Title: NY Coworker has been stealing my prescription pain meds, caught on video and don’t know what to do next.

Question:
Throwaway account obviously

I’ve been on pain medication for my back for a while (oxycontin) and a few months ago I noticed an almost entire pill bottle was missing from my bag while at work.  I just assumed I lost it or had the bag open while I walked to work.  Then it happened again and I got suspicious. The medication is not cheap and there were other pills that never went missing, only the oxycontin.

Keep in mind I can’t get a refill for the pills until a month after the prescription is filled.  They don’t give refills if you lose it unless you have a police report saying it was stolen.   Each time it happened I was in a ton of pain while I waited to get another prescription for a lesser pain reliever.

I told my supervisor I was going to setup my laptop to record my bag when I’m away from my desk (it would just record my bag, and the window behind it, no other employees).     I kept one of my medication bottles in the bag and put a bottle with an oxycontin labeled but it had dummy pills inside.  I couldn’t afford to lose more so I only took one with me to work every day.

Well today I get back from lunch and see its recorded several videos. A coworker going through my bag, grabbing a bottle, leaving the screen and coming back to grab another bottle. I assume he was trying to find the oxycontin.   When I looked, the decoy oxycontin bottle was empty and so was another bottle of pills.

I immediately showed my supervisor who contacted the HR person who’s on vacation.  The HR person said to wait until we heard back from our parent company to see what they wanted to do.    The thief’s supervisor was informed as well.   I was tempted to call the police and while they didn’t tell me not to they gave the impression they wished me to wait until we heard back from the parent company.   So he left with the pills and will be back tomorrow as far as I know and I'm told nothing will probably happen until later this week when the HR person returns.

So what do I do?  I’m guessing the only way he’ll pay me back is if a court orders him.   The guy is actually a nice guy to me normally and I don’t want to ruin his family.  Ideally he’d get treatment and would pay me back.   I want to tell him how much pain he put me though and how much he screwed me out of a ton of cash.  Obviously I can’t prove he stole every time I had pills missing but it doesn’t take much to connect the dots.

Answer:
 >  I was tempted to call the police and while they didn’t tell me not to they gave the impression they wished me to wait until we heard back from the parent company.

Police. Immediately. Not only will this allow you to get replacement pills that you need, but it will create a paper trail for the firing of this thief, though the video evidence should be more than enough on its own.

EDIT: Additionally, ensure you retain a copy of the video.Answer #2: The company is trying to limit its liability, this has nothing to do with protecting you. Call the cops, give them the evidence.


Title: [Colorado Springs, CO] [UPDATE] Apartment complex forcing switch to Via/DirecTV

Question:
[Original post](https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/comments/8qdn5c/colorado_springs_co_my_apartment_complex_is/)

I've successfully verified that not only is this not on my lease, but that [the FCC forbids it](https://www.fcc.gov/document/exclusive-service-contracts-provision-video-services-multiple-1).

I went to the office today and they said that these policies would be added to a renewed lease, with Via/DirecTV being added to the base cost of rent. I have attempted to contact Comcast by phone, but haven't had any luck on that front and unfortunately don't have the transportation funds to get to a local office on this matter.

I managed to get contact information for the relevant authorities in the property management company, and even cited the FCC ruling to the person that I spoke to, but apparently this has been done before. According to their legal team, they're still within their rights to do this, and have done so at multiple apartment complexes that they own before mine.

The property management company is based in Denver and my apartment complex is based in El Paso County- are there any local regulations that ya'll are aware of that contradict the FCC's ruling in this scenario?

I also called the FCC about this, but have yet to file a formal complaint. I'm...actually not sure where exactly I'm meant to do this, the FCC's website isn't very intuitive for this.

For some re-clarification, not only are they forcibly switching everyone in the complex to this service, we are also being told that other providers will not be allowed in the complex, and we won't be allowed to get different service here once it passes.

We haven't yet been given a date for when the cutoff will happen, but I suspect it's very soon- within a week, two tops. The satellite dishes are already on the roof of every building within the complex.

Answer:
 Local laws might contradict the FCC, but since telecommunications is a federal jurisdiction, those laws aren't worth the paper they're written on, since the FCC explicitly pre-empty local laws.

"We've done it before in other buildings" means nobody has handed them their corporate asses - YET.

Definitely get in touch with ComCast. They've got deep pockets and rabid lawyers, and in this case your interests correspond to theirs (you WANT to keep their service - what is Colorado's equivalent to California's 5150 72 hour psychiatric hold?). They would also be interested in this management company having done the same thing with other buildings (full of potential Comcast customers).


Title: Creepy dude online?

Question:
I have a bit of a situation on my hands. My cousin told me she had an online relationship with a dude who was 20 at the time while she was 17. They never met in person. I was kinda creeped out and bothered by it but she didn’t seem to care. She said it lasted 6 months and they never even talked about meeting and there were no pics exchanged. They both live in CA. She told me over dinner one night. All this happened about 5 years ago. Has a crime been committed here? Should I make a report? I was creeped out by it but she seemed to think it wasn’t a big deal. Can anything be done about this I know it’s been a long time..

Location CA, US

Answer: No, its not illegal to talk to people on the internet.


Title: Need help. Deceased father is getting sued for unpaid debt from a credit card. I'm getting all of the stuff in the mail because I have the same name.

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 >We never probated the estate

>Me and my sister just divided everything up amicably.

>it pisses me off that they are so adamant about money from someone who's deceased.

To recap... Your dad borrowed money that he promised to repay (which includes paying from his estate), then rather than going through probate to settle his debts, you just took his stuff, and now you are pissed off? Answer #2: This, BTW, is why you probate an estate.


Title: My laptop got stolen in a restaurant. The manager won't help. What should I do?

Question:
State is New York.

&#x200B;

I was doing some work in a restaurant while waiting for my meal. I went to the bathroom and left my laptop on the table. When I came back, it was gone. And it was a good laptop too, a Macbook Pro.

&#x200B;

I went to see the manager, told him to look through the camera footage to find who stole it, but he refused to do so. What should I do?

Answer:
 Go to the police and learn your lesson that you don't leave valuable things unattended in public spaces.Answer #2: NAL

It seems like you place done of the responsibility for the theft of your expensive personal property with the restaurant.

>I was doing some work in a restaurant while waiting for my meal. I went to the bathroom and left my laptop on the table. When I came back, it was gone.

You knew how much your laptop was worth, and you chose to leave it unsecured on a table where it could be easily stolen.

>I went to see the manager, told him to look through the camera footage...

Did you try asking nicely?

There are many reasons why a business might not want to allow you access to its security footage. Maybe he thinks if he allows you to access the footage, you'll demand something else next. Maybe the cameras are for show and don't actually work, and he doesn't want you (or his employees) to know that. Maybe it's monitored off-site, and accessing it is a huge pain in the butt. Maybe you were rude, and he didn't feel like going through any additional person trouble to help you fix this.

> What should I do?

Call the police and report a theft. Answer #3: Report it to the police.


Title: Threatening phone calls from NJ

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 >is it worth pursuing legal action on my end for threatening me?

No.

>we try to troll him a little bit

It is likely that this would be regarded as a two-way affair.  Actually, it's likely that it *is* a two-way affair.  Perhaps his remarks crossed a threshold as threatening where yours did not.  But the smart money is on walking away from this siutation.


Title: Trophy for being the worst at work

Question: [deleted]

Answer: This is a Legal sub. Not a relationship sub


Title: Sent engagement ring off to be fixed, never returned.

Question:
I ordered an engagement ring off of Etsy in November of 2016. The main diamond snapped off in late 2017 and I messaged the seller about it. She offered to fix the ring for free and provided me with her address and how to send it. I mailed it off in mid-December. She has never returned it and has stopped replying to our message thread. All of our correspondence is saved in the Etsy messenger.

Is there anything I can do to get my ring back, or was I just too trusting and out of luck? It seems like it is too late for me to open a complaint with Etsy, but I'm waiting to hear back officially from the company.

I bought the ring when I lived in Missouri, I now live in Texas. The seller is out of D.C.

Any advice is appreciated!

Edit: spelling

Answer: I don't want to sound cynical, but the lady seems to have rigged this process: she receives money for a defective ring fully expecting the gem to snap, waits for a customer to mail it, then deletes her seller profile and lists the ring again under a different name.Answer #2: https://help.etsy.com/hc/en-us/articles/115015649828-Report-a-ListingAnswer #3: Tried contacting the Postal Inspectors? Arguably mail fraud Answer #4: I had something similar.  Ordered a custom bracelet, sent reference photos, etc.  Got  it and it was nothing like what we had agreed upon.   The person offered to try to make it right, sent it back to them they worked on it for several months and then stopped responding to me.  Although it was out of etsys general time frame for disputes, I did anyway using our correspondence  and their agreement to fix it as proof they had both my money and the bracelet.  Etsy refunded the money. Answer #5: Try filing a claim with Paypal


Title: Eviction notice

Question: My parents residing in CA just received a 60 day notice from their landlord that their tenancy will be terminated. The notice does not have a reason why there tenancy is being terminated and the notice has my father’s named misspelled. His name is Jimmy, not Timmy. Is this notice still valid?

Answer: The notice is valid if they will not be under a lease by the time the 60 days are up, and if the unit is not under rent control. 60 days' notice does not require cause, and minor typographical issues do not matter.


Title: Went to a chiropractor, haven't been able to walk for a week. USA, Ohio

Question:
I have had back issues since getting out of the army. I dealt with a herniated disc that made walking and sleeping very difficult for approximately 2 years but I was still able to finish my freshman and sophomore years of college and was eventually symptom free after physical therapy through the VA and conservative treatment.
Fast forward to now, currently in my last semester of college and I start having similar feelings of stabbing pain and I have a couple of sleepless nights all the while I am still going to school and clinical.
Out of desperation I contact a chiropractor to get an assessment done. (I usually don't believe in the benefits of chiropractic medicine but at the time I was in enough pain and had suffered enough sleepless nights to try anything,) Also I might add that I contacted the VA to get an appointment but was put out 2 weeks before I could see my primary care provider.

I visit the chiropractor, they take x-rays and say that I need to come back after they have reviewed my imaging.

I get "adjusted" and then put on spinal traction in my second visit.
I am in intense pain. I have stabbing pain in my hip, leg, and back. I can hardly walk out of the office I am in so much pain. I am visibly drenched in sweat and am leaning on chairs and tables to move. The chiropractor writes off my symptoms as just not getting my "sea legs" after the traction. While I am checking out he grabs a display back brace and puts it on me. I am in so much pain I don't even think about it. I get into my car and I can hardly drive home.

I spend that night on the floor writhing in pain. I eventually have to take FMLA leave from work and I drop out of my summer courses because I cannot attend clinical and thus would fail the course.
I then receive a bill from the chiropractor for $320 dollars for the back brace that was put on me. I contact the office and ask if I can just return it. She says she needs to ask the chiropractor and that I'll get a call back to discuss my options.

I am pretty furious but maintained my cool. I am currently waiting to receive a call from the "Dr".

My question is wether or not I financially obligated to pay for a brace that was put on me?

If anything I feel like I could pursue legal action against the office for the hardship I have endured due to the treatment given at the visit. (I would never do that unless I absolutely had to. I just don't want to pay the $320 dollars for a damn brace that was put on me)

Answer:
 get to a real doctor that can evaluate your injury, which may be a new one induced by the chiropractor or an aggravation of an existing injuryAnswer #2: You don’t say whether you’ve seen an actual medical professional after you went to the chiropractor. You really need to.

To be clear, you should start with an MD or possibly a DO. Someone who’s been to medical school instead of the medical equivalent of clown college. A doctor might refer you to physical therapy, where you’ll still be seeing someone with a much better education than the chiropractor got.Answer #3: Go see a actual doctor and since you took the brace with you it maybe yours to keep. I would look at the paperwork from your visit and see if you signed anything for a brace. I'm a surgical nurse and in Virginia you have to sign for anything we give you from crutches to braces.


Title: Is it legal for my landlord to restrict access to an elevator, if I am disabled and recently injured?

Question:
Hello!

I'm a guy in my early 20s that has a physical disability, that when I moved into my place wasn't an issue. I have pretty bad scoliosis, and in my past that has prevented me from doing simple things like walking up stairs, or even grocery shopping, but I've been doing pretty good for the past few years, so good that I can regularly walk up and down stairs with no pain or issues at all.

I moved into my building a few months ago, and my landlord told me that there was an [freight] elevator that I could use for furniture, artwork, or even heavy groceries if I needed it, but I'd need to call them in advance on weekdays, before 5PM. They told me elevators cannot be used for any purpose, unless they operate it. (But, if you read below, they lied about that.)

While I was initially fine with this, I recently injured myself and am no longer able to painlessly climb my staircase. It literally takes 45 minutes to get to my place, and I'm in pain the whole way there.

## What I want to ask is, is it legal for my landlord to restrict access to an elevator, if I am physically disabled?

**I also want to note that, my neighbors above me have been granted access to the elevator for special occasions that lasted weeks, without the need of management to be there.**

I would only need it for a few weeks until I can heal, so I don't see why it would be a problem, but until I get a straight answer Im not going to approach my landlord *with any legal demands*.

Is there anything I can do?

**I live in California**

Answer:
 Contact a disability attorney Monday.
Your building needs to be ADA compliant and your landlord is probably going to be in hot water.
Answer #2: Is the elevator suitable for human riders? I have a storage unit which has elevators for moving items to the second floor but the elevator is not suitable for any passengers and in fact has no controls on the inside to move it up or down.Answer #3: Call the nice folks at Housing.org, and have them help you write a polite letter.


Title: Former roommate not paying utilities: can we open her package?

Question:
It has been a month since the package was delivered to us. She moved out about two months ago. We have informed her that we have the package. She asked for us to leave it outside, and we told her to contact our other roommate, who she is supposed to send the money to. (This drama happened before the pandemic shutdowns. We would understand if she could not pay for these reasons. I think it is unfair to us, as we are all out of work, that she has not paid). We don't want to give her her package for these reasons (it is from Ulta). What are our legal requirements here?

&#x200B;

We are in the United States.

Answer:
 She owes you the money.

You have to give her the package.

The two things are not related.


Title: Admitting to a crime while under anesthesia?

Question: I hear being under is similar to being mildly drunk, and I can think of a few people who would cop to a crime while hammered, if something like this were to happen. Say someone goes in for a appendectomy and admits to committing a murder while under, is something like this admissible in court as evidence? Are there any cases of this happening? Would a doctor even be able to report such a thing or would it fall under patient confidentiality?

Answer:
 I don't know of any cases. But the thing is people under anesthesia aren't exactly the most reliable. There are plenty of stories on the internet of people saying highly nonsensical things due to anesthesia. From the doctor's side of thing I think [this](https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/faq/505/what-does-the-privacy-rule-allow-covered-entities-to-disclose-to-law-enforcement-officials/index.html) applies. If it was admission of, say, ongoing child abuse that'd definitely be reportable. Answer #2: The statements themselves would be involuntary and thus inadmissible on that basis alone.

However, this is a common law admissibility principle rather than a constitutional one. As such, further evidence resulting from investigation into the statement's contents is likely to be admissible.


Title: [CT] Court case got "marked off the calendar" and now I have to testify in an arbitration hearing. What does this mean?

Question:
I was the victim of a car accident, but the perpetrator sued *me* for damages. Total money grab.

Long story short: After several years of this hanging over my head, I am told the case was "marked off the calendar" and is moving to a court arbitration program.

What does this signal? Is this a good thing for me? Is the case basically dismissed? Or is this the beginning of more B.S.?

Answer:
 It's probably not good *or* bad but it's definitely a delay. The court is trying to resolve the dispute between you, the plaintiff and an independent arbiter without the formality of a trial. If you or the plaintiff appeal the outcome, it'll likely be re-scheduled for trial.Answer #2: Thanks so much.

So, how much arbitration power do I have if my insurance company has appointed a lawyer to me?

Do I basically testify and then sit back and let my lawyer arbitrate on my behalf? Do I get a say? For karma's sake, I really don't want this person to get anything. I feel helpless.


Title: What is the minimum amount of time an empire has to give you a shift before it starts?

Question:
I only ask because I was assigned a shift that starts in less than 48 hours this morning. Wasn’t asked to come in or called, just told on the online scheduling. Thankfully I can make it BUT I am on spring break and there’s a chance I could have not been in town or even the state had I planned something.

This all just got me thinking. What’s the latest a manager or job can give you a shift before the shift starts? 24 hours? 3 days??

Thanks!!

Answer: Almost anywhere in the US, without a union, they can ask.you to come in immediately for a shift. There is no minimum time.


Title: Can I buy items from AliExpress and resell at a retail storefront?

Question:
Currently don’t know what to do with my life. I believe I have enough money to start this up. I am worried that this is illegal or if I need certain permits that would be hard to obtain.  Also wondering why I don’t see any stores that sell quirky affordable fun items.

Thanks

Answer:
 Illegal? What do you think literally every retail store does? They buy low and resell.

You may need a business license for your state usually at a cost of $40ish.


Title: [Ontario, Canada] Can a step-mother be a guardian if the biological mother is in the picture?

Question:
Background here is that I am recently remarried to a great and supportive woman who has really been great with my eldest son from my first marriage.  He is 7 now and she treats him like her own and has for the past 4+ years.  His mother is in a co-parenting agreement w me.
I am wondering if there is a way to grant her guardian status for my son so she is able to make medical decisions on his behalf of needed? (i.e. neither myself or his bio-mom are reachable in an emergency)

TL;DR Can my wife, my son's step-mother, be granted guardian status if his biological mother is in the picture? (Like the title says)

Answer: I'm not sure if it's the same in Canada, but in the US a limited power of attorney would grant her the ability to make medical decisions on his behalf. Practically speaking though, if it's a life threatening medical emergency and the child's parents are unreachable, the hospital will go ahead and treat using best practices until the parents can be reached.


Title: [MA] No pay for being "on call"?

Question:
Hello,

So I work for a visiting nurse association in Massachusetts in data entry. Occasionally, I have to work weekends on a rotating schedule. Saturdays I always work if I'm on for a particular weekend, but Sundays are where it gets complicated. The company employs people who work every weekend and people who work during the week, and on weekends there are usually 3 people who work the weekend and 1 who works during the week. The company has started making Sundays for a "standby day." Their explanation is that Sundays are often less busy and so they can get along with less people unless one of the weekend staff was to call out.

What this essentially means is that staff who work during the week are "on call" for a short period of time on Sunday mornings on weekends they work. We have been told by management that if we haven't heard from them by 9:30 am, then we are not needed that day. I'm concerned about the legality of this, as we are not paid for the time that we are on call. For example, I'm sitting here at home right now wondering if I'm going to get a call that will change how my day is going to go. I can't plan anything on Sundays that I'm on standby, because I don't know if I'm going to be called in or not. Are they trying to avoid paying us by calling it a different name?

Thank you!

Answer: It surely sounds like you aren’t free to use the time effectively and you’re required to stay close to the facility while on call. Honestly I would contact the mass department of labor. The worst that happens (theoretically) is that they investigate and find no wrongdoing


Title: My boss is taking away my commission and leaving me with the "hourly min wage or booth rental" option.

Question:
[CA]  i've been working at a hair salon this last year as a w-2 employee with a 50% commission biweekly pay.
The salon itself has great traffic coming through, located right on the beach! i love all my clients! I wish we had a receptionist, he has all of us doing that work when we are not working on our clients.
ALL of the owners assistants have quit because they felt mistreated. He has been using us to help him wash his clients, to constantly answer the phones, which to be honest i didnt mind at first, but it has taken a toll on me recently. my paychecks are fairly decent, for ex: the last 2 weeks i made $2200, after 50% commission =$1100 +$200 tips but then taxes taken out leaves me with $840 take home. i've been feeling burnt out, and as of today he had a meeting with all of us individually and gave us the option of " min wage hourly employee no commission-OR-pay him $1200 chair rental"

i have to make up my mind within the next few days, and with how many corners the owners has been cutting i am starting to feel like something isnt right and i am put in a shitty situation to decide one or the other.

Answer: Those are both terrible options given the amount of business you do. I'd say find a new job.


Title: Just moved into our [Boston] condo, neighbor wants my parking spot

Question:
We just purchased our first home, it is a converted home- now 2 units located in Boston, MA.

As we were moving stuff into our condo we parked a moving van in the deeded parking spot associated with our unit. The our upstairs  neighbor arrived home while we were moving and gave me an earful saying that we were in her spot. I questioned her on how it was her spot and she simply explained that although it is not in the deed, she has always parked there and considers it hers.

We certainly don't want to get things off on the wrong foot with our new neighbor (especially considering she has majority stake in the building), but I am worried about running into future issues regarding the parking spot.

Should I be worried? How much power can she wield having majority stake in the building?

We were really hoping to avoid any sort of conflict with our new neighbors.

Answer:
 Tell her you will be parking in your parking stop and have a blessed day.Answer #2: >We were really hoping to avoid any sort of conflict with our new neighbors.

If she is going to start a conflict with you over you parking in the spot you own, you can't really avoid conflict. Make it clear to her it is your spot and you will call a tow truck if anyone other than you or your guests park in the spot. If it becomes an issue you can also go to your Condo board and ask that they take some action against her.Answer #3: She always knew this day would come.  She loses the spot.
Answer #4: So, there're two units...and one parking spot?  And you own the parking spot with your deed, even though she has majority equity in the building?

I can see why you'd want to avoid enmity with your neighbor...she can pull all sorts of shenanigans with that division of property.

That said, either you make an offer to sell her the spot, or she stops using it.  There are only two ways this can go.Answer #5: Boston you say? Do you have a car personally that you'd like to use there? If not, rent it to her for $145/moAnswer #6: If it's deeded to you, then it's your property. You'll need a starred user, or to find a local lawyer familiar with such matters, to find out if she can even legally seize it.


Title: HoH wife is seeking divorce to look for other men. Can I get alimony as a house husband in Virginia?

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 >What factors go into a spousal support determination?

>When deciding whether to award spousal support and how much, the court considers:

> * obligations, needs and financial resources of the spouses, including income from pension, profit-sharing or retirement plans

  > * standard of living established during the marriage

 > * duration of the marriage

 > * age and physical and mental condition of the spouses, and any special family circumstances

 > * each spouse's contributions, monetary and nonmonetary, to the well-being of the family

 > * each spouse's financial assets

 > * provisions made with regard to distribution of the marital property

> * extent to which age, condition of special circumstances of any child of the spouses would make it appropriate for one spouse to stay home

 > * the extent to which either spouse contributed to the other’s education, training, career position or profession

 >* the spouses’ earning capacity and the current employment opportunities for people with that earning capacity

 > * opportunity for and ability of the spouses to get education and training to enhance earning ability

 > * decisions regarding work and parenting that the spouses made during the marriage, and their effect on earning potential, including the length of time either spouse has been out of the job market

 > * provisions made with regard to distribution of the marital property, and

 > * any other factors, including the tax consequences to each spouse, necessary to arrive at a fair result.

Va. Code Ann. Section 20-107.1

Note it has nothing to do with if you're the husband or the wife, just circumstances.Answer #2: What is HoH?


Title: My boss touched me inappropriately today

Question: So i my boss called me to get to the office today on my free day. And suddenly started to hug me and wanted to take my clothes off and said take your pants off. And would not stop touching me. Im 21 and he is 74. I felt weird.

Answer: If this is completely out of character for him it may be a sign of the development of something like dementia, which can affect inhibitions and cause people to do inappropriate things. But that is not up to you to figure out. You can report this to the police and they will investigate it. That is their job and what they are there for. If this has taken a toll on you you should consider counseling or contact an abuse hotline for information on services that may help you.Answer #2: Whoa. Talk to HR, and of they dint do anything keep going up the ladderAnswer #3: Just report it to police...


Title: [California] A question regarding child support

Question:
Hello,
I am currently in a custody battle that is leaning toward a 50/50 joint custody ruling.

I am currently not on child support (although I do offer and send the mother of my child money via Venmo).

She informed me that she is voluntarily quitting her job to attend school full time.

My question is:. How will this effect the amount of child support I am to pay if she files for it?  Her income will be $0, but it seems unfair that I'd have to provide additional support bc she is unwilling to work.  I have no issue with the concept of child support, as I am more than willing to assist financially when my son is not in my custody, but is there anyway her being voluntarily unemployed be taken into account?

Thanks

Answer:
 Yes, the courts can take into account "imputed income" (what she could earn given her education, experience, health, etc.). If she has a history of steady employment and just decided to quit to go to school, the court *most likely* will decide to figure child support based on her previous income, on the grounds that her decision to be unemployed is voluntary and therefore her problem.

There is a chance that the judge will decide that her going to school full-time would be advantageous in that it increases her future earnings potential, but that is rare; her obligation to support her own child trumps her opportunity to earn more. She has the choice to continue employment and go to school part-time, for example.


Title: Is it legal for my landlord to ignore soil creep?

Question:
Hello r/legaladvice!

I'm an undergrad geology student and I recently took a course in engineering geology which had a large focus on landslides and soil creep. I noticed that my apartment building has very noticeable signs of soil creep. We are situated on a steep sloping hillside. We appear to be atop a schist or limestone foundation--based upon nearby outcrops. We have a parking lot which has two large retaining walls roughly 10ft and 20ft tall. The lower retaining wall is severely cracked in multiple locations and at approximately a 60 degree angle to the ground. The higher wall has cracks roughly 10 ft long and is beginning to tilt. There is unconsolidated soil between the two walls. The city has closed the sidewalk below the wall with caution tape and signs but my landlord has yet to do anything or notify any tenants of hazard.
Is this legal? The retaining walls hold up a parking lot for the seven tenants who live here, i'm afraid that with El Nino coming the wall will not make it through the winter. We are in a rainy city on the coast of northern CA if that makes a difference.
Thanks for any advice!

Here's a picture that does a good job of showing soil creep:http://www.davis-stirling.com/MainIndex/SlopeCreep/tabid/3437/Default.aspx

Answer:
 I'm sure the owners of your apartment building would like to know what you've observed, so make sure to tell them.

They don't exactly have a responsibility to fix it, but they have liability exposure if they don't fix it and something happens.  If someone gets hurt, they could be held responsible.  If other peoples' property is destroyed, they could be held responsible.  If the conditions are unsafe enough, the government can take steps such as ordering the parking lot closed or condemning the building.


Title: Caught wife cheating

Question:
So this happened less than an hour ago, so I will do my best to be coherent. My wife and I moved out of state, with our 5 year old child, about 2 years ago so that I could complete my education. Things have been rough for a while. She cheated once already, about 3 years ago, but we had since reconciled. Several months ago I had a sneaky suspicion about some of her behavior and read her texts and sure enough, she hadn't started physically cheating (or I didn't have proof), but she was more or less engaged in an inappropriate relationship with another man. I did what I could to make sure that was cut off, but eventually we decided to try to give each other space. And by space I mean not sleeping in the same bed, but not pursuing relationships with anyone, and we would try to assess the relationship in a few months. Now here is the kicker...she is the sole source of income at the moment. I cannot work due to my schooling (however I had been the sole breadwinner for several years before as she completed her education). A divorce is in our future, as much as I hate to think about it and how it will effect our child, but I cannot continue in a relationship with someone who treats me like she does. When I do graduate (within a year from now), I will be making a substantial amount more than I made before and than she makes now. About 2-3 times my old salary plus her current salary. I guess my question is, where do I go from here and how do I handle this in the best way for me and my child. I do not want to pay alimony to someone who has cheated on me multiple times, but also cannot leave now because I have no way of making money until I do finish school. I would like this to end on as good of terms as possible for our child's sake, but I also want to fight for custody. She isn't a bad mom really, but I do not want to be punished by having to live away from my child because I decided to get out of a relationship with her mother because she could not be faithful to me. For what its worth I still have old pictures of her texts from months ago. There isn't anything extremely damning in them but enough that you can see she is engaging in an emotional relationship with someone else. Sorry for rambling and any grammar and/or spelling errors, but I had to type this out now. Thank you to any who may help.
Topic:
Custody Divorce and Family

Answer: I'm not exactly sure what your question is. It sounds like you may want to wait until you're done with school to go through divorce. Also, what do you mean by "Emotional relationship"?Answer #2: If you want a divorce, get a divorce. Permanent alimony is rarity, the likelihood that you'd have to pay her that *just* because you make more than her is slim. Now, rehabilitative alimony is a completely different beast and you could end up having to pay her to get her back up to the place she needs to be considering she's been supporting you while you finish school.


Title: A Private College in Missouri Banned Pokemon GO on campus (except in and around dorms). Legal?

Answer: Enforceability is a clear problem here, but I can't think of a single reason why such a thing would be illegal. It's a private university, and they have quite a bit of say over what people can and can not do on their property. There is nothing discriminatory or unlawful here that I can see.


Title: [AR] I work at a school. I'm being fired Monday.

Question: One of my co-workers text me and said that after I left for the day my boss told all of the other employees that she was going to fire me on Monday for telling a parent when she mistreated one of the children and spoke ill of said parent. What are my options. This is a constant issue.

Answer:
 > This is a constant issue.

You are constantly fired or she consistently mistreats one of the children? If the latter, please inform the authorities (police/CPS). Even if it's one time.

If fired, HOLE_PICS is correct and your one and only option is to file for unemployment.Answer #2: They are free to fire you for that reason, unless you are in a union or under a contract that states you cannot be.

If you are terminated, file for unemployment.


Title: Therapist contacted my employer about last due balance. Is this legal?

Question:
I currently reside in Washington and have been seeing a therapist here for a few years. In the last couple of years, I have been a stay-at-home mom and working part-time as a research assistant.

My family and I recently had a financial hardship and were temporarily  no longer able to afford some things -- my therapy being one of them. I was very upfront with my therapist and she offered (via email and verbally) to give me as much time as I needed to pay my balance.

Since our last meeting, she has sent 7 emails. I responded to the first two stating that I had started a full time job and could give her a firm date of payment after my second month. She agreed. I just entered my second month of employment and planned on reaching out to her in two weeks. She has since continued to email me and in her final email included my employer (also a close friend) stating my balance. Is this legal? If it isn't, how should I proceed?

I am aware that she was kind enough to allow me to pay her late, but it also isn't appropriate to harass me after agreeing to an arrangement as well as share my personal and financial business with someone other than myself.

Thank you for any help/advice you are able to give.

Edit: grammar

Answer:
 Regardless of the legality, you need a new therapist. Keep your emails, texts, etc, and think about making a complaint. A therapist's biggest tool is the trust they build with their clients, and she just shattered it. Get a new therapist.Answer #2: RN here, psych hospital. Clear HIPAA violation. "I cannot confirm or deny who is or isn't a patient" is the number one go to for any medical professional. Disclosing, to an employer, that she is a mental health provider and that you were a patient, is a clear violation. Most here are saying this, some say she has a right to collect the debt, but without a judgement from a court and a legal order allowing her to garnish wages, she cannot disclose the fact that you are a patient. Even with an order she should not be disclosing the fact that the debt is from a patient/provider relationship.Answer #3: Other than the clear HIPPA violation here.

What the therapist could have done, is sued the patient for non-payment in small claims court and get a judgment.

If judgment awarded and still non-payment the judge could order wage garnishment.

This would have been more appropriate than going directly to the employer for payment.Answer #4: HIPAA violation. Really surprised your therapist would do this.


Title: Do I legally have to submit a letter of resignation to my job?

Question:
I work for a small software company and am looking to quit since I'm starting a new job in October. The start date is flexible but since the month is almost over I figured I'd want to start fresh and new in October. If I submit my letter of resignation now with less than a weeks notice - will that affect the pay out of my unused PTO days? Or get me in any legal trouble?

&#x200B;

I'm not worried about burning bridges, the ones that I cared about (my direct boss and coworker) they left the company too. I'm not leaving my work half assed either - I'm finishing up this week to leave it in a good place.
Topic:
Employment Law

Answer: Two weeks notice is a courtesy, not a legal obligation.


Title: (Cook County, IL) Sister-in-law's(30F), husband(31M) has apparently been physically and mentally abusing her since 6 years. Now, he has taken their child (4M) away and given the her 24 hours to get out. Police say they can't do anything.

Question:
Hi,

The family is a bit overwhelmed right now and I'm hoping I can get some guidance on this matter.

My wife's sister (30F) recently revealed to us that she was being physically and mentally abused by her husband (31M) and his family and now I guess the husband's family is ready to divorce. He went out of the country with his mother and sister for a trip, returned from there 3 days ago, came home, took their son and left. He verbally told the the wife to be out of the house within 24 hours.

Wife called the cops, visited a police station, but the police say they cannot do anything without a court order.

She went to consult with an attorney, who told them to go to the police in getting the son back in the house.

The husband and his family are unwilling to respond. He is receiving and reading all messages, but is not responding.

Divorce is most likely whats going to happen, but the wife wants to ensure the well-being of their son.

What can we do to try to make sure she doesn't lose custody of the child? What can we do to try to get this moving forward and get some answers?

Answer:
 Not sure why the attorney told them to go to the police. The police correctly noted that without a court order, either parent is allowed to take the child pretty much anywhere. What the SIL should go to the police about is the physical abuse.

Your SIL should probably gather her necessary possessions and find somewhere else to stay such as a women's shelter. While the husband cannot legally force her to leave the house on a 24 hr notice, he will likely continue to be physically abusive and you don't want her anywhere near him at this point.

She needs to file for custody like yesterday to get her son back. If the father leaves the country with the son before she files, it will become much harder to get him back.Answer #2: Without a custody order in place either parent can take their own child practically anywhere they want. She needs to report the abuse and get a lawyer asap.Answer #3: Has SIL reported the abuse to the police?


Title: Dad wants to call cops/Cps on us(me and my mom) Need help!!

Question:
I'm 14 1/2 living in Ontario Canada with my mom, and I have a problem. In 2007 my parents divorced and I started living with my mom and my brother. Right now my mom does not work and we are on welfare. I don't really visit my dad and just overall don't like him. He gets mad often at almost anything and its hard to talk to him because he almost always has to be right. Hes also somewhat scary when hes mad. Last year around December I started taking
online courses because of social anxiety and was missing a lot of school. My Mom and I didn't tell my dad this because I knew he would react very badly. Today he found out and came to our house, he yelled at us and cursed a lot saying how I'm living on the street already and how soon I'll be killing people. He said how this was illegal, that I should get/find a new dad, how he'll call
Child Protective Services, the police to get full custody, get me back into regular public school and make me move in with him. Tomorrow he said he's going to my old schools principle and getting my report card/records or whatever. So what can we do now to avoid this. Does he have any rights to do what he said? Can he force me to move in with him and go back to public school?

I should also note that my mom is a immigrant and doesn't speak/understand English too well and we don't have any relatives in this country. My dad has also been abusive in the past to my mom. He used to yell a lot and throw things when he was mad and still living with us. he even hit my mom and chocked her when I was 7 months old. My brother remembers this but there was never a police report filed. Some paramedics did come to help her because she was having trouble breathing but they thought it was from stress.

Answer:
 >Does he have any rights to do what he said?

It depends on your parents' custody agreement.

Your mom should find an attorney.


Title: (Tennessee) Courthouse has a complete and strict ban on even possessing a cell phone in the building. I have a small claims case where my (plaintiff) evidence is about 75% contained on my cell phone (texts). What to do?

Question:
People at security said, "nope, can't do it". Clerks at the filing desk said, "nope, can't have cell phones".

There are signs EVERYWHERE.. it isn't just "must be turned off" -- it is NOT ALLOWED AT ALL in the building. Obviously, they are VERY serious about this.

How the heck do I get "permission" to get a cell phone into the building on the day I have my court case (in about 2-3 months)?  Do I need to file some sort of pleading or something?

**EDIT:** My business is photography and layout/design... I did think about printing everything out (screenshot), but given my line of work, I would be worried that the Defendant would claim that I edited the screenshots (which would be VERY easy and believable given my line of work).  Having the "original" on my phone (I think) would be a good backup in case that is a claim they make. I don't know if it's even possible to "edit" sent/received texts, and that's not in my expertise, so having both copies would (seemingly) be a good idea).

Answer: You should print out your evidence and bring it with you.  You should have multiple copies, as is - one for you, the other party, and the judge.


Title: HOA says I cannot play with my dog

Question:
So I live in a decent size neighborhood with around 80 houses. We have a HUGE grass area where my dog and I play ball in. We have for probably about 3 years. We do this mainly because our HOA restricts us from having a fence.

Well I got a letter in the mail stating this was against their covenants. Now when I built the house here it was definitely not there. Now maybe it was amended, not sure but what are some possible actions I can take? Not going to lie, we will be moving if we do not solve this issue.

I have asked for the signed copy of the regulations when I moved in first and foremost.

Idk who blabbed about it, when my dog plays ball he ignores everything else so we never bother anyone. But other dogs are walked off leash all the time around the neighborhood. We've all had our dogs.playing together at times too in the big open space.

Answer: Get a copy of the rules and check. It’s possibly against the law to have your dog off leash there regardless of the rules.


Title: Can a public school student turn down a religious accommodation requested by his parents?

Question:
I have a friend who teaches fifth grade at a public elementary school in New York state. This year, she has a boy ("Joey") in her class whose parents are Jehovah's Witnesses. At the beginning of the school year, they requested in writing for Joey to be excused from birthday and holiday festivities in class, because of their religious beliefs. As I understand it, this is a pretty common accommodation for students of that faith. There are class parties a few times a year, and Joey goes to the library to read until someone comes to get him afterward.

A few days ago, Joey told her he no longer believed it was wrong to celebrate special occasions and that he would like to stay in the classroom next time. He was excited and cited Bible verses from Psalms, Matthew, and 1 Corinthians that he felt encouraged Christians to engage in celebrations (she Googled the verses, and they were on point). She explained that the school had to respect his parents' wishes and asked if he had talked to them, but Joey thought it would only make them angry if he tried, then he got upset and looked like he was going to cry. She took him to the nurse so he could compose himself before going back to class, and he hasn't brought it up since.

She feels that he was sincere and not just angling to eat cupcakes and play games with his class. She would like to be supportive of Joey's beliefs and include him in class festivities, but as a new/nontenured teacher she doesn't want to rock the boat.

It made me wonder about the nature of religious accommodations in K-12 public education, since the issue also comes up with older students whose parents object to things like studying evolution or attending sex ed classes. Do they exist for the sake of parents who don't want schools to undermine them, or for the sake of students who want their own beliefs to respected?

Does a younger student like Joey, who disagrees with his parents, have to abide by their religion while in school? What obligation does the school have if, for example, Joey refuses to leave the classroom during a party?

EDIT: To clarify, my friend is not planning to go behind the parents' backs and let Joey attend a party without their permission. She'd also prefer not to tell them what he said about his beliefs, so she feels that her hands are tied. Would it be worth taking this issue to the school administration for them to weigh in? Are there any applicable laws that would be useful to know?

I asked what the handbook/rules say, and they do not directly address this situation. There is some very general language about non-discrimination and providing a safe, supportive environment, as well as excused absences for observing religious holidays or instruction. Nothing specific about requests for accommodation.

**EDIT 2**: Thank you for all of your contributions. My friend has decided on a compromise - instead of the final class party they had planned for this year, she will be holding a movie marathon day, along with some snacks and games, for the students as a reward for their work this year. Since it will not be in celebration of a holiday or birthday, Joey can attend without violating his parents' instructions. This resolves the short-term issue without getting her or Joey in trouble, but she is still interested in any guidance you have to offer in case this comes up again with a future student.

What I personally found interesting about this situation is that Joey framed his request in religious terms. At the beginning of the school year, he accepted his parents' beliefs and the rule about parties. Upon further reflection and Bible study, he concluded that Christians like himself *should* (rather than could) celebrate special occasions, which are a way to experience joy and fellowship and all sorts of nice things his faith encourages. It's a valid argument that is compatible with what most modern Christian denominations believe. Joey was effectively asserting that being banned from class parties on religious grounds violated his right to practice his own religion. He made a more compelling point than I would've expected from a fifth grader, even if the law sides with his parents. It's easy to side with the parents when all the kid really wants is cupcakes and party games, but this was different.

Answer:
 Pennsylvania teacher here.

We have been instructed that we must follow the parents' wishes, no matter what. This came up with a trans student this year (born female, goes by a male name). Let's say Maya wanted to be called Matt. We needed written parental permission to do that.

So my advice here is to follow the parents' wishes and advise the counselor of this. I can't find a statute, but we've been told it's the law to follow what the parents want for their kids. Otherwise, it could be construed that we are forcing our beliefs on students. Answer #2: Since the teacher is now aware Joey feels excluded from his peers due to his parents' wishes, she could organize social class activities that are not holiday nor birthday celebrations.


Title: Man Using My Phone# as His When Filling Out Paper Work

Question: I've had my phone number in Arkansas for 5+ years and in the last couple of years I keep getting phone calls from debt collectors, legal counsel offices, etc. (some threatening) looking for this guy. Always the same name. I've repeatedly told these people that this is not the guy they're looking for and to remove my number from his file and yet I still get the same phone calls. Is there any action I can take to prevent the calls? Or against the guy for using my number?

Answer:
 >Or against the guy for using my number?

You know it's perfectly likely that this guy actually had your phone number 5 years ago, or that someone along the way simply logged the phone number incorrectly, don't you?


Title: Fire incident in a residence of 4. Who pays?

Question:
Back in January,
Minnie was cooking something in the kitchen which suddenly ignited. Louis was in the kitchen also, doing dishes. Both girls ran out of the kitchen, screaming for help when Kenny ran into the kitchen to try to cut the oxygen from the flames by placing it in the oven. Louis reacted faster and threw her dog's water into the flaming stock pot. The flames then grew across the ceiling until the sprinklers went off.
Kenny moved all furniture out of the sprinkler range while the two girls ran outside.

When the fire department arrived,  they couldn't find the water shut off. Water continued to flood the dining room and water started dripping into the apartment below.
The next day, Baley came home to find the mess. She was not present through the ordeal.

Microwave & oven needed to be replaced.  Humidifiers were used 24/7 for about 2 weeks.  PG&E came out to $256 and change. (We usually pay around $100).

An order had been placed 3 weeks prior to fix the oven because the temperatures were not correct. Maintenence had come to fix it and stated it was fixed...it wasn't.  The burner that Minnie was using was also the wrong size for the stove (too big and did not fit the circle of the stove).

No renter's insurance. The invoice came out to be $2,430 and change.
Who pays? Or how is it split?

Thank you!

Answer: Is it exam time already?


Title: Advice needed - neighbor died, house going to state - has personal items and monetary instruments inside safe that belong to grandmother

Question:
Hi all... My grandmother was good friends with a neighbor of hers for many years and the neighbor recently died unexpectedly. Now, the neighbor had no children or relatives that have been located at this point, so the house is likely to go to the state. All fine, I want nothing of her items. However, it has come to light that my grandmother was storing financial items in a safe at her neighbor's house (treasury bonds totalling approx $100k, collector's coins worth $10k or more, family heirlooms, among other items). Seeing as the house is now in probate and will likely go to the state, how should I go about staking claim on these items? Any and all advice is greatly appreciated.

I am poa for my grandmother btw and am acting solely on her behalf.

Answer: What kind of documentation exists to substantiate that these items are your grandmother's?Answer #2: You need to contact the executor with documentation showing that the items belong to your grandmother.


Title: Lying when hiring -- Ohio

Question:
**Background:**

My wife is a certified teacher with a masters degree in secondary ed.  She came upon a position in a relatively prestigious / wealthy district in NE Ohio.  This school system used to boast a high graduation rate (99%) but has declined to 78% over the past few years.

They have opened a tutoring center, as a kind of graduation factory for students that have failed out and would not normally graduate to salvage their metrics.

This job opportunity was presented incorrectly as teaching advanced subjects that are not normally offered, in a AP or IB setting.  Pay is <40% of what similarly credentialed teachers down the hall make.  She was presented the job as part-time with indication that it would become full time in the fall (now).

**Issue:**

* The position's duties are not even close to what she was hired to do
* The employer is intentionally keeping workers to <32 hrs/wk to avoid paying benefits
* She found out today that she is classified as a *temp* instead of a part time employee
* She would have declined the job offer on these grounds back in May
* It is not likely that she can get another job until next school year

**Question:**

This doesn't feel right to me.  I understand that the employment is at-will and either party can discontinue the work at any time.  I understand that if she is not happy she can leave.  This is not a private company, it is a public school district.  Are they violating any laws in their hiring practices?

Thanks in advance!

Answer: Does she have proof of the things they promised? Did she sign any kind of contract or was she given any paperwork showing the things she was told?


Title: I believe that a private religious school is violating the first amendment. Hear me out.

Question:
Ill preface by saying that I'm not trying to get this school in trouble or anything I was just recently made aware of this situation and I was wondering if there was a case to be made here. I live in Southern California.

So to give some background about three years ago this school ran itself into some debt because of some construction projects it was working on and decided to apply for a government bond in order to help pay off that debt. As per the terms of the bond agreement the school had to provide a wing of the building which consisted of about five classrooms as collateral. The wing that the school agreed to provide was where the theology (religious) classes that the school required were being taught. Five days before school started they were informed that per the terms of the bond agreement, no religious classes could be taught in the classrooms being used as collateral for the federal bond because it violated the first amendment. At first the school moved the classes but over the past two years they have moved two out of the five classrooms back to religious classes which violates the contract they signed when they purchased the bond. My question is, what action would you guys recommend I take? If I tell the school I'm sure they will move the classrooms back but will probably just return them after time. Feel free to let me know if this isn't as big of a deal as I think it is as well. I'm open to all opinions.

Answer:
 At most, the school is in violation of the terms of the bond agreement, and it's theoretically possible the federal government has violated the First Amendment. What's not possible is for the school's actions to violate the First Amendment, because the school isn't the government and isn't a state actor. Answer #2: I think you are missing some information here, as there is no way that they are in violation of the first amendment by teaching theology classes. Public high schools could even teach them, if they wanted to (though that's a fight they probably wouldn't want).

Seriously, there is no way you have all the facts here.


Title: Brought in for questioning..

Question: So if the police want to speak to someone about an incident involving that person it's my understanding that person has the right to have an attorney present. If that's true then how long would the police have to provide an attorney? Assuming the person brought in for questioning can't afford one. I don't know if that's right or how things would work exactly. Just looking for some clarification. I'm in Utah

Answer:
 The police don't provide an attorney immediately.

If you're brought in for questioning and ask for a lawyer, the remedy is that the police simply stop questioning.  You either get released or booked in depending on how much other evidence there is.

If you can't afford a lawyer, then you get one after you go to court and get officially charged.


Title: (WY) Shared Custody, I owe health insurance and child support. Mom wants dental coverage too, how should I respond?

Question: [removed]

Answer: How about you, as their dad, make their appointments and take them to the dentist and the. You’ll have control over the timing of the paperwork.


Title: Help, I accidentally had sex with someone underage (they lied)

Question:
Indiana. I'll keep this simple- I had sex with someone who claimed to be 17, later found out they were 15.

I'm 21. I met them in a bar and they approached me first and suggested oral sex in the bathroom. They looked a little young, I asked if they were 21, they said no, they were 17 and used a fake ID. I normally wouldn't be interested in a 17 year old but I'd had a few drinks and I stupidly agreed. I found out later that they were 15 and I was panicked and didn't know what to do, so I ended up just leaving. A few days later I saw them again, in the same bar, chatting with another adult man. I want to report this or find their parents or something, but I am terrified I will be arrested. What do I do?

Answer:
 Send a note to the bar anonymously letting them know that there is a 17-year who frequents their bar and is using a fake license.

Don't do it personally & don't tell anyone why you know.

Pretty much, never speak of this to anyone.


Title: [California] What do I do with a gift certificate for a place that has gone out of business?

Question:
I hope I am posting this to the correct subreddit. If not, I do apologize.

I purchased a $120 gift certificate to an archery post for a family member for Christmas. I paid with a credit card. My family member hadn't used the gift certificate yet (no exp. date) but the place has since abruptly closed for good and there are no other locations. The shop was always busy and had good reviews. Didn't think I'd have to worry about it disappearing. Is there anything i can do to seek a refund or is it not worth it?

Answer:
 There's nothing you can do with it.  That's just what happens when places go out of business.

Call your credit card company, explain the situation, and ask if the bank will reverse the charge so you can get your money back.  You have a lot of protections when making a purchase by credit card, so it doesn't hurt to ask.


Title: Is my boss legally allowed to make me pay for material costs?

Question: This morning i recieved this text http://imgur.com/1PHIV00. I work in a bagel place and apparently the deli case was left open resulting in all of the cream cheese and everything else to go bad. I specifically remember closing it, and this was merely accidental. I don't mind that much coming in on my day off to replace all the lost cream cheese, but is my boss legally allowed to make me pay for the loss even if it was accidental? I live in new jersey.

Answer:
 Nope, it's the cost of doing business. He can fire you for it, but he cannot make you pay for it.

If you go in on your day off remember that he needs to pay you for it. Answer #2: "Dear boss,

I'm more than happy to join you in bearing the financial burden of unexpected business costs, so long as I also join you in the realization of business profits.

Sincerely, me"Answer #3: From my reading they can't legally deduct from your pay check unless it's for a specific program or a voluntary deduction.

Of course if you don't voluntarily pay then they can just fire you instead... at which point you file for unemployment.


Title: Daughters mother died, I live out of state.

Question: Daughter lives in S. CA and there are still caretakers there, aunt, grandmother, and step father. I live in Northern Nevada and have no idea where to start things. I have no details aside from a call from the aunt this morning saying that her mom killed herself. I'm trying to get ahold of that side of the family for more info but, haven't yet. I have a plan that my daughter will come up here with me after the school year is done but, if she wants to leave sooner what do I have to do? Any help is appreciated.

Answer: You go and pick her up. Now. Assuming you are on the birth cert and there are no court orders saying you are not allowed around the child, go get her. Or make temp arangments IN WRITING with a family member to care for her until the end of the school year. But know that they can file for guardianship of a child they have been caring for. But your best option is just to go get your child now.


Title: [TX] Roommate won't clean anything

Question:
I live in a dorm and we have a full kitchen/living area that 2 rooms share, and one of the guys that lives in the other room is absolutely disgusting. He made food over two weeks ago and hasn't cleaned anything up and it has started to grow mold in our kitchen because of him. I have tried numerous times to get him to clean it up, and his excuse is that he will clean it when he needs to use them again. I have taken pictures and documented every time I have talked to him about it.

Can I throw away his pots/pans because they are becoming a legitimate health hazard? Or should I try to go through the University to force him to clean his stuff up?

EDIT: This isn't new behavior either, this is a cycle I go through almost every month.

Answer:
 Contact your school first. Go to the RA and report this. If nothing is done, then move up the chain to the resident life coordinator or whoever is the RA's boss, and so on. But usually, the university isn't going to treat this kind of complaint seriously and they will most likely try to make you two work it out with a roommate agreement or something.

In the meantime, spend $5 on a plastic bin with a lid and pile all of his dirty dishes and pots into it, then put the bin in his room. If you want to be less confrontational, leave the bin in the kitchen with the lid on so you don't have to look at the dirty dishes. Answer #2: You can't throw away his pots/pans, but you can immediately notify the University of a health hazard.  Or just take all your evidence to the University as a major complaint. You might be reassigned to another dorm.Answer #3: Take his disgusting/moldy stuff, put it in garbage bags, place it in his dorm room all wrapped up.  Then ask your RA to directly talk to this guy, or have somebody from the university do so.  Stress to him or her that the mold growing in the shared living space is very unsanitary and concerning to you, and that this is a cycle that continues despite your frequent requests to your roommate to clean up his stuff.  At this point, bring out the pictures, list off the times you've talked to him, and make it clear that you've done all that you can do.


Title: (CA) Employee arrested for sex with minor - can I put him on probation until the courts settle the case?

Question:
Our newest hire in CA (who cleared his background check with flying colors just 2 weeks ago) was arrested last night for sex with a minor. The charges are specifically for sex with someone under 16, and the employee is 24. We are in the tourism industry and while we don't directly "work with children," we work with a lot of children and cannot have someone with a child sex felony conviction on their record.

Obviously I'm going to get his side of the story and see if he confesses or if he thinks it's a big misunderstanding, but pending any resolution, can I suspend him without pay until the court date in 2 weeks?

Answer: Unless he has an employment contract \(which would include a corporate code of conduct\) that forbids it, you are free to suspend or fire him.


Title: [MO] Kids are cutting through my yard to get to school. Worried about liability if one should get hurt.

Question:
Asking an interesting question because I'm honestly not sure what the liability (if any) I'd face here as a new homeowner.

In my back yard is a GIANT hole of a city drainage area that leads off the back of my property. This hole is deep enough that I, being 69 inches (5 foot 9) would be able to stand in it and you'd just BARELY be able to see the top of my head.

The city is supposed to be maintaining this for years but hasn't (according to my neighbor.) Last year strong winds blew down the fence that separated my back yard and my front yard allowing kids to walk through my back yard as a shortcut to the school that sits caddy-cornered to my property.

My neighbor and I agree that replacing the fence would be more trouble than it's worth as we both like having the openness of not having it now that it's gone but we're both worried about someone's kid falling into that drainage area and me or him not being able to see or hear a cry for help if the kid were to get seriously hurt (which is very possible)

In lieu of this, my neighbor and the previous owner (as school hasn't started yet) has asked the neighborhood to stop allowing their kids to trespass through my yard(and partially his) but that stopped about 5% of the kids coming through (according to my neighbor)

I'm considering several options but I just don't want anyone to get hurt. Much less I don't want anyone to get hurt and then get sued for someone's kid falling into a drainage ditch on my property.

What kind of legal stance am I in here. If a kid trespasses onto my property (since I haven't posted no trespassing signs) and falls into that hole, am I liable as the property owner? What can I do to cover my own hide here?
Topic:
Insurance

Answer:
 The hole is on your property? If so, then yes you could be held liable since it's a dangerous condition that you are aware of.

Contact the city and get them to do something about it if it's truly their responsibility. Otherwise get a however many cubic yards of dirt/sand/whatever and fill it up.

Then when school is back in session contact the school and have them address the students and tell them to quit walking through your backyard. And consider putting the fence back up. Answer #2: I realize that this isn't the most legal or or even well-advised avenue. But since the city obviously doesn't care, could you just fill the thing in and assume that they won't notice?


Title: Relatives planning to take a child back to live in a house she was court ordered to never go to again.

Question:
I hope I do a good job of explaining all this. It's really a complicated situation. If I don't make enough sense please don't be afraid to ask for clarification. I'm not even really sure where to start or how to word all this.

I'm just curious about potential legal consequences my family members could face.

Long story short, my little cousin was removed from her home a couple years ago, after she told a teacher that her step dads brother had been sexually abusing her.

That man is in prison now. Her own mom is on probation for 5 years for knowing it was happening and allowing it, basically.

Since then, my little cousin ( Now age 10, if that matters) has gone through foster care and all that.

She is now living with her grand parents ( My aunt and uncle)

There is a court order that forbids this kid from ever going back to the house where the abuse took place. That was ordered because the house itself is literally falling apart and unsuitable to live in, but also because one of the adults still living there is a drug addict and the other adults in that house ( disgustingly) blame this child for the perpetrator getting arrested...

The childs parents still live in this house and have made zero effort to get a place of their own so they can get their kid back.

Yeah, lovely family right?

Anyway, The abuse she went through really messed with her. She is struggling psychologically and lashes out severely. her grandparents have just...What do you call it...guardianship? Whatever was needed to get her registered for school where they live.

But anyway, they are in there 70s and this kid is unfortunately too much for them to handle. She needs help that they are unable to provide her.

Now, come to find out, they have decided that  they are just going to take her back to her parents. ( And to be clear, she is allowed to be with her parents. Just not allowed in that house )

Since they are living in the house that this kid is not allowed to be, I am afraid that taking her there, knowing she is not allowed to be there, could get her grandparents into legal trouble.

I advised them that they should probably call CPS and explain that they cant take care of her anymore but that they cant take her back to her parents since they live in that house. I was blown off.

So, I guess what I am wondering is, am I wrong in thinking they could face legal consequences? My aunt and uncle are good people who have lived good lives. I'd just hate to see them ruin their own lives by doing something stupid.

They know she is not allowed to go to that house. They know taking her back to her parents right now will mean she goes back to that house.

Assuming they really do go through with taking her back, I will be reporting it to CPS for the safety of the child here.

But like I said, am I wrong? Or could they be facing some kind of child endangerment charge taking her back to a dangerous place that a court ordered she never be allowed back to?

Answer: Id call CPS yourself to let them know. I would imagine there are many other concerns other than the house on their endAnswer #2: Call CPS and reported them. You might want to tell your aunt and uncle if they return the child to a place she is legally not supposed to be they can face charges. Also that kid needs some therapy and I would hope she is receiving it but if not suggest it to her grandparents inorder to help with the manageability


Title: Grandparents rights?

Question:
Hey Reddit,

Question for you guys as I've read several different answers online and can't find a solid one...

Long story short; Brother is a jerk, changes plans everytime my parents come into town, and uses his children as blackmail/bribery.  My brother has converted to his wifes side of the family and they're pretty snobby shitty people.  They'll always have their kids visit the mothers parents, but when it comes to my parents who come to town once every couple of months things change on them.

This christmas got pretty bad and my brother has now told my parents "You'll never see your grandchildren again" and it's really upsetting my parents.  They're kind, do everything they can, and are just honestly great people.

***QUESTION***

Is there anything regarding Grandparents rights to legally allow them visitation with their grandchildren when they come into town or are they pretty much screwed if my brother doesn't want his kids to see them?  This goes along with myself too since he doesn't like me but I love my nephews... I'm not allowed to see them either.

Live in Michigan if that matters, and I do apologize for the formatting of this post.

Answer:
 No.  You and your parents have no rights to see your brother's children. None of the circumstances apply to your case.

http://www.grandparentsrights.org/analysis.pdf


Title: I had a trust fund once, before I was involuntarily committed to a psych hospital and declared incompetent long enough for my dad to spend every penny. AMA (joking about this post being an AMA)

Question: My dad drained my whole so-called Irrevocable Trust fund by manipulating a family friend my grandfather designated as trustee. I knew that’s what he wanted, and nobody would help a trust fund kid fighting for his money, so I practically fucking gave it to him. He filed a petition to have a judge involuntarily commit me. I was committed without any chance to defend myself. I was declared incompetent. I took him to court when I got out, and got my legal competency back, but my trust fund was already spent.

Answer: Consult with a lawyer about the misuse of the trust fund to see if you have a case.


Title: Me and a group of 4 were kicked out of a park for playing football.

Question: So me and some friends decided to go out biking and playing football around 1 - 2 hours of playing we were kicked out (we weren’t even near anyone and played in a public field) then a park employee comes out and kicks us out saying the park is only for walking or jogging he even kicks out 2 kids for playing baseball on a BASEBALL field this is a county park and even some other person that saw it happen said and questioned if he could do that (there are no signs saying that we can’t play sports in the park even though we have done it many times the past week next to other park employees) is there anything I can do against this?

Answer: Does your area/city/state have rules in place for COVID-19 restrictions and parks?


Title: Hit and run

Question:
I got invited to dinner a few nights ago. I was drunk and had Xanax in my system so I can't remember 90 percent of what happened that night. Apparently I hit a car while leaving the parking lot. The damage on the front of my bumper isnt that bad just a big paint scuff. Today I was at lunch with some friends and my mom called saying the police came to the door because the owner filed a hit and run and they caught me on camera. They left a number for me to call.

I don't care how much money I have to pay I just don't know what to say for my side of the story since I was under the influence and remember nothing. Please help.

I'm 19 male and making mistakes.

Answer: Hire a lawyer and then tell the truth. And turn in your license since you obviously can’t be trusted to know when you shouldn’t be operating a vehicle. You could have killed someone.


Title: I don't want to go to occupational health for worker's comp due to on the job injury (because I won't pass a drug test), but my company is making me [AL]

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 You can either submit to treatment, and probably be fired due to the drug screen. You will then probably have to fight for benefits as they will accuse you of using while on duty.

or

You can deny the claim and pay out of pocket for the medical bills, and still probably be fired for denying the drug screen.

It depends on what your employee guidelines are.


Title: [PA] Can a landlord dictate what utility providers you have to use?

Question:
Long story short:

Have been in a unit for a year and have been paying Gas/Electric as the bills are in my name.  I go through the local providers.  My landlord came over and told me that starting with the new lease I'll have to sign up for Xoom Energy for my natural gas and electric provider.  He couldn't guarantee the rates would be better but did say that if HE got a certain amount of people to sign up that HE would get his own private utilities for free.  Is it ok to put this type of requirement in a lease?

Answer:
 Yes that can be a stipulation in the lease. So you don't sign the new lease if you don't like the terms. Give proper notice and find a new place

Edit: see belowAnswer #2: Xoom seems to be associated with a MLM company. Your landlord may be making additional profits on you, or someone he knows will be. Answer #3: I'm having a little trouble confirming this, but I want to say no -- if you pay for the meter, you can choose your own provider. I'd be surprised if the PA PUC allowed this since it's ripe for abuse and defeats the purpose of energy competition (disclaimer: I work for an energy marketer, just not one that does business in PA -- other states I do business in specifically prohibit this, or at least put significant limits on it). I hate to make assumptions, especially about a specific competitor, but in a choice state I would NOT accept any old rate chosen by a landlord: if the landlord does push this, demand he show you the contract and/or get your bill (which will show the rate on it) and compare it to the rates currently available on the PA PUC shopping website -- if your rate isn't fixed and competitive, complain LEFT AND RIGHT.

I wouldn't wait that long, however. Reach out to the PA PUC. Tell them that your landlord is trying to deny your choice (for his own profit) and which provider is involved. It costs you nothing to make the complaint, and if this is inappropriate under PA rules, as soon as the energy company is contacted by the PA PUC, they will correct course.

Best of luck.


Title: Did I mess up my custody case?

Question: Sat down with a mediator to settle custody. I asked for joint custody. I was given legal custody, but on the paperwork it says she has sole physical? I agreed to give her more parenting time as she is unemployed. I was so distraught by the end of the talks I didn't realize it had said that or the implications. What did I give up by giving her sole custody over joint physical? I still have my 4-3 day parenting schedule I asked for. I am curious as to whether it would be worth it to go to court(I am close to poverty) to fight for joint physical custody? I don't see why I wouldn't be granted it except I signed paper giving her sole physical. Is it early enough to file an "opps, I fucked up" motion?

Answer: Physical custody and legal custody are two different things. In most states only one parent can have physical custody (meaning that is where the kids ‘live’ this is important for things like school zones). Legal custody is what is actually shared. If the visitation schedule is outlined as you agreed it doesn’t sound like you gave up anything.Answer #2: No, I did the exact same thing, including worrying about it like this. The only thing you would have to worry about is the friend of the court deciding you owe child support, you mentioned your financial situation and obviously they take that into consideration as well. This doesn’t change anything, it’s only a legal term to imply the child is with one parent more often (it’s more common than true 50/50) you can file a motion for a change in parenting time if you are intending on trying to get more, but it sounds like you guys made a plan that works for you right now. You can always revisit parenting time negotiations later.


Title: (PA) Mother threatening that child will miss school if we don't go pick him up.

Question:
Father lives in child's school district and maintains 78% custody, mother has 22%. There is no court order (yet). Father has filed for custody to be locked in, and the hearing is in about two weeks. He has an attorney. Mother does not (verified by his attorney) but is using the name of a local attorney to try to scare father into complying.

For the past two-ish years, father has had the majority of physical time with the child, and due to proximity, time and availability, child has been enrolled in father's school district for his school career (3rd grade now). Mother lives about 25 miles away. During his schooling, father's family (such as me- girlfriend, or his mother who lives next door) would meet the mother halfway to pick up the child for school in the morning - when they had time to. It was consistent for a while, then inconsistent, then consistent, and then stopped completely due to mother no-showing, being demanding, just generally being a PITA.

Mother began stating about three weeks ago that it is father's legal duty to pick up the child from her on the days of his custody period. For example, she had child Monday night after school, and picked him up from our house. Tuesday morning, she (used to) bring him all the way up to his bus stop (at father's house) on school days. Now, she is stating PA law dictates the receiving parent is responsible for transporting the child. Father has never, EVER met her himself, and all assistance in transporting has been done by his extended family, at their own willingness. He feels strongly that because she chose to move far away from child's original home, and agreed he should be enrolled in school close to father's home, that she can deal with the transportation headache that she's created, herself. He/we spent about a year just browsing & learning what we could before he decided to make a decisive custody action, and from what he understood, the parent moving away usually bears the burden of transportation.

The hearing for temp custody order is next week. Father's attorney is asking that she have to transport the child on her weekday custody periods (one weekday & every other Fri-Sun) and father will pick up the child on the Sunday evenings ending her custody period. If mother doesn't cancel, she will have the child for at least two more weeknights between now and then. This morning, she texted father at 0630 and stated if no one drove to her house, the child would not go to school today. Father didn't receive the message until 715 when he was up & checking his phone, and after some back and forth, we agreed to meet her at 0745 halfway. Only because she was threatening to have him miss the school day entirely.

Father's attorney is out today with strep throat, so no help there. He is unsure what to do in this situation - capitulating because she is making a threat that impacts the child could set up the precedent that someone in his family can and should meet her. Right now, that someone is me, and we have 3 other kids, one of whom just got out of a week in the hospital, and I'm pregnant and frankly don't feel like dragging myself around twice a week because she's being an ass or playing a game. Ignoring the threat means his child will miss school, which is not in the kid's best interest and would likely make him look like as much of a jerk as she is being, in court. He is fairly confident that the temp hearing will be quite easy and in his favor (calendared the past 16 months of custody with her having no more than 40% and as little as 10% over the months, she was just convicted of her 2nd DUI and is currently driving the child w/o a license, her boyfriend is a 4-time DUI offender with other convictions for concealed deadly weapons, corrupting a minor, beating her while driving drunk, etc, and she has stated that she will continue to bring the child around him because he isn't a threat) but it's never a given in a courtroom.

So, is there actually any statute or guidance in PA for transportation of a child, and what should he do while she is making these threats to either get the child or have him miss school?

Answer:
 IANAL but if the Mom has been convicted of a DUI and is driving without a license, that seems like a pretty compelling reason for her not to drive the child anywhere, ever.
 Answer #2: >she was just convicted of her 2nd DUI and is currently driving the child w/o a license, her boyfriend is a 4-time DUI offender with other convictions for concealed deadly weapons, corrupting a minor, beating her while driving drunk, etc, and she has stated that she will continue to bring the child around him because he isn't a threat) but it's never a given in a courtroom.

I was with you until this part. There is no legal way for the mom to be driving him around, so your husband needs to pick him up by necessity.


Title: Neighbor threatened to stab me and my girlfriend

Question:
[Southern California]

It started with a loud crack. I look out my balcony and I see eggshells and yolk. I don't see anybody outside, I immediately assumed that it was the aartment neighbor upstairs so I went up and knocked on his door. No answer so I stayed and kept knocking harder and harder until he comes out. I asked him why is he throwing eggs at our balcony. He says he was sleeping and he didn't do shit (bullshit, I heard him walking and sliding the balcony door). I was ready to end it there because what could I do, I had no proof. He then tells me to get the fuck out of his way and gets in my face aggressively about to shove me. My girlfriend gets inbetween and tell him to back off. I try to push her aside. He says to her to get out of his face and he says, "I'll fucking stab you and your boyfriend and your fucking mom". At this point, I didn't want to escalate things, I just wanted to talk. I told him he can deal with it the police, which I called immediately after. The police came, searched his house and didn't find any weapons. They talk to him, and then talk to us saying that they think he's harmless and try to avoid confrontation with him. Fair enough but I can't help but feel unsafe in the area now.  I know I don't have any hard proof that he threw those eggs but isn't threatening to stab you considered assault? We're pretty disraught by this and I don't plan to pursue any legal action unless this escalates further. I was just wondering what my situation is from a legal standpoint. Any help would be appreciated.

Edit: This is my first confrontation with him, I've never spoken to or interacted with this neighbor at all.

Answer: So, your first interaction with the guy is to get all up in his face over an egg you have no proof of, and your gf got in on it too? You all sound like crazy people.


Title: Can a will or a trust not be reprinted, ever? And only changed by amendments?

Question:
This is in CA. My parents both died this year, in February and then in April. I received the trust document, from 15 years ago, and of the 34 pages, 5 are pretty insulting to me. I don't really want to go into how, but it felt like them reaching out from beyond the grave to smack me.

Three years after the initial trust document, there was an amendment, which changed some language and struck out the portions that I'm talking about.

So my off-topic question is, why didn't they just reprint it with the changes, or is that not allowed? I really wish I hadn't read that, and I can't un-know that's what they thought of me.

Answer:
 Adding a codicil, or amendment to the will, is faster, less complicated, and less expensive (in terms of paying an hourly rate to a lawyer) than re-writing the will, so it's possible that they wanted to amend the will quickly and easily.

&#x200B;

On the other hand it's also possible that your parents wanted you to see the 5 pages and left them there for you, or that they forgot about those pages, or didn't think you'd be as hurt reading them - obviously I can only  guess as to their motivations. Sorry for your pain and loss.


Title: Prospective employer is messaging random family members on Facebook telling them I interviewed for a position with his company and he wants more information about me? I did NOT list anyone as a reference.

Question:
I interviewed for a job as an independent contractor (that would become a normal employee position one day), and a few days later several of my family member start texting me asking me if I applied for some job because a random guy is messaging them telling them I did, and asking for more information about me. I did NOT list them as references (I listed no references, in fact).

I was laid off and I did not want to tell my family this. Now they are wondering why I'm looking for a job. This is pretty outrageous and odd. The weirdest part is I don't even have a Facebook? Did he just message everyone in the country with my last name? Did he message random friends of mine too? Ex-Girlfriends? I have no idea. It's very awkward and is making me incredibly uncomfortable and annoyed. Is this legal?

Answer: Legal but very strange and unprofessional.Answer #2: Yes, this is legal.Answer #3: So if you're out of a job, I'd suggest taking this one if it's offered (unless the contract contains anything that would prevent you from leaving) and then continue searching for another job as if you didn't just find one. I have a feeling that this job won't be very good long term if they are doing shady (but probably not illegal) things like this. . .


Title: Just returned from a month out of the country to find multiple items missing from my dorm room.

Question:
Hey all!  This is my first post here and this is my first time ever really dealing with something of a legal matter, so I'm not too sure what to do.  I attend a university in Michigan.

At my university, I live in a suite, the layout of which looks like [this](http://i.imgur.com/J9I3emh.png).  The doors going to the hallway lock, but the doors to the shared bathroom do not.  It is just me in one room and my one suitemate in the other room.  From January 6 - 27, I was out of the country.  When I returned on the 27th, I found several items missing and some things moved around.  The missing items include:

* Sennheiser HD598SE headphones

* PS3, 2 PS3 games, and controller

While these things were taken, the other much more valuable stuff was left, including my PC, laptop, and other headphones.  During the month I was gone, the main door to my room was locked, so the only way into the room was through the bathroom connecting to my suitemate's room, which puts a lot of suspicion on him.  I filed a police report and the officer came and took some prints from a few items and spoke with my suitemate.  The officer told me that at this point it's considered a breaking-and-entering and said that he will continue his investigation.

I have never had to deal with this before, so I don't really know how to proceed.  If the officer is able to figure out who the thied is, where do I go if I decide to press charges?  Also, would the school be at any fault for not having locks on the bathroom doors?

Any help or advice on this situation would be very appreciated, thanks!

Answer: Talk with your RA about this.  If that is unsatisfactory or insufficient then file a report with campus police.Answer #2: You do not press charges. If the police have evidence they will bring it to the district attorney, who will decide if charges will be filed or not.


Title: Hypothetical question: Is bringing marijuana through customs, but never leaving Washington state illegal?

Question:
This is a hypothetical question I was wondering when I went through this customs checkpoint. I am pretty sure the answer is "no one knows, it needs to go to court" but maybe someone here might have an idea.

As you may know Washington has a state ferry system. This is especially important for the San Juan Islands where it is the only way on and off the island by car. One of the ferries takes off from B.C. Canada (forget the port for now) and docks in Anacortes, Washington. It also stops in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island (in Washington as well).  Now upon waiting to board the ferry you are given a yellow pass which states that by boarding the ferry you consent to going through customs and potentially be searched. This is because the canadian passengers have not yet gone through US customs and you are "co-mingling" with them and hence may have contraband.

Now lets say you have marijuana in Friday Harbor. It is legal to possess marijuana in Washington. Now lets say you board this ferry and you are searched while going through customs in Anacortes Washington. Could you be arrested for possession even though you never left Washington? I assume since customs is federal the answer is yes, but it seems so wrong. Any ideas?

P.S. Apologies for the grammar, this was done on my phone and I suck at phone typing...

Answer: Customs checkpoints are governed by federal law, not state law.  Marijuana is still illegal at the federal level so yes you will get in trouble


Title: Hotel still takes reservations, even though they're closed for the season. [x-post from r/scams]

Question:
So I posted this in r/scams, and they suggested I come here.

So I work in a big tourist town that has ~10 hotels that are active in the summer but 80% of them shut down in the winter. One of these hotels still allows you to make reservations with them online and I get 5-6 people a week coming in a saying they booked with this hotel and they're closed and can't get a refund. I was just wondering if there was any possible way that I could report them to someone to get them fined significantly or shut down?

Edit: This is in Pennington County in South Dakota

Answer: They can absolutely get sued by everyone who made reservations.Answer #2: Are you sure these people are booking using the hotel's web site, or are they using third-party booking sites (e.g. Expedia, Orbitz)? I ask because it's unusual for hotels to make you prepay unless you're using one of these third-party sites.Answer #3: One of the affected parties could report them to the state attorney general's office


Title: Friend (M20) has a boyfriend (M17) and his boyfriends homophobic dad is trying to have my friend arrested

Question:
My friend is 20 years old and we live in California. He has been dating a guy who is 17 years old for about a year, unfortunately the 17 year old's dad found out about the relationship and is homophobic, he called the police telling them that my friend had raped and molested his son.

My friend has been under an investigation and fears that his boyfriends father will have him arrested.

 My friends boyfriends dad has been known to abuse his family but has never been able to be caught for it and continues to abuse his son (17 year old).
The boyfriends mom is a recovering alcoholic so she can not gain custody of him, so he has been stuck his his homophobic father.

I believe I've gotten everything I know down, mainly just seeking any help I can get on this, it is a sticky situation but my friend and his boyfriend are both amazing caring people and do not deserve to have someone like his boyfriends father trying to ruin their lives.

Answer:
 > My friend has been under an investigation

How does he know this?  Has he been contacted by someone?

If contacted by the police, charged with a crime, or sued, he should retain an attorney.  Until then, he can presume that the dad is blowing smoke.

Your friend should restrain from sexual contact with this person, as sexual contact with someone under 18 is illegal in California.