Title: [CA] I am a roommate leaving a terrible situation. Do I have to give notice to reclaim my security deposit?

Question:
Hey everyone, thanks for reading! A little background on my situation:

I moved in to G's apartment in August of last year, but never ended up signing a lease or rental agreement. He initially did not even require the security deposit from us (there is another girl who shares my room, he has the single), but later requested it of me, and I paid it to him by writing a check twice the rent for the month of November (I have a picture). We have a verbal agreement that I pay him $550 plus utilities every month, and a verbal agreement that he will return my security deposit to me within a reasonable amount of time if I move out. Also, while HIS lease ends in August, he is aware that I and the other girl were planning to move out after finals (May 5), and was okay with giving us back our security deposits at that time.

I want to move out now; I have a place lined up to go to next, but am concerned about the fate of my security deposit! Do I have to give him 30 days notice, and pay part of next month's rent? It's likely that I would have to take him to court no matter what, since he is pretty unreasonable, but he has put us through so much that it would honestly be worth $550 in legal fees to take back what is mine.

He has, for three months in a row, asked me to cover his rent. Last month (January), I wrote him a check for both of our share (1100), and while he cashed it on the 4th, I received a notice for eviction on the 17th. He literally kept our money and did not put it towards the rent, but instead used it as a way to buy time until he could get to his next paychecks. Three days later, I got another notice that we still owed $1700 out of $2100 (meaning he only paid $400 during the entire month of January, and literally took until February 1st to settle rent that should have been paid already). He did not see why I should be so upset that he was dishonest, and ended up asking my boyfriend to "handle his woman" since he "goes to the men to handle business". This is after months of him breaking my things, smoking in our apartment, stealing from me, and scaring me with how beyond drunk he gets while he's at work.

This was all, in part, due to my inexperience as a first-time renter, and I sure wish I had that agreement now. Any advice at all would be great; do I need to get a lawyer?

Answer: If you're a month-to-month tenant your'e required to give one month notice.  California allows the landlord to deduct unpaid rent from the deposit, so you probably won't have any left if you fail to give notice.


Title: Is this animal abuse? North Carolina

Question:
My family moved to a rural area of Western Noth Carolina in April of this year. The neighbors across the street have several large dogs that are free to roam, and several (3-7?) others kept in a pen 24 hours a day. I would estimate this pen to be 4x8 feet. It is covered. These dogs are never let out. I called the police department (who always transferred me to animal control) about ten times since moving here, as the loose dogs would come into my yard regularly and sometimes act aggressively. I have small children and was terrified that they would be harmed or killed by these dogs. Animal control always promised to follow up with me but never did.

I began throwing rocks at the dogs every time they came on my property and adopted a young pit bull (who only stays on our property) and the dogs coming around does not seem to be a problem anymore. However, I am very concerned about these large dogs that are kept in this small pen. This evening they have been barking/fighting for two hours straight and it is still happening. This is a regular occurrence. I have heard a man encouraging fighting between the dogs on a regular basis (I have reported this to animal control in the past). I grew up with dogs and am sickened with the treatment of the neighbors' dogs. Is this legal? What can I do?

Answer: Keeeeep calling animal control.


Title: Fired from job for medical reasons: need help.

Question:
Hi All,

I was fired from my job while I had the flu. They sent me an email after I had called letting them know, and then followed up with an email requesting a week off for FMLA. I worked at this position for 6 months, so I did not qualify, but it was my understanding that they needed to let me know why I didn't qualify.

To complicate things, I was coming off of a powerful anti anxiety and having horrific side effects and missed a few days here and there of work. I have a note from my doctor stating to this effect, and notes for each missed day of work.

Necessary facts:

Length of Employment: 6 months
Date of Termination: November 10th 2014
Reason for Termination: Unable to keep regular schedule due to health issues
At Will Employee
State Employed: Massachusetts
Resident State: New Hampshire

Please let me know if I have any recourse, and if any other information is needed.

Thank you!

Answer:
 Is it just me or does it seem like someone thinking they can apply for FMLA because they're sick is a big red flag for an employer? I think they realized you were going to cause problems OP and decided it was best to part ways. Answer #2: > FMLA. I worked at this position for 6 months, so I did not qualify, but it was my understanding that they needed to let me know why I didn't qualify.

It's good practice to do so, but you don't suddenly get FMLA protection if they don't say explicitly why you failed to qualify.  In your case, you didn't work there long enough.

Doesn't seem like there's much for you to do.  You don't qualify for protected leave status, and having the flu isn't a disability.


Title: About to move into an apartment, landlord already says they won't be returning security deposit

Question:
I am about to attend a graduate program at UCLA and am about to sign a lease for an apartment. The apartment is managed by a large company and monthly rent for a 2bed 2 bath plan is around $2850. There had been an $800 security deposit. My housemate is also a student and had a cosigner to get the apartment. The place doesn't have any particular damages and the landlords haven't seen the unit since move in. She went in and asked what the process usually is to get deposits back when she'd been considering moving out and the building manager told her it would not be refunded and used as a "cleaning fee." I had another experience like this with in Orange County in an apartment complex that rents to students and on top of keeping our deposits, they charged $1200 in miscellaneous fees for light fixture replacements for lights that look like they hadn't been replaced in years (we had pictures at move in), carpets with minimal wear and tear, tub reglazing for clean tubs, etc. They had apparently given the same $1200 fee with different items to make up the bill to every single person who had rented from them (they didn't tell us this, I'd asked other friends who moved out).

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Does anyone know how ethical this is and what I can expect with this apartment in LA if I leave the apartment in good condition? I would also appreciate any red flags to look out for on the lease itself.
Topic:
Real Estate law

Answer: When you move out, if your deposit isn't returned, you can sue and make the landlord defend any deductions in court.


Title: Poland -- Should I be carrying my ID with me when I get stopped by police?

Question:
Hey all! I'm an English 16 year old living in Poland, and twice now I've been stopped by police for the following reasons:

-- Crossing the road just as the flashing green light turned to red

-- Cycling on the pavement (which I didn't know was illegal)

In these situations, I usually explain to the best of my ability that I'm not Polish, and I generally don't carry any form of ID around with me. I was let off both times, but am wondering had I had ID, would I have been fined? The first time was understandably wrong, although I just wanted to get across while it was still flashing green and had just turned red, but I had never heard of the 2nd law and 90% of people do not seem to follow it.

In such situations, is carrying my ID a good or a bad thing?

Many thanks.

Answer:
 If you are living in Poland, you should have a residence card.

I don't know about the Polish procedure, but Brits just completely ignoring the part of freedom of movement requirements to register locally is pretty common here in Spain. Don't be one of those people.


Title: [PA] Is there any way toto get out of a subpoena?

Question: Long story short I live in PA and rented a room to someone who wound up getting arrested by authorities from MD.  I get a call today from the MD attorney generals office telling me they are subpoenaing me for his trial. My two gripes are 1) I don't drive and 2) if I miss work for any reason I will be fired. Is there any way for me to get out of this?

Answer:
 You can try filing a motion to quash the subpoena.  Those are, frankly, pretty rarely granted, and definitely not because it would be inconvenient for you.

Contact the prosecutor(or whoever subpoenas you) and explain your issue.  Most places pay for travel, and many will assist you with employment issues as well.


Title: where is kim davis's marriage authorization power coming from? (Kentucky law)

Question:
I just checked Duties Of Elected County Officials (http://www.lrc.ky.gov/lrcpubs/ib114.pdf) and the power of county clerks regarding issuing marriage licenses seems to fall under the Notary Power, which by Wikipedia definition, only need to verify the facts (e.g. the application presented accurate information and meets the legal eligibility required by Kentucky law), not approvals or disapprovals. Is there any law that defines this official capacity?

edit: County Clerks' Guide to Kentucky Marriage Law from KY Attorney General does not say anything about this either. (http://e-archives.ky.gov/Pubs/AG/clerks_guide_marriage_law%281996%29.htm)

Answer: That's correct, and one of the reasons most people think this whole issue is stupid.  She doesn't actually grant the marriage, she's just responsible for making sure the paperwork is accurate.


Title: What is a fair settlement for a relatively minor car accident, but at high speeds? (Minor)

Question:
So a little over a year ago, I was driving down the highway and was rear-ended by a semi-truck. We were in a 55MPH zone, and I was going 60 in the right lane. He had someone behind him who was riding his ass in the left lane, so he moved to the right lane, and apparently didn't know I was there (granted I had a REALLY small car at the time, and it was silver/gray). When he got behind me, I actually thought he had already him me (just because he was soooo close) but about two seconds later, he slams in to me.

Being that this was my first accident (I was only 16), I thought my car was missing the entire rear or something, because he hit me pretty damn hard. At this point, I slow down to ~45 MPH (as he does) and I thought we both knew what was going on. There was no shoulder on this part of the highway, so we proceeded to the next exit about a mile down the highway. We both got on the off-ramp, and at the exact moment I can't get back on the highway, he swerves back on and continues barreling down the Highway. By this point I was already on the phone with the State highway patrol, and they said they already had units in-route. I described the semi, and about four minutes later, she says "Are you in a silver car?" I say yes, and she says to drive two exits down the highway, and they have him pulled over.

I get there, and there are two cops. The one guy seems pretty cool, but the other seems like he hates his job. He looks at my car, and says "We don't just write reports for stories". Granted, the damage wasn't what I thought it was going to be, but it was still obvious. My rear bumper had five puck marks on it where something on his semi gouged the plastic (circles about 1/2 in diameter) and the whole thing had a line where the paint had flaked off because the bumper creased as it bent in. I convinced him to write a report after pointing out the damage. At this point, my mom shows up (I was 16, she had to come) and realizes that there are huge bolts on the front bumper of his semi that match up with my puck marks exactly. I finish writing my statement (describes everything above) and the cop asks if I need medical attention, and at the time, I didn't feel injured, so I said no. He confirms this with my mom, and I drive away. While I was writing my report, I heard the cops murdering "Should we drug test him?" "His eyes look red and he seems out of it" "I don't know, man. His logs said he started this morning".

Its worth noting that the report ended up saying that I was hit where they pulled him over, and the speed limit had gone up there. As such, the speed I reported going (60) was under the posted limit in that area (65). Nonetheless, he was the at fault party, and cited for failure to maintain distance.

I got an estimate on the repairs, which came to $600. The shop told me that they almost guaranteed that would go above $1100 after they popped it off and could add replacement backup sensors, some padding stuff and a couple other things as supplemental, but without taking off the bumper, they can only quote what they see.

I relayed this info to the other guys insurance company (well the insurance company for the trucking company), and call more than two dozen times over the course of the next month (only six of which were answered) talking to various supervisors, colleagues, of my adjuster. Finally, I get an attorney (I couldn't get ANYWHERE), and I simply mention that in my last voicemail, and the next day I get a call that my check is in the mail. By this point, I had come to realize what a jolt the accident gave me and I was going to a chiropractor. ( I had gone to my family doctor the day of, who gave me a prescription for mild pain-killers). I ended up going through 6 months of PT and had some X-rays and an MRI before I felt as I did before the accident and the doctor agreed I had recovered.

**TL;DR - I was going down the Highway at 60MPH, guy rear ended me. Car repair quote - $600. Medical expenses for 6months PT - $8,000**

My attorney has just notified me of the first offer. The total is around $18,000, legal fees knock that down to about $12,000, and after my medical expenses, I would be left with $4,000. Honestly, for the amount of time I had to spend making calls, handling paperwork, and going to PT, ~~I don't feel like this would even cover my time at minimum wage!~~ /u/Banana_Hammock_Up called me out here with some math. I just don't feel it covers the total pain in the ass that the whole situation was.

Is this a reasonable offer for this incident? Or should I ask for more?

edit: Located in Ohio

Answer: If you're walking away with 4 grand in your pocket after everything is paid for and you have no lasting injuries, that's about the best you could get.


Title: I want to petition to remove my mother's parental rights - Pennsylvania

Question:
I am turning 18 in 6 months and I've lived with my father for a year now. Neither my father or I have spoken to my mother in over half a year. They have joint-custody, but I'd like to have my father awarded full custody. I'd like to do this because my mother has prevented old family members from contacting me with the threat of legal action.

I've read this statute http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/231/chapter2020/s2033.html which says it's possible to petition for termination of parental rights. How would I initiate this?

Answer:
 Don't bother.

It'll take more than 6 months just to get into a court and by that time the whole thing is moot.


Title: [Serious] What should you do if you just found out that someone is planning on accusing you of rape when you are innocent?

Question: San antonio , Texas, USA. I just got word that a neighbor is planning on getting his daughter and maybe also her friends to accuse me of raping them. They are around 15 years old. Should I get a lawyer immediately? Or should I not worried since i'm innocent? The father and I have alot of issues regarding parking spaces and such. He has also been vandalizing my and other peoples cars. Any other suggestions ? Thanks!

Answer:
 1. Do not talk to the police or these people.

2. Do get an attorney when contacted by the police.

3. Read rule 1 again.

4. Remember how you got this information and from whom, your attorney might be interested in this information so you should mention it to your attorney and only your attorney.


Title: Treated like this by cops, what are the possible options to sue?

Question:
So a friend of mine pretty much beat up a guy for sexually harassing him and then the cops arrested him for assault. He got sexually assaulted a day back or so and went with someone to beat him up later and not when it happened. This is what happened later

" when they picked me up they put me in a room and they were like "knock if you have any concerns about your health" because I was throwing up cause I had alcohol poisoning. I was throwing up almost every minute and for 2-3 minutes I was laying on the ground having an asthma attack barely even breathing and they never even checked on me. Before and after the asthma attack I was banging on the door too and nobody came to see me or nothing. I'm pretty sure that's not right cause they said knock if I have any concerns and then they have a camera in there so they seen me collapse and stay on the ground for awhile but they just left me like trash"

Is there anything he can possibly do against the police department/cops?

This happened in **Canada**

Answer:
 He can try to file a suit for negligence, or something similiar.  However, if he has no damages, he may not have a suit.

Also, depending on the situation, and the response times, there may actually be no negligence here.  Finally, your friend's narrative may be unreliable, considering his drunken state.


Title: [FL] Neighbor harassed my roommate and it seems racially motivated. File a police report?

Question:
Hey folks, I'll try to set the stage with some organized details. All names have been changed to protect the identity of the individuals involved:

**CONTEXT:**
I along with 3 other friends rent a townhome in a small gated 14 unit community. We live in west central Florida.
The community is almost entirely older upper-middle class white people. The 4 of us are mid to late 20's, 3 of us are white and one is black, we'll call him Darren. Darren just moved in with us 2 months ago when our last roommate moved out.

One neighbor in particular (Ted, the HOA president) has begun to get nasty since Darren moved in.

**PRE-INCIDENT**
Our next door neighbor seems to use her townhome as an investment property. Over the last few weeks each of us have parked there once or twice since it was convenient and didn't seem to be bothering anyone. Then, neighbor Ted came pounding on our door and yelled at our roommate about it. I discussed it with our landlord and we agreed we'd simply stop parking there altogether.

**INCIDENT:**
Darren and friend/coworker Nick (also black) were discussing work outside of Nicks car in at a low volume due to late time of day in the neighborhoods overflow parking (not the 'off limit' driveway).

Ted pulls into his driveway.

Ted walks over to Darren and Nick.

Ted rattling off questions: "Can I help you?" "Where do you live?"

Darren explains that he lives at our unit.

Ted tells them that if 'that car' (Nick's) is still parked there in the morning, it will be towed.

Darren explains that it won't be there, it won't be a problem.

Ted walks to other neighbors' town home. Garage door is open. Ted knocks on door and asks homeowner if everything is okay. Advises that she lock her garage and her doors tonight.

Ted walks back to Darren and Nick.

Ted reiterates that the car will be towed in the morning. "I'm not threatening you, I'm just telling you what's going to happen."

Nick is set off.

The two exchange "fuck you"s

Darren is trying to calm Nick down.

Ted ends with "You might fuck with Barry (landlord), but you're not going to fuck with me."

Darren described Ted as 'not yelling, but confrontational'.

**POST-INCIDENT**
I call Barry and report the confrontation. Barry points out that Ted made no complaints about the 4 of us living here for a year and almost as soon as Darren moved in, petty complaints started coming via text (from Ted). Barry believes this is at least partly racially motivated. There have been no official complaints filed from the board or anything else of the sort.

Barry and I agree we'll contact him if Ted tries to engage any of us again, and we'll always deflect Ted to contact Barry himself. Barry also contacted his attorney the next day and sent a C&D (or something of the sort) to Ted, and a letter explaining the incident to the other neighbors.

In addition, Barry tells me that Ted had no grounds to put conditions on the overflow parking. There are no restrictions in place for residents or their guests.

***QUESTION***
In addition to the measures our landlord is taking, should we file a police report? A friend of a friend is a police officer and mentioned we should at least get something on file, even if we don't press charges, as this could be considered assault. Is there any downside I might not be aware of to that? Sorry for the information overload for a question like this. Let me know if I can clarify anything.

THANKS!

Answer:
 Where's the assault? Being mean is not assault.

I'm amazed by how many people have been posting here lately thinking they have some sort of legal options to deal with people being mean to them.

As you learned in grade school, ignore them!Answer #2: You can, but nothing you described sounds criminal.  Being an asshole (or a racist) is still legal.  Unless he made specific threats against your friend, or this is part of a larger pattern of harassment, I'm not sure the police can do anything.


Title: My Manager demoted me and cut my hours after i had to leave early on Samhain for Religious Reasons, what can I do?

Question:
I told my district manager months in advance that i couldnt work Samhain, it didnt seem to be an issue until the day came. My store Manager said i could work 11-4 so i could celebrate in the afternoon, when DM found out and daid i had to stay till 6 (on the schedule it was 4-10.30 but my SM has authority to change that) when i told her i had plans and she cant make me work, she told me to leave early because it was my choice not to stay. I know she legally cant fire me, but shes demoted me and slashed my hours in half over the incident, is this legal?
Topic:
Business Law

Answer: You actually *can* legally be fired or demoted for refusing to work as scheduled on a day of your religious observance pretty much anywhere in the US, if the observance is during the workplace’s normal operating hours/days.


Title: FBI Agent Bullying my "Friend" in Montana - HELP NEEDED & welcomed.

Question:
 📷

Help.  Long story short a friend of mine was called to the pd a few months ago  because a cop had some questions for her. Turns out it was an fbi agent  who had questions for her regarding a money gram she allegedy sent  months back for a friend who turned out supposedly to be a drug dealer  (he got caught after the fact with a large amount of money) which she  didn't have any knowledge of at the time.. they showed her video of her  supposedly sending the money and told her this is all the proof they  need.

They returned today at her house  and told her they wanted to question her again, she told them she wanted  a lawyer and the agent became angry and told her to come into the PD by  10 AM . At this point he became angry aND told her she would be  indicted for money laundering because she refused to speak with him

Isnt she entitled to a court  appointed lawyer? How can we obtain one if charges haven't been filed.  Do you think talk of her indictment is just tough talk to scare her into  her incriminating herself? Should she expect to be jailed when she  returns for questioning??

Any help would  be much appreciated. Not sure what legal resources she can take  advantage of at this point but I know she needs to utilize them at this  point. Why wouldn't they have already arrested her if they had enough to  indict her this whole time?

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HELP no lawyer will talk without a retain fee and she does not have the money, what can she do??????

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UPDATE: my state is Montana. its been 2 weeks now and havent heard anything back from this agent making the threats. Any advice people i am going crazy right now

Answer: It’s been two weeks because the bluff isn’t working. She should Ignore the threats and not answer the door for any more agents without a search warrant.


Title: (Idaho) Employer allowed to ask what medical conditions person has before hiring?

Question: Employer allowed have employee sign a paper that states they don't have any medical conditions that would prevent or possibly injure them during the job?

Answer: Your title and your body ask different questions.  It is perfectly legal to ask employees if they are safely able to perform the job they're hired to do.Answer #2: Why wouldn't they? I wouldn't hire somebody to be  truck driver if I knew they had epilepsy. I wouldn't hire somebody to be a security guard who had a heart condition that prevented them from being able to deal with a stressful situation. I wouldn't hire somebody to be a nurse that had some type of disease that could be spread to patients he/she treats.


Title: Who Has Legal Rights to my Step-Daughter's Vehicle?

Question:
Hey, Reddit, first time coming here for advice and I want to give as much accurate info as I can but I, personally, do not know everything myself so if I have to answer questions, toss 'em at me and hopefully I can figure it out from everyone involved.

My step-daughter has a car, her name is on the title, but so is her aunt. Her aunt is currently just holding the car and not letting my step-daughter use it (some sort of dispute between them), and she needs it because she just started working and is going to be moving away from walking distance to her job.

Step-daughter is 19, so it's not an issue of her age. I'm just wondering if, because it was a gift to her from her uncle and her name is on the title, if there is anything her mother and I could do to help her secure the car for herself so she can actually drive herself to work when she moves out of her current place.

Answer:
 >My step-daughter has a car, her name is on the title, but so is her aunt.

Since both the aunt's name and step-daughter's name are on the title certificate, they both have a right to share possession of the car.  Neither one of them has an exclusive right to possess the car.

Other factors could prove beneficial to your step-daughter's wishes depending on the State that issued the title.


Title: Being blackmailed. Need help.

Question: A volatile woman I've been with is blackmailing me for money because I admitted that I'd done sensual massage on someone, which, yes, I know, is illegal where I am.  Judgments about that aside, if I give her the money, I would like her to sign a statement saying that the money was coerced, should she decide to reneg on her vow to keep quiet and basically ruin my life.  I'm only looking for a guarantee of her silence.  She probably will not sign it, so if I don't get any written guarantee, I'm at her mercy, but I will tell police, judge, whomever, that I was blackmailed.  I don't know what else to do. I need help.  Thanks for no moral judgements, we all are human and make mistakes.

Answer:
 If someone is blackmailing you, call the police.

And don't pay this woman a dime.  Cease all contact with her.  Blackmail is only effective if you're in fear.  Take that power away, and she has nothing to hold over you.
Answer #2: Does she have hard, inarguable proof you gave a sensual massage (or whatever)?

Otherwise, what is she going to do? Go to the cops and say, "So-and-so told me that they once gave an illegal sensual massage!!" They'll thank her for the tip and show her the door. Even if she had you on tape admitting to it, I could see the cops just being like, "Eh... whatever." A sensual massage charge isn't a violent crime. It's not serious enough for the police to waste their time trying to investigate some crazy lady's claims. Honestly, if someone tried to blackmail me with this, I'd laugh in their face.

If she's trying to blackmail you by telling your friends/family/church group, try to get a record of her demands and hand them over to police. Extortion is a much worse crime than "gave a sensual massage once in the past."

Don't pay her. Just block her phone number and cease **all** contact with her (seriously, if she's this volatile, it's in your best interest to stop engaging with her completely). If you need to, take it to the police.


Title: Ghost in the machine...Lemon Law across states?

Question:
Loooong story short: 2012 Hyundai purchased outright when new. Has weird electrical problems that started the first year I purchased it in Virginia. Now live in Pennsylvania and problems have gotten crazy- dangerous and undriveable.

Dealership here in PA has had the car for 7+months and cannot figure out how to fix it despite having engineer from Hyundai come out to diagnose it. Recently they offered me KBB “fair market value” to buy the car back.

My problem is that I can’t get an equivalently nice car for $9k. I was hoping to get another 4-5 years, payment-free, out of this car and now they can’t fix it and I can’t drive it.

Questions:
1) Is their offer unfair? If so, what basis do I have for arguing for a better offer?
2) Does Lemon Law provide for anything more than fair market value buy-back?
3) Any other suggestions for help?

Thank you kind strangers!!

Answer: no their offer is fair. it's the fair market value for what the car is worth and you're unlikely to get anything higher than that


Title: House raided, I'm not directly involved, I want my stuff back

Question:
Hello /r/legaladvice! First time posting here, hopefully I don't break any rules.

My house was raided recently (second or third week of December), illegally, and now one of my housemates is dealing with drug charges against him. The case is only against him, and none of us other housemates are legally involved to my knowledge.

However, when the police raided our house they took things from all of our rooms, not just his. Including laptops, IDs, books, and various other personal items. They did not list these confiscated items on the police report, they only listed drug-related confiscations. Is this legal? Can they specify some things on the police report and not others?

I just want my ID and laptop back... And a new housemate. Thanks guys!

EDIT: Forgot to add a location, southern CA!

Answer:
 > Is this legal?

Assuming the search warrant was legal, and the warrant specified that they could seize laptops, books, and IDs, then yes, it's perfectly legal.  It's a good idea for them to list all of the seized items in the report, but it's not a legal issue.  Did they leave an inventory when they left?

> I just want my ID and laptop back

Unfortunately, if it's a legal seizure(which it likely is) you have no recourse to retrieve the items at this time.  You can't say "Hey, I'm innocent, you can't take my stuff!"  Everyone says they're innocent.

Your options to getting it back quickly are:

1.  Convince the guilty party to confess fully, exonerate you guys, and show the police where evidence is and isn't located on the seized items.

2.  Give a statement to the police yourself, denying responsibility and giving them the credentials they need to access your laptop.

3.  Challenge the validity of the warrant or the seizure.

4.  File suit for the return of the items.

Number one is unlikely to work, as you can't compel him to speak to the police.  Number two has more chance to work, but you should get an attorney and discuss the matter with him before doing that.  Number three is unlikely to work, and will take some time before it would come to fruition - you're likely to have your stuff back by then.  Number four is unlikely to work in the near term; you may have a chance later, but after a month you won't have much luck.


Title: How do we create a bank account with an adult website?

Question: We need serious professional advice as to how to open a business bank account for an Adult website. We have gone to every bank including Mercantil from Venezuela and they will not accept us because we are an Adult E-commerce company registered as BlissMe LLC. Without an account, we cannot push through our purchases and are fresh out of options. If anyone could give us ideas, please please please help. Thank you so much.

Answer:
 >We need serious professional advice

That calls for a lawyer consultation, not reddit


Title: Is it legal to be offered resignation while in mental health crisis?

Question:
Michigan Public high school teacher.  Out on medical leave for 3 weeks. Documented as panic disorder.  Documentation of diagnosis and of current daily attendance in out-patient mental health facility provided to the school.  The school calls me in for a meeting, so I skip out-patient care for the day.  In the meeting they suggest resignation. I sign resignation papers for the sake of my mental health.  Was this a legal resignation? Is there legal action I can take against the school?
Topic:
Employment Law

Answer:
 Legal.

If you have a union you can talk to them


Title: Legal advice

Question: I'm being charged money 3 months after a doctor's visit even though I am holding a receipt that says paid in full with a confirmation number...what do I do?

Answer: Call the billing department of the doctor's office and tell them.


Title: My Mom stole my college funding

Question:
A little background; I'm now 18 just graduated and going to college this fall. Divorced parents. Lived with my mom who was a drug addict For the first half of my life. Anyways hanging out with my Dad and discloses why he hates my mom. My dad sold a house when he was moving and opened a bank account for college savings and put $25k in it which would grow for me to have once I'm 18 this was 2002. So fast forward say 5 years my parents get divorced and my mother is now a drug addict she got her current boyfriend to forge my Dad's signature to take the money out and obviously it's all gone as she spent it on drugs. As far as my dad has said there was nothing he could do, they froze the account but then they got rid of it and she ended up with the money, and the bank account no longer exists

What can I legally do?

Tldr parents made a savings account for my college with 25k, mom stole it for drugs and I never knew until 11 years later.

Answer:
 It depends on the type of account it was in.

If it was just a joint checking/savings account, you can't do anything.


Title: WA: Moved out last year, but the light bill in my name racked up $600+. Am I responsible for paying it? Will this destroy my credit?

Question:
This is a weird situation, I'll try to lay it out as clearly as possible.

**BACKGROUND:**

I lived in Seattle, WA before moving to New Jersey for my current job. I moved in November 2015. I lived in an apartment in Seattle starting July 2015, the lease went until the end of May 2016. The lease had just my name on it, so when I was moving, I asked the landlord and my then-roommate (Matt) to sign a new lease starting January 2016. They both agreed to do so. Obviously this was idiotic of me, but **I did not make sure my old lease was officially ended** so it remained in my name.

I guess the light bill (Seattle City Light) was also in my name, but Matt was in charge of paying it after I left. One time in March 2016, the landlord texted me about a light bill ($28), but Matt told me he was paying it and that the landlord knew I had moved, so he (Matt) didn't know why the landlord would be bugging me about it. Again, I assumed the light bill would change to be in Matt's name, but I didn't make sure. Totally my moron mistake.

**CURRENT SITUATION:**

So here's why I'm posting: the landlord texted me yesterday (8/16/16) saying City Light had contacted him about the light bill, saying it was past due at $631.15, and that they'd be shutting off the power today (8/17/16). According to [Seattle.gov](http://www.seattle.gov/light/Accounts/Assistance/ac5_appq.htm#c), the landlord is responsible for a tenant's bills from 10 days after they move out. I have no idea if this applies in this case, since the lease was in my name. Here are my questions:

1. Is the landlord responsible for paying the bills after I left, even though the lease was still in my name?
2. Can I dispute a light bill that's still in my name on the grounds that I don't actually live there? Since the lease was still in my name, did I technically live in Seattle the whole time?
3. Can I close out my account with Seattle City Light? Do I have to be in Seattle to do so?
4. Under what circumstances will this totally f#@& my credit score?
5. How do I get this dealt with quickly without just paying the $600?

_______
Immediate edit: I got the lease dates wrong, it was July 2015-June 2016

New Info: The landlord just told me that Matt and his girlfriend signed a new least starting May 1st 2016.

Answer:
 > According to Seattle.gov, the landlord is responsible for a tenant's bills from 10 days after they move out

Not quite.  That says that the city can bill the landlord if the tenants don't pay and they're not notified of the change.  That *doesn't* mean that you are not responsible for the bill, or that the landlord must pay it.

> Can I dispute a light bill that's still in my name on the grounds that I don't actually live there?

No.  You should've changed the name on the bill when you left.  As is, if Matt was supposed to pay(as in, he promised you to pay) and didn't, you can sue him.

The smart move for you is to pay the bill ASAP and then sue Matt.


Title: Escort Scam? X-Post /r/needadvice

Question:
After having a few too many drinks I jumped on BackPage to find an escort. I found a post of a seemingly legit chick and being drunk texted the number from my own phone. I didn't use any apps to hide my number or anything. Again, drunk and stupid.
She responded within minutes and said she'd be by in a few hours. Having been up to long I set and alarm and caught some z's. I woke up to her texting that she could be early, and still being buzzed I said ok. She shows up about 10 minutes later, I let her in and that's when things got weird. She barely interacted at all. That should have been a sign, but I didn't think anything of it. This was my first time ever hiring an escort, so I didn't know what to expect. She barely said anything at all, so I offered her a bottle of water and she accepted and sat down on my couch. After about a minute of awkward silence I asked her to follow me where we could be more comfortable. She slowly followed, taking what seemed like a whole 5 minutes. I thought she must be on something.
We sit on my bed and she starts complaining about everything under the sun, personal stuff like not having her medications and no sleep, blah blah blah. To try and shut her up and get things going I strip. Nothing changes, I'm butt naked and she's still just complaining. I tell her to take off her coat and she reluctantly does, but just sets it on her lap. She won't take off her dress and pushes my hand away when I try to work at it. After a few minutes of more awkwardness she makes an excuse that she has to go but that she'll text me later. Being fed up with the situation I just let her go. I hadn't given her any money and she didn't ask for it before leaving.
I decide to go eat and get more sleep to sober up. Figuring everything was over I go about my day until hours later I get a text from the same number from her "body guard" who gives a first and last name. He says he wants to give me an opportunity to pay my bill and suggests if I don't I seek legal council. He says that the payment is for the "young lady's erotic dancing" and that I agreed to pay in writing, referring to the texts (she said $120 for gas of course.) Again, this is on my personal number. The "body guard" says that his client doesn't like to make scenes but that he will stop by my home and conduct recorded interviews with residents in a 2 block radius and hand out paper work and serve me with court documents. He states that documents will inform residents a sex offense took place.
At first I was a little shaken up, but the more I thought about it the more it seemed like a scam. I live in Arizona, where prostitution is illegal, but how could he get court documents that support him and who would conduct a recorded interview with a stranger about their neighbor? I blew it off and didn't respond to the text.
2 days later I get another text from the same number saying "I let my security guard text you, I guess you have no intentions of paying that bill." The text goes on to say they won't call or text again, and that an attorney will be filing with the court on Monday. They said they could get my info from my phone number (plus they had my address, stupid drunk idiot.) They say I can call if I just want to pay otherwise I "will have the attorney's name after the sheriff serves you."
I'm not terribly familiar with the law, but I am fairly certain sheriffs don't serve collection papers. So this still sounds like a scam, but I have no idea if they have a business that serves as a front if they could file with a collection agency. Or if this is all lingo for "my pimp is coming to your house."
Of course I don't want to pay the $120 because I got no service at all, but I'd rather pay that than deal with legal papers or getting a collection on my credit. Or worse, deal with some thug pimp. But I'm also concerned if this is a scam and I give them the money that they'll just keep trying to scam me for more. Or that it was maybe an undercover cop and that by paying I could be incriminating myself.
Any advice you have to get me out of this situation is appreciated. I feel like such an idiot and I just want this mess to go away.

Answer: No need to lie about this being the first time hiring an escort


Title: Ex-boyfriend emailed me threatening to post explicit videos online. Can I report this to police?

Question:
I got an email from my ex-boyfriend yesterday who's angry that I haven't returned his bowl (the kind you smoke out of). His exact words: "I want you to return my bowl to [friend] in an orderly manner. If you do not, I will mail our videos to your boyfriend, your parents, and post them all over the internet. Do you really think its worth it? Personally, I don't."

I've made an effort to return it, but I am still TERRIFIED. What can I do?  FYI, I live in Brooklyn; he lives on Long Island.

Answer: I'd reply with the following email. "I brought your bowl to my local police precinct along with a copy of your email threatening to extort me. You can pick it up there."Answer #2: Not a lawyer, but as a FYI that is illegal, http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2014/08/revenge_porn_now_illegal_in_new_york.html  So if he does it he can go to jail.Answer #3: Update: I visited my local precinct tonight to file a report. I had the email printed and was ready to give the information.  The woman at the desk (civilian I think) was nasty to me from the get go. She rolled her eyes, told me I should just go find him and give it back to him, basically refused to help me file a report. I left in tears.  Going to try another precinct tomorrow.Answer #4: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ExtortionAnswer #5: So the consensus seems to be that if he does post them, he can get in legal trouble, but just for **threatening** to post them, there's nothing that can be done. Correct?


Title: Baby daddy in prison harrassing me at my home

Question:
My baby daddy was arrested when my daughter was 1 year old. This was 4 years ago. I was single for 3 years waiting to see if he would get released but about a year ago he got sentenced to 22 years. I started dating again. All the while I kept money on his books for his commissary and answered his calls and helped him continue to connect with his daughter.

I have a new partner who I love and want to spend the rest of my life with. I never thought this would happen after all I'd been through. I'm so happy. My baby daddy has handled it okay I mean he knew I wouldn't wait 22 years.

But last night he just randomly flipped out because I haven't taken our daughter to visit him in a while and he sent someone to our house to ring the doorbell at 1 am and then run away. It scared the shit out of all of us. He has also been texting me mean threats.

I'm really scared. He was never violent towards me but he is incarcerated for a violent crime. I want him to have a relationship with our daughter but I want my family to be safe.

What do I do? I told him that he can never do that again and he said he was sorry and that he just flipped out. But I don't trust him. I'm planning to install security cameras and possibly and alarm system? Should I talk to a lawyer about how to handle this? He and his cell mate have an illegal cell phone that's how he made the call to send someone to my house. Should I call the prison and report that? How do I keep my family safe? How do I allow my daughter to have a relationship with her father without her thinking he's a monster? I need advice. I think I should contact a lawyer but i don't know what kind of lawyer? What should I try to achieve in working with the lawyer? Is it possible to make some kind of agreement with my baby daddy even while he is incarcerated around parenting stuff (like number of phone calls with his daughter per week, frequency of visits, etc...)?

Answer:
 Call the investigations unit at the CDCR.  Provide the evidence that he is texting and calling from inside.  Let them handle it.Answer #2: Your desire to maintain the father-daughter relationship is admirable, but you can't be expected to do that with someone who is harassing you.  If he wants you to facilitate contact with his daughter, then he either needs to treat you with the respect you deserve or make alternative arrangements himself.  Document any threats or unwanted contact and report it to the police.  Make sure they are aware that your ex is currently incarcerated.

I would also put some distance between the two of you by consulting a family lawyer.  They'll be able to advise you whether seeking a formal agreement with ex regarding visitation and contact is something worth pursuing.Answer #3: Call the police, non-emergency line.


Title: Question regarding summons while under house arrest

Question: So a friend of mine was  supposedly the cause of a traffic accident, and due to charges from it is under house arrest for 1 year (ends in early september). Anywho one of the other parties of the accident is suing him and he's supposed to go to court in another city before his house arrest ends. I guess the people in charge of his house arrest have already told him he can't go, but surely he can get some sort of extension until after his house arrest ends about 2 weeks later?

Answer: I wouldn't guess that, he has to inform him probation officer of the charge and see if they would grant him an exemption to attend. An attorney could also likely assist him in extending this as well.Answer #2: What does the lawyer, who is representing him in the lawsuit against him, advise?  If he doesn't have one, he should consult one.  They can request a different date when your friend is over his house arrest.Answer #3: It sounds very odd that house arrest would prevent someone from attending court.


Title: Oregon; basis for libel civil suit?

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 You can certainly sue them and make them produce the records.

They can easily counter sue you for everything you owe, including late fees.

I don't see this going well for you. You should just pay and move on  here because you are 100% in the wrong. they have zero responsibility to remind you to pay your bills.


Title: Had sex with boss's wife, but she was my supervisor.

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 First off, there's no way this isn't a troll post.

Now that that's out of my system, your only option is to appeal the unemployment. I don't like your odds there. You can try to go to the EEOC, but I don't like your odds there either. You got fired for having sex on company property, that seems pretty reasonable to me.


Title: Got attacked by a fake service dog at Walmart. What now?

Question:
A pitbull service dog attempted to attack my own service dog at walmart. I moved my dog away from it (my dog was not reacting). The dog bit me on the hand. I am currently getting medical treatment at the VA. It took off the tip of my pinky.

Walmart security took us both into the office. I left for the VA after they said they would handle it. I recieved a phone call 20 minutes ago. Animal control took the dog into quarantine where they found out the dog hasn't had a rabies shot in 4 years. So I have to get a full round of rabies vaccines, as well as a tetanus. AC says police is handling the owner.

I will not have any medical bills due to being a disabled veteran. I want the owner fined for faking an SD, and I want the dog put down. What do I do to make this happen? I'm honestly pretty broke and likely can't afford a lawyer.

Also, the other owner blamed me saying I deserved it and their dog was a sweetheart. The tries to leave so I started yelling for security.

I have no idea where the piece of my finger is. It is gone right above the joint (as in, I have the joint but finger part that includes the nail is gone).

I'm in Texas
Topic:
Personal Injury

Answer:
 Faking a service animal is a Federal crime.Answer #2: Not a lawyer. Am a veterinarian.

If they have the dog, you shouldn't need a full round of rabies vaccines. They should be quarantining and monitoring the dog for 10 days. During that time you may get an initial rabies vaccine, but after 10 days when the dog doesn't show any symptoms of rabies, you shouldn't need further vaccinations. If the dog is euthanized for any reason in those 10 days, it should be tested for rabies.

[Source.](file:///C:/Users/cemur/Downloads/Rabies%20Prevention%20in%20Texas%20rev%2003-18.pdf)
"A 10‐day observation period from the time of the bite is necessary for a dog, cat, or domestic
ferret that has bitten or otherwise potentially exposed a person to rabies; the animal is placed in
quarantine (or home confinement, if applicable) until the end of this period.  Generally, rabies‐
infected dogs, cats, or domestic ferrets will survive no more than 3‐5 days once the rabies virus
becomes present in the saliva.  A dog, cat, or domestic ferret that develops clinical signs of rabies
more than ten days after having bitten a person is considered not to have had rabies virus present
in its saliva at the time the bite occurred.  Since exposure to rabies virus did not occur at the time
of the bite, PEP is not necessary."Answer #3: > I want the owner fined for faking an SD, and I want the dog put down.

Ultimately, that's not your decision to make.  That's on animal control and/or your local prosecutor to decide.  You can let them know that you're willing to provide any statements or evidence needed to them.


Title: [IN] Girl swerved into my car, our stories to the insurance agency don't corroborate, now she wants to take legal action against me.

Question: I was in the left lane, she was in the right (going same direction). She tried to get over and swerved into my car. No turn signal and I doubt she saw me. She just texted me with a hostile message saying she is going to take legal action since our stories don't match. What do I do?

Answer: Call your insurance company.  They will provide you with an attorney if she actually does take legal action.


Title: Florida, I want to adopt my stepson but my wife is scared the attempt will have unintended consequences.

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Yes he has the right to contest. Yes he can fight it.

Talk to your attorney about filing for abandonment. He can still fight it but had to prove he has not abandoned the child. A good attorney is what you need. Do whatever they tell you to do. It should be fine. Dad would have to spend money and time to fight it. Answer #2: You can take the bull by the horns and do this now, making the legal parentage of your stepson explicitly clear... or you can bite your nails for the next fourteen years, wondering if bio-dad is going to turn over a new leaf and decide to try to be a part of the kid's life.  Personally, I think it's better to be able to choose when this gets resolved than potentially have it drop in your lap at the worse possible moment.

Or, to throw in another scenario, you raise this kid for the next ten years or something, only to have your marriage implode and abruptly you have no right to see your son or make decisions for his care.


Title: [MN] Father won't give back cat after moving out, has threatened harm upon the cat

Question: [deleted]

Answer: You can report suspected cruelty: https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/rescue/humane-investigations


Title: My Brother-In-Law and his wife are meth heads. Can my wife and I file to take custody of our niece away from them? (South Carolina)

Question:
Getting straight to the point, my BIL and his wife (SIL) are truly awful people. They are both drug addicts as seen from the title and as far as I can tell from online research are both sociopaths.  The only good thing my BIL has done is bring beautiful little girl into this world (who Ill call Sarah and she is 3.5 years old now).  Sarah was born from a previous relationship BIL had. The birth mother is not involved with Sarah and signed documents to completely relinquish custody. SIL adopted Sarah officially about a year ago. SIL does have one daughter from when she was younger and at some point had that daughter taken from her by DSS. As a precursor, BIL has long history of substance abuse and without family help would likely be in jail/dead. SIL also has a long history of substance abuse and no family support.

This whole thing started about a year ago not long after SIL adopted Sarah. BIL and SIL were fucked up but at least stable because my wife's parents were basically propping them up financially. SIL had BIL arrested for domestic violence. Things started going down hill fast and as a family we were trying to help BIL and Sarah. The DV charge was fake and later dropped. SIL was basically trying to get divorced and force BIL to pay her child support because she though money would magically appear.

During the last year, BILs mental health deteriorated into basically some form of schizophrenia. He has seen therapists and psychiatrists because work has forced him to or he is going to be fired for being unfit to perform his job. He will not admit he has a problem. That is a whole separate thing. We have a failed drug test from SIL for meth and we have a lot of documentation of BIL being aggressive and becoming increasingly unsafe to be around.

BIL and SIL have been going through a divorce but BIL has moved back in with SIL and is now blaming my Wife and I plus her parents for causing him all of these problems.

Long story short: My wife and I are setting up an appointment with a lawyer next week. What are our rights to file for custody? What do lawyers need to know in a situation like this? Any help would truly be appreciated. I can try to provide context for anything above if someone has a question, I just didn't want the post to be to easily traceable.

&#x200B;

TL;DR My BIL and SIL are meth heads. My wife and I want to file for custody of our niece.
Topic:
Custody Divorce and Family

Answer:
 You can’t just take someone’s kid away because you think they are a bad parent. They would first need to have their rights removed.

If you feel the child is in danger or being neglected, contact CPS and allow them to investigate. Answer #2: You have no standing to file for custody.

What you can do is contact CPS, and if they decide to remove the children, you can make yourself available as a foster placement.

Once CPS is involved, there is no guarantee as to what will happen and no certainty you will be chosen to foster.  CPS will also try to work with the parents to reunite them with the children for quite some time before petitioning the court to free the children for adoption or long-term guardianship.Answer #3: You have zero standing to get custody from custodial parents who have not been declared unfit. Answer #4: You need to call CPS. You can't just take someone's children away because you want custody and think they would be in a better situation. Answer #5: IF her parents are deemed unfit (which is unlikely, mostly because CPS tends to lean on the side of keeping a kid with its parents) tell your lawyer everything. like including all the bad stuff people could say about you being unfit parents so that your lawyer is prepared. but unless you have an endless amount of money, i wouldn’t hire a lawyer until you’re at least 90% sure that CPS will declare your BIL unfit. source: my mom practiced divorce/custody law for about a decade, but in a different state. so your CPS might be a little different


Title: Unknowingly involved in checking scam....

Question: Ok everyone so honestly I don't know where to begin. A few days ago someone I know offered me a chance to "make some money" if I would allow him to deposit a check into my account. I was initially sketched out by it but for some reason I decided to go along with it assuming it was just him depositing some check he had. Yesterday I stupidly give him my debit card along with the basic information for him to cash in the check but later on I find out my account got closed and the check he was using was actually a counterfeit check. I filed a claim stating my card was stolen but I feel like i'm likely to be screwed either way and they will find out. I wasn't aware that they were using counterfeit money and now I'm waiting for my claim to be processed in the hopes that I won't be implicated in this (though I highly doubt this will go well for me). I'm feeling really suicidal right now, I just put my whole college career and possible future at risk over this due to my naivety. I considered reporting this to the police but i'm afraid to do so due to my safety as these people know where I live and I don't want to put my family in danger over my mistake. Either way I feel like my life is fucked over

Answer:
 [Talk to someone now, please, about your suicidal thoughts](http://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/)

>I filed a claim stating my card was stolen but I feel like i'm likely to be screwed either way and they will find out.

Good luck explaining how he had your PIN, as well, to deposit the checks and withdraw the money.

>I considered reporting this to the police but i'm afraid to do so due to my safety as these people know where I live and I don't want to put my family in danger over my mistake.

The bank may report *you* to the police, so be prepared for that.

I have investigated many upon many bank/check/debit card fraud cases.  I have dealt with people in your exact position before.

Sometimes, I have arrested them for the fraud.  Sometimes, I have not.  It just depends on the totality of the situation including the bank's willingness to move forward with the case.

You need to start looking into a criminal defense lawyer now.  At the very least have a lawyer's number ready in case the police come a-knocking.


Title: [NJ] Priceline charged me $377 for a rental then the rental company charged me $491 and neither wants to refund.

Question:
I rented a car, from Dollar Rentals, for 5 days, booked through priceline.

It read $255 for a week + $117 in taxes in and fees in my itinerary for a total of $372.

When I landed and arrived at the counter I was told there's a $200 deposit that'll get refunded for a total hold of $566.

My credit card shows $377 from Priceline and $491 from Dollar and according to Priceline the price isn't guaranteed because fee's vary but the only additional "fee" is labeled as $18/day in tolls which I never used.

1.  How's it legal for a website that claims to book a 3rd party rental also claim the price they book isn't guaranteed and fees can vary by 100%?
2.  What should I do to only pay the booked and agreed upon price, nothing more?

Answer:
 Do a chargeback! If you show your credit card issuer the contract/ what you should have paid you can chargeback the extra they put on your card.Answer #2: Escalating by tweeting their corporate account has worked wonders for me in the past. Answer #3: When I've run into these issues it's generally a nightmare as Priceline and whoever is providing the service basically hate each other. /u/pacificstar and u/csdsmallville are on the right track but I will say I had a chargeback denied by my bank when I was promised a refund by Priceline and the hotel said no. It sucked. Answer #4: I work in the hotel industry, and often we have 3rd party booking (Priceline ect). I'm confused on why you had to give the rental company anything other than the deposit , which you mentioned was $200.

The rental company is paid by Priceline, as they took the reservation (and your money) already. Chargeback on the rental company, and press Priceline for a supervisor when you call.


Title: Landlord withheld deposit past 30 days, lease says 60

Question:
In accordance with state law(TX), landlords must return the safety deposit within 30 days. I recently had a landlord violate this, which brings me to small claims court soon. I recently located photos of the lease we signed which notated that the agency would return the safety deposit within 60 days, but this contradicts the state law.
Which power is stronger here? Does state law outweigh the lease or am I out money?

Answer: State law trumps private contracts.


Title: Husband Hit a Deer With No Insurance

Question:
Hey everyone. This happened about 20 minutes ago and we aren't sure where to go from here.

Husband was driving home from work and hit a deer. The van is totalled and cannot move so they are towing it. His parents removed him from their insurance plan suddenly about less than a month ago, so we had been searching for a new provider. The police filed a report, and husband told him that his parents have the insurance info but he doesn't think he is on it anymore. The officer didn't give us any info regarding this, which came as a shock, so we feel very lost.

What do we do now? The van isn't in working condition, so what do we do about insurance? Will insurance providers even want to take us now? Do we have to go to court over a deer? Neither of us have been in any major wreck before and are very scared. Please help!

Edit: Sorry, first time poster. We are in Middle Tennesse, and we arent looking to claim the van or anything. We have been thinking of getting a new car anyways, we just want to make sure we wont be in legal trouble of getting insurance after the fact, sorry for not being clear!

Answer:
 Well the good news is that your uninsured husband didn't damage anyone else's property or injure another person.

You'll have to pay for the damage yourself, and obviously you and your husband absolutely have to stop driving until you have insurance. Taking some time to shop around or being between policies is not any reason to be driving uninsured.Answer #2: *Husband hit a deer with no insurance.

Deers very rarely have insurance.Answer #3: Well it sounds like your husband was not cited for not having insurance or any traffic infractions so that's good. If you want to fix the van you'll have to pay out of pocket. Shouldn't affect your ability to be insured later on, but they won't be covering this damage.


Title: Is there a Texas law that requires employers to have feminine products readily available for their employees in the workplace bathroom?

Answer: No State has such a law.Answer #2: No.


Title: My roommate has neglected 2 animals which has resulted in 1 of their deaths and I want out, please help

Question:
For the first dog she had, a puppy that another redditer ended up adopting with 0 interaction from the roomate and 100% done by my wife. Second dog she was long term watching for her sister and this dog was sick for roughly 2 weeks before we had enough and took him to the vet since the roomate refused where he was put down all on my dime. The vet recommended we report her to animal control for abuse which we have not done yet, this was 2 days ago. Other than that I have nothing else I can use against her, is there anything I can do with this to break my lease and get the hell away from her? We live in California, San Diego county.

Edit: I should also point out my wife is not on the lease, only me and psycho bitch

Answer: You should take the vets advice.Answer #2: Nothing in your story constitutes legal grounds  for breaking a lease. Answer #3: Absolutely report for animal abuseAnswer #4: Report for animal abuse. You have the power to help this animal. I know you're in a really tight situation and my sympathies are with you. I've had really horrible roommates in the past. Perhaps maybe looking for another place to live and sublet your place? This would be after you report the roommate for animal abuse. I say this because you mentioned that you need the roommate for rent.


Title: NYC - Landlord gone missing

Question:
For the last 3 years, my partner and I have lived in a lovely apartment in Brooklyn that's owned by an artist who used to live in New York but now has his primary residence overseas. The only time we've met him in person was at the lease signing, but he's always been pleasant via email, if often slow to respond — he usually gets back to us in a day or two, maybe a week sometimes. We are very good tenants, and he has mentioned before that he feels like his property is in good hands. We initially signed a one-year lease (the whole thing was handled by a major real estate firm here in NYC, with massive agents' fees etc.), and after we had lived here for 10 months, we all agreed it was working out great for everyone, and my partner and I signed another lease for 2 more years, at a modest rate increase.

Today is August 1. Our two-year lease expires in one month, on September 1. Back in May, we emailed him saying we would like to renew our lease. He replied (after a week or so) saying he'd love to renew us, and we should talk soon to figure out details. Since then ... nothing. We've sent him three more messages just checking in, and crickets.

I suspect this is just a case of massive flakiness on his part, but I am starting to get very worried. (About our living situation, not about him. But I guess I'm also worried about him! But mostly I'm worried about us.) What can we do, besides hope he gets back to us? What should we worry about? What happens if we hit September 1 and we don't have a new lease in hand?

Answer: If he continues to "ghost" you, you should make plans to move out on September 1st. If you can't, the lease is going to convert to M2M and your landlord will need to give you written notice to vacate. That will take at least 30 days.


Title: Employer taking tips for cash shortages

Question:
I work at a coffee shop and whenever the register is short cash, my employer will take our tips from the pool and use them to balance the register.

My basic understanding is that an employer cannot take tips to use for their own purposes.

Am I right? I live in Idaho if that matters.

Answer: You're correct. It is wrong of them to do this. Is it worth raising fuss about? Depends on if you still want a job...


Title: Took in a very sick & scared "abandoned" puppy, previous owners now want her back and threatened court

Question:
In Florida. Two months ago, I was renting out a canoe along the river from a lady's backyard. She noticed me eyeing a very timid looking dog, then asked if I wanted to take it - telling me that the dog was abandoned and she just hadn't had time to take it to the pound.

Reasonably, i'm not in the spot I'd like to be to have a dog but I couldn't leave her - looking starving and sick. Sure enough, I took her to the vet and she had fleas, ticks, hookworms, tapeworms, and was pregnant. I've spent over $1,500 in vet bills in two months.

She's grown very attached and loving to me, but remains EXTREMELY terrified of men (barking, shaking and hiding when one approaches), other dogs, and groups of people.

Today, a lady walked up to me and Charley and told me that was her dog who she had lost, and she wanted her back. She showed me identical puppy pictures and seemed emotional, but Charley didn't seem to even recognize her. I told her I loved Charley very much and a lot had happened since she had lost her, but that I would bring Charley by her place in the morning to see how she took it all.

She texted me her address, and when I got home I received an angry call from her boyfriend.. who told me he was recording our call, and wanted to pick up the dog now. He said he would make it a civil matter if he had too, explaining that he had put up lost signs that I must have seen (I hadn't).

I'm worried about Charley returning to a possibly abusive situation and don't feel comfortable bringing her back to them tomorrow. Can he legally take her?

EDIT: The dog had no tags and was not chipped. The previous owner did say that she had taken Charley and her sister because of a problem with their mother, but I'm not sure if they have proof of ownership.

Topic:
Other Civil Matters

Answer:
 Does the dog have any type of identifiable marks? Dogs can grow significantly in two months, and many puppies look the same. I would think this lady will have some difficulties proving the animal was originally thiers.

Ignore them, make sure they don't steal the dog, and don't miss any court dates. Answer #2: He can sue you for the dog. he'll have to provide proof of ownership of the animal. Was the dog chipped? did the dog have tags?


Title: How could OJ Simpson lose a wrongful death civil trial when he was found innocent of murder in a criminal trial?

Question: This is something that i've been curious about for a long time. If OJ was acquitted of all criminal charges how could he have anything to do with the wrongful death of the people that were killed? At best this seems like double jeopardy to me.

Answer:
 He was not found "innocent".  That doesn't happen except in rare cases.

The jury did not have enough evidence to find him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.Answer #2: The burden of proof is less in a civil trial. In a civil trial they just have to prove that it was most likely (preponderance of evidence) whereas in a criminal trial they have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt.


Title: Is it unauthorized practice of law to tell my friend she should consider getting an order of protection? (tn)

Question: My friends neighbor is repeatedly sneaking onto her property and cutting her dogs collars off. She's distressed, of course. I think this is stalking and justifies taking out an order of protection. Would it constitute the unauthorized practice of law to tell her so? On the one hand I don't want to risk it but on the other hand she should really do this.

Answer: No. Unauthorized practice of law is geared towards people who falsely hold themselves out to be lawyers by preparing legal documents or attempting to represent persons in legal proceedings. Common sense advice regarding legal matters does not fall under this.Answer #2: If it was wouldn’t we be committing unauthorized practice of law by answering your question?


Title: Refusal to allow landlord to use my tub

Question:
Hello.

My partner and I rent out an essentially separated back part of a house (essentially an apartment) from my sister and her boyfriend, she is pregnant. (Relevant)

Their part of the house does not have a tub, only a stand shower, although they have a kitchen in their part of the house with a full sink. My sister wants to use our tub for when the baby is born to bathe it, do we have the right to refuse that?

We pay 375 a month in rent and have a written lease although nothing about this is in the lease.

Side note, again not listed in the lease but to enter our -apartment- do they need to give us a certain time notice legally?

Thanks!

Answer:
 If you have the exclusive right to use the space - it's not shared or common - then you can refuse to allow your landlord to use that space.

Your landlord typically needs to give you 24 hours notice before entering to inspect or repair, but can typically enter with no notice in case of emergency.  Your location may have more or less strict rules.

From the practical side of things, bathing a newborn in a bathtub is a *really* bad idea.  Bathe the kid in the sink or a baby tub on the floor until he can sit up on his own.


Title: Judge granted divorce after 3 year trial - can't get final decree

Question:
After a very long case [TN] for many reasons, delays from her attorney, delays from her, etc.  I was finally granted a divorce after a 9 hour final hearing that went way past the courts operating hours.  The judge said his office would do the decree as he didn't expect her attorney to handle it reasonably.  Weeks go by, no decree.

Her attorney tries to reopen the case and after another hour long hearing he failed and the original order stands.  I find out that after the original hearing the judge allowed her attorney to write up the final decree for some reason.  Weeks go by.  My attorney tells me he has decided to write it up himself as her attorney hasn't as she owes him somewhere north of 24k in legal fees.  Weeks go by.  It's now been 11 weeks since the original hearing and 6 weeks since her attorney tried to reopen the case and failed. We had a court reporter and I have the transcripts for the original hearing.

What can I do to get divorced?  I want this past me.

The local rules of the court state 10 days for documentation and then once signed we would wait 30 days for any appeals.

I am in divorce limbo and not only is it affecting me emotionally it's affecting me financially as we are still considered married to all credit agencies and bills she is running up.

She hasn't filed taxes in over 5 years (whole time we have been separated because she didn't think she had to).  I'm working with a tax accounting and legal agency on that issue.m as I filed my taxes.

I just want this done so I can continue my life free of her as its been the hardest most unreasonably emotional thing I have been thru and it never seems to end.

Answer:
 >What can I do to get divorced?

You have an attorney, this would be an excelent question to ask him.


Title: [US, IN] I have recently turned 18 and am recieving benefits from social security due to the death of my father. My mother claims that the checks must be used for specific purposes, and is threatening to evict me if I don't abide. Is there a legal guideline on how I am allowed to use the benefits?

Question:
[United States, Indiana] To preface, I have already read this post from a month ago: https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/comments/6yy03a/i_just_turned_18_and_my_parents_are_demanding_i/. It details a strikingly similar situation to the one I am in right now. The difference is that my mother claims that the social security checks must be used for specific purposes, including college and living expenses. She is threatening to report me for fraud if I do not use the money for these purposes.

I have recieved 3 checks already from the 3 months I spent in school as an adult, and will be recieving checks every month until I graduate high school, which will be in May, 2018. I am not going to college after I graduate. I had planned on negotiating a price with my mother on the living expenses from now until I move out. However, we have come to a disagreement on where exactly this money has to go. She claims that if I don't use it on the purposes she described, I would be committing fraud. I am under the impression that the money is mine, and that I am able to use it wherever I please. I fully intend on using the money to pay for living expenses *and* to invest with it. She trusts that I would indeed use the money for these reasons, but nonetheless believes that this is fraud.

The importance of understanding this is that it will help me negotiate a living expense. Without full knowledge of what I am allowed to spend the checks on, it puts me at a disadvantage when it comes to making a fair agreement. She claims that because I have to spend the money on the aforementioned purposes, that therefore she is essentially entitled to all of the money, and that any deviation from that is considered fraud.

And so my question is, what exactly am I allowed to use the social security survivor benefits on? And what sources could I use to prove where the benefits can be spent?
Topic:
Custody Divorce and Family

Answer:
 The money is yours, you can use it for any purpose. She does not have to provide for you anymore, however.

If the house is fully in her name, she can give you notice to leave for any reason. If you have inherited part of the house, she'd have to go to court or buy you out.Answer #2: the money is yours to do with as you please. your mom is wrong.  the rules on what it can be spent on come into play if it's being paid to her on your behalf, not when it's being paid directly to you.Answer #3: I'm going to give your mother the benefit of the doubt...
As your representative payee, she did have to use the money for specific purposes and fill out a form every year attesting that she did so.

She may sincerely not know that there are no such legal rules in place for you.


Title: [FL] Hit a company car, I don't have any insurance. Where can I find a lawyer to go over my options before they sue me?

Question: [deleted]

Answer: How did you not get cited for driving without insurance?


Title: [TX] My college professor implemented a new class policy today that all phones are now to be put in a phone holder at the front of the class - is this legal?

Question: [deleted]

Answer: If you don't want it to happen, either leave the phone at home or turn it all the way off and keep it in your bag. They won't be able to get away with searching you or your bags for phones.Answer #2: Yes. Although the penalty for non compliance cant include destroying the phone or conversion. Kicking you out of class, or giving you a negative grade are perfectly fine though. Answer #3: College professor here. All you have to do is make darn sure it's turned off and secure it in your book bag so it can't be seen, and say you don't have one. It's not like we're gonna search you like the TSA. As others have said, there's no law requiring you to hand it over - and no law requiring the professor to let you remain in class. Answer #4: Yes.Answer #5: I have another question- if a phone was stolen from this required dump, would the school and/or professor be liable?Answer #6: Yes.  If you don't like it, leave your phone behind.Answer #7: Legal and also your classmates should be embarrassed that this seems necessary. You're in college. Pay attention.Answer #8: You have a bag right? Why not just put it on silent and claim you don't have one? Answer #9: He isn't forcing you to come to his class; this makes it completely legal.


Title: (Texas) Let go from new job should I seek legal services

Question: I was hired from a staffing company to work with a tech company on a one year contract. My original start date got pushed back 2-3 weeks. Training was a few weeks. Overtime was allowed during training period to better grasp concepts and new software and programs created by company. During the 2nd week of training I got a phone call about 3 minutes after I left the building, after I stayed 2-3hrs of OT, from the staffing company saying the tech company would not be moving forward with my contract. I was given no reasoning or explanation to the decision. Not once did a manager or instructor from the tech company mention anything was wrong or I was on the verge of being let go. I got up every morning at 4am to be early to work by 7am. I'm now unemployed, lost time and opportunities due to waiting for this position and expenses occurred for travel to work. What are my options? Please helpful answers only and thanks in advance.

Answer: What does the contract say about their right to terminate?


Title: I have a huge problem with my 85-year-old dad. I don't know what to do or where to start. Help me, if you can.

Question:
Location: West Virginia

My dad has really got himself into trouble.

He's been letting people into his house for months and they've taken pills, money, food, etc. When I get rid of those, more just seem to show up and he buys their sob stories and allows them in.  I talk to him over and over and over about it and things calm down and then it just starts back up again.

I am unable to be with him 24/7.  His other family members don't feel safe with these people in the house and won't do anything.  He will not move and refuses to even consider nursing homes or assisted living.

Now he's managed to hook up with a pair of sisters that the entire neighborhood has said are bad news.

I witness this firsthand as I was leaving work and he calls me saying she is beating on him. I call the police and go over there, but by the time I get there she's gone.

While I am trying to convince him that these are not good people I find drugs in the corner, syringes. I want to lose my mind! I dispose of all that crap and tell my dad not to let this woman back in the house.

Her sister is supposed to be in home confinement and somehow go it ok'ed to be at my dad's house. I think that's bullcrap. She takes the car at 9 am and doesn't come home until 8 or 9 that night while feeding my dad the line she has to do drug tests and fill out paperwork.

And people come out to fix or program the home confinement device on Saturdays and Sundays. I really think people are coming in and using the house to do drugs.

This morning they were in a huge fight where she got on the phone with me and cussed me out and just went batshit crazy.  When I met my dad later to go grocery shopping he said everything was fine now and she had apologized.

I am going to get my dad a mental health screening. Putting that in motion tomorrow, but I am really concerned that he vehemently defends this woman like she's done nothing wrong. It all gets blamed on her sister. He seems to not be in his right mind. And I found out the woman staying with him is a prostitute who may have HIV/AIDS and he's joked about it, but I think he's had sexual contact with her.

I am scared that if she knows I am working to get her booted that she may know some very bad people that she could use to come after me. Is that a silly notion? I've been trying to stay on the down low with all this because I am scared for him, me and my family.

How can I get this person to go away and never bother us again? What are my options?

Answer:
 If in the US, you can contact adult protective services. Google the number.Answer #2: >How can I get this person to go away and never bother us again?

It's not your home. You have no say on who is there.

>What are my options?

If your father essentially fails a mental health screening, you can possibly receive Power of Attorney. At that point, you can make legal decisions for him, even putting him into assisted living.Answer #3: Call the West Virginia elder abuse hotline at (800) 352-6513.  Tell them people are stealing from your dad and physically abusing him.  And that he's not making smart decisions about how to take care of himself (a rational person would kick these people out, but he's not).

Call your local Area Agency on Aging.  http://www.wvseniorservices.gov/GettingAnswers/OverviewofAgingProgramsInWestVirginia/AreaAgenciesonAging/tabid/97/Default.aspxj

The Area Agency on Aging can work with you to set up caregivers for your grandpa so you don't have to worry about being there 24/7.

Is your dad willing to do a mental health screening?

Talk to the police about what it would take to get a restraining order and protect yourself.


Title: [NJ USA] Underage daughter sent explicit pictures from underage boy

Question:
My daughter's boyfriend sent her some explicit pictures and a video recently, which has led to their breakup because he was harassing her. In an effort to seek help, she sent me the messages, explicit content included. I have recently been informed that even though these were unsolicited, this would be considered child pornography.

Now we would be fine if after the breakup, they just never spoke to each other again, but the boy is stalking my daughter now. He's skipping class and following her around. We spoke to the boy's mother on the subject \(including the harassment\) and she practically brushed it off, saying that my daughter was doing it to get the attention from her son.

So here's my problem. I want this boy away from my daughter, and his parents aren't going to do anything about it. However, I'm not sure what will happen if we start making a fuss with the school. I don't want some investigation happening and all of a sudden my daughter and I are being charged for possession of child pornography all because of this stupid boy.

My questions are:

1. How can my daughter and I protect ourselves from this child pornography situation? I'm not looking to ruin the boy's life, I just want him away from my daughter.
2. What can I do to get this boy who's harassing my daughter to stop? I know this one isn't cut and dry a legal question, but I'm at a loss on what to do here.

Answer:
 1. Speak to an attorney in your area, but it is highly unlikely that either you or your daughter would be charged. It is still technically possible, so you want to speak to an attorney before the police.

2. You will likely need to escalate this to an order of protection, but you need to do step 1 before 2. Answer #2: You can contact [The  national Sexual Abuse Hotline](https://www.rainn.org/) to get a reference to a nearby Victim Advocate.  They can also go over the varying laws in your local area.  Since your daughter is being harassed, she needs an advocate in her corner. Answer #3: File a restraining order with everything you have as supporting evidence. Answer #4: You need to delete the images, and simply document that you received them, from who, when, and where.

If you are not willing to pursue it any further because you "don't want to ruin his life," then there isn't much more in the way of legal repercussions.


Title: Signed a lease with my boyfriend. He left me and I'm scared he won't help me buy out the lease.

Question: [deleted]

Answer: You are both individually responsible for the entire amount. If it's not paid, either of you could get sued and you could both be evicted. Is this a 2 bedroom? Can you get a roommate?  You should check your lease to see if there is a cancellation clause.


Title: Antioch, TN - rear ended a van parked in the middle of the road on the downslope of a hill.

Question:
Link to pic of wreck: http://i.imgur.com/GlFSIsM.jpg

Obviously because of the fact i rear ended him i am at fault. However i feel he should be at least partially at fault.

So, this guy was parked in the road. You can see in the image that he's not pulled over, he's 100% in the lane of traffic - parked. No flashers, no brake lights. Just parked with the engine off.

What you can't really see is that he's on the downward slope of the apex of the hill, parked in the lane. Obviously, no reasonable person expects to come across a vehicle parked in the lane, so I didn't notice him until I saw the top of his van appear over the crest of the hill, which is when I slammed the brakes.

Cop says that parking in the lane of traffic is somehow legal and that im 100% at fault.

I dont think this guy should get off without at least some blame. Are there any precedents or statutes/laws that can help me out?

Edit 1: some of you seem to be thinking that the vehicle was visible from far away. It was not. As stated in the OP, it was not visible until i had started to come down the hill and by that point it was too late to stop without hitting the other vehicle since it was parked in the middle of the lane close to the top of the hill on the downslope. I have already stated that i know rear ending someone puts me at fault. I was more interested in finding out if there are any local or state ordinances or laws that would state something along the lines of dont park your vehicle in the travel lanes.

No need for some of yall to be dicks in your responses.

Answer:
 If you hit a stationary object with your vehicle you are correctly assigned fault. You are required to drive your vehicle in a manner that allows you to stop in time for any obstacle in the road. What if a child had run into the street? If you cannot see over a hill you should drive a safe speed for the conditions.

Edit: a wordAnswer #2: You are 100% at fault for the accident. The cop could have also ticketed the owner of the van for a parking violation, but he chose not to. That is outside your control and would not transfer any liability. Don't hit stationary objects.Answer #3: > You can see in the image that he's not pulled over

With all due respect, there is clearly a curb there. Would another foot over have made you miss him?

I can't think of any reason you wouldn't be at fault here.


Title: Employer is cutting the next 5 Friday’s and docking our pay. Can they can do that for salaried employees?

Question: Located in Indiana. Employment contract doesn’t state this can be done.

Answer: So I'm reading that they are having a hard time making payroll - time to find a new job.


Title: I don't know what to do (sexual harassment at work)

Question: (California) I don't have a lot of time to type this out so I'll make it quick. I'm a 17 year old male and last night my married male coworker asked if I could keep a secret and then asked me to go to the break room where he began showing me naked pictures of himself on his phone. Later that night, he was in the bathroom and when I went in he exposed himself to me and I don't know what to do...

Answer: Call the police.Answer #2: This is beyond sexual harassment in the workplace sense, this is straight up sex offender level. This is not a matter for your workplace (although you should notify them as well), this is a matter for the police.


Title: My wife uploaded screenshots from my Ashley Madison account, hotel receipts and non-nude but sexual photos of me online before she moved out and filed for divorce. Do I have any legal recourse under Delaware law?

Answer:
 You're upset that she downloaded publicly available photos and hotel receipts from an account she had access to?

Get a good lawyer.


Title: PTSD and speeding ticket please help?

Question:
San Diego, CA

I was having a PTSD attack while out in public and decided I needed to go home, I didn't have my service dog with me, she is in trainning and is a 3 month old puppy, She wont be a full service dog until she is at least a year old from what I was told. I was going 80 in a 65 zone (freeway) All the other cars were going 70/75 no traffic on the road, the officer was sitting on the shoulder, I believe he used a rador gun or whatever I don't know.

He pulled me over I was so into my attack I couldn't really speak I had to ask him to repeat what he said a few times. I even now still don't remember what he said or what he told me. But I have a ticket in my hand.

I saw my therpist today as well because of this attack it was the first one I never really had since finding out I had PSTD and got very bad. (I was always told I was being a drama queen when these attack happened)

Anyways my doctor gave me a note for work stating I had a medical emercry and was unable to work today because of it. (After a very long sesson, I am in a better place) Now waiting for this ticket to come in.

I make minmage wage, I am on food stamps. The 300+ ticket will be soon on its way. My ticket will be two of my paychecks meaning I cannot pay rent, food, gas, bills or anything. I may be losing my job soon because of my medical problems.

Can I fight this?

Answer:
 Sounds like you are trying to use PTSD as an excuse to get yourself out of a ticket :-(

 I have PTSD...I go to therapy regularly and take meds for it... I have some bad days but I would never use it as an excuse like this.  You have to take responsibility for your actions and learn from it.

Maybe its not safe for you to be driving if you get that disoriented.  I mostly take the train or walk...its less stressful.
Answer #2: Nope.

Don't drive.  If your PTSD makes it so you don't remember what the officer said, you're unsafe to drive. Answer #3: You should stop driving if you're not capable of doing so without mental breakdowns.


Title: Who do you think has the strongest chance in the Gawker-Hogan lawsuit?

Question: Not exactly advice, but this is the closest place to "Ask Law Professionals" that exists, so I hope it is allowed

Answer: Ric Flair


Title: What can a fully illiterate defendant, who do not speak English and cannot afford a lawyer, do to have some kind of success in civil court?

Question:
I work at at civil court and a new case came across my desk.  The defendant does not speak English, is completely illiterate, cannot afford a lawyer, and there's no pro bono representation available.

What can he do to obtain some kind of assistance inside the court room?  It's not realistic for him to go Pro Se without some form of assistance, but only lawyers are allowed to represent him in the court.  He literary signed the forms with an "X" after a friendly neighbor filled them out for him.

Answer:
 The friendly neighbor (or nearly anyone he chooses) can probably appear in court and act as a translator for him.Answer #2: Technically, being illiterate is no problem, as the whole process can be done orally - you have a right to be heard by the court, rather than seen, and it is an important distinction. Filing papers in leiu of presenting a the whole case orally is just a modern convenience.

That said, it's very irregular these days, and anyone so poorly educated as to be illiterate is likely to have a tough time of it, even if they were a native English speaker.

IIRC In most jurisdictions everyone has a right to a court-appointed translator, as not getting one would be a failure to provide equal protection, but a quick google search shows this is applied rather patchily in civil cases - and the defendant may end up paying costs, so that's just more money for a person who can't afford representratio MB in the first place.

So all in all, They really need a lawyer who speaks their native languageAnswer #3: Do you have any contact info for translators/interpreters? Start there, and look into legal aid for indigents as a follow-up.


Title: [MI] Brother [IL] has outstanding lien judgments, is unemployed, and about to start collecting a pension. He wants money for a vehicle, and I'm thinking of making him see a bankruptcy attorney first.

Question:
Ok, so the dude has basically fallen off the planet. Laid off from construction years ago, and has drank and smoked his time away with buddies the whole way along. Condo foreclosed, deep in debt, unemployment ran out long ago, basically a scrapper to get by.

Scrapping truck died, he called for money, and I mailed him a check. Which is when I realized how different a world he's in. He's worn out his welcome with my mother and my other brother, I'm his perceived last chance.

He took the check, went with my other brother to the bank, and opened an account (bank the other brother banks, with). Not sure why, but other brother had the check signed over to him, so bank said - two party check, wait ten days to take out the money.

Brother calls, explains the situation, and, in talking, mentions lien judgments (he claims for $20k). Told him I knew nothing about those, as I'm not in that space. Asked him what he knew. Said that $800 was 'zapped' from his last bank account. Dude, does the bank have your SSN? Yeah. Do you suppose that could happen again? I don't know. Genius.

Called my bank, explained the situation, they stopped payment on my check, and I breathed a sigh of relief. Great. But sending my brother money isn't really going to help if he never actually sees any of his pension (starts in January).

**TL;DR - I'm thinking of telling him I'll gladly send him a cashier's check if he proves to me he's applied for bankruptcy. Mother and the other brother have been pushing him to do this for years. He would surely hate this, but I'm happy to apply 'tough love', but only if it's clearly likely to be a bigger help than (re-)sending a check.**

Answer:
 I don't see a question.Answer #2: There's no outcome here that will be something you want except stay the hell away.Answer #3: Are you giving this as a *gift* or are you expecting him to pay you back?

Because the odds of him paying you back are in the single digits.Answer #4: He's an adult. You can't force him to do anything. While seeing a bankruptcy attorney may help him in the long run you just can't force him into it.


Title: Alaska Permanent Fund Division pays every Alaskan resident an equal portion every October. My partner did not receive his in 2018 due to PFD's own mistake and now they're claiming they don't have money and "may" pay October 2019. What are the legalities of withholding his rightful pay as a resident?

Question: The dividend for 2018 was $1,600 and was going to be a lifesaver for us. Alaska is incredibly expensive and we were really relying on it after my partner was let go from his job for breaking his foot at work (an unrelated legal issue which I won't discuss here). Our church donated money for our rent one month to keep us afloat during his transition to a new job which I still feel awfully guilty about accepting that kind of hand out when it could've gone to another family. We're  frustrated and upset because the PFD here owes him his $1600 and we would have never had to take that donation if he had been given his money at the time it was distributed. They still refuse to pay it and claim they will in 2019, but I highly doubt it due to the vague use of "may"s and "could"s. Regardless, he shouldn't have to wait as its his right as a resident and he's been treated unfairly. What can we do about this situation?

Answer:
 If his application has been found eligible for 2018, the pay schedule can be found [here.](https://pfd.alaska.gov) However, it sounds as though his application may still be under review? Without further details, it’s hard to say.

Best bet would be to start with your district representative, depending on where exactly you live in Alaska, and escalate from there. The cost of a lawyer’s services may outweigh the 2018 PFD amount. Answer #2: Reach out to the mayors office and go up the ladder