Title: Pulled over and searched in a private rental.

Question:
Hey everyone, let me go straight to the point.
I’m from Texas, but my incident happened while I was in California.

I rented a car through an app where you can rent other peoples personal cars(I don’t know if I’m allowed to name them)

I rented it May 7th, 2018 - May 10th, 2018

When I got to LA I noticed a lot of car that were new did not have license plates, not even temporary ones, just the dealer logo where the plate would go.

When I rented my car through the app and had it delivered to where I was at it didn’t have a plate, just the dealer logo/plate.

I asked they owner, “so why do some cars not have plates out here? What’s up with that”

He said, “it’s new cars. They have this small sticker on the windshield that’s your temporary plate in California.”

I asked, “so how do they know who’s who”

He told me, “as long as you’re not doing anything crazy or your car isn’t super old you
won’t get pulled over for it or anything like that”

Well.

A few days later when I’m going to leave on the 10th I get pulled over by the police.
They asked me, “when did you buy this car?”
I told them it wasn’t mine it’s a rental.

So he asked me if I had any proof if it was a rental/documents/contracts for the rental. I said no but I can show you everything I have on the app from it.
He looked at it and was still a bit confused on it.

he takes my license to go check on me in the police car.
The other officer with him came back to me and told me he knew what the app was and that.  They were on a stolen car sting. That was the reason they pulled me over.

The other officer comes and tells me to step out of the car and that he’s going to pat me down.
So I get out and get patted down with my hands behind my back.
He tells me, “I’m going to search the car is that okay?” I told him sure go for it do what you need.
He searched it and finds nothing except for a Juul vape that wasn’t mine. It was the owners. He asked me if it was THC or nicotine. I said I had no idea that’s not even mine. Probably the most typical thing someone who would lie about it would say but I was telling the truth. Other than the Juul he found nothing. He asked me if i has any personal belongings and if t was okay if he searched them. I said sure as long as you’re careful with my camera bag go through what you need to. The only reason he said he was going to is because when I got asked to step out of the car I left my wallet in the car and it had my Texas License to Carry. (In Texas we have to present it to a peace officer with our DL but since California doesn’t recognize the Texas LTC  I didn’t think to do so. To them it’s a piece of plastic) he was going to check my bags for weapons(which I had none with me)

He started going through my bags and said, “screw it i trust you”

So at this point, I’m 100% in the clear after they did what they had to. They told me I had to find a new way to LAX to catch my flight because they were going to tow the car.
They told me the car was registered as inoperable and that’s why the plates were taken off. I was lied to and scammed according to them.

I complied the whole time with the officers and we we’re respectful towards each other the whole time.
This is not an LEO problem.

The problem is I was put in a potentially dangerous situation due to the rental app not screening the cars properly and I was lied to driving around in a car that was illegal to drive.

I’ve contacted the app and they offered me $25 in credit on my account for my rental.
I don’t think that’s fair for being detained, searched, humiliated, and put in danger in more than one way 1)the police thinking I was possibly someone dangerous 2)in a car that was inoperable for who knows what reason.

What should I do?
Do I let it go? Or Do I proceed with seeing if is should take legal action for the rental app’s irresponsibility?

Answer:
 If I was you I'd call my credit card company and dispute the charge for the rental, and take this as an example why the whole "disruptive" "app economy" is fucking dumb and dangerous.

Let Turo fight your card company, they probably won't win.


Title: Just in case for future reference. how can I create proof that I support my baby and give money to my baby’s mom?

Question:
If worst to come to worst how can I prove I was supporting the baby? So far I have this.
I ask her to send me receipts of what she buys my baby. Then i send her more money if the last receipts added up. Is this good enough or is there a better way?

Answer: Go to court and get a real child support and custody order. Your payments will be tracked by (and possibly even made through) the government, making it very difficult for her to deny you are supporting your child.


Title: Unusable Health Insurance

Question:
Location: Oklahoma

So my wife has a job that provides her with amazing health insurance, it covers absolutely everything! Great news right? It covers everything but what they called "bariatrics". My wife is obese and needs to lose A LOT of weight, she is really trying to make big changes and lose the weight. Here's the problem, every time she goes to the doctor they classify it as "obesity related" now the insurance company refuses to pay even the most basic doctors visits. Not to mention she has been recommended to get Gastic Bypass to help with the weight loss. Here's my question, her company specifically did not pick up the rider to cover bariatrics, she is the only one in the company that would be effected by this decision, and yet they picked up many other riders including drug abuse. Is this discrimination? Do we have any case here to try and move forward towards a company that pays their employee with an insurance coverage that doesn't actually cover her?

TLDR: Insurance coverage doesn't cover bariatrics, she's fat and every illness is "obesity related" Help please!

Answer: It is not unusual for health insurance to not cover bariatric surgery. Probably more don't cover it than do. As for them covering other things, if the doctor knows that insurance doesn't cover treatment for obesity, it is easy enough to code the visits in a way they will cover. If the doctor isn't willing to do this, she should find another doctor.


Title: A mother is accusing me of killing her baby. Am I liable?

Question:
Hey reddit, this is a secret lurker account. As I would like to keep this hidden. None of my family knows and I'm worried.

Basically, I was on a flight to California about a month ago visiting some friends. I had a small cold and was sat next to a mother and her baby. We made small conversation, I gave her my number because she was very sweet. Well, a month later she sends me that she would like to sue me for the death of her baby. She claims her baby died because I was sick and went on the plane. (It was small coughing and a runny nose.) Can she sue me for something I did not do intentionally?

I feel like a shitty asshole, I can provide proof if needed. It was only texts. She doesn't know my address or anything. I did not know having a cold would kill someone. I have gotten all my vaccines except for a flu shot.

Edit: There has been no paperwork, just angry messages claiming I killed her baby due to my illness. Apparently her baby had SCID.

Answer: Block her immediately and never talk to her ever again.


Title: My stalker is at it again. Is there anything I can do? Cops don't give a damn.

Question: I've posted about this before... I've been getting threatening texts for years. I had a stalking case against someone in the state of FL, but they moved to IL before they could be arrested. So this person pretty much thinks they are I touchable and that this is all a joke. The cops don't give a shit. Trust me. Tired of even wasting my time trying to get them to help. And I am still getting texts from this person and every time I block a number they make a new one using one of those free SMS texting apps. I'm at my wit's end. Is there ANYTHING else I can do to get this person to leave me alone? I would have already tried to get a no contact order but I don't even know which state to file it in and don't have the money to keep flying back and forth from FL to IL to try to get one. I just can't do this anymore.

Answer:
 Not legal advice, but you can whitelist your number , which means that only people that you allow will be able to call/text you.Answer #2: change your number?Answer #3: Cop here, this is the advice we generally give for these type of cases.

1. Change your number
2. Get a protection order in your county (will be hard to serve him)

This is what you can do. Answer #4: If she really is stalking AND threatening you, then that's a felony. Have you reported the threats specifically? You might have better luck with the cops if you emphasize the threats.

> A person who willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follows, harasses, or cyberstalks another person and makes a credible threat to that person commits the offense of aggravated stalking, a felony of the third degree.

[Florida statute 784.048.](http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0784/Sections/0784.048.html)Answer #5: Talk to a lawyer about getting a restraining order.  "I don't even know which state to file it in" is something that can easily be fixed.


Title: Received a TRO from ex that is full of lies and no evidence. How do I fight this?

Question: [deleted]

Answer: The protective orders were issued differently.  She obtained an ex parte order and you obtained one automatically as a result of a crime.  Hers probably is only her sworn statement.  While those are given out easily, as long as the elements are met, its unlikely hers will stick if you can prove its lies.


Title: Parents got a bill from public high school.. almost 4 years after graduation

Question:
Located in the state of VA, public high school. his is a strange issue so I doubt there's any type of statute of limitation or anything legal related to this, but I thought I might try.

I'm taking care of this issue because my sister is in the middle of interviewing for full time jobs since she's about to graduate college and lives 5 hours away from home.

My parents received a bill from the city on behalf of the high school my sister and I attended. The bill was for a missing book for a class taken in fall/winter 2010. Sister graduated high school in June 2011. They got the bill on Monday ago, and were given 10 days to pay the bill.

My mom and sister both remember paying for the book, but proof is not easy to track. She says that the missing book has been unpaid since 2010, but couldn't explain why this was not brought to our attention since my sister was in high school.

My sister didn't have her own bank account in high school, so it was paid for by my parents by check. The problem is, both my parents have changed banks since this time, so they would have to go to their old banks and pay to have statements/copies of old checks (if that's even possible). It's likely to cost $20ish or more for my parents to do this. It's also not easy for my parents to get out to where their old bank office is. Lots of things are uncertain about this bill because it was so long ago, which is making things even more difficult.

Are we basically screwed out of money either way? My parents have minimal income, my sister is still in college, and I have a strict budget as well. I'm trying to find out as much as I can before calling the school again tomorrow, so any advice about the situation or other resources I should look at would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for any advice!
Topic:
School Related Issues

Answer: Ask them what the repercussions are of not paying. Your sister is already in college and won't need her high school transcript anymore. If they claim they'll "send it to collections," I think they're bullshitting you (depending on the amount owed.) Even if they send it to collections, what do they have to prove their case?


Title: Looks like someone just tried to used my credit card twice but looking at the legal actions for it? (US, GA)

Question:
So someone tried to use my credit card online and than again in store. The store called me to verify that it was me but it clearly wasn't. The guy ran but he gave them his drivers license information before doing so (just his name which might be fake). They did get him on their security cameras though.

I am wondering what my legal course of actions are? I intend on filling a police report later on today. I already cancelled all my cards and got replacements. I changed the password on the stores site that was used. Can't think of anything else I need to do on my end but I want to see this person caught and myself protected (though I thought I was doing a good job before of that but fraud happens to anyone).

Answer: You can put a freeze on your credit. But you're not Batman you don't have to catch this person.


Title: Recovering deleted files from minor's phone

Question: A minor is under joint custody and has a smartphone which was purchased by his mom. Dad is given the passcode to the phone. Dad realized that text messages priori to the disclosure of the passcode were deleted along with photos and videos. Question #1 is whether it would be legal for dad to recover deleted files in the mobile phone?. Question #2 (assuming it is not ok to recover files) would there be legal ways to have this phone inspected. Question #3: Is a phone that is purchased for a minor becomes a gift to the minor? I.e. is it technically the minor's phone?

Answer: I don't know the answers to your questions and you should get an attorney, but, you should be able to subpoena the text messages from the service provider.


Title: (PA) Security Guard-Keeping someone against their will?

Question: Hello I am a security guard and just today I had a minor incident at work. A foreign truck driver who spoke very little English was on my site. As he was leaving he needs to give me certain paperwork I have to fill out for him. When he came to me he said he didn’t have any. I showed him the exact paperwork I need from him. He mumbled something about his phone jumped into his eighteen wheeler and drove off. Ten minutes later another person who is contracting these drivers brings me the paperwork the driver was supposed to have. The contractor begins screaming at me about how I should not have let the driver leave and that it was my fault the paperwork will not be filed properly. Technically I only do paperwork when there are no attendants on site which is rare. Second the driver should be given the paperwork before he even got close to coming to me. My legal question is if I were to have forced this driver to stay against his will like running in front of his truck or yelling at him to stay put is that an illegal detention?

Answer:
 NAL but ex-secuity guard.

You definitely can't physically detain the driver unless you witnessed him comitting a crime. The contractor was likely yelling at you becauee you made his job harder somehow. Getting chewed out by a salty contractor is nothing compared going to jail for false arrest/kidnapping/forcible confinement.

I believe you did the right thing, just make sure to include everything in your incident report. What, if anything has your supervisor said?


Title: Friend (27/f/Canadian) married American (27/m), moved to US and had baby (18 months). Now he's emotionally abusive and she wants to take baby back to Canada but worried she won't be legally able to

Question:
Hi all, would so appreciate some advice here.

Backstory: A close friend of mine met a man in TN, had a whirlwind romance and they got married. At first, they lived here in Canada and he easily got a job (he's a nurse). However, she told him she'd be okay with living back in TN for a bit. So they moved to his very secluded hometown about an hour from Nashville where the only people they know are his parents (who ended up purchasing property next door and building a house, yikes).  My friend has always had depression and anxiety but moving to TN only magnified it and has made it so much worse as she's so alone. Turns out they started fighting like crazy even before the baby arrived and he was doing some sketchy things with his ex-girlfriend. The fighting got bad so they're in couples counseling regularly and my friend sees a therapist on her own too.

Current situation: The husband is emotionally abusive, controlling, won't let my friend do anything. She has a huge family and friend group in Canada, but he won't let them move back (or visit more than once a year). There's absolutely no compromise. She wants to leave (but also still loves him which from what I can understand is typical with abuse cycles).  She has attempted suicide twice in the last year because she feels very worthless based on what husband has drilled into her head. However she understands that her daughter needs her and has stated she will never attempt that again. Her biggest fear is that she won't be able to take her daughter with her back to Canada without him. The daughter has dual citizenship but she believes she wouldn't win in court because husband would say she's unstable, has postpartum depression etc.

Do you think she'd have a chance at being able to leave and bring her daughter back?

Answer: Your friend needs to talk to a family law attorney.  This will be a difficult and time-consuming fight.  Hopefully she has a green card already.


Title: Can a boyfriend ask for given gifts back, then sue when I decline giving them back?

Question:
An ex-boyfriend of mine, a few weeks ago, took me to the mall and spent about $700 on things for me. It was mostly clothes and makeup. It was preplanned and he said he was going to do it for me. I have the texts of him telling me he was going to do it. We are now broken up and he is extremely mad at me. He is asking for the things he bought me back, or the money for them. I declined, and he is saying he is going to take me to court for the items or the money. All the things were picked out by me, bought for me, and I have the receipts. Is there really any legal action over the things he bought me?

tldr; My ex is threatening to take legal action over gifts. Is there anything he can actually do?

Answer:
 >Is there really any legal action over the things he bought me?

Yes he can sue you.  He will lose (gifts are gifts and cannot be taken back), but that does not mean he cannot try.


Title: Car got egged, found the individual!

Question:
So last week I ended up getting my car egged while i was driving... I thought it was a pretty shitty thing to do and summed it up to a bunch of kids. Well I decided to pull over after in order to check for damages and see if i can clean it off. Needless to say, while i was cleaning the egg off the individual came driving back and egged me again! This time i caught his license plate

After calming down for a few moments, i called the police filled a report out, took pictures, and gave them the whole story. They ended up running the plates i gave them and found the individual. It just so happened that the owner wasn't the person who egged me but his underage son. The police officer explained what happened to the parents and told them i was going to press charges. Fast forward a few days, the officer contacted me and stated that the parents want to talk with me and discuss some things.

I ended up giving the parents a call and told them what happened (it seems their son didn't explain the whole story). They we're frustrated about the whole situation and that their son would even do anything like that.

Now that I've talked to them, I informed them that I was going to get my car cleaned, and checked for any paint damage that may have been caused. Besides having them pay for my car being fixed (detailed, paint fixed if necessary) should i ask for anything else, am i allowed to ask for anything else?

Thanks reddit!

Answer:
 You can ask for anything you want.

They are only obligated to pay for the damages you suffered.  So if you have to miss work, you can ask for that.  If you have other damages, you can ask for those too.Answer #2: Technically you may be able to ask for damaged related to the loss of use of your car, missing work to deal with the situation, the cost of a good (hand) car wash, any damage the vehicle suffered, etc. Practically speaking, getting them to settle for more than the cost of the car wash and any damage caused will likely be an uphill battle, especially for something a lot of people would consider a minor incident. You should also ask for the kid to apologize to you, in writing or in person.

>[A]m I allowed to ask for anything else?

Since the wording of your post was somewhat ambiguous I just want to make this clear, you CANNOT ask for any sort of payment to 'make this all go away.' You CANNOT use "pressing charges" (which you don't so anyway, the local prosecutor/DA does) as a bargaining chip. That is blackmail and can land you in a world of trouble. You can only seek to recover actual damages. This is not a windfall, or a payday, this about becoming whole after the incident and nothing more.


Title: Sexual Harassment in the workplace

Question: Hey, I am asking on behalf of my girlfriend. This is in MN. She was sent sexually harassing texts at her job asking her out and wanting to cheat on his wife with her and when she turned the guy down he became aggressive, telling her she wasn't allowed to walk through his office anymore (you have to to get to QA which is who she worked with) He made her job difficult by not getting her the information she needed to get her job done completely. She went to HR with it and the CEO (it's a small company) the CEO told her she needs to shut her mouth since she is under qualified for her position (They asked her to take the promotion into this position). The guy gets emotionally unstable at work and will throw temper tantrums one day and then come in and try to be your best friend the next day. It got to the point where she had to quit but she is now unemployed, can't collect unemployment and doesn't have the money to get a laywer. She spoke to a lawyer who said it sounds like she has a legit case but it'll be $1500 to go over all the evidence to determine the validity of a case. She's a single mom with no income and cannot afford that right now but plans to go forward with it once she is working again. Is there anything she can do to get the ball moving in the meantime? Is there a government body that investigates this type of stuff seperately? I've offered the $1500 but she won't take it.

Answer: Not only is there a government agency, it must go to the agency first.  That agency is the EEOC.  That said, they are super slow and rarely take action on their own, most of the time they will just issue a notice of right to sue.  She needs to file with them ASAP as the time limits are very short.  Thereafter she should look for another law firm.  Many would take this sort of matter on a contingency basis, so you wouldn’t necessarily need to pay $1,500 just to get an initial review.


Title: [Ontario - Canada] Lease issues - Landlord won't accept any people to take over my lease. Still paying rent.

Question:
I left my city because I was offered a job in a new city, and I gave my landlord notice and said that I would put postings up to have someone take over my lease. He said that the renter had to be female and be of good quality.

I am not sure if it is relevant, but my supervisor at my previous position was borderline abusive, which is why I was eager to get a new job.

I tried to find someone that fit his standards and presented several potential leasers to him in which he turned all of them down. I've had several male renters that have been turned down because of their gender. The last potential renter said that she had to wait 4 days for him to get the paperwork ready and in that time she went ahead and found another place to live.

Its like he is delaying the process on purpose because he knows that I signed a lease that I probably cannot get out of at this point without his approval. He then threatened to sue me for the rent then any additional late penalties that I accrue if I do not pay my rent on time.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Answer:
 It sounds like you are trying to assign your lease. The landlord can refuse prospective tenants, but he must use the same verification procedures that he used for you. Also, as an FYI, unless the landlord shares a kitchen and bathroom with the tenant, they cannot refuse on the basis of gender.

http://www.sjto.gov.on.ca/documents/ltb/Brochures/How%20a%20Tenant%20Can%20End%20Their%20Tenancy%20(EN).pdf

From page 5:
> If a landlord agrees to the idea of allowing the tenant to assign the rental unit to someone else, the tenant may find another person to rent the unit and ask the landlord to accept this person. The landlord has the right to refuse to let this person become a new tenant, but must have a good reason for doing so.

If your landlord has refused reasonable candidates or does not bother getting back to potential candidates, you can submit an N9 with the basis being that they refused an assignment. You have to do this within 30 days of the refusal and give 30 days notice.


Title: My dad has been charged with a hit and run. What's the best way to proceed?

Question: My dad has been charged with a hit and run. He was contacted by the police today, first saying that my brother had been involved in the hit & run, and then they changed their story and said it was my dad who was involved in the hit and run. He didn't believe the officer, so he verified with the city police that it wasn't a scam. I was able to find the accident report online. According to the report, a pedestrian was crossing the street and was hit. The driver fled, but they were able to find a car similar to my father's on a traffic cam (very common work vehicle) 1.5 miles away, which is how they got his information. The accident occurred early in the morning, much earlier than my dad leaves the house. I was able to pull up his timeline on Google Maps, it says he didn't leave his house until an hour and a half after the accident occurred. Can that be used in court? What is the best way to approach this? I told him not to talk to the police anymore. Should he hire a criminal defense lawyer, or should he contact his car insurance? This happened in Kansas.

Answer: If he's been charged with a crime he needs to hire a lawyer.


Title: Hot check help

Question: Okay so I had gotten in a car accident about last month. I had sent my car to get repaired at a body shop. The other people’s insurance had sent me a check. I got my car back and cashed the check out. Now the gas station I cashed the check is threatening to sue everyone involved including insurance and body shop as well as me. What do I do? The insurance said they I told them to put a stop payment on the check and pay the body shop. I really wasn’t thinking. The money from the check is gone now. I live in Texas and the check was for $1,300. Can they sue me? Can they put an arrest warrant out on me? Can I just ride it out and if they put a warrant out can I just pay the warrant off?

Answer:
 First, clarify, you cashed the check, then asked the insurance to stop payment?Answer #2: > The insurance said they I told them to put a stop payment on the check and pay the body shop. I really wasn’t thinking.

If you want accurate advice you need to be upfront. What exactly happened?

Assuming you did have the insurance company issue a stop payment and instead pay the body shop directly while you cashed the original check then you committed check fraud. The gas station doesn't have any case against the insurance company or body shop but they absolutely have one against you. In terms of criminal liability, they can file a police report and then it is out of their hands. The police will decide if they want to issue a warrant and pursue the case. In terms of civil liability they can sue you for the money as well.


Title: Parent likely having affair

Question:
I’m 95% confident my father is having an affair. Do I need solid proof to help my mother?

An added layer is that my Dad and Mom own a building together but my Mom is the majority owner. My dad is self employed and puts all of the income into the business (as far as I know) or motorcycles. The building has about a 300k loan and produces 108k a year (roughly before expenses which are minimal because my dad functions as property manager). My mom makes close to 100k a year.

My dad in a legal sense has nothing as far as i know. I don’t want him to be able to finagle the situation.

Plus he’s having the affair with someone he is selling one of their houses to 🙃 (apparently at market value).

Answer: Why are you involved in this?


Title: My utilities company changed my meter while I wasn't home without notifying me or asking my permission. Were they trespassing?

Question:
I came home a few days ago and discovered that the meter for my house had been changed while I was away. I'm assuming this was my utilities company was responsible for this.

My house sits on a medium sized lot and is fenced all around. The meter for the house is right beside the house, which means that the technician had to jump the fence and cross the yard to access the meter.

They never sought my permission or notified me regarding this work. It feels like they broke into my home. Is this legal? I live in Washington state.

Answer:
 > Is this legal?

Yes.  Having the meter grants the company an easement for the purposes of accessing, repairing, and replacing that meter.  They are permitted to enter your property without notice to perform such actions.Answer #2: > It feels like they broke into my home.

You seem to have a very different definition of *breaking into* than everyone else.

Regardless, who owns the meter? Utility companies almost always have easements for meter related things, but it's possible (although unlikely) that you own yours.Answer #3: There is usually a clause in your agreement with the utility company that lets them read and/or service the meter at your residence. Your fence doesn't mean they can't access it. You more than likely gave them permission when you entered the contract to get electricity from them.

They didn't break into your house. They serviced their equipment that happens to be attached to your house.

Think of it as a positive thing. It maybe an upgrade that allows them to drive by and read the meter remotely instead of actually entering your yard in the future.


Title: [Texas, USA] If sex began before age of consent, and ended after age of consent, is it considered a sex crime? (all occurred in cities: corpus christi, portland or aransas pass)?

Question:
A friend (seriously isn't me) had been involved with a registered sex offender (until very recently), whom is on probation still (for sexual assault of a teen girl). He's very controlling, manipulative, abusive in all forms and has been blackmailing her into not reporting him to the police via sexual related content he recorded without her knowledge when she was 16 (she'd seen it once when they were together so she knows he has it). He'd also hurt her a lot during their relationship (forced sex, mental abuse, physical abuse). It started 3.5 months before she turned 17, and ended roughly 3 weeks afterwards. She's getting better psychologically, and every bit she does, she remembers more and tells me more, and she's getting more and more wanting to press charges for everything she endured. There's photos and video and a recording of them having sex that has his voice and hers in it. She recorded it once secretly in case she'd need it, before she got really bad because of his abuse.

Has he violated his probation and/or registration? Can she press charges for everything he did to her? She's concerned she might be pregnant from when she was still 16, if she is, could that be a means of proving they were in a sexual relationship when she was still 16?

He's also harassing her still, threatening and doing his emotional manipulation stuff. She's going to try to get a restraining order; when (it's a safe presumption he will violate that), will that be considered a probation violation? Her therapist reported him when she told her about him, and apparently now he knows that a report had been made, and is really harassing her now. And she's terrified of him doing something because of it. She, me, and her family really want to get this creep out of her life in any way possible, preferably to prison. Is this even a possibility at this point?
Topic:
Criminal Law

Answer:
 > He'd also hurt her a lot during their relationship (forced sex, mental abuse, physical abuse)

Her age is irrelevant for these issues.  "Forced sex" is just rape, and physical abuse is assault and/or domestic violence.  Both are crimes regardless of the age of the victim.

For the sake of thoroughness, statutory rape is a single instance of sex with someone below the age of consent, it has nothing to do with relationship status.  If they had sex at any point and she was under 17, it's a crime.

Even if it didn't violate his probation (and I can't imagine a scenario where it wouldn't), it's a separate crime.  Your friend should report this to the police and also try to get some counseling for herself.


Title: Can i get fired?

Question:
The company I've worked for for the past year and a half just gave me a "final employee warning" paper I had to sign. I've been missing work lately due to my Ulcerative colitis something they know I've had since day one. They said since I had been missing work and I don't have a doctor's note I'm getting a final warning. Even if I could afford a doctor how am I suspected to go to a doctor's office during a flair up for them to go " yup you still have this disease that's incurable"? Basically I'm wondering if they can just fire me or if im protected under some medical law. I live in Missouri. Thanks.
Topic:
Employment Law

Answer: You need to get documentation from a doctor and file the appropriate paperwork with HR. When you go to the doctor, let them know you're going to be asking for reasonable accommodations at work.


Title: MI, USA - Is there a way to limit my children's father's constant filing of motions?

Question:
My husband and I have three children, ages 5, 3, 2. I left him in May 2016, filed papers in June 2016. He was arrested in May 2016, the day after I left him, because he attacked me in front of the police when I returned to move my stuff out of our house. There was a no contact order placed, which stood until December 2016. I also still hold a personal protection order, active until June 2017. Since the day I left, I have filed two petitions and 1 motion against him (petitions for PPO and divorce, motion for psych eval, home study and parenting classes on his part).

Since December of last year, he has filed 14 motions and appeals. I understand the appeals there isn't much I can do there, that's his right. But the motions are non stop. Motion to obtain a PPO against me - denied. Appeal of that denial - denial upheld. Motion to have me barred from being at the custody swaps - denied. Motion to have my partner banned from the custody swaps - denied. Motion for me to undergo a psych eval - denied. Motion to recuse the referee - denied. Motion to recuse the judge - denied. Appeal of judge's refusal to recuse himself - court date pending. Motion to force me to reveal my home address - denied. Motion to force me to refer to him as "Daddy" in conversations with our children - denied. Several motions to amend parenting time, each filed the same day we were in court for the last PT amendment, each denied and each denial appealed.

We were going in front of a referee and then the judge when the referee's decisions were appealed. The judge has taken our case back from the referee, so we are only being seen by the judge now. We are literally in court every week. He doesn't allow any time for a parenting arrangement to work before he files another appeal, as evidenced by the fact that he is filing new motions the day of the hearings. Not just appeals, but whole new motions that could have been addressed 20 minutes earlier in the court room. Now, he has started filing motions, waiting until all parties are present in the courtroom, and then adjourning the hearing (as is his right if he filed it), until the next motion hearing. It's an obvious timewaster. He refuses to pay his court ordered support, and because of this crap, I can't work. I could, but it's pretty hard to explain to a potential employer that I need weekends off for my kids, as well as every Monday and most Fridays for court.

He is not contesting the divorce, nor is he contesting my sole legal and physical custody of the kids, all of this is regarding his three hours a week of parenting time, which he only shows up for on average every other week. Neither of us has an attorney and I know that I can't afford one. His financial situation is currently unknown to me, but Im betting if he could afford one, he would have one by now.

I don't want to remove his parenting time. I don't want to force him to lose contact with his kids. But this is abuse both of the legal system itself and of me via the legal system. His own actions and words in court are always the same: "I'm not getting what I want our of these hearings." That's on the record multiple times, showing that he only keeps filing to restrict and control me and the kids, not with any inclination to do what is best for the kids.

Is there a legal way to limit his motion filings, either in terms of time limits between them, or forcing him to prove that there has been some sort of change since the last ruling?

Answer:
 > Is there a legal way to limit his motion filings, either in terms of time limits between them, or forcing him to prove that there has been some sort of change since the last ruling?

Technically, the court can impose a screening system on a litigant. But it's almost unheard of, partly because our justice system is "open access", and partly because that would shift the burden of review from the party's adversary to the court.

So it would be next to impossible to prevent your ex from filing motions. But for the ones he loses, you could ask the court to sanction him for frivolity. That's a tough hurdle to clear, but there's not much downside in asking - and if the judge gets tired enough of the motions, eventually you might get sanctions.Answer #2: If nothing else, at your next hearing politely ask the judge about it and be sure to explain that it's preventing you from being able to work.


Title: Camous detective calling me questioning me if I tried to make drugs on campus in a research lab I work in.

Question:
Long story short:

So, I got a call  with the detective stating that, "I know it was you who left a mess on friday."

They found a white powdery crystal substance on the counter, parafilm had been pulled and ripped as if a bear ripped it, a lot of distillation equipment was displaced, and a lot of glass ware was used and not cleaned with colors that the lab didnt work with recently. Also pyridine was misplaced ( I did move it...but I moved it from the lab bench to one of the the solvents storage cabinets because it was not in its proper place!) and chloroform bottles empty.

They think I tried to synthesize MDMA or Meth. Literally just because they found a recipe for p-benzoquinone which they claim is used to make these drugs. He said the handwriting was mine ( Did he did thru my stuff?)

I told him I am Okay with a drug-test ( Clean as a whistle and do not drink) and that I did do my own thing of thursday but not Friday, and said I used an orange reagent (Copper chromite specifically).

He also asked me to send the experiment I followed and I told him that it was written on a book I do not have access to at home.

I am on vacation now, officer has no clue what they're talking about regarding chemistry but it is possible that I was doing side-projects outside the knowledge of anyone else doing experiments to write a scientific article to impress the medical school I apply to.

The lab manager was the one who reported it and spent the day searching for reagents used to make drugs and it is like she searched to convince herself someone tried making meth even if she had no logical reason to suspect it other than the white stuff. I suggested we run it on a mass spec. which would conform the identity of the compound because I doubt it is meth and wanted to show them but they didnt listen and continued to connect every oddity to meth synthesis.

He also asked for a drug test and fingerprints.

I work at the lab helping out with experimental procedures and also clean the lab and organize.

Also I tried explaining to the guy about my experiment as a potential catalyst for my med school acceptance but he just interrupted and said, "So you tried to make meth to stay awake studying for medical school, huh!?"

He just kept doing these rude interruptions which I found demeaning. (coercement?)

Anyways I promised him about 3 separate times I did not attempt any drug synthesis but he still tried to contact me via email. I am concerned as to how he even got my contact information in the first place even if I work there. ( Did he do an illegal search?)

I am thinking of answering and asking for his supervisor and explain to him that the detective did not listen to me.

What can I do to let him leave me alone? Definitely no way for them to prove that I did or tried to make the meth.
Topic:
Searches and Seizures

Answer:
 Generally, if people are trying to investigate you, you do not assist them in the investigation, you don't talk to them at all. You simply say "If you're accusing me of a crime then I can't talk to you without a lawyer present." Don't tell them where you were or about your knowledge of the subject or anything. This is beyond "lets investigate together" and at the point of them collecting every sentence you say to see if there's anything they can use against you. This isn't "let figure it out together", this is you risking both expulsion, prison time, and a criminal record that will make it difficult to have any sort of career.

Refuse to talk to them at all. Make your own comprehensive notes about exactly what occurred and when. Then proceed as normal until you're either charged with a crime or have any sort of official issue with the school. At that point you need to hire a lawyer.

It's usually a good idea to have that lawyer picked out ahead of time, maybe call around or get consultations.


Title: can they take my son away for the mother testing positive for marijuana after birth?

Question: Our baby was just born and they told us the mothers urine did come back positive for drug use. It is marijuana and we live in a state where it is not legal. They are supposed to be testing the baby and coming to talk to us. Can they take our baby away from us? Will a recent vacation to denver be a legitimate stance to take? Is there anything we can do to prevent them from taking our son?

Answer:
 Yes. Yes they can remove the baby

The "but I went to a legal state" bullshit doesn't work. You are in a state that it is illegal in. That is what matters.

Have A family member available to take the baby if needed.

Stop breaking the law. Answer #2: Yes they can. Smoking while pregnant is not a practice doctors and judges look at as in the best interest of te child. Answer #3: Yes, they can remove the child for a positive marijuana result at birth.


Title: Any recourse against dog owners?

Question:
Asking for a friend. His kid's bike was stolen. Another kid in the neighborhood is commonly known to take whatever he wants. The wife went to his house and knocked on the door. The kid came to the door, opened it and his dog came running out and attacked her and her young daughter. Left puncture wounds and significant bruising. Her position is the kid opened the door wide and watched the dog run out and attack them. She went to the ER and got care. That came out to about $1400. It was filed against her insurance.

Animal control says the wounds are not sever enough to take the dog even for a short while. Does she have any recourse against the owners of the dog?

Answer:
 Yes.  See a personal injury attorney.  There may even be attorneys in your area that specialize in dog bites (yes, seriously).  PI attorneys usually give free initial consultations.

If you give us your location, we can point you to the correct bar association to get a referral if you like.Answer #2: Yes, owners of dogs are responsible for damage caused by their dogs. I would recommend consulting an attorney rather than trying to navigate suing them yourselves.Answer #3: "Liability" and "animal control taking the dog, even for a little bit" are different issues.

It looks like [NC may not have strict liability](https://dogbitelaw.com/mixed-dog-bite-statute-states/north-carolina-dog-bite-law) and that they follow the so called "[one bite](https://dogbitelaw.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=22)" rule. If the dog has never bitten anyone and has not been declared dangerous, if the owners have not shown negligence, and if the dog was not running loose at night, they may not be liable for the injury. Since we can't know exactly how the incident happened it is possible the dog owner may have some liability; it may be worth contacting a local personal injury lawyer regardless.

You should report the incident to animal control. It sounds like you did and they told you that the dog has not been involved in any previous incidents (which is why they won't take the dog). They should be able to help you determine if the dog is up to date on its rabies vaccine and if it is not arrange for it to be quarantined (this may happen at its owner's home).


Title: Debt collector contacting fiance and convincing her to pay.

Question:
So about a month ago a debt collector starting calling my fiance and telling her that I owe them money. I informed her to tell them that they are not allowed to call her and to stop immediately. Well of course she didn't listen to me and a few weeks ago they called her again and informed her that if I didn't pay that they would then press charges. After a short talk on the phone apparently they got her worried and convinced her to start a payment plan for my debt. They set her up on a monthly payment plan directly taken out of her bank account.
I have no idea how they got her phone number since this debt is from before we started seeing each other unless they got it from searching my current address. I also don't understand how they are able to tell her about my debt and also have her pay for it. So my questions are is any of this legal? Is it legal for them to call an unrelated person who has no ties to the account in question and is it legal to share my personal information like that and then collect from them instead of me? And if any of this is illegal then how do I go about rectifying this and who should I contact? Thank you ahead of time. oh and I live in NH.

Answer:
 http://www.consumerfinance.gov/askcfpb/329/are-there-laws-that-limit-what-debt-collectors-can-say-or-do.html

 If you're having trouble with a debt collector, you can submit a complaint with the CFPB online or by calling (855) 411-CFPB (2372). You can also report any problems to your state's attorney general. You also may be able to sue a debt collector in state or federal court.

 Report them: https://help.consumerfinance.gov/app/debtcollection/ask#currentPage=0


Title: If someone uses a gun (w/ CHL) or mace in self defense and is given a no bill, then how is it they can still sued in civil court?

Question:
I just finished my CHL course in Texas and this was an issue they brought up. In the class it was stated that if you have to use any form of weapons in defense of yourself or someone else, there is a 100% chance you will be sued in civil court.

They stated "Either the deceased family will sue you for damages or the attacker will sue you. It could be for causing PTSD in the attacker, or loss of income when the attacker goes to jail or for injuries the attacker sustained."

This whole concept seems wildly crazy to me, so hoping someone can explain.

edit: Thank you all for some really great info, I will be sure to share these points with the many people I know who feel the same as I did when asking this question. I appreciate y'all taking the time to explain this concept to me. Have a good one!

Answer:
 Because the burden of proof in a civil case and a criminal case is different, and they aren't connected to each other.

You can be tried for murder in criminal court and found Not Guilty, but still be found liable in civil court for Wrongful Death (see: OJ).


Title: [TX] Parents have a bad neighbor who is digging on their property.

Question:
Throwaway account.  My parents have a next door neighbor who is digging on my parents' property, and they're not sure how best to approach this situation.

Two weeks ago, my parents came home to find a trench on their land that ran along the property line between their home and their next door neighbor's land.  The trench ran to the street.  They went to talk to the neighbor about it and he told them that his land wasn't draining properly and that his insurance company wouldn't insure his home until he fixed that issue.  His solution was to install a buried drainage line along the property line (but on my parents' side) that ran to the road.  He said he stopped by to ask my parents for permission but couldn't find them so he just started digging.  My parents were displeased but, being immigrants, they didn't want to cause trouble and didn't know how to respond to the neighbor.  Besides, the trench was already dug, so it's not like they could tell him at that point not to dig.

A few days later, the neighbor stops by and tells them that he started installing the drainage line but ran out of materials. He filled in the trench, but the drainage line he installed ran from his house and halfway down the trench, but was far from reaching the road.  My dad told the neighbor that he has to finish the job or otherwise the now-buried drainage line would just wash my parents dirt away and form a sinkhole.  The neighbor said he would finish everything.  Two weeks have passed and he hasn't done anything.  We're heading into storm season and my parents are worried that the neighbor will not complete the job and their land will be damaged.

How should my parents approach this situation?  Is it possible at this point to tell the neighbor he has to install the drainage line on his property and not my parents' property?  Would it be wiser to get the neighbor to finish the drainage line he's already installed?  What are the potential risks and liabilities that my parents could face due to the drainage line being on their property instead of their neighbor's?

As an aside but could be relevant to the wisest way to approach the neighbor: my parents say that this neighbor is pretty selfish/inconsiderate.  He lets his dog run free everyday in the front yard and the dog poops in my parents' yard and the other neighbors' yards and the neighbor in question doesn't clean up the poop ever.  Instead, my parents and the neighbors have to clean up the poop each time.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions and tips!

Answer:
 He had no right to damage or alter your parents' property. They can direct him to remedy it and tell him to do so by whatever method they find appropriate. They can give him  a reasonable time frame for the work to be completed. If he doesn't, they can sue him. How deep and wide is the trench?
Did he call 811 and have underground utilities marked to ensure his digging wouldn't compromise them?

 This should give you some ideas about what his digging means: https://www.legalmatch.com/law-library/article/can-i-dig-in-my-yard.html. If he didn't contact 811 before digging, [contact them now](http://www.texas811.org/utilities/locate-request-concerns).Answer #2: Is the trench legitimately on the property line, or does it intrude onto your parent's property?

> What are the potential risks and liabilities that my parents could face due to the drainage line being on their property instead of their neighbor's?

If the trench is actually on their property then this drainage is creating a defacto easement.  Accepting this by doing nothing potentially means assuming liability for damages caused by it.  This would especially be an issue if the drainage caused material property damage and insurance became involved.

I'm pretty sure that grading or draining changes for this type of situation would require a [stormwater permit](https://www.tceq.texas.gov/permitting/stormwater) and inspections.  I know your parents are worried about causing trouble, but ultimately this has the potential to blow back on them if they don't do something about it.


Title: Can I legally sell a map of the USA that shows where the various big corporations are Headquartered (Nike, Amazon, apple, Walmart, ect) without their permission?

Question:
Do I need their permission to list just their name on the map?
If not, can I also show their brand logo on my map?
Note: I want to sell this map so I would try to monetize this. Want full disclosure here for accurate answers.
[USA - Arkansas]

Answer:
 Not legal advice, but I don't see this being worth anything. Not many people are going to pay for something they can very easily get for freeAnswer #2: They own and control their trademarks, so you can't use their logos without permission.

Putting your own symbol (A, B, C, 1, 2, 3, *, æ, ┤, etc) and a legend to their names though is allowable (AFAIK). That's publically available information, you're just consolidating it.


Title: (Charlotte NC) My neighbor calls my property management company(Townhouse) every time I turn on TV to file a noise complaint. Property Management has threatened us with lease termination. No police have been called. What can I do? How do I fight this?

Question:
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer:
 What does your lease say about disturbing the neighbors and noise complaints?

Unfortunately most leases don't obligate anyone to justify a noise complaint. A neighbor being disturbed, even unreasonably, is often enough to support a lease termination.


Title: (Connecticut) Employer told employees they were not allowed to discuss wages with eachother, threatened to take away break, and is forcing employees to pay for missing receipts

Question:
All of this has happened within the last three months. My employer, a retail workplace, has told me and other employees numerous times we were not allowed to discuss wages with eachother. Along with that, when employees started leaving the store on their paid 15 minute break, we were told even if we were back before our 15 minutes end, we still had to clock out.

Recently, a employee was fired for a missing receipt for a return, and was told that if she does not pay the amount on the missing receipt by friday, they will call the cops and have her arrested. Is any of this legal? I am currently looking for a new job, but in the meantime I'm stuck here and would like to know if there are any steps I should be taking.

Answer:
 EMployers cannot restrict employees speaking about their wages.  [Here's the President's executive order on the (https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2014/04/08/executive-order-non-retaliation-disclosure-compensation-information)

[Here's NOLO's article on CT breaks.](http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/meal-rest-breaks-connecticut-employees.html)  From what I read:

>Meal Break
>Under Connecticut law, employers must give a 30-minute meal break to employees who work at least seven and a half consecutive hours. An employer does not have to pay for this time; in other words, meal breaks are unpaid. The break must be provided after the employee’s first two hours of work and before the employee’s last two hours of work.

>Employers do not have to offer a meal break if they offer paid rest breaks, as explained below.

>Rest Breaks
>Instead of providing a lunch break, Connecticut employers may offer a total of 30 minutes of break time per each seven and a half hour work period. This time must be paid.

>This is not an independent requirement. In other words, employers do not have to provide rest breaks, paid or otherwise. If they choose to offer at least 30 minutes of paid breaks, however, they can get out of the meal break requirement.

Figure out which is correct for your situation.

The employee can be fired for losing a receipt.  They can call the cops and attempt to have them arrested, but if it isn't a clear case of theft, the employer is just using a scare tactic.


Title: [TX] Guy was recording me while I backed out of a parking lot. Turns out I scraped the side of a car and it looked like I did a hit and run.

Question: I was trying to park in a tight spot and gave up. While I was backing out a guy came out of the car facing me and started recording me. I didn't know why until I got back home and there was some paint on the side of my car. I must've scraped a car while attempting to park, which is the reason why the guy (who is not the owner of that car) was recording me. There is now video evidence of me damaging a car while seemingly trying to evade culpability. What would happen next? What should I do?

Answer: If you didn't notice your car scraping another car while you were driving it, maybe you should reconsider driving at all. I find it extremely hard to believe you didn't notice, and I have a feeling a judge will feel the same. You committed a hit and run. Answer #2: Ya you did do a hit and run. You can wait and see if the police will contact you.


Title: [CA] Apartment asks us to pay rent using online services but then charges convenience fees for using credit cards.

Question:
Our apartment company makes us pay our rent online but then charges convenience fees for using their online services to pay.  Depending on the credit card you're using and the amount you're paying, the convenience fees are $50 to $100.  Is this legal?

Edit:  Thank you for all your responses and insights.  I was finally able to get hold of the management company.  They said they do have an e-check option to pay online which is free of charge but they've been having trouble with the function on their bill pay website.  For the time being, they've agreed to let me pay with a check until they get the issue resolved.

Answer:
 Under California Civil Code Section 1947.3, landlords cannot require payment electronically unless another alternative is also provided.
Answer #2: It's not legal. They have to accept a check if you send them a check. Just do that from now on. Make sure you keep records of when you sent what and keep copies of all cancelled checks. Answer #3: Do they "make" you pay online, or do they "ask" you to pay online? Your title and post are not clear to me which it is.

They are allowed to charge fees for the convenience of paying online, but they cannot force you to pay online and then charge a fee for it. In other words, they must provide a fee-less option.

Not in your state, but my most recent apartment charged a $2 fee for using a checking account, a percentage based fee for credit cards, but we were also allowed to drop off a check or money order for free.Answer #4: How the hell does running a credit card cost them so much that they have to charge $50 to do it?  They need a new merchant provider.  I run a small business, and running a card costs me well under a dollar.

Makes no friggin' sense.Answer #5: Can you link your checking account online? Usually there is no fee for that.Answer #6: I don't think it's fair. I've heard of this a lot. Check out this resource, which will point you in the way of a hotline or two which may help with advice in CA: http://www.dca.ca.gov/publications/landlordbook/resolve-problems.shtml


Title: She gave me herpes, what can I do?

Question: I explained this in a previous post on r/offmychest, and was directed to this thread. I'm a 16f from Ohio. My ex girlfriend was raped and given herpes from that, which I wasn't aware of. I knew of the rape and asked if she had been tested, and she said she had and everything came back negative that she had been tested for. A few days later I overhear her and her mom talking about her having it and how she needs to tell me. I was obviously infuriated, but I stayed for a while after I found out, pretending that I didn't know. (I definitely didn't have any more sex with her after that) She broke up with me about 2 weeks ago, and I had started having symptoms of a herpes breakout, at the time I thought it was a yeast infection (I had also just started a new birth control pill, for my PCOS, I assumed it was due to this) so I treated it that way, but it got worse. I went to the OBGYN after  and she told me I have it, the tests came back later on and confirmed it further. I want justice for what she did to me, I don't care if It's suing or pressing charges or what has to happen, I just don't know where to go from here. Our family can't afford a lawyer at this point in time either, so we're stuck.

Answer:
 In Ohio knowingly exposing another an STD which they then contract can lead to an assault charge.

The confounding factor is that about half the people in the US have HSV-1 or HSV-2, and that the majority of those cases are asymptomatic.    Unless you have a negative test prior to sexual activity with your ex, it would challenging to prove that you contracted the disease from her.Answer #2: Technically speaking, yeah you could try and get her charged with assault but, you have to be able to prove you didn't have it beforehand and that knew she had it. The problem with that is 1) HSV1 and HSV2 are SUPER common, most people who have it don't even know it. You technically could have had herpes for years and just started showing symptoms. 2) Standard STD panels don't test for herpes so unless you specifically asked for it, you didn't get tested Answer #3: It's possibly assault. How old is she?


Title: We evacuated a hotel because they did not let us know it was a test [TX]

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Building owners have an obligation to perform periodic fire drills. Whether you are supposed to inform individuals that an alarm is just a drill varies by municipality, if they have rules at all on that point.

Unless the hotel was negligent in some way, I don't believe you have a case. Not telling you it was a drill does not equate to negligence on it's own, unless this specific hotel is located in a place where they are required to inform (which I doubt, since this is rare).


Title: My family doesn't want to prosecute me.

Question:
to make an extremely long story short, I was involved in a criminal act over a year ago, and the investigation is beginning to draw to a close now. they have subpoenaed my family members for the prosecution, my family does not wish to prosecute me in any way, shape, or form. How is it legal that they are forced by subpoena to be on the prosecution?
Topic:
Computer and Internet

Answer: Your families desires have nothing to do with it. A subpoena is a court order. The follow the order and answer the questions. They dont really have another choice


Title: High School Legal Advice

Question:
A bit of background: My public school is hosting a “Pancake Dinner” and is requiring all Juniors to sell 10 tickets for $10 dollars each. If unable to sell the tickets then the Juniors are required to pay the full $100 for an event that they may or may not be attending. The proceeds of the fundraiser will go to “after Prom”.

My question being, is it legal to essentially force students into paying $100 for an event they they may not attend?
Topic:
School Related Issues

Answer:
 Is this a public school or a private school?

What are your parents saying about the situation?

Who has pancakes for dinner?


Title: Legal question. South Florida.

Question:
My stepfather passed away 2 weeks ago. He was married to my mother for 4 years before his accident. His one pride and joy besides my mother is his motorcycle.

I had cops knock on my door just now and tell me that his ex-wife (who he hasn’t spoken to in 6+ years) was on her way to come pick up HER motorcycle. I told them that it wasn’t okay for her to come get the bike now, my family wouldn’t be okay with it. They called her back and told her it was a civil matter and that she’d have to take it up with civil court.

If she does have proper paperwork that somehow states she owns or partially owns the bike is there anything we can do keep it? It really means a lot to us and he family. Am I being ridiculous? I’m not even sure at this time.. thanks I’m advance for the help, everyone.

Answer: It's going to run down to whose name is on the certificate of title. If it is in his name only, she can't take it. If her name is on the title, it's hers because joint ownership is non-probate, meaning it transfers on death without having to go through the estate distribution process.


Title: [Texas] My wife's mother is trying to claim my wife as a dependent. She moved out two years ago

Question: [deleted]

Answer: The IRS will not consider your wife a dependant unless she lived with her mother for at least half the year, plus other conditions. You are absolutely in the clear.


Title: Neighbour landscaping and damage to my house

Question:
My neighbour has recently taken position of their property and backfilled their side access. This has raised the ground level 15-20cm (just below the weeper holes in our brickwork) and likely to cause water to pool against our garage wall. This may affect the footing of our building and cause significant damage.

I was advised by my builder that the land should drop 50mm by 1 meter away from the slab. Though this extends into the neighbours side access. Are they liable for damage by modifying the existing land?

Jurisdiction: Victoria Australia
Slab Type: Waffle Pod

Answer:
 Did they have a permit to do this work?

Is the property line at the edge of your building or did they do this to part of your property?Answer #2: >Section 16(1) of the Water Act 1989 (Vic) provides that the person who causes a flow of water which is “not reasonable” from the land of a person onto other land is liable for the injury, loss or damage caused by the water. Fault, intention or negligence is not an element of liability. It is the flow of water which has to be characterised as “not reasonable” and not the conduct of the person sought to be held liable. The claim is likely to fall within s16(1) if the loss or damage is caused by the movement of the water, the water itself or contaminants or other things carried in (but arguably not by) the water.

It sounds like this falls well within the realm of *possible* legal action, though success depends entirely on the court's interpretation of reasonability. Contact your local bar association for a consult if you want to go nuclear. I'd first approach them cordially and ask them to install some sort of drainage system between the properties to prevent damage. Failing that, contact your local council and ask about specific rules or getting an inspector out to see if it's up to code.


Title: [D.C.] Landlord wants me to get the house exterminated and cleaned because of my service animal

Question:
I'm moving out of my place in DC this weekend. The landlord emailed me asking whether I'd scheduled the house to be professionally defleaed and deticked as well as professionally cleaned because of my service animal. I was caught off guard by this and checked my lease. Tucked away was a clause that backs up what my landlord is requesting:

> If Tenant has a service pet, Tenant agrees to pay the cost of having the property defleaed and deticked by a professional exterminator, and if carpeted, the carpeting shampooed and deodorized by a professional cleaner, at the termination of occupancy

This is the first place I've ever rented and it is entirely my fault for not reading my lease in detail.

That being said, I looked up [DC statute] (https://beta.code.dccouncil.us/dc/council/code/sections/7-1006.html) to see whether what he was requesting is legal. Under my interpretation of § 7–1006, landlords can't charge any extra fees for service animals beyond property damage. Am I mistaken in interpreting this?

Beyond that, though, I did some [google searching](http://www.realpropertymgt.com/landlord-center/tenants-pets/) and found multiple landlord/tenant sites that say that landlords cannot charge for cleaning fees for service animals beyond property damage.

Considering my dog did not have fleas or ticks during my stay at the house (which I have vet records to prove) nor does the house have carpeting, I don't believe I should be obligated to pay for extermination or cleaning. Am I wrong? Any advice would be great. Thanks.

Answer:
 IANAL, but it certainly seems to be very clear according to that statute that a landlord can not charge a fee unless there is property damage from the service animal.

If there is truly 0 damage to property, you may want to point that out to the landlord. He might get 'creative' and find other damage within the house, so it might be worth it to just pay $100 or whatever a professional cleaning fee might cost. Answer #2: Just to confirm is this a service animal not an ESA? Answer #3: Did you send your landlord a copy of the vet documentation that your pet doesn't have any flees or ticks?


Title: NY - Dealing with stalker ex-girlfriend, need advice

Question:
Hi guys. Throwaway account being used, just in case.

So to try and keep a long story as short as possible, I have an ex girlfriend of mine who has been stalking and harassing me and my current girlfriend for a while. My ex and I broke up in August of 2014, but stayed in contact until November. In November she showed up at my door early in the morning, sobbing hysterically, but would not leave my house. I called the police on her, she eventually left, and supposedly attempted suicide at her house afterwards.

From there I kept her blocked on my phone, at the advice of the police. She continued to text me from fake phone numbers, and emailed me almost daily, sometimes multiple times a day. She claimed that she had an abortion and that the baby had been mine, and it was my fault that this happened. However her moods always swayed from angry at me to upset and missing me. Due to having discovered previous lies that she had come up with to me, I did not believe that this was true at all.

In March I went to Family Court to obtain an Order of Protection against her. I was originally granted it by a judge, but it took a month for it to be served against her. When we finally showed up in court in front of a second judge, that judge told us both to get lawyers and return a few days later. I found a local lawyer to help, and when we all met in court, found out that she counter-petitioned against us. My lawyer told me it was not worth fighting it, it would cost too much time and money and it was best that both sides just drop it. The judge spoke to the both of us, told us to leave each other alone, and go our separate ways.

Naturally, about two days later, I receive more emails from her. I continued to ignore everything until June or so. A friend of her's texted me saying that she knew there were some secrets from my ex, and she spilled them to me in the hopes that I would understand why my ex was so obsessive over me.

Trying to be nice about the situation, and understanding where my ex was coming from, I finally contacted her. We talked for a while, I answered her questions about why we broke up, etc. But she continued to text me.

Now, I've been with my current girlfriend since February. My ex believed that I had cheated on her with my current girlfriend (I didn't), and she would go and copy my girlfriend's social media posts online. Petty, but she would copy poses and captions and hashtags. She would post on tumblr about how I was cheating on my girlfriend with her (I didnt), and pretty much cyber-bullied my girlfriend the entire time.

Around September we met in person. We came to an agreement where if we only communicated 6 days a year, she promised to leave me alone. Apparently, me blocking her and ignoring her sets her off mentally, so as long as she knew she wasn't blocked, she was okay.

She broke our agreement multiple times and earlier this week I finally blocked her in my phone. She immediately tried to kill herself, or at least this was claimed. I immediately received text messages from her friends saying that I was guilty of manslaughter, that I was going to be harassed at work, that I was going to be in deep trouble for what I had done. I was told that my iTunes was hacked, and that I should be thankful that my ex didn't die.

I went to the police about all this. They said nothing can be done about the texts, but to go to family court and attempt to obtain an order of protection again. I went Wednesday, the judge very quickly told me "It isn't granted, talk to your lawyer about why. Goodbye" and I was left really with no recourse.

So my question to you guys is this. My ex bases her mental sanity on me not blocking her and ignoring her. I receive threats of suicide if she is blocked. She has been diagnosed bipolar from a therapist, but refuses to take any medication because of the belief that it will affect her body negatively. But I want to live my life normally and nobody seems to help out. I thought the court would understand, but the judge who denied me was the same judge who told me to get a lawyer back in March (and admittedly she seemed like a huge bitch, but that's a different story).

I really have nowhere else to go with this, because the police can't do anything, family court didn't help me with this, and I don't have the money to go to a lawyer and spend thousands to get her out of my life. If you guys have any questions about this situation, please ask so I can help clarify and hopefully I can get some advice on how to make sure both my current girlfriend and I get left alone.

Edit: As I was typing this, my girlfriend left the DA's office. They could not grant her an OP either. Their statement was that because there is no physical contact or threats involving physical harm, the only thing they could do is arrest her. We don't want to go that route unless absolutely necessary. Quite honestly, I don't want to ruin someone's life, I just want to be left alone. They did say we can send her a cease and desist letter and that if she does violate that, then we can have her arrested and go from there. Also, if she has been prescribed meds that she's willingly not taking, they said that it constitutes a failure to comply with her therapist or something along those lines.

Answer: Did you talk to your lawyer about why? Why aren't your reporting this constant harassment to the police daily? Also, change your number, block her on every kind of social media, and have your girlfriend do the same. Stop falling for her tricks and excuses and manipulations to keep you talking to her and in contact. If she keeps trying to kill herself, it's not your fault or problem.


Title: Is it copyright infringement if I print a celebrities tweet on a shirt via a 3rd party vendor

Question:
Don't ask why
Update: ok, I'm gonna get one of Jaden Smith's tweet on a shirt
Location is California

Answer: It depends. Do you have the rights to reproduce the tweet?


Title: police took my phone for "investigation"

Question: (Ohio) I was pulled over last night on my way home from Super Bowl party. I am 19 year old white guy, and I was DD. the cops had been following me for some time, even after I dropped off my obviously intoxicated friends at their places. cop pulled me over for "an unsafe lane change". he asked me if I had been drinking , I said no, he brethalyzed me and I blew a .00 he then asked if he could search the car, I refused. the officer became very confrontational and downright rude. he said "damn teenagers are always up to no good" my phone was recording the entire incident and streaming the video to my bambuser account. he brought the K-9 unit and the dog "indicated" it smelled something. cops search my car, find nothing. he asks for my phone, so I hit the lock button, which stops the streaming. he asks for my password I say get a warrant. they let me go but keep my phone for "investigative purposes". I got home, checked the video uploaded properly, which it did. with iOS 8, it's going to be near impossible for the police to get anything off the phone without my password. what recourse can I do do get my phone back. I assume remote wiping it is a bad idea, and can I use the video for a potential harassment suit. just imagine if he had said "damn (insert racial slur of your choice) are always up to no good". I'm big on privacy rights so I don't plan on cooperating with their fishing expedition.

Answer:
 If all is as you say it sounds like an illegal warrantless seizure of your phone.  Go ahead and take it up the chain of command with the police.  Contact an attorney/the ACLU if you get stonewalled.Answer #2: What he did is totally illegal.  The first thing to do is to go and tell the chief and see if you can get it back.  A smart chief will realize this was illegal.  If it turns out that they accessed your phone without a warrant than that is also
illegal.

http://www.tomsguide.com/us/scotus-cell-phone-search-warrant,news-19047.html


Title: Speeding ticket when I was not even speeding?

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 > I know for a fact that I was not doing more than 35mph I the 30 zone.

Well, were you going over 30?  Then that's speeding.

You can go to court, please not guilty, and go from there.


Title: Is it illegal to get in Walmart's locked cabinets?

Question: I don't mean the obvious, get in them and steal. I mean unlock them and go buy them, cause it's annoying trying to call for someone to come over and get it open, then buy it. Just let me go and buy it please. More of a hindrance than any help.

Answer:
 Probably not illegal but expect Walmart security to try to make your day hell and be banned from the store.

Walmart is not known for being chill.

If you accidentally walk out without paying for something and then go back in to pay they'll have you arrested and banned.


Title: Paying extreme amount of child support

Question:
Hey everyone thank you for taking time to read this post.

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Background: Divorced in 2016. In a bad place...alcoholic..drug addict. Signed paperwork without even really reading it. Didnt listen to parents. Daughter has mild spastic cerebral palsy and functions normally. Goes to elementary school. Limited physically. Divorce agreement came up to paying $1600 a month. No alimony...was married for 4 years. Ex-wife has sole custody.

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Fast forward to now. I am clean/sober for 3 years. 2 jobs. Re-married. Relationship with daughter is A+. Recently filed bankruptcy so no debt. I am getting by by the skin of my teeth.

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What are my options for a modification of the child support? I am missing out on life in some ways because of this large financial burden. I understand the severity of my consequences...but am hopeful for a change. Every time I even mention anything like this to my ex-wife she wont even hear it. Thank you again for any advice you have.

Answer:
 I don't want to be a dick, but do you think that your wife, with full responsibility for taking care of a kid that has mild spastic cerebral palsy all by herself might *also* be "missing out on life in some ways?"

You have a special needs child to take care of.  That's not easy for anyone.Answer #2: Special needs children have high requirements for care, including after-school care/latchkey, medical needs, and physical therapy. That's to say nothing of counseling. Your ex-wife has to foot those bills and so do you.

As for modification, state isn't optional. You might be entitled to request the state review the amount you are paying. Some states allow either parent to request a review periodically (around 3-4 years being common). You will be required to provide a full financial summary of your expenses, sources of income, etc. And there is no guarantee the amount will go down.


Title: Is there any way to inquire how many investigations from a single police department involved “losing” dash cam footage?

Answer:
 You can ask them, via your state's sunshine laws.

It's unlikely that they maintain this data in a format where they can answer your question.  Sunshine laws don't require them to do in-depth searches or analysis.  If they haven't already counted this, then they don't have to do it for you.


Title: Please dont hate me...I have a HIPAA related question.

Question:
Location: Oregon, USA

I know you guys hate HIPAA questions, but I am coming in saying I know nothing so please dont hate me.

My sister had her custody revoked due to drug abuse. The childs father has 50% custody of the child as of now, and my father has the other 50% for around 3 months. She is not allowed to be alone with her child either, until she completes a drug program and reapplies for custody.

My sister was told she needed to enter a drug program for 6 months and she would be allowed to apply for custody again after succesfully completing the 6 month program. Also, the program she is in is federally funded and meets the legal requirements of a program. She signed a ton of HIPAA paperwork at the start.

She was successful for around 2 months, made some mistakes and messed up which restarted the counter. My family has now found out, however, that the DHS worker has been telling the childs father about her status in the program, good or bad, throughout the entire thing.

I was under the impression, especially  since she does not have custody of the child at all, that there is no circumstance she should be sharing that information. I admit I know nothing about the law... but i just cant see a legal justification for telling him her private medical treatment status. She does not have custody.... so she cannot be a danger to the child. She cannot even be around her child alone...

Is there something I am missing? Is there some reason they would be able to pass this information along to him? From what I have read,  which admittedly I may be misinterpreting, her treatment should be completely private unless it would cause imminent danger witholding it.

Thank you in advance for taking the time to read this.

Answer:
 NAL, but am a licensed psychologist who battles with HIPAA every day. It sounds like the provider did not disclose anything to the father; the provider disclosed to the DHS worker. Am I understanding that right? If so, your friend may have signed an authorization for the treating provider to disclose PHI to the DHS worker. If your friend did not consent to this, it would certainly be a HIPAA violation. Even if your state has laws stating that DHS is privy to your PHI while you are involved with them, it's my understanding that HIPAA trumps any other law that is in conflict with it. Again, NAL.

The other disclosure of concern is that of the DHS worker to the dad in this case. I have no clue about the legality of that.

P.S. HIPAA is an absolute beast of a law for providers. I'm all for the protection of patients, but holy cow the documentation crap we have to do for compliance is over the top. Answer #2: HIPAA questions are fine, it's HIPPA questions that drive us crazy. Unfortunately, I don't have a solid answer to your question, but I hope someone else will be along soon.


Title: I got sent 2 laptops on accident. Do I have to send one back?

Question:
I had some trouble with my Razer Blade Stealth's power port and sent it in to be checked. After a month of dealing with some bad customer service, they ended up replacing the computer completely, and actually sent me 2 laptops. I just received an email requesting the second back. Do I have to comply, or is the extra mine to keep?
This is in Georgia, USA.

Answer: Of course you do unless you want to pay for both. And before you say it the rule about unordered merchandise doesn't apply here.


Title: Applying for a job as a felon, employers are breaking the law in the job application (Oregon). How to proceed?

Question:
I recieved a felony DUI in Oregon last year. I served two months earlier this year and am out. I have a decent job now, however a couple "dream jobs" have opened up lately.

Here is where I run into an issue. I do not know what to answer on the "Have you been convicted of a felony (sometimes it asks for lower level crimes too, misdemeanor, etc) box. Now before you say to tell the truth, Oregon law EXPLICITLY does not allow that question. Oregon law HB 3025 states: This legislation prohibits an employer from requiring an applicant: to disclose on an employment application a criminal conviction; to disclose, prior to an initial interview, a criminal conviction; or if no interview is conducted, to disclose, prior to a conditional offer of employment, a criminal conviction.

Portland (where I live) then takes it a step farther, basically stating that they must offer conditional employment before asking about a conviction. They are not even allowed to ask DURING the interview. They must first offer me a conditional offer of employment (cuz ya know, Oregon). After that, if they learn that I have a felony, they can only rescind if the felony directly applies to the line of work I would be in.

So this leaves me in a weird spot. When filling out job applications, local companies and national companies (even ones with large legal divisions, think Amazon, various national mortgage agencies) ask that question. It is yes, or no, and you cannot proceed without selecting an answer. Do I tell the truth and have a 0% chance at getting the job, or do I lie since they are breaking a law by even asking that question?

It gets even more complicated when looking at tax breaks for hiring felons. They get $2400 for hiring a felon within 1 year of his release date, and are protected by a federal bonding program where they can receive $5,000 fidelity bonds, free of charge, as an incentive to hire job seekers that do not qualify for commercial fidelity bonds. Some applications afterwards have you fill out a WOTC where it asks you questions about foodstamps, government assitance, and being a felon. If we decide that lying is the best course of action, do I then tell the truth on the WOTC part of the application to then not be considered a felon on the part of the application where I am being illegally discriminated against, but be considered a felon on the tax credit part where being a felon works to the companies advantage?

If anyone has any in depth knowledge of this law, or my best course of action, please advise.

Answer:
 What is the "dream" job entail? Final bill was watered down:

>The new version removes applicants' ability to sue employers for violating the law, instead giving enforcement power to the Bureau of Labor and Industries. It would also exempt employers that are required by law to consider an applicant's criminal history, and add language to clarify that employers can ultimately decide not to hire someone because of a conviction.
>
>The new "ban the box" bill is a watered-down version of the one put forth by labor activists at the start of the legislative session, which would have banned employers from conducting a background check until a conditional job offer is extended. The House Business and Labor Committee amended the bill to say employers need only remove the question from applications.


Title: HOA harassing my parents

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 You are receiving and distributing commercial shipments from your home. You are operating a business from your home. This is without any question in violation of your homeowners association covenants and likely local ordinance. They are not being nosey, they are enforcing reasonable rules. Find a warehouse or some other suitable facility to operate your shipping business.Answer #2: > I'm thinking of having a lawyer send a letter

Something tells me they're thinking of having a lawyer send you a letter.  From your description, theirs sounds better founded.

>Today I we had a truck come in to deliver a pallet

What was on the pallet?  Because that sounds an awful lot like you're operating a commercial enterprise where the covenants apparently prohibit doing so.  Answer #3: > We do not conduct business transactions here. Just ship orders out.

You ARE conducting a business.


Title: My mother stole my identity and I need advice

Question:
I was reviewing my credit and saw that I had a collection for a loan I didn't take out. I called the collections agency and told them it wasn't mine but whoever opened had a lot of my personal information. I filed a police report and eventually my mother confessed to it. I'm obviously very conflicted but am heading towards pressing charges. When that happens is it a point of no return? I'd hate to see my mother in jail but I'm trying to get my life started and I had great credit before this. How am I supposed to protect myself? Is there any other way to get this removed and keep her from doing it again?

Edit: this is in Louisiana

Edit: I do appreciate the advice I'm getting and I know I keep asking for other options. It's just that she's my mother. I can't help but love her. She has no criminal history at all or drug problems.

Answer: You should dispute it with the credit reporting agencies. Attach a copy of the police report. To the CRAs, it won't make a big difference what the police do with it. Meaning, even if they don't go forward with a case against your mother (and they rarely do in ID theft cases), it doesn't mean the CRAs can keep reporting an account that you never opened.


Title: I sold my car to be junked w/o handing over title. Now the buyer wants to register it (not junk it) and is asking me for title. What should I do?

Question:
Preface: My car was a single-owner 1999 Honda Civic in superb condition and ~90,000 miles on it. KBB values it at $2000ish.

While driving from NY  (which I am a resident of) to MA (where my sister lives) last month, my car hit black ice, spun around, hit the divider of the highway. The trunk & back fender were crushed on one side.

(Nobody was hurt, thank goodness.)

I had to "emergency" junk it right there in MA because a mechanic said it was unsafe to drive it (not sure if they were taking advantage, but whatever, I had to trust the unknown mechanic).

I did not have the title on me, obviously, and the auto parts shop I sold the car to took advantage of my emergency and gave me $50 for the car, insisting that my car was just going to be junked and that's how much they can afford to give for the scrap metal.  I had been expecting to get at least a couple hundred bucks for it. Whatever. I had no choice. I was in no position to haggle.

Fast forward to three weeks later. I am incessantly being called by the buyer asking for the title because he now wants to re-register it.

What should I do?

(a) Hand over the title immediately - I will do this if I have exposed myself to any legal risks by selling the car without a title.

(b) Ask the guy for more money in exchange for the title - I will do this if I can safely use the title as my bargaining chip. As I said, the car was in great condition, no bloody wonder he's now trying to sell it. I'm still ... disgruntled over having gotten just $50 for my beauty.

Answer:
 Tell him he paid for the car only, not the title (as is shown in your bill of sale). Tell him the title will cost $1,950.Answer #2: NLA - So it sounds like the mechanic scammed you from the beginning...I hope it works out for you.Answer #3: You can't use seller's remorse to overturn a sale that you made.  You could try to get a lawyer in MA to see if there was any part of your transaction that could overturn the sale, but that is likely not worth doing.

You also don't want to have a car that is no longer in your hands still titled under your name.  If the current owner decides to do something stupid with the car then they will come looking for you.

What you should do is to contact the state that issued your title and find out their process to get the title classified as salvage or scrap.  This will make the car's title reflect the condition of the car for this sale.  See [Vehicle Title Branding](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vehicle_title_branding).  Once you do this then you can transfer them the title for a junk car.Answer #4: As u/djwhiplash2001 said,  tell the buyer they purchased the scrap,  if they want the title, its going to cost whatever you want for it.

I personally would settle for a few hundred bucks (start with $1950 now that he doesn't have you over a barrel) , he is going to have to fix it, which is at least labor after all.


Title: I'm seeing someone younger than me, how do I protect myself?

Question:
I am in BC, Canada.

I (F21) recently met a guy (M16) and we have started seeing each other occasionally. When we first met I could tell he was younger than me, and guessed he was about 18 or so. It wasn't until we first hung out that he told me he was 16 and I was totally shocked. My first reaction was that he was "way too young" and I started thinking about how my friends might react if they found out I went out with someone who was 16. Then I started thinking about how in a decade or so, a 5 year age gap is nothing, and I just totally started questioning why I should even have a problem with it. The age gap isn't apparent when we are hanging out, except for a few obvious things like how he's still in school, can't drive by himself etc. and his overall life experience. He comes from a rough family upbringing and has been pretty much on his own since he was 9 or 10 and I really respect his independence. Anyways, I'm not here to defend my reasons for liking him.

Now the legal stuff. Him and I have only kissed at this point, nothing sexual except a bit of touching. It's my understanding that if he were 15 years old, it would be illegal for me to have sex with him, but at 16 (the age of consent) it is legal. Is this true? Also, if he were to send me a nude photo of himself, is that child pornography? If it is stored on my phone, does that make me in possession of child pornography? Is it legal for me to send him nude photos of myself? Is there anything else I need to be aware of while potentially pursuing a relationship with him?

Answer:
 NAL: According to my source which I will link at the bottom, you legally can have sexual intercourse with your boyfriend. It is not illegal. However, it would be illegal for him to send you any nude photos, as that would constitute as child pornography (from how I am interpreting the law). A bit of friendly advise though, if you have to consult the internet and look up laws to ensure you can legally have sex with your significant other, then that means they are too young for you and you should move on. I will spare you the myriad of reasons why your relationship is a bad idea.

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[http://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/rp-pr/other-autre/clp/faq.html](http://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/rp-pr/other-autre/clp/faq.html)

&#x200B;


Title: Breaking apartment lease after a burglary?

Question:
Hi, hopefully this is an okay place to post this. I’m just looking for some help. This is Ohio, if that helps. This weekend there have been at least 6 break ins in my apartment complex, my boyfriend’s place being one of them. The doors are locked but they are breaking in somehow that doesn’t involving breaking a window or the lock. The apartment complex is old and cheap and the doors and locks are probably very easy to get into.

My boyfriend and I are devastated and worried, a lot of our shit is gone. My apartment hasn’t been hit yet but I am worried it will be. We live close to each other in the same complex. His lease is up in November, mine is in March. We want to break our lease and leave ASAP. Would this give us any kind of leverage? Will they take us to court? Etc. We are meeting with the rental office tomorrow but it’s been closed this weekend and the break in was yesterday so I’m just trying to get some info before I go.

Answer:
 Do you have rental insurance to cover your belongings?

But you would not be able to break your lease for this. The break ins are not the fault of the complex. You could request stronger deadbolts and chains.


Title: HOA in another state giving us grief over a deceased aunt's dues and fees

Question: An estranged aunt  of ours in Arizona passed away last year and we were given POA over her property.  While processing and deciding on what to do with this property, the HOA organization that overlooks the subdivision this property sent us a bill compiling fees and fines(lawn care, come on guys) totaling over 600USD.  While we got a copy of this sent to our attorney, I wanted to see what options we have on this situation from the Redditors.

Answer:
 Who is the executor/administrator of your aunt's estate?  This is technically a debt owed by your aunt, so her estate is responsible for paying it off.

Has the property been sold?


Title: A major recording artist just started a project with the same name as my 3 year old active/touring band. Can they do anything to me? (Kansas)

Question:
My band has been together for a little under three years.  We have a few releases, a website, facebook, twitter, and instagram presence.  We've done long regional tours 3 times (mostly around the midwest), and plenty of small 2-5 day tours.  We don't have any legal copyright on our name or any of that, but we've been around for long enough that I think it would be easy enough to prove that we've been using the name for a while.  We're not huge, but we have plenty of fans regionally.  We are a recognized band in certain areas of the midwest.  My band is based out of Northeast Kansas. We have a unique and memorable name.

I just came upon an article that explains that a major recording artist is starting a project with the same name as my band.  Since he is a big name and would obviously be able to overpower us in any sort of legal setting if he could, I was wondering if there was anything we needed to do to protect our name or if he would have a legal grounding to do anything to us.

I was trying not to post personal info as per the rules, but if it would help I could post my band name and links to news about the big name artist.

Thanks in advance for any advice!
Topic:
Intellectual Property

Answer:
 Sounds like you legally own the name.

Probably worth it to have a lawyer send the artist's label a cease and desist letter.