law. They can advise you on your rights and options, including sending any cease and desist letters or issuing or handling any copyright take down notices.Answer #4: Everyone here has the right idea on the music label. Send a C&D (or preferably have a lawyer do so) to deal with them. It needs to be clear though that they DO have rights to continue using it if they add the missing credit per the terms of the CC-BY license.

It's just that they DO NOT have rights to enforce against anyone else using it.

The other big issue is whether the remixed version that this artist supposedly made can be copyrighted (or is even legal, he didn't mention his policy on derivative works).Answer #5: Did you register your copyrights at all? That could make it easier to defend.


Title: NYS Move Over Law ticket

Question:
Let me preface this by saying that I know the value of this law and I'm not trying to get out of any responsibility.

This morning, I was ticketed for failure to move over for a stopped police vehicle. However, there was a car directly to my left so I slowed down to move over. They slowed down as well (I assume because they saw the car with its lights on) meaning I did not have the opportunity to move over into the other lane.

Is this reason enough to plead not guilty?

Answer:
 On Parkways and other controlled access highways with multiple lanes, when approaching an emergency vehicle that displays red and/or white emergency lighting or a hazard vehicle displaying flashing amber lighting, drivers **must** move from the lane immediately adjacent to the emergency or hazard vehicle, unless traffic or other hazards exist to prevent doing so safely.

https://www.troopers.ny.gov/Traffic_Safety/Move_Over_Act


Title: Slept with a chick who found out her pill was made ineffective by another medication, if she refuses abortion what are my rights/responsibilities as the father?

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 You can hire an attorney and have a paternity test done after the baby is born. You can also file for custody/visitation as well.

You will be responsible for child support, and possibly some medical bills for before the baby is born.

It all depends on what you want. Are you wanting to be in this child’s life or would you prefer to abandon the child and just pay child support every month?


Title: Stepsister living in deceased dads estate

Question: Ok a question.. My dad had a will that states my stepmother gets the house and land after he dies,  and my adult step sister enjoys this property while the 2 blood children do not.  I live in Kentucky.  Is this legal considering the will states the executor must be fair? Is it worth pursuing? Thanks

Answer: It is the stepmothers property now. She can do with it what she wants


Title: [US, WA] Jehovah’s Witnesses are constantly outside my local public library. Isn’t this a first amendment violation of the separation of church and state?

Question:
I live in King County, a ways outside of Seattle, WA. I recently moved and my new local library within the KCLS system always has a stand with Jehovah’s Witness’s pamphlets and materials directly in front of the building’s only entrance and materials return. During business hours there are two people beside/behind the stand, and when I have dropped materials off late at night the stand is left there.

They have never approached me or spoken to me first, but their constant presence and having to walk past them to get to my government-run library several times a week makes me uneasy. Personal opinions of the group aside, how is this not a first amendment violation? I have no problem with bible study or other religious groups using communal meeting space at local libraries, but those are optional. This is clearly intentioned as passive proselytizing and there is no way to opt out.

I’ve fallen down a google hole but without any help identifying local or federal proselytizing laws around federal/state properties outside of school. I have found news stories that this is part of a larger tactic change recently, setting up in metro stations, but as far as I am aware public libraries are government property, and metro stations are not.

Please advise, is this something I can take to the library system to have removed?
Topic:
Constitution

Answer:
 Never approached you, never spoken to you first. Just some regular old human beings standing around.

Sorry, whose rights are what now?


Title: Photographing strangers out in public

Question:
I'm working on an art project that would involve me taking paparazzi style photos of random people in the street. Now to my knowledge, it is indeed legal to photograph individuals in a public space without their consent.

My concern however is that I plan to use these photos in an exhibit and I'm worried I may face potential lawsuits if any of the people I photograph were to discover I had taken their photo? Would they have a case against me?

If it makes any difference most of these photos will be taken in the New York city area.

Answer: Just get photo releases. While legal, don't be a scumbag. If people don't want to be photographed, don't plaster them on a large canvas for a freaking art exhibit. Sometimes just skip the legal bullshit and be human. You'll find plenty of people in NYC who would love to be a part of your photograph exhibit, leave the ones that don't alone.


Title: [UTAH] Does an officer entering the back yard of a home where the owners are not there, searching for a lost three year old, count as an 'emergent situation'?

Question:
I apologize for my lack of understanding, and 'emergent situation' might not even apply in this case.

We are having a bit of a debate in /r/saltlakecity right now ([here is a link to the thread](http://www.reddit.com/r/SaltLakeCity/comments/28jztt/slpd_cop_enters_mans_backyard_and_shoots_his_dog/cibosgv)). The basics of the issue are:

* Parents report a lost three year old
* Police start searching the neighborhood
* Officer knocks on the door of a home, but no one is there
* Officer enters the backyard through a closed gate, looking for three year old
* Officer encounters a dog, which he shoots

Right now, there is a debate going about whether or not the officer could have entered the backyard. One poster called it an 'emergent situation', while another disagrees because the officer did not have cause to enter the backyard (he didn't have proof that the child was back there).

Any thoughts? Care to set us all straight, so we don't look like idiots?

Thanks!
Topic:
Searches and Seizures

Answer:
 > One poster called it an 'emergent situation', while another disagrees because the officer did not have cause to enter the backyard (he didn't have proof that the child was back there).

This is debate is missing the point. The real issue is the shooting, not the entry.

Of course the cop had reason to enter the yard. This wasn't some pretense to find a meth lab. He was looking for a lost toddler. Any rational person would check the neighbors' yards.

But it doesn't sound like the dog was a real threat to the cop - not enough to shoot it, anyway. He died of a single gunshot wound to the head, and the cop got at least two shots off (which also required time to draw his pistol). So he probably wasn't being charged. My money says he was just nervous and trigger-happy.


Title: Old man ruined school laptop and told me to piss off?

Question: [removed]

Answer: Wait, do you mean sell it back to you, or charge you the $250 for parts and labor? You've got a civil dispute, not a police issue here. Answer #2: Go to the police with your parents.


Title: Roommate and his illegal non-tenant wife set a fire in the apartment during an argument. We live in NYC, I'm a US citizen but both he, his wife and the third roommate are Chinese citizens here for school

Question:
I was encouraged to post this over here from r/relationships.

Sorry for the wall of text I need advice on how to handle the situation in my apartment. Just a bit about me: I moved in back in January to go back to school. I graduated when I was 20 with my BA in English but realized I wanted to do something else so now I'm back in school again. I've been around the block when it comes to terrible roommates. Just par for the course with college.

I found an apartment for a decent amount and moved in about a week into the month. There are two roommates, L is a female who I get along with super well. She's the perfect roommate, clean quiet and super nice. Then there's S. S also had his wife here because they are both from China and she wanted to visit the US for a while. We were never told her name. I was told she would leave by the end of January.

Right away things were pretty tense. L and I are both clean people. Clean up the common areas and some light cleaning like sweeping once to twice a week. S could care less. Food sitting out till it rots, raw fish sitting out for hours to where the whole apartment smells, the entire kitchen is covered in oil because of frying, and toilets go unflushed filled with feces. L and I were at our breaking point by the end of January and hoped it would get better once it was just S and not both him and his wife.

End of January comes and goes and now it's a week into February. She's still here. They go on vacation for two weeks. We're told she's not coming back she's leaving right from vacation. Okay great, that works. Those two weeks were magnificent. During that time we asked the landlord to communicate with S to start cleaning up too because it was becoming a health hazard. (Before anyone says anything we talked to him directly and he laughed at us and said he's a man so he can't clean as well as us women then walked out) It's now mid-end of February and they return: both of them. L and I are now confused as to why she's back and we're told she's leaving beginning of march. Now we're just pissed. It's been more than a month and there seems to be no actual end in sight.

So we email the landlord and ask what the deal is. Apparently he didn't even know she was here. He tells them she has to gtfo. So L goes away for the weekend to visit some friends and it's just myself, S and his wife in the apartment. They make this big show of getting her stuff and her suitcases together , keep announcing she's leaving. It's like a broadway level production it becomes so intense. This was this past Friday.

The entire weekend I don't see the wife but her toiletries are still in the bathroom. Weird but maybe she didn't want to take them back to China. Each night when I go to shower, I get to the point of shampooing my hair and all hell breaks loose. Doors are slamming, someone is pounding on the walls and doors, the doorbell is going off, sounds like stuff being thrown. I quickly shower and go into the hall and everything is perfectly calm. I almost thought I was hallucinating everything.

Then yesterday happened. I was in my room and start hearing beeping. We're in a large city and I have hearing problems so I chalked it up to being a truck. But it doesn't stop. So I go into the hall and it's filled with smoke. I go to their room and S is hitting something in the corner of their trash filled room with a rag and the room is filled with smoke. The wife sees me and opens the closet door and hides in it so I can no longer see her (??) After he's done putting out the fire he rips to smoke detector off the wall, closes the door and just glares at me. I ask him what happened. He won't tell me. I keep asking and he says "we argue and she start it". Umm excuse me?

He get angry that I'm upset by this new development and slips into his room and slams the door. The entire apartment is still filled with smoke so I get to work clearing it out. It also smells terrible because of what the wife burned. They argue a lot, at least once a week there's been a blowout where stuff is being thrown and broken, doors slammed, and someone storms off. Turns out it was another one of those only this time the wife got angry and decided to light S's jacket on fire.

I cleared out as much of the smoke as I could, texted L to let her know what happened and emailed my landlord telling him too. L comes back and tells us the entire hallway smells like the fire. S emerges from his room and just stands there watching us talk. He still doesn't want to contribute anymore information. Landlord emails us back and says he's coming by the apartment that evening to discuss everything and will email S about it too.

We go about our day, I get back from class and S comes up and hands me candles saying they're for the smell and to say sorry about his wife. I'm still pissed. I tell him I don't want them and we'll talk about it when the landlord gets here. He won't take no for an answer. Keeps pushing them on me and when I won't speak to me he just gets closer and starts glaring at me. We stood in silence in the kitchen as I made dinner for 5 minutes. It was uncomfortable at best.

The landlord finally showed up and it went pretty terrible. S didn't want to talk about it and got in the landlords face and then about ten minutes in he switched to speaking in his native language. I assume it's mandarin but I can't be sure. I'm the only one who doesn't speak it. The landlord kept saying he needs to speak in English because it's not fair to me but S refused. It dissolved from there. At one point the wife came out and said my name a lot, still don't know what was said. It boiled down to them claiming the fire was an accident which I refuted, they argued about other stuff and my landlord kept saying "were not blaming you" which hell yes I was blaming them. The wife is supposed to leave today and S has to get himself under control. They're claiming it's because they're headed towards divorce and this is normal. Then announced the wife is pregnant and they're going to lose the baby due to this stress. I sound cold but I don't believe that she's pregnant at all, I think it's a ploy to gain sympathy. I'm a bitch, I couldn't  give two shits.

I talked to the landlord privately and told him the arguments happen constantly, they pretended to have the wife leave, I feel unsafe since clearly she has something against me and he apologized but said he doesn't know how to handle it. He said call campus security if it happens again and maybe he'll have enough proof to evict them. I'm not in a dorm or on campus so I don't know why that would help over the police but whatever. I also know it's pretty common practice to get 6 months rent at a time from international renters so both L and S have already prepaid through end of June while I'm a month the month renter who's paid for march already.

This is where I'm asking for help. I don't know what to do. The way S acted was ridiculous and at one point he threatened all of us. The landlord won't just evict him despite saying to me privately and to him that he's broken the lease in multiple places. My lease goes until end of August. I don't want anything to do with S but it seems like that won't stop him from trying to force a conversation. Any advice is appreciated, especially if you managed to read all of my wall of text.

TLDR: male roommate and his wife living here illegally got in an argument and started a fire; landlord doesn't know how to help

Edit: I probably should have been more clear about this. The wife was not a student, she was just supposed to be visiting for a few weeks. The landlord only approved her to stay until end of January because it all of our leases the guest policy is really strict, although clearly those don't really matter. He also didn't know she was still here. They also claimed the past flights all got cancelled and that's why she never left,which would be amazing to have four flights cancelled in a row. I'm waiting for L to get home from class to discuss all the info here and figure out next steps so she's not surprised by anything. Thanks to everyone who gave advice!

Answer:
 Why are you not calling the police whenever these things happen? Have the fire marshall come inspect the house for structural damage and file a police report.Answer #2: 'The landlord won't just evict him despite saying to me privately and to him that he's broken the lease in multiple places.'

The landlord is trying to foist the job off on you. Either he is fearful or he is cheap. Either way, it's his responsibility.  Answer #3: IANAL, but have a question. Could OP report the foreign wife who is staying in the apartment illegally to Immigration and Customs? I don't know how long travel visas last, but if she is staying past the travel visa wouldn't that be grounds to get her deported?Answer #4: NYC is very tenant friendly when it comes to leases and rights as opposed to landlords.  This is probably *not* in your favor though, since you have a roommate issue.  There are a handful of NYS and NYC laws that come into play.

1. There's a "roommate" provision in NYS law that allows single leaseholders an additional roommate.  If each of you have a separate lease with the landlord, you can probably each claim one roommate.  http://metcouncilonhousing.org/help_and_answers/your_right_to_have_a_roommate

2. NYC law basically allows for unlimited immediate family members to live with a leaseholder up to the fire-occupancy code (I think that is around 80sqft per person).  Immediate family members are not considered roommates under the law.  I believe this covers Spouses, Children, Parents, and Siblings.

Despite what the lease may say, your roommate is entitled to have his wife live with him.  These provisions of the law apply regardless of what a lease says, and are handled as public policy rights that can't be given up.


Title: An odd question about copyright and charities

Question:
So I am a hobbiest animator and graphic design artist.  One thing I like making is "fake" movie posters for games I like. I made one for my wife for Undertale and had it printed for a Christmas gift a few years back.

But my actual question is, since I've been watching a ton of the AGDQ speedrun marathon, would there be a legal issue with me donating a print of that poster?  Full disclosure it takes art ripped directly from the games sprite sheet and I do legally own the game, don't know if that matters IANAL. I've done this multiple times, taking directly from the the sprite sheet but I'm not dumb enough to sell them, its just a hobby.

The TL;DR can I legally donate copyrighted stuff for charity purposes?

Answer:
 The charity aspect is irrelevant.  Copyright is dealing literally in the right to copy; you're duplicating an intellectual work and the owner has the right to tell you to cease & desist.  That doesn't mean they _will_, but they _can_.

The simplest thing is to request permission.  It doesn't cost you anything and the worst they can do is say no.


Title: Oregon: Made to sign legal document after suffering a head injury on the job, before being taken to hospital.

Question: Question: If a company that I worked for had me sign a legal document when I had suffered a head injury (which turned out to be a severe concussion) on the job, before allowing me to go to the hospital even though I had asked to be taken, how good is my case to sue said company?

Answer:
 Putting the document aside, your injury is covered by worker's comp, which is your exclusive remedy for the injury.

I don't know what the document is or what effect it might have. However, there is some possibility that whatever it is could be found unenforceable if you signed it under duress.


Title: Is being a "designated decoy" legal?

Question: I know it came from that classic joke, but thinking on it, could somebody legally do that?

Answer:
 You mean pretending to be visibly drunk so that the cops pull you over and your drunk friends escape?

It might be tough to prove, but what you're arguably doing is aiding & abetting a drunk driver.  You could be charged as an accessory to someone else's DUI in theory.

There's nothing inherently illegal about stumbling around and acting stupid, generally.  You might still get arrested and held in the drunk tank if you faked drunk that well.  They could argue you were intoxicated with some other substance that doesn't show up in a breath test and take you in for a UI or blood test


Title: City & DOT taking portion of property for roadway project - low offer

Question:
We own a house on a corner in Ohio.  We have been informed that the city (along with ODOT) are putting a roundabout on our corner and will take the corner of our front yard, move the sidewalk on both sides of the corner closer to our front porch and the hedges that provide privacy with go away.  Additionally, once the roundabout is in place, headlights will now wash the front of our house with every car that goes around this thing.  Our master bedroom is on the front corner nearest the roundabout.

The appraiser gave a low estimate, but we are very early in the process.  Anyone have any experience with this?  This is a decent neighborhood with homes in the $300k plus range  and we are planning to downsize soon.  Thus concerned about resale value.

Answer:
 IANAL, but I do have some experience with road projects in Ohio.

Just because ODOT has made you an offer doesn't mean it is set in stone. You are free to negotiate with them about the price, or possibly even get some new vegetation put in to replace what they rip out. I would think a real estate lawyer would be able to help you figure out a path forward. The Ohio Bar has a referral service you can use to find one.

Do note that your negotiation will most likely not hold up construction. ODOT has the right to place what they consider fair value into an escrow account and hash things out with you in court in order for construction to stay on schedule.Answer #2: Real estate appraiser here.

The initial appraisal by the city is always going to be low as right of way and eminent domain issues usually involve negotiating. You will likely need your own appraisal to determine the diminished value to your property. In addition to contacting an attorney, ask around for a referral of an appraiser who has experience with eminent domain cases.

Hopefully you will be compensated enough to account for the diminished value of your property.


Title: Is this illegal?

Question: So if I made a fake survey and pretended to be someone (like a college student doing research) and gave it to one person to see their results, but told them I was giving it to multiple people, would this be illegal. I know it's scummy, but is there any legal reason not to. (I live in maryland)

Answer:
 This feels like one of those "answer these questions about your sex life/history" surveys that went around 10-12 years ago, that would send the results to the person who referred you.

Don't be a creeper.


Title: Weed odor dilemma

Question: I need help, I’m an owner of the second floor condo and the tennant downstairs whose a renter ,smokes weed daily and the smoke seeps into my apartment. I have complained to the owner twice already and nothing has been done. The tennant denies he smokes inside. I have a child and I don’t need him to be inhaling the smoke and his room has no windows. I have bought air purifiers and been caulking wherever the odor appears but the smell keeps finding a way to come in. I haven’t involve the police yet and none of the other owners who are affected is coming forth. What are my options?

Answer: On a side note... you might want to be concerned about the lack of windows in the apartment. Not having a egress window might make it an illegal apartment meaning you could break the lease.


Title: My housemate placed a cat-cam to living room

Question:
My housemate (let’s call him Harry) placed a cat-cam to the living room of a 4 people shared flat. My other housemate(Katy) was in the kitchen, she was trying to heat up her food. That’s when the she noticed the “cat-cam” (cat-cam in quotation marks because it is actually a phone). The cat-cam was placed between the microwave and the wall. As she was trying to open the door of the microwave, Harry rushes in to the kitchen saying “what are you doing with my camera?”. Naturally, Katy asks about the cam and Harry says he is recording his cat and he says the cam is going to stay there. So the problem here is:

1- cat-cam is placed to a common area of the house without our consent. We were also not notified by him about the cam.
2- cam points towards the toilet where we often come out with our towels and even sometimes with our underwear.

I live in London. Is placing a recording device to a common area in a shared flat without the consent of other tenants legal?

Answer: This isn't a cat cam. This is a hidden camera so your housemate can spy on you.  You might want to ask on /r/LegalAdviceUK


Title: Induced at 37 weeks pregnant

Question:
I went to my OBGYN earlier, and she has sprung upon me that at 37 weeks she will induce me - being tomorrow
Her reasoning is that there was a tiny bit of amniotic fluid 4 days ago.  (which has since been checked and the membrane has sealed back over) and there has been absolutely nothing since.
The babies heart rate is normal and I am having no contractions at all.

Am I within legal rights to refuse to have my cesarean tomorrow when I am booked in for the 20th? Furthermore, on what grounds can I dispute her requests apart from blatantly refusing and saying that I am not mentally prepared to give birth within the next 24hrs?
(NSW, Australia)

Answer: I strongly suggest that instead of refusing, you get a second opinion.  You may not be fully understanding your doctor's reasoning OR she may not be providing you all medically relevant details.  Answer #2: You can, and I'm sure you know what is medically needed more than your doctor. Answer #3: Why would she induce for a c-section?


Title: [California] Hotel cancelled reservation without notification and the hotel staff denies service and threatens to call the cops.

Question:
I made a reservation at a hotel in Pahrump, NV and they cancelled the reservation without any notification. They did send a confirmation email when I made the reservation by talking with the reservation department over the phone. But they claim they did not have any contact info to send the cancellation notification. And the reason for cancellation is they did not have valid credit card information. When I made the booking with the agent, he said there is already a credit card on file which I thought was probably from my earlier booking at the same chain of hotel in a different location. The agent also mentioned if there is any issue with the credit card, they would contact me and he wasn’t willing to give the credit card number that is on file.

I reached the hotel with family (2 elders and a kid) on our booked date of stay without knowledge of any of the cancellation.  The hotel staff at the reception was so arrogant and rude to me. The original reservation was made for 2 queen bed suite($162/night) which was already taken and there were only king bed rooms available. As we were a group of 5 adults, we needed 2 of them and the staff was ready to give it only at the price of  $170 per room. As it was double the cost of what I booked, I tried asking if they could honor the rate at which I originally made the reservation. The staff blindly refused saying, “I cannot give you a room for free”. When I asked them to explain, she said, “ I am going to refuse the service” and asked us to leave the premises. She started threatening us she would call the cops and she also made a call to them. This was such an impolite service I have never experienced.

If she had been polite explaining to us, I might have even paid the rate she asked and stayed there.

How should I go about handling it legally?

Answer:
 You became combative and were asked to leave. You weren’t charged for anything.

What is it, exactly, you would like to do, legally speaking?


Title: (TX) Office of The Attorney General/Child Support Division is reporting me as "over 120 days late" on payments and negatively affecting my credit score.

Question:
I have a wage garnishment order from the court that mandates my company's payroll office pulls the payment and sends it to them before I even see the check hit my bank account. I have even provided proof from my physical pay stubs all the way back to 2014 that shows payments are being made every month.

I have disputed the errors twice via Transunion, sent supporting documents (pay stubs with child support payments highlighted all the way back to 2014). Some of the errors were reversed but not all. And today I checked and they reported another 120 day late payment.

When I call the OAG, all anyone will ever say is I am carrying arrears (<2k and I'm almost done paying it up) and that "late payment" statements to the credit agencies are  "just how this is reported."

.....Even though my payments aren't late and I've shown proof.

When I call Transunion, all I ever get is some level one phone person that only ever offers to open another dispute. They have been zero help.

I know paying off my arrears sooner would end the nusiance but my current financial situation doesn't allow for anything but slow steady progress on that end.

It feels super sketchy that even though I can prove I've made payments consistently for the past 4 years that they just get to keep reporting late payments because "that's just how we do things".

How do I fix the late payment reports if Transunion won't?

Do I need to hire an attorney to fight this?

Are there other angles of pursuit I haven't considered?

Any advice helps.

Answer: Pay the debt. Every month it is due. Every month you don't pay it. Every month it will effect your credit.