Title: Donation Pickup Error

Question:
So my downstairs neighbor in a two unit apartment ordered one of the donation pick up services in the area to come and pick up some donation items that they had. They live in apartment 1 downstairs. The pick up service came to my apartment by mistake. Apartment 2 which is upstairs. They took a few of my items (not wanting to be donated) that included a bike, a bike pump, a few coolers including a yeti, and my shoes amongst other smaller items.

They did this all while I was at work and left a tax receipt with the driver’s name. I called the Company and they took a report but said they would let me know if they could retrieve my items. I said I could go meet them to speed up the process but they said that they didn’t know where they were and would let me know on Monday what the status of my stuff is.

That’s literally all I have to go on right now. Should I be concerned about trying to pursue anything further? All in all, it’s several hundred dollars worth of stuff. The lady seemed concerned about whether they would be able to find it. I really don’t know what to do. I could not have come up with a more bizarre scenario.

Answer:
 Your legal recourse is to sue them in civil court for the items and let a judge decide.

I would just work with them to see how they can help you though. You don't want to be that guy suing a donation center.


Title: [Tennessee] Friend was beaten by boyfriend, but has a warrant on her.

Question:
A friend of mine in Knoxville answered her phone to an unknown caller the other night, and her boyfriend immediately punched her in the face. Her eye is still swollen.

Unfortunately, she currently has a warrant on her and is scared to call the police. Is there anything she can do? Any law that would protect her?

Answer: She can go to a domestic violence shelter to extricate herself from a situation that's only going to deteriorate. What is the warrant for?


Title: Artists I know make money selling a Poster using DC's Superman at Conventions. Someone has stolen the image and re-sells it on Etsy & other shops. Is there any way to stop it?

Question:
Artists I kind of know make money selling a Poster using DC Comics's [SuperMan] at Conventions.  Someone has stolen the image and re-sells it on Etsy & other shops.  Is there any way to stop it?

I've been seeing them tirelessly trying to stop Etsy, Redbubble and other merch site groups from reselling an image that they drew and printed as Posters and other merch, which they sell at comic conventions.  The piece has earned them alot of visibility.

It's several people of different shapes, sizes, and race dressed as [SuperMan], with the motto "We are all [SuperMan]" printed along with the piece.

Specific groups have been hijacking the image, and producing their own merch, which they attempt to resell in different online shops.  This has been going on for over a year, and each time, they've been tirelessly trying to figure out a way to stop them.

So a couple questions:

Is it possible to pursue legally?  I know that this goes into "fair use / copyright infringement" territory selling something that is sometimes seen as fan art.

It is, however, a very common thing to do at artist alleys, which is to sell art that is based on popular franchises.

They've previously mentioned that there is absolutely no legal action they can take at sites, since they believe their art is categorized as "fan art" and they do not have permission from DC to make it.

How problematic is the image that they created?  For this piece, is it even possible to make a legal argument for it?

If they are ABLE to pursue this legally, what steps should they take to track down and pursue legal action against groups that are taking their image and reprinting and selling them at merch sites such as Redbubble or Etsy?

(I've replaced the Superhero in question in this post since I didn't exactly get their permission to make this).

Answer: Did your friend have permission from DC to make the posters?


Title: Los Angeles, CA - 5 days to leave apartment but I thought it was 30

Question:
Hi guys, so my sister came home yesterday to a “Notice to Vacate” packet taped to the door. The apartment is under my step dad’s name but he left my mom about 3 months ago. He lied the first month about paying rent but didn’t, so my mom had to pay it late. Then, after an inspection the dude said all rooms needed a window and since one of the rooms doesn’t have one, they have to leave the apartment. My family has been living there for almost 20 years so I’m not sure how it wasn’t a problem before...there is also talks about a lawsuit and how my dad could be awarded money since they lived in an apartment that was potentially unsafe. However I have no idea what he’s doing or if he already got the money and just left but now my mom and siblings are stuck with the problem. Does anyone know why they only have 5 days to leave? My mom has found other available apartments for rent but she can’t move in for another week or two...sorry for the vagueness as well, my mom nor my siblings are very good at explaining things but I have screenshots of the notice to vacate packet. Thank you.
Edit: Forgot to mention my step dad is abusing drugs and who knows what else so I have no way of getting in contact with him so I can’t ask him anything, nor can the landlord get in contact with him either. For all we know he could be in another state. I’m in Texas and they’re in California.
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer: The notice to vacate means that no further action will be taken if they leave within 5 days. It's not an actual eviction notice. It's just the last stage before the LL goes to court & formally evicts you guys.


Title: Am I obligated to replace a three month old misplaced check?

Question:
I was under contract on a house in August that I ended up terminating because the house didn’t appraise, and I got a call from my realtor yesterday that the seller never received my option check for $100. She has a signed confirmation that she delivered it to him, so he apparently misplaced the check.
He is asking that I cancel that check and write him a new one to put in the mail. He asked that I provide a picture of the check and a picture of me dropping it at the post office.
Am I obligated to do this? From my perspective, I completed everything that was required of me, and even have confirmation that the check was delivered to the seller. The fact that he misplaced it is not my problem. He has threatened to hire a lawyer if I don’t comply.

I’m in Texas.

Answer:
 You owe the money until the statute of limitations expires. You are no under no obligation to provide pictures. You can charge him your costs for reissuing the check then deduct it from the payment.Answer #2: He's going to hire a lawyer over  $100 check? Yea ok sure.

If you owe him the money you owe him theoney, and no SoL would pass @ 3mo.

However any stop payment fees should not be shouldered by you and you should demand he sign a "hold harmless" on the missing check. (Basically where he agrees he eats any further losses caused by that missing and replaced check.


Title: (IL) Kicked out without notice. I wasn’t on the lease.

Question:
After a night of drinking the girl letting me stay with her decided to kick me out after I asked her to buy me a hot dog and called her cheap when she refused. I filled her fridge and her gas tank for the first week and paid her $300 in advance for the next 3 weeks. I dropped her off on the side of the street and raced home(I have a spare key). When she showed up she threatened to call the cops but since she didn’t have my money I smashed her phone and TV (I know, dumb but I’m replacing it today). She’s refusing to give me the $300 back. I’ll take her to court for the money if I have to but can I press charges for being evicted without notice? (Verbal agreement, I wasn’t on the lease)
Topic:
Small Claims Procedure

Answer: You could theoretically sue for illegal eviction, but I truly don't see you making a successful claim. Also, you committed some actual *crimes* so maybe you don't poke this bear, because poked bears file police reports.Answer #2: You should just walk away if she let's you. If this moves forward you will end up in much worse shape then she did. Your actions were a lot worse.


Title: [AZ] Cockroach problem in apartment, pretty sure they ruined my Playstation 4. Can I charge my apartment complex for repairs if they were well aware of the problem?

Answer: Do you have renters insurance? Had you contacted them about this problem previously? Answer #2: This is a first that I have heard of cockroaches damaging PS4s.


Title: A dog bit my dog and the owner refuses to pay the vet bill (California)

Question:
Our dogs were at an off-leash dog park when this guy's dog bit mine. His dog is a 3-year old unneutered male, mine is a 6 year old neutered male. I was watching and didn't see any signs of aggression before it happened, although in retrospect I think my dog was just starting to consider the idea of mounting the other dog. He hadn't yet made any movements toward doing that, though. My dog didn't bite the other dog; he came when I called him away; and he didn't act aggressive to the other dog at any time. The other dog wasn't injured at all.

The owner gave me his name and cell phone number and texted me to tell me to take my dog to the vet. I waited until the next day to avoid emergency room fees, but my dog had 2 puncture wounds and a torn ear that required 3 stitches. The total was $510. It's been a week now and the other owner keeps putting off paying. He's now telling me that his "friend" says it should've cost $200 and is offering that. I'm pretty sick of this whole thing.

Over the course of the past week, he had also given me his friend's email address and (upon request) a janky supposed-proof of rabies vaccine from a dog rescue organization. I've now done a few reverse searches and think I can place him and his friend -- plus I can call the rescue place. Should I start trying to track them down so I can take them to small claims court?

If they are who I think they are, they should have enough money to pay. They're students but they come from upper-middle class families. The guy who originally said he was the owner is now trying to say someone else is, but won't give me the name. Technically, the dog should be quarantined for 10 days so I feel like withholding the owner info must be illegal. I'm so angry at the way they're behaving that I really want to track them down and hold them responsible. It looks like this guy's cell phone is registered to his dad, whom I can try to call on one of his other listed numbers.

Any advice about tracking them down? Or telling them what legal action they face? Or reporting them to the police or animal control?

Thank you!

Answer: Report it to animal control and file a small claims suit.


Title: I got a rash from trying on a work uniform.

Question:
(CA) I got a new job and I tried on a uniform. There were others as well and trying on the same pair of clothing. The clothes were in a few boxes and i don't know if dust had built up for sitting around for so long. I ended up getting a rash a few days later. They didn't offer to give me health insurance btw. I have been to the clinic and spent a close to $300 dollars. Is there anything I can do to be reimbursed?

 I waited one month to see the doctor because I wanted to see if it would go away by using hydrocortisone and other rash creams but it didnt go away.

Oh, and I'm not sure if anyone else got this rash.

Answer: Your remedy is workmans comp, but the odds are really against you because you waited a month.


Title: (MD) I am starting a business called Clout Cash that does something similar to a business called "Klout"

Question:
I'm 21 years old. I am starting a business called Clout Cash that does something similar to a business called "Klout". Should I be worried? I did not know much about "Klout" when I started/thought of Clout Cash a few weeks ago. I have bought the domain name Clout.cash. I set up an email with the domain and have signed up over 200 customers in two weeks.

KLOUT scores people's social media accounts from 1 to 100 and SOMETIMES offers perks to it's users. From what I understand, they make their money by selling data to big brands. CLOUT CASH scores people on their social media influence from 2 to 9 and partners with brands (usually smaller brands) to give users discounts based on your score. 20% off for a score of 2 and 90% off for a score of 9.

What do I do?

Answer: Consult with an attorney. Maybe come up with a new name.


Title: How to deal with neighbor stealing mail?

Question:
In the past two months I've had three packages say "delivered" on the tracking but never made it to my door. At first I suspected the mail carrier, but this has happened with two different carriers now. I've called Mail Carrier "A" and told them specifically I *DO NOT* want packages left at my door-either in my mailbox, or if they don't fit then at the leasing office. They assured me that it wouldn't happen again and even let me speak to the guy that does the route.

It happened again-next step is to get it down in writing, I know. I should have done that in the first place.

Then this last week Mail Carrier "B", who I rarely use and didn't think to specifically request, left something outside my door-that got swiped as well. In total I'm out ~$150. Not that much, but what the fuck...

So the next obvious step is to get it in writing that NOTHING is to be delivered at my door unless I sign for it. After that, I suppose I would need to get my own box at the post office, which I would really hate to have to do but will if it comes to that.

However...what is the legality of leaving a "decoy" package full of used kitty litter at my front door with **MY** shipping address on it? Because then technically it would be for me, and anyone who swiped it would hopefully be discouraged in the future.

If you made it this far-thank you.

Answer:
 Assuming this is USPS and not Fedex or UPS, call the [USPIS](https://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/).  Laws against stealing mail are incredibly tough, and the postal inspectors service takes this very seriously.  They can offer strategies to catch the guy.

I don't see anything illegal about leaving a decoy package (as long as you don't put it in your actual mailbox), but I don't see it doing any good.


Title: After a name change, what comes next?

Question: I am almost done getting my name legally changed. From there, what do I have to do? Go to my banks, credit cards, post office, landlord, DMV, etc etc etc to have the name changed?

Answer:
 Yup, just like changing your address, you'll have to get your name changed on everything [everywhere](https://www.easynamechange.com/marriage-name-change/Free-Name-Change-Checklist/).

- social security
- DMV (licence *and* vehicle registration) This one is usually in person and may have a fee attached
- banks, card issuers, lenders In person, they'll probably want to witness your new signature too. Most will want original certificate.
- Insurance (car, home, health, life, etc)
- Passport. Name on the passport must match ticket name so if you're gonna be doing any international travel in the near future maybe wait on this one.
- Phone, (cell and home) pay tv, internet,
- gas, electricity, water
- investments and stocks
- 401, pension plans
- voter  registration
- loyalty programs
- clubs and associations
- Services (doctor, accountant, lawyer)
- Professional organisations (bar association, cpa, nursing boards)
- your work, school (inc alumni)
- your children's school.
- Your relatives may also have to update some things with your new name (eg if you're a beneficiary of their life insurance) so chuck in a reminder about that sorta thing to them.
- subscriptions. any magazines or subscription boxes or whatever.

You will forget things. Everyone does. Just fix it up when you notice it. Answer #2: Yep.  Make sure you get certified copies of the name change order, because most of those places will want to see it.  Some will give it back to you, some will keep it.  Don't forget to update your birth certificate as well.  (Not strictly necessary, but it saves you a lot of trouble later on.)


Title: [USA] Received a C&D email regarding a tumblr "reblog" including an accused rapist's name.

Question:
Firstly, you'll be amused that a rapist hired a lawyer that helped a famous football player's child's mother fight for custody rights. But that also means this guy is (1) guilty as fuck and (2) not fucking around.

From the beginning: A woman was raped/had rape attempted on her, and she called 911, received help, filed a report, all that jazz. She later posted about it on tumblr, including the name of the rapist.

If you know tumblr, it has a "reblog" system. Legally, the *original creator* of the content technically owns the rights to the post, and as tumblr users, we're granted permission for "creative derivations."

Simply, I reblogged the post on a blog I own without any alterations.

Two days ago, I received a Cease & Desist email from the lawyer of the rapist. It makes the following demands:

*  my client requests that your site immediately remove any such postings which refer to him by name
* your site immediately cease and desist from allowing any further postings regarding him by name in the future.
* confirm that your site will take immediate action as is set forth above by providing written communication back to me that you have received this communication,
* that you have complied with the requests made in this communication,
* that you agree to abide by my client’s wishes in the future

That was basically most of the letter. Of course, I do plan on taking down the content. *Eventually.* Maybe. Probably.

Now, here's the real question:

What am I legally urged to *avoid* now that I've been approached with this C&D? What sort of things will and won't get me in trouble?

I'm going with the base "anything public regarding the dude," but technically, in the language of the letter, I'm only discouraged from directly posting the name on this site in particular. Issue is, I own an account on every site under the fucking sun. Since this dude is obviously trying to cover his ass since you can Google him and he pops up, I'm tempted to cipher it or spread through private communications or just straight-up post it elsewhere. But I'll also welcome warnings against that, because I can't actually afford to get in trouble. You guys know better than I do.

Also, how should I directly reply to the email? Are there any templates or just general points to discuss?
Topic:
Computer and Internet

Answer:
 I'm not sure what you're getting at.

Your choices are remove the post or don't.  If you don't, he might sue you.  He might have a decent case, he might not.  The practical question is whether you can afford to defend such a lawsuit.

Posting the same things on other sites will only lather, rise, repeat.  Even if you do it anonymously, unless you are very good with proxies and such, because IP addresses can be subpoenaed and traced.

I see no point in responding to say anything but "the post is removed" if that's what you decide to do.  You are certainly not going to successfully out-argue this guy's lawyer, and you may be providing ammunition.Answer #2: While this may shock you, Tumblr actually doesn't decide if people are guilty of a crime, the courts do.

If you think retaining counsel or not wanting to be slandered makes someone guilty, you probably have a fair amount of growing up to do.

>Also, how should I directly reply to the email?

Take the post down and don't continue that behavior.


Title: Car broken into on company's security monitored parking lot

Question:
This happened in Sacramento, CA.

&#x200B;

Today around 2:00 am my car got broken into on the company parking lot. The parking lot has foot patrols, patrol cars and supposed cameras. It was eight other cars that got broken into as well on top of mine. I left my phone and power bank in the glove box which they pried open and stole.

&#x200B;

This is the fifth time this happened. Fifth.

&#x200B;

The company I work for gave me a $50 gift card and I haven't heard more since I rushed home to change all of my passwords. I'm going to call the security company tomorrow and demand money for my broken window, stolen phone and power bank, which all together would cost me $1400 to replace. If they don't it's straight to a lawyer with the rest of everyone who got broken into.

&#x200B;

All in all, what do I do? Any advice is appreciated.

Answer:
 >I'm going to call the security company tomorrow and demand money for my broken window, stolen phone and power bank, which all together would cost me $1400 to replace.

They're not liable for theft unless there's some  ridiculous clause in a contract stating they guarantee no crime will ever happen. The thief is liable for theft.


Title: Does this Uber driver have a good defense?

Question:
Cops pull over an Uber driver for going slightly over the white line at a red light. Upon asking for the passenger's id, the driver says they don't have to id.  Cops go back to squad car and one says on camera, I wasn't going to even ticket him, but with that attitude, he's getting a ticket.

Does the Uber driver have a defence by showing that the cop's motivation for ticketing him is because he challenged his authority?

Answer:
 Tough to say. Check out Nieves v. Bartlett, 139 S. Ct. 1715 (2019). The Supreme Court essentially held that if the cops have probable cause for an arrest, then the arrest is valid even if it's made in retaliation for speech protected by the First Amendment. (For example, if you tell a cop to fuck off while urinating in public, they can arrest you for urinating in public even if they made that decision because you disrespected them.)

However, the court carved out a small exception for defendants who can show objective evidence that other similarly-situated people aren't usually arrested for the same offense when they aren't engaging in the same kind of protected speech. In those cases, Defendants can bring a civil rights claim for a violation of their first amendment rights.

On its face, it looks like the cop's body cam in this case would provide strong evidence that a similarly situated driver who didn't talk back wouldn't have gotten ticketed. However, it's not evidence that, *in general*, similarly situated drivers aren't ticketed. So it'll probably depend on the driver's ability to obtain and present evidence of the department's ticketing practices, which, well, good luck.


Title: [IL] - Thank you Legal Advice

Question:
I just wanted to thank the community here. I had not posted about my situation, but just had my first (and hopefully last) required court date.

I had a traffic violation, and had been worried about it quite a bit. Reading here, and looking at the guidelines shared for dress, behavior, what to expect, etc, in court were all a huge help. I ended up with 90 days of supervision, which is honestly much better than I was afraid of.

Thank you to all of you who provide your time and expertise to the layperson like myself!

Answer:
 You're welcome! I'm glad we were able to help!

I like to think of this sub as a resource first and foremost. The fact that it can help people who don't even post means that the resource is working as intended. Thank you for letting us know!


Title: [Florida] Florida Child Support will not lower my payment if I take a job that happens to pay less money.

Question:
I have been in a predicament for a few years. I have worked at the company I am at for over 7 years. The stress from my job has become so great it causes me to become physically ill.
There is a law in Florida that if one willingly takes a job that pays lower, they are still required to continue paying the same amount of child support. This law seems to be in place to avoid situations where the father, for example, drops their current job and takes another one that pays significantly lower to avoid paying so much child support.

I get paid the most I've ever been paid, and any other job that is comparable will pay me significantly less. Guys, I'm being honest here, and not saying this as any kind of way to get sympathy or making any threats to myself, but I've contemplated suicide several times because I don't know what to do. I'm a single lonely man who is being held at the balls by the courts.

I am in customer service, and I happened to work my way up to working with the companies top level customers. I don't have a college degree, nor experience working elsewhere. I want to be outside and do real work, not sit cooped up in an office all day. :(

I've been forced in a corner by an employer who doesn't care about my well being, and if I decide to get into another field (which is my goal) it will pay much much less (it could be up to a 50% pay cut), but I will still be required to pay the same child support, and that simply is not sustainable.
My ex hasn't worked in about a decade, she's married, and gets lots of government support on top of my child support. She's also a convicted felon for Medicare fraud.

Guys, what can I do? I have been looking at getting into a blue collar field for a while, the stress at my current office job is so great my stomach is always upset. I turned to drugs numerous times, but I can gladly say I'm clean now. The drugs were not improving my situation. But now I am faced with this hell once again. Can someone offer me advice please?

Thank you for reading my scatterbrained post.

Answer:
 You can hire a lawyer who can make the appropriate motion before the court after properly presenting all of the relevant circumstances.

Your child still needs to be supported.  Do not expect your obligation to drop 50 percent.  Even if the court agrees to reduce it given the circumstances, it won't be that much.  You should expect to have to make appropriate changes in your lifestyle.Answer #2: Get a psychiatrist.  Not just because it could help, but because it will give you a *professional* opinion.  If a psychiatrist documents that you need to get another job for the sake of your mental health it's going to be a much stronger argument.Answer #3: > My ex hasn't worked in about a decade, she's married, and **gets lots of government support** on top of my child support.

One big issue here is that you not only owe money to the ex, you owe money to the STATE. That means that the balance you owe to the state will be there even after the children reach the age of majority.

You need to be documenting all of these deleterious effects, every last one of them ... whenever they happen. As they say in court, if you don't document it, it didn't happen.

Another thing is that you need to formulate a long-term plan for finding comparable work that will pay off this balance. The reason being is that you need to have a Plan B in case Plan A (i.e., petitioning for a reduction and/or write-off of the balance) does not work.

A family law lawyer would be immensely helpful here.

Good luck!


Title: Is it constitutional for a judge to order someone to stop having sex/stop having kids if they have so many kids that they cannot afford?

Question:
I heard of a man in Wisconsin who was ordered by a judge to stop having kids, as a condition of his probation.

http://m.wmcactionnews5.com/story/20669471/judge-orders-man-to-stop-having-kids

https://www.google.com/amp/s/newsone.com/2095798/corey-curtis-wisconsin-deadbeat-dads/amp/

Answer: It looks like from the article they can make it a condition of probabtion.  Judges are allowed to make any number of things a part of probabtion.Answer #2: The Daily Mail is not a reliable source.


Title: [NC] Is my fiance's boss breaking the law? Wage Docking Q

Question:
My fiance works in HVAC on an install/repair crew.  His boss had an all-hands meeting and informed him that there was a new policy going into affect:

* If any member of my fiance's three-member crew is late, for that whole day, their hourly pay will go down by $5/hour.  This will put my fiance's salary to $8/hr, so it is above minimum wage for the state.  For other less well compensated employees on other crews, this docking would put them below minimum wage.

* If my fiance's three-man work crew arrives on time, but does not leave the warehouse for the job until such a time that would make them late, even if that is due to warehouse crew not having their supplies ready or sales providing the crew the wrong information, the same hourly wage penalty would apply.

* My fiance is an hourly at-will employee.  He is not a 1099.  He has benefits and all the other full-time employee stuff.

* His boss claims he cleared this with the NC Labor Board.  Is there a way to "clear" things with the labor board?   I'm not sure the boss is being honest, unless he just called the labor board and asked "is this cool?"

* I see that docking pay in NC is not illegal, but is any written notice required (fiance has received only verbal notice)?

* Is it legal to dock pay for one employee for something another employee did such as being late?  Would this constitute a hostile work environment? (Not trying to sue to make money, but if this policy isn't legal, he will report them)

* We get married in one month.  He will begin searching for a new job after this occurs, as right now we're pretty bogged down with wedding planning, so suggestions that he find a new job are not necessary, this is already our plan!

Thank you in advance!

Answer:
 First, for the workers who would be put under minimum wage, the deduction would be illegal.

Second, the policy cannot be legally implemented without a signed authorization from your fiance. However, they can fire your fiance for not authorizing the deduction.

Third, it's not clear whether a deduction can be made based on a third party's actions. A local employment lawyer can tell you more. Given NC's paltry record on worker rights, I would not have high expectations.

In case you didn't have, it, [here's the NC DOL's FAQ on wage deductions](https://www.labor.nc.gov/workplace-rights/employee-rights-regarding-time-worked-and-wages-earned/deductions-wages).


Title: How long is a parent financially responsible for their child (Pennsylvania, USA)

Question: I recently bought a motorcycle, and since I'm 19 years old my mom cannot tell me no to riding it. She claims that since she is financially  responsible for me if I damage somebody's property that she can forbid me from riding it. Is she financially responsible for me even though I am over 18?

Answer:
 She cannot tell you not to ride it.

She CAN tell you not to bring it on her property, owned or rented.

She CAN notify the police if you don't have liability insurance.


Title: US - Proving you own your own house

Question: So after reading some horror stories about police, I wanted to brush up on the methods of proving I own my house.  If I go out and someone breaks in and claims they live there when I call the police for breaking and entering, are they just going to wash their hands of it because “it’s a civil matter”?

Answer:
 The police saying "that's a civil matter" is hardly in the top 500 "horror stories of the police" that one might see on the internet.

I can prove I own my house a bunch of ways.

* There are pictures of me everywhere.
* The address is on my license.
* I have a key to the house.
* I can tell the officer what kinds of soda are in the mini-fridge in my office.
* I can give him the code to the safe in the bedroom.
* My license plates are registered to that address.
* All my neighbors will happily tell the officer that I live there.
* I have real estate paperwork inside with my name and the address on it.
* I have property tax record information that I can display.

Should I keep going?


Title: Is it illegal to set your WiFi to something like "FBI Van" or "NSA Surveillance Van"

Answer: No, and if you can travel back to 2001 or so, you might actually make someone do a double-take when they see it on their network list.


Title: Can I keep my dog?

Question:
2 years ago I was volunteering at a shelter and fell in love with one particular dog. My boyfriend at the time convinced his parents to let the dog live with them so he could get it for me (I could not have a dog in my home at that time). A week later I'm presented with the dog as a gift, complete with a bow on his neck. Because he picked him up from the shelter his name is on the chip and paperwork, which he hasn't let me change.

The dog lived with them for a year before he and I moved to North Carolina. While the dog lived with them I came over frequently and bought all supplies for him. He did help me out by taking him to a few vet visits, but these were free because the shelter was covering treatment for kennel cough and worms. When we went on trips together I paid the boarding fees.

So a few months after moving  to NC we break up but still live together. He continues to watch the dog when I travel for work, when I offered to have a coworker watch, he had a fit about it so I figured this was ok. I have also left the dog in his care when I went on personal trips, which he made seem like it was ok. I have accepted a new job that requires a move and now he says I do not get to keep the dog and he won't let me be alone with the dog so I can have a friend watch him til I move. He claims he is moving to California and taking the dog with him.

Does he have any legal claim to the dog? Everything I've researched on my own says pets are treated like possessions in the eyes of the law and gift of a pet would pass ownership. I even have audio of him admitting that the dog was a gift. I desperately do not want to lose my best friend.

Thank you

Edit: I have the adoption papers with his name on them, but he never signed them. Wasn't sure if this would help in any way.

Answer:
 If a dispute arose, it would be settled in Small Claims Court.

You would present your evidence and he would present his, and then the judge would make a decision...


Title: I think I have a basis for legal action against my former company. Can you please advise?

Question:
This is a long story so I’ll I first state the main reasons why I feel I may have leverage against my former company in a legal case.  If these on their surface seem valid, then I will provide more context.

1)	I was automatically fired along with as many as 30 other people in the company due to a clerical error.  I know of at least 7 people thus far who were “rehired” or in effect allowed to stay on in spite of the same clerical error.  HR addressed their situation, but HR upheld my termination.

2)	 My former company, allowed me to solicit business in public and enter peoples’ homes to do sales presentations without successfully completing a background check (I thought my background was completed successfully but it wasn't).  Furthermore, the managers gave me a fake company badge – it was the badge of a former employee that sort of resembled me.

All I really want is for the company to pay me the commission that it owes for work I've done in the past.  Now that I'm fired they don't have to pay me.  Do I have any leverage here?  Thanks!

Answer: Neither of those two things help you, but you are entitled to money earned prior to termination.


Title: Coffee shop told me they'll be seeing me in court for using their WiFi

Question:
I stop by a local coffee shop on my way home from work maybe two or three times a month. They have WiFi with a sign on the front door that says "WiFi For Customers Only."

This specific time, I walk in, sit down and am doing some report writing on my laptop. All previous times, I've purchased food or coffee.

A woman, who I assumed to be the manager or owner, says she knows my name (no clue how) and that I'm breaking the law trespassing by using their WiFi without being a customer. She called me by my first name and told me she'd be seeing me in court and that I "be ready to spend money regardless" and told me to leave.

I left. I immediately contacted an attorney who is contracted with my employer but they said they only get involved for on-the-clock incidents. What should I do?

Answer:
 You should accept that this is going nowhere and take your business elsewhere from now on. Alternately, contact the regional manager/corporate and tell them this presumed manager made you feel unwelcome. But that's up to you and quite probably won't net you more than a free coffee, if anything. Answer #2: Is your laptop named "Nouguy's PC"?

You aren't trespassing until they ask you to leave. Really though, buy a bagel when you use their wifi, it's only fair.  Answer #3: If you are served with a lawsuit, respond to the lawsuit.Answer #4: Odds are they won't see you in court. It's not worth their time to pursue something this trivial. If they do go to small claims court just show up and explain what happened to the judge and you'll probably win. In the meantime you should try to find out who owns the restaurant. If it's not the person who told you to leave, then I'm sure they'd love to hear about this aggressive manager driving away customers.Answer #5: This won’t go to court but even if it did, can they prove beyond reasonable doubt you were stealing their WiFi?

You could convincingly argue you sat down, started work and had every intention of purchasing a coffee in a couple of minutes time.

What losses can she demonstrate from you using her WiFi?

She sounds like a fruitcake.Answer #6: Agreed with the other responses.  Stop going there, they aren't going to sue you (if you ever are sued get an attorney and respond accordingly).

Perhaps maybe leave a Yelp review?  Be 100% truthful in the post.  You may be surprised how quickly someone contacts you to say "it was all a misunderstanding, we're sorry".Answer #7: I'm guessing this wasn't a Starbucks.


Title: My wife was diagnosed with a mild concussion from a work related injury, but her company isn't granting workers comp. What can she do? (North Carolina)

Question:
My wife is a preschool teacher and on Friday (November 30th) she injured her head pretty badly at work. She let her higher ups know about what had happened and they approved her to go to urgent care this past Sunday.

Here's where it gets tricky - the doctor stated my wife could go back to work, but gave a long list of restrictions. My wife passed those along to her workplace and they said it was impossible for her to work with the restrictions in place and that no light work could be given either. They stated since she couldn't do any tasks at work, they wouldn't provide her with workers compensation.

My wife has a follow up appointment with the doctor this Thursday (thankfully, her workplace IS paying for these appointments), where they'll most likely lift the restrictions. We're going to see if the doctor has any advice on how to approach the situation as well. In the mean time, since my wife and I aren't experts on workers comp, I wanted to know if what her workplace is doing legal. If so, any insight would be greatly helpful! If not what could she do to be compensated for lost time?

TL;DR: Wife suffered concussion at work. Doctor gave work restrictions. Wife unable to work with restrictions, so job won't pay for lost time.

Answer:
 What do you mean they "wouldn't provide her with workers compensation"? Has a claim been filed with the carrier? WC is insurance, you have to file a claim.Answer #2: In NC, an employee must be out of work for 8 days to begin receiving compensation for lost wages.  If the disability continues for more than 21 days, than the employee will be paid for days 1-7.

Unless your wife is out for more than 7 days, she unfortunately isn't likely to receive lost wage compensation.  She should continue to have her medical fees paid until the doctor certifies her as fully recovered.

The website for the NC Industrial Commission is http://www.ic.nc.gov/index.html.  It has a lot of valuable information.


Title: [Pa] Can an underage driver have passengers with closed alcohol in the car?

Question: I want to drive my over 21 friends to a concert and they want to bring alcohol. I know they can't drink it while I'm driving but can they have it in the trunk or with them?

Answer:
 https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/18/00.063.008.000..HTM
>a person commits a summary offense if he, being less than 21 years of age, attempts to purchase, purchases, consumes, possesses or knowingly and intentionally transports any liquor or malt or brewed beverages...


Title: Can an AZ cop open my door without a warrant?

Question:
I ask because there was reports of screaming in my area. Cops knocked on my door so I stepped outside and closed the door behind me.

The officer then opened my door without my permission and immediately said "It smells like weed in here. I don't care about that. Can I take a look around?"

I said no. He attempted to get my permission to enter multiple times but I continually said no. But was he allowed to open the door even though he did not enter?

This bothers me because I'm an animal lover and I usually own big dogs. Although they are always friendly I feel like this would have ended up with my animal dead if my dog happened to be home.

They eventually thanked me for my cooperation and left. I don't wish to pursue anything but regardless was it legal for them to open my door without any type of warrant or probable cause?

Answer:
 Possibly. It could be a scenario when there was exigent circumstances (based on someone screaming). It sounds like you handled it correctly.

In general, you shouldn’t give them permission, but if they try to come in anyway don’t try to get into physical confrontation with them. If the search is illegal, you can deal with in court later; it doesn’t make sense to turn it into a fight, especially since that can agitate your dogs which in turn could lead to a tragedy.Answer #2: Always lock the door behind you.  Legal or not, police will often step around you and try and open the door and you cannot impede them from doing so beyond verbal objection.  Locking the door tends to prevent this... they can still search you for weapons and grab the key, but that also escalates the situation.


Title: [CA] Problem at the gym

Question:
So the gym that I go to doesn't require us to re-rack weights after use so nobody does. There were a set of 10 lb weights that I needed so I pulled them off the bar on the bench press and I took them put them on my own bar. This really big muscular guy comes over to me  and here goes the dialog:

Big dude: "Did you take those weights off the bar"

Me: "Yes I did"

Big dude: "I was using those weights"

Me: "Nobody was there. I didn't know you were using them"

Big dude: "You ruined my workout do you know that?"

Me: "Well let me give you back those weights then"

He took the weights off himself and I also had a set of 5 lb weights and he looked at me and dropped the 5 lb weights on the floor while looking at me with arrogance.

As I was driving home, I realized he saw me take the weights off and noticed how much of a smaller guy that I am compared to him and thus decided to talk to me in such a rude way and behave arrogantly towards me. If he comes to me again the next time, can I call the police for harassment? I certainly felt threatened cuz the guy was looking at me angrily the entire time and flexing his muscles.

I informed the gym staff but they said they cannot do anything about it.

Answer:
 Sounds like you accidentally took weights someone was using, returned them, and the situation was resolved.

No, this isn't harassment.

> I realized he saw me take the weights off and noticed how much of a  smaller guy that I am compared to him and thus decided to talk to me in  such a rude way and behave arrogantly towards me.

That is pure speculation on your part.

If this individual actually harasses you repeatedly, then you might have cause for action.  But for now, no.


Title: 16 year old male in Alabama, ateempting to get a emancipation.

Question: So my mother and father got divorced a year ago and my dad got custody, ever since the separation we have lived withy grandfather for a few years moved out due to my dad getting a gf and grandfather having issues with this, we moved into a decent place last year and now due too financial problems he brought a 4,000 trailer and now is moving back to my grandfathers land (gets to have his cake and eat it too). As of right now me and my three brothers and two sisters are scattered amongst out family members while my father attempts to get the trailer ready or human living. We are homeschooled w/o a mother our aunt teaches us and my father firmly believes in no schooling. None of us children want to move back to our grandfathers land or said trailer so me being the oldest spoke with my mother and am planing on getting an emancipation. As far as being able too support my self i have a job at a local restaurant making eight  dollars an hour have been too some degree supporting myself for the last year as in buying all my food and clothes, I know this isn't much to go on and I don't know what more you need to know so feel free to ask more questions this is just all that I can think of that is relevant. Sorry I know my punctuation and spelling is off rn on Mobile and am typing as fast as possible. Edit: Sorry poor quality post just read it myself

Answer:
 You need to be 18, and your parents need to be dead, legally insane, or have abandoned you.

Once you turn 18, evaluate whether your parents are dead, legally insane, or have abandoned you.

Code of Ala. § 26-13-1Answer #2: Would your mother be willing to attempt to regain custody as your father seems to be unfit? Emancipation is essentially nonexistent in Alabama. Even in states where emancipation does exist, you have to prove that you can support yourself completely. That includes food, clothing and rent/utilities.

The rent/utilities add up incredibly fast and eight dollars an hour would make you hard pressed to support yourself. You're going to have much better luck getting a family member to take custody of you until the age of 19Answer #3: Alabama emancipation laws are designed for people who are over 18 but under the age of majority in Alabama (19). Since you are 16, they really don't apply to you.


Title: Are you on the hook for abortion or alimony payments if a girl tells you she's on birth control pills and you see her take them?

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Unless you are married you won't have to pay alimony. You would have to pay child support if she has the child.

Edit: no contract will get you out of paying for your kid once born. You probably are not liable for her medical bills. No birth control is 100% effective except abstinence.  Apart from that, wear a condom no matter what and use spermicidal lube. Answer #2: Assuming you are in the US, there is no contract you could sign that would absolve you from child support (not alimony) payments if you're going to be having sex with her. Answer #3: Hey, its the weekly "How can I get out of child support thread".

No. Nothing in this world will get you out of child support if you impregnate a woman. You cannot sign a contract to give up those rights. If you are the father, you are paying. End of story.


Title: False advertising?

Question: [Canada] The community I'm currently in pays for "high speed" (5 mb up,  .5 down) but only get 0.19 mb down and 0.02 mb up. Is this a case of false advertising? Before you ask "maybe it's your location." 10 mins away there is a equal size community that has the payed for specs (5 down, 1.5 up.)

Answer: IANAL you would need to look at the agreement that was signed to see how they are giving you the speeds. Most consumer plans have language in them protecting the company in situations like this. Naming the speed you that you see advertised as the top speed, max speed, or burst speed. Or it really could just be a technical problem. Answer #2: They have somewhere in writing that it says "upto 5mbps".. Also your distance from their equipment matters. 4km is usually the cut off.


Title: How does the age of consent at 17 work in Illinois?

Question:
Hi, I am a guy in his 20s that met someone claiming to be 19 but is apparently 17. Nothing has happened between us but I made plans to see her for New Years.

From what I have read, I believe our situation is okay given I have zero authority over her but I would prefer a more professional opinion. Thanks

Answer: Why would you still agree to see someone who lied to you about her age? This will not end well...


Title: Can i tow someone for moving the cones and parking in the spot my apartment managers set up for my moving pod?

Question:
Title pretty much says it. (This is in oregon) The uhaul will be dropping off my giant moving pod tomorrow morning at 8am. I called my managers this morning and they sanctioned off a parking spot with orange cones to reserve the spot for me so that the movers may drop it there when they arrive. All the other spots are full (our apartments have very little free parking), and I just saw that some asshole completely moved them to the side and parked in the spot. These are not otherwise reserved spots, the only spots people pay for are covered so it's not as if my management placed cones on a spot he pays for. Can I call the towing company on him?

Edit: my main office closed 20 minutes ago so I can't call them and the movers will be here long before they open..

Update: caught the dude by random chance while on my way back from buying milk. Asked him politely to move his car and told him why the cones had been placed there. It all worked out, I taped a paper note in sharpie why the cones are there.

Answer: IANAL, this is not legal advice, but it'd be a crying shame if the movers dropped the pod right behind that guys car, you know? Answer #2: Doesn't your apartment have an after hours emergency number? I would call that. Answer #3: Yeah.  But you'd be the better person if you tried to find them first.


Title: So my roommate got arrested carrying my gun

Question: My roommate got arrested last night carrying my pistol without a permit. I didn't know he took it out and it turns out he was a felon which I didn't know either. How should I proceed on my end? It happened in new Orleans LA.

Answer:
 get an attorny, to make sure you don't get nailed for this somehow. you'll likely need to testify against your friend having permission (or screw yourself over). once the trial is done the police department should have a procedure for recovering your property.

has it ever been used in a crime, if so, attorney even faster. Answer #2: What kind of lawyer should I be looking for?Answer #3: Louisiana here.
God I hope NOPD doesn't have your gun. I carry concealed around NOLA and it is kind of a joke that NOPD is a black hole for confiscated guns. I don't know if that has changed since they have cleaned up post Katrina.

I would recommend that you lawyer up too.
Check with  [LOCAL](http://www.laopencarry.org/) they are active in this area and may be able to put you in contact with a lawyer that knows this sort of thing.


Title: Shipping reefer

Question: So my brother lives in Washington where weed is legal and I live in Wisconsin where it is not yet. He has brought up the idea of him shipping products from dispensaries to me in a closed, smell proof container and just wondering what the legality side of it would be?

Answer: You've entered the Feds territory, probably DEA. Answer #2: Its still a grey area in the state its legal, but shipping to an illegal state is drug trafficking and illegal.Answer #3: > Wisconsin _ **where it is not** _


Title: Can i sue for time off due to extended trial?

Question: I have a current case against my sexual assaulter. This is now the third time he's gotten the case pushed back. First he fired his lawyer, then he requested for a pre-trial interview, and now he's deciding to take back his guilty plea. I booked all those days off work and had to go without pay for no reason, do I have means to take it to small claims and sue him personally for lost wages? I live in Canada.

Answer: Were you required to be present during those days of the trial?


Title: (USA, CA) Caught with E but cops let me go, is that really all?

Question:
Hello, I created a throw away for this post. Hopefully the story doesn´t get too long.

Basically I was going to hand my friend a pill but venue security guards noticed us, but didn´t see me actually give it to him. However they did search my bag and found 4 halves of mdma pills.  (note: security gaurds != police)

The security guards took me downstairs to an area and asked me some questions and to all of them I basically answered ¨I don´t know¨ (I was under the influence at this point and wasn´t sure what to say, but I was very apologetic)

They said something like, ¨you´re getting very lucky and are just getting kicked out with¨ a ´no response to questioning´ (something like that i forget the exact phrase). Then the real police came and took down all of my info like name, social, address, etc and I told them all of that info truthfully, then I was able to leave.

What is going to happen now? Can I still get arrested? What should I do? Any advice or tips? Thank you!

Answer:
 Yes you will probably be charged if they bothered to come down and get all your info.  You probably also pretty much confessed to everything I bet.

> Any advice or tips?

Stop possessing/using illegal drugs.


Title: [Ontario] Recently rented a house (8 month lease) and have found bed bugs less than two weeks in. What are my options?

Question:
Hi, I recently entered into an 8 month lease for one bedroom in a four bedroom house. I did so with 2 others friends, the last bedroom was vacant and the landlord said that somebody else was maybe going to occupy it.

I moved in September 1st.  On September 5th, some new guy moved into the vacant bedroom. On September 11th, that new guy found bed bug bites on his body.

Professional inspectors have come into the property and confirmed the presence of bed bugs (they found 2). According to the landlord, a professional treatment will be done on and the professionals will determine how much of the house to treat.

My problem comes in that I commute between this house and another house (my family's). I'm concerned with the prospect of transmitting the bed bugs to my family's house and then having to pay thousands myself to deinfest that house. As such, I'm not a huge fan of the "treat only parts of the house" as it seems that is leaving the chance for the bed bugs to come back. And furthering my risk of accidentally spreading it to my house.

Additionally, I'm angry cause I've only lived here all of two weeks and it's only a short lease anyways. And now I'm having to clean and declutter a house for treatment that I didn't even make dirty. I also don't want to spread bed bugs to my car so I haven't been driving anywhere and spending money on the bus to go to school. And of course this has been a lot of stress to start the school year.

So long story short, I want to break my lease over this issue. If the entire property isn't gonna be professionally cleaned, then that opens me up to a lot of financial risk and further stress. What if the bed bugs come back during exam time?

So is breaking my lease over bed bugs possible?

Answer:
 I’m sorry I don’t have an actual answer for you, but your best bet is to probably contact Ontario’s landlord and tenant board:

http://www.sjto.gov.on.ca/ltb/contact/


Title: Year and a half since probate started on Dads will, nothing but crickets. Colorado

Question:
Back story: Brother (52), per our agreement, was supervising Dads care. I had cared for Mom, and settled her estate in about a month. Unknown to me, Brother (M), had spiralling drug habit and was NOT supervising Dad.

Dad (91) passed in July 2015. His unlicensed caregiver, J from now on, is listed as PR.  M was originally down as PR but he died 2 months before Dad (OD'd), J was in the Will as back up.  I am showing restraint by not going into excruciating detail on how J contributed to Dad's death, let's say she is evil and neglected him. She even manipulated Dad into writing a new will, increasing the benefit to herself, after M died, Dad never signed it.

I (54F) stated at the time of Dad's death that I would be willing to be PR if J was not able. Poor dear has cancer on her face. Karma. There is no answer so I begin the process. One month later J pops up to say she, at the urging of Brothers widow, is taking over. Apparently they are buddy buddy. J also says that Dad was VERY angry w me before he was hospitalised and she was respecting his wishes by being PR. News to me as I had spent the last week of his life sitting right next to him while she was AWOL... I get a lawyer.

Dad was a Probate attny. He wrote a ONE page Will. J got 10K off the top. Small bequest to Byblow Brother (W) The rest to be divided between M's son and self, with Widow as trustee.

J changed the locks and allowed me and Byblow (W) in Dad's house 3 times in 3 months to get what I wanted. I had to BEG for these visits. Much of what I gathered I donated to the military museum, they were thrilled. M's Widow and nephew (15) dropped by the first time but was not interested in Dad's "Crap".  J stops talking to me when I mention Hospital had called Elder Services, but Dad died before they could press charges.

J and Probate attorney (J ex brother in law) threw away contents of house, NO inventory of content. Sold the house below market and it was flipped and sold for 100K more. I found out on Zillow.

Dad sold a house in another state just before he died for 35K, the Will stated M was to get the property, so Widow thought she should get the proceeds. Nope, I say, part of the estate. The check for the house goes missing. M's Widow accused me of stealing it. It magically appears in Dad's house a month later. Widow stops talking to me.

OK. Here is the problem. J's Lawyer said at our only meeting 9/2015 there would be monthly reports. Didn't happen. I asked via my lawyer, to be reimbursed for my work done before J took over and funeral/Obit costs, no answer. I asked about the House check, no answer. I provide life insurance info, no Clue if it was processed.

I fired my Lawyer (10K) as all he was doing is playing phone tag w no answers. Eventually I took to sitting in their lobby to talk to SOMEONE. This resulted in 2 disbursement checks w no details. Byblow W had to stand on his head and do tricks to get his pittance. J was incredibly rude to him and made every step as difficult as possible. I filed a claim, after a YEAR, with the estate to get the reimbursement. It was denied but probate attorney did send me a check for less than requested.

I have sent Numerous emails asking what the damn hold up is and why there are no updates or progress reports.  Last year the excuse was they were sorting out Dads taxes. This year? No Response. I emailed again about the house check from out of state property. Reviewing Dads assets from 2015 meeting I did not see it listed. Underling said he couldn't find any record of what we'd decided. Legally part of the estate, DUH. I think they gave it to Widow.

Is this standard procedure in the law business? Are they milking the estate? Is there anything I can do other than getting a lawyer? I have trust issues at this point. Do I camp in lawyers office? Knock on J door and tell her to get off her dead ass? The loss of both my Brother and Dad and unfounded personal attacks was devastating, I am finally adjusted enough to say WTF.

Thank you for any input.

Answer:
 "Poor dear has cancer on her face. Karma. "
Nice.


Title: Can I be evicted halfway through a lease for failing a background check? (Illinois)

Question:
So I moved into a condo October 1st 2015 and signed a one year lease. The unit itself is owned by an individual, however the entire building is subject to an HOA. When I moved in, I was told that there was a background check and credit check; I signed all the paperwork and paid the fee for that. I was told that I would need a cosigner because my credit history isn't the best, I got a cosigner with perfect credit and everything was fine. Then about 3 months ago I received a call from the building stating that no paperwork had been filed stating that I would be living in the building and that I was needed to sign some forms stating I agreed to the HOA rules. That was the last I've heard of until yesterday evening when I received another call from the HOA stating that they need my consent to run a background check on me. Is the HOA allowed to run a background check halfway through the lease? If so, are they allowed to terminate the lease based on the information found? I have paid my rent on time every month without fail and have followed all the rules for the HOA, so I am unsure why they would need to run a background check halfway through my lease. Any help anyone could give me would be much appreciated.

TLDR; Signed a one year lease in October for a condo in an HOA; 6 months later HOA is demanding consent for a background check. Is that legal, and if so, are they allowed to evict me or cancel my lease based upon any of the information found?

Answer:
 Does your lease require you to abide by condominium rules? If so, and the rules require residents to get a background check, then you must do so. You should've made yourself aware of the rules before signing the lease, and potentially the rules could cause you to be in breach of the lease because you're ineligible to rent there.

If your lease does not mention condominium rules, then your landlord could be forced to terminate the lease early to comply with the rules, but he'd have to compensate you for his breach of the lease.


Title: Father of fiance’s children will not let them come home “until they have a chance to talk”

Question:
Hello!

My fiancé [26F] and the father of her children [4F, 6F] trade custody. He gets them Tuesday from 5 to 8, Thursday 5 to 8 and Saturday-Sunday.

She has just dropped them off. He called her 5 times in a row and said “we need to talk.” And my fiancé said she isn’t interested in any communication with him about things not related to their children, and the thing he wants to talk about is bait because he always like to being up “us getting back together.”

Anyway. My fiancé got out the paperwork and it says “the respondent will have them on the following days,” which are the days listed. And he said over text “You can have your children back after we have talked to my liking.”

She said “okay at 8:05 I’m calling the police,” and he said “go ahead, that will be fun traumatizing our children.”

Is this the correct move for her? Obviously she doesn’t want to get the police involved.

Answer:
 She can call the police but they may not be able to help. But certainly that is the first step

Then after that is filing contempt charges in court


Title: [GA] got picked up for shoplifting a second time after completing a first offender's program on a previous charge of the same nature, but it gets complicated

Question:
So I get picked up at a Barnes & Noble for misdemeanor shoplifting. (inb4 I'm a fucking idiot)

I've completed a First Offender's program for shoplifting in the same county in GA, got a year's probation and community service, did all that shit. But the loophole, as I understood it, is that if you commit shoplifting after completing the First Offender's program, your previous charge AND your current charge will be brought back/still exist/fuck my life up. In GA it says online that you can get up to a year's jail time for a second shoplifting charge, so naturally I am freaking the fuck out. I don't know whether go to with a public defender like my mom (who used to work at this county's courthouse) is advising me to seek out and see if she can pull some strings, or whether to get a pro-attorney that I can't afford.

The weird part of this whole ordeal is that on the ticker, the officer wrote: "officer has no direct knowledge of shoplifting, do not subpoena previous conviction for shoplifting under First Offender's."

Has anyone had any experience with this and perhaps can offer some advice? It would be greatly appreciated.

Answer:
 You need a lawyer.

Stop shoplifting.


Title: Married couple, and the husband making himself power of attorney over wife, and the will reads "my property".

Question:
My mom showed me the paperwork for the will with her and her husband (my father). They live in the state of Maine. They are in their early 70's and neither of them are mentally or physically ill. My mom wants my sister and I to be the executors ( I believe this is the correct term). My dad likely wants it to all go to my sister. I only had a few moments to look at the paperwork. They were told by the attorney that it might be wise and not tell any of the children about what it states. We are not a super close family and my father has always had a preference of my sister over the brothers. My father has also always been a little bit sketchy with other binding documents, has helped my sister financially (without my mom or brothers knowing) over the years. He "plays dumb" when it is convenient. He is a graduate of an ivy league school and also holds a masters. So he is pretty shrewd or at least thinks he is. My mom speaks English as a second language but has poor reading and writing skills.

So, my question is - from the photographs I managed to take - the will reads "I" John Doe..... "my last will". The paperwork also contains Power of Attorney information, with my mom assigning my father POA. I understand that assigning power of attorney is often included when a will is made. It is a "Durable Financial Power of Attorney" with a "general grant of power" that my mom signed. I am unsure if there was also any paperwork that would make my mom the poa for my dad. Should there be?
In the "protective proceedings" paragraph, in regards to my mom, it states that "if proceedings for my estate are hereafter commenced, I hereby nominate, for consideration by the court, my spouse John Doe to serve as conservator of her estate. In the event he is not able to serve, then I nominate in his stead, Jane Doe (my sister) and Joe Doe (me). I think this is the part that has her fooled. It is important to note that in the previously mentioned "Durable Financial Power of Attorney" it states that my mom appoints "John Doe", a resident of Bangor Maine. Shouldn't this say husband and not resident. I do not think my father made my mother power of attorney.

Can my father, now that he has power of attorney on my mom, go back to the lawyer and change his/the will? As far as I know - everything they own, all their assets, are in his name. After I returned home and realized this I let my mom know and she said that only the both of them can make changes. I think my dad may have tricked her. I do not think she understands that she just signed a form that he can now make all decisions. Is this suspicious for a married couple? He has also already told my sister that they made a will and that she will inherit everything, I am not 100% sure though, he might have told my sister that me and her will "inherit" everything. He did not tell me and he had plenty of opportunities to. I have done a few hours research and was looking for some help before I bring this up with my father. I really appreciate any insight on this. Thank you.

Answer:
 No. The Financial Power of Attorney only kicks in if your mother can no longer make decisions for herself. So if she gets dementia, falls into a coma, or is otherwise incapacitated the Financial POA gives your father permission to spend her money for her benefit. It does NOTHING for the will and your father still can't change it without her consent. If she passes first he can however change it to whatever he wants on his own.

This is completely normal for a married couple and actually recommended. On top of a Financial POA it would be a good idea for your parents to also set up Medical POA for each other or with you or your sister named. Like I said though this is all completely normal estate stuff. There is nothing shady going on with a POA.


Title: College is harassing me

Question: So here's the deal.  When I joined my college, I told my advisor I needed to graduate asap.  I had another choice of college I could go to, but their date for graduation was 2019 may.  My advisor promised me that I could graduate by dec 2018.  There is a specific class I need to take that she promised me would be available this last summer.  My school canceled it.  It was canceled before she told me it would def be available.  I had my mom call because she is an attorney and I had her put on some pressure.  Honestly since my advisor lied to my face, and now the class isnt available until summer 2019, I will actually be graduating way later than the other college offered me.  She lied to my face in order to further the agenda of the school and get enrollment for her program that is seeing decreased enrollment.  So heres the kicker, my mom started emailing the legal dept and my advisor.  My advisor is now sending me emails and pressuring me to talk to her privately without my mom there.  She is also CCing all my other teachers.  I do not know why she feels the need to get my other professors involved.  It is an issue between me and her.  I feel like she is trying to pressure my other teachers to start giving me bad grades or grade me harshly or something like that.  I have talked to student affairs and they are telling me its my problem and I should just deal with it or I should drop out.  I feel like she is pressuring me to drop out or intimidate me.  I have a document signed by her stating I could take that specific class summer 2018 at my college and that my graduation date would be dec 2018.  I want to know if I could use legal action and what they could do to me if I do.  I saw that in 2016 the federal government said that all state funded schools cannot make students sign forms saying they will not take legal action against them or anything like that.  So theres that.  I am worried about retaliation too.  Just looking for advice.  Thanks in advance.

Answer:
 Advisors often aren't privy to decisions made by the college about course scheduling until after the schedule is made. There are any number of completely viable reasons to cancel the class that the school may have had no control over (and that the advisor didn't know about). Maybe the only prof who could teach it retired or resigned. Maybe the class didn't "make" (have enough students signed up).

I bet if you look into it, you'll find that anything the advisor put in writing is not considered a contract and that the school retains the right to change course offerings and schedules at any time.


Title: My driving teacher ditched me and now he wants money

Question:
Hi everyone, I’m really scared right now and I don’t know where to ask. I’m an international student and I came to the US to go to college. My aunt thought it would be a good idea that I get my driver license. She contacted a Vietnamese driving teacher through a friend and he agreed to teach me with the total cost of $600, $300 in advance and $300 after I passed.

However, he was really anxious and always pushed me to take the test as soon as possible, and through a connection at the DMV he got me an appointment and forced me to take the test earlier than I wanted to. I got nervous, I hit the curb and the examiner had to make an accident report. Needless to say, he got really angry, and yelled at me constantly. He drove me home and then told me someone else was going to take me to my test day. After that he just went off the grid, no contact, no more lessons, no nothing.

My aunt called him and then he told her to find someone else to take me to the test. After that I did contact another teacher at a driving school and everything went alright. But tomorrow is my test date and my Vietnamese teacher started texting me, telling me to pay him for the driving lessons and he will take me to the testing place.

I said I already asked someone else and he started yelling again, telling me that it’s not right to break the contract (I did not sign anything, and he’s not even a teacher from any driving school). He said he never said such a thing (about telling me to get somebody else to teach) and then yelled at me for “conning” him. He told me that I have to bring the money to him at the DMV or else.

Since most of this is off the record, what should I do, did I do anything wrong? Please help me.

Answer: If you never signed anything, then there is nothing much he can do to you.  Keep all records of your contact with him especially any receipts, text messages, and the accident report.  If you can show that he was not responsive to your contacts, then that would be enough to show that you made an effort to keep the agreement you made with the instructor.


Title: Is it possible to get legally married for a day?

Question:
So my friend and I made a bet with 2 of our other friends, and they lost. I get to pick the punishment, and I thought it would be funny to make the two of them get married for 24 hours, and then have it annulled (they are a guy and a girl, but are not romantically involved). We live in California, and after a quick google search, I quickly realized this process may be a lot more complicated than just walking into town hall, signing a form, and then signing another form a day later. Basically, I want to know if the marriage and annulment process can be shortened down to a period of 24 hours, in the state of California, or somewhere nearby (Las Vegas seems to be notorious for quick marriages, from what I've seen in movies). Also, if this was possible, would this have any potential consequences that could still occur after the annulment was finished? And finally, even if it was as easy as just signing a couple of pieces of paper, should we still make them do it? I mean, all of the parties involved have agreed to it, but I'm thinking that it might be frowned upon for 4 college kids to walk into a government building and ask to get a marriage license, all for a practical joke.
PS, if there is a better subreddit for this, please let me know!

Answer:
 Oh boy. Even an uncontested divorce is easily in the thousands of dollars and an annulment is usually even more expensive. Can't you just make them put their underwear on their heads or something?Answer #2: Yes of course it’s legal.

It’s also extremely expensive to get a divorce. A few K worth.

You have rich friends who can afford that?


Title: Girlfriend has had an approved support animal at our apartment for months now in which we turned in her doctor's letter of approval as well as signing an addendum. Now, the office is telling her they have a new policy and need permission to have her doctor sign new paperwork. Do we have to do this?

Question:
My girlfriend and I live in an apartment complex in Ohio. The complex allows dogs but certain breeds are restricted. It's a big size and house quite a few tenants. My girlfriend has had some medical problems and 5 months or so her primary care doctor recommended she get an emotional support dog. Her doctor wrote her up a letter for her to think on. After, some time and researching all the info. we could on the subject we decided to get a dog that the apartment restricted due to her falling in love with the the specific dog at the shelter.

She turned her doctor signed letter into the office as well as signed an addendum and the office said everything was good to go. However, yesterday she got an email from the complex saying they updated their policy and state they have a new companion animal verification form. We have to fill out a document giving them permission to contact her primary care doctor who then has to fill out a form stating that she is in fact in need of the emotional support animal. However, the doctor doesn't disclose the medical issue itself, however her primary care doctor has to complete this new form.

&#x200B;

We don't necessarily mind having her Doctor fill out this form, it just seems like an inconvenience as we were under the impression we were good to go for the past few months. Our question is do we have to abide by this even after signing an addendum? Or can we tell them we have provided them the correct documentation already and they have letter proof in which it states everything is okay?
Topic:
Real Estate law

Answer: They are allowed to verify that the doctor did indeed prescribe the animal.Answer #2: Reasonable accommodation goes both ways


Title: nj law - pursue ll for damage deposit & advanced rent when lease term'd prior to move-in?

Question:
hi y'all.  i am a nj attorney (then non-practicing/funemployed) faced with somewhat of a bar exam-style situation.  thank you in advance for taking the time to read this and ofc for any advice, guidance, or thoughts you may have.

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in sum:

should i pursue 'landlord' for damage deposit & portion advanced rent paid on summer apartment sublet when landlord terminated lease prior to move-in date due to my inability to pay remainder of advanced rent?

&#x200B;

detailed version of facts:

in april 2019, i agreed in writing to sublet landlord's apartment from june 1 - sept 1 in \[city in new jersey\] exchange for a $200 'damage deposit' and monthly rental fee of $2300 to be paid in advance.  in other words, per sublease the rent was front-loaded so that the first $2300 was due may 1 (for june's occupancy), the next june 1 (for july's occupancy), and the last july 1 (for august's occupancy).  the landlord agreed to accept 1/2 of the first month's rent payment on may 1, and the other half by may 15th.  by may 1, i paid the landlord the damage deposit via venmo and 1/2 of the first rental payment via check ($200 + $1150).  due to my own financial stupidity and overconfidence about how long it would take me to find gainful employment, i unfortunately was unable to afford the remainder of the first month's rent (totally my fault ldo).  accordingly, at the end of may and prior to the agreed-upon june 1 movein date, the landlord informed me that s/he was exercising his/her right to terminate the sublease per its terms due to my inability to pay and i could not move in (which, i mean, ofc).  s/he did not reference the money i had already paid, nor did s/he indicate pursuing any further damages.

in nj, as a the tenant/lease-breaker in the situation i know that i could be held liable for the full lease term due to my breach, but the landlord also has a duty to mitigate to offset any potential losses.  here, i \*believe\* the landlord was able to find a substitute subletter (apt was listed back up on craigslist at the end of may; listing taken down sometime by first few days of june), but i was unable to confirm this.

&#x200B;

issue:

in light of these circumstances, do y'all think it's worth sending the landlord a letter requesting return of the damage deposit and/or 1/2 advance rent that i paid? does it make any difference that i never actually  occupied the space/that the rental payments were front-loaded?

ofc, i know i am \*absolutely\* at fault for agreeing to something that i was ultimately not able to afford and i well aware that i may v well sound like a choosingbeggar here (oof, god i hope not) -- but does that entitle the landlord to a windfall? my concern here is that my contacting him/her about returning my money will re-ignite the issue and lead to him/her filing a small claims case against me (which obvi would be bad bad bad bad bad).

&#x200B;

what would y'all do in this situation?

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(ps. i have since been able to find a new job (yay!), and learned some very real life lessons along the way:).

Answer: IANAL but i think i know of one...


Title: My AL driver's license was suspended by NM. Can I legally drive in AL?

Question: I got a letter saying that New Mexico has revoked my driver's license due to an unpaid bullshit ticket. I live in Alabama and will never be visiting New Mexico again if I can help it. Does this letter affect my ability to drive here (in which case I need to do something about it), or only in New Mexico (in which case I don't)?

Answer: Get smarter friends. And stop playing victim blaming everything and everyone else. You got a ticket because you were speeding. Your license is NOT suspended just in NM. It doesn't work like that. It is suspended period. Now you get to pay thru the nose to get it reinstated like everyone else does, assuming you care about driving legally.


Title: Schools knowledge of weed

Question: I'm currently a sophomore in high school. My friend and i went out to the woods and smoked some weed. we were unfortunately caught by the police, who confiscated it, called our parents, and told us to go right home.  my friends mother, who was going to pick him up, told the school.  we were both suspended and I'd like any information about the legitimacy of the school punishing me for actions and things that occurred off school property

Answer: Their actions have all the legitimacy needed.


Title: I have legal problems regarding one of my app/website ideas.

Question:
Sweden/ Gothenburg.
¨
This problem will be global and affect all countries.

I am going to start a website/app that will make people able to cook food from their home and sell to other people.

The problem is definitely that I can't get around health codes with a legal disclaimer.

Can anyone come up with a solution for the health code violation?

I can post the concept pictures of the app/website if that helps.

Answer:
 There is not going to be one global solution here. If people from countries where there are legal restrictions on selling home cooked food uses your app/service, at best your users are going to be in potential legal trouble, at worst so are you/your company.

As I see it, either offer the service in countries with no restrictions or ensure your users live up to whatever restrictions apply in their countries.


Title: [WA] How can we prevent our 17-year-old son from moving out when he's able to?

Question:
My son recently complained about him not having his computer in his room and wrote a long manifesto which he told us was about about why he should have his computer in his room and why our parenting is "overbearing". He threatened to "move out and never call back" if we continued what were doing.

So we offered him a compromise. He can have his computer in my room, where he'll have privacy, be able to draw and make videos without people looking over his shoulder, and be away from his little sibling who he finds annoying. He said that was okay, but wondered why not his room. I said because I don't want him using his computer in the middle of the night nor the electromagnetic radiation messing up his sleep patterns, and we can check his browsing history and use it when we need to, even though we have our own computer. He then complained that it should be his responsibility at 17 whether he gets enough sleep at night, and that computer radiation doesn't mess up sleep patterns, and that he was "more than old enough" not to have people check his history. But my compromise is all he needs and addresses all his complaints, and is an intermediary step before having it in his room, he needs nothing more. Ultimately this is happening in my house and I set the rules whether it's his computer or not. And 17 is not a legal adult, he is still a child. And as such we don't want him looking at or creating explicit content, that's what we worry about.

About the "moving out and never looking back" part, we don't want that happening. We don't want our son to just arbitrarily cut contact with us and move away, because we feel he's not mature enough yet and we don't want to be a lonely aging couple. We don't want inevitable empty nest syndrome to hit as hard as it may be.

Any advice?

Answer: Sounds like he should move out asap and get away from you, once he's 18 theres no preventing it.


Title: Apartment manager is saying that my mom can't swim in the pool with a full body bathing suit

Question:
This is in California. My manager is saying that according to the pool rules my mom has to wear a bathing suit. He said "like a shirt and some shorts" which didn't make sense since he said bathing suit earlier. My mother isn't wearing regular clothes. She's wearing swim wear that covers her arms and legs. She dosen't wear the normal 2 piece due to religious reasons.

This sounds ridiculous to me. Almost offensive since basically he's saying my mom can't swim in the pool because of her religious practice of covering herself (wearing swim wear that covers your entire body isn't hurting anyone)

So who's in the right here? The only reason I see myself being in the wrong is because this is technically private property and I guess the manager can make the rules.

Answer:
 Did you explain that she is in fact wearing a bathing suit and not normal clothing? When he saw her he may not have realized.Answer #2: Go the burkini! It's a swimsuit. This man can't order your mother to take off her clothes. Tell him to rack off. Answer #3: To someone who hasn't seen one before, isn't expecting to see it, and just takes a quick look, a modest swimsuit can indeed look like street clothes.

I'd suggest asking the manager to google image "modest swimwear" so he can actually see what your mom is wearing is really made for swimming.Answer #4: This is an issue that the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) might be eager to help with. They defend freedom and religious expression, and they have an army of lawyers who love to help people with stuff like this for free. Call your [local ACLU office](https://www.aclu.org/about/affiliates) and explain your situation. It likely can be resolved with a strongly worded, well written letter from a lawyer.


Title: (Virginia) My girlfriend is being refused lifesaving medication. The jail says they are a "drug-free Christian facility"

Question:
I swear to christ, I have that recorded. They're refusing medications that she is physically addicted to - and the withdrawal is lethal. Klonopin specifically, and also Paxil. She has prescriptions for both of these. She's not allowed to have visitors, phone calls, or mail, because she's not cooperating in being fully booked... because she's in benzodiazepam withdrawal.

On their website it also says the only literature you can send inmates is religious texts. These people are FUCKING CRAZY!

What the fuck can I do?! I don't have any money for a lawyer

Answer: How do you know she's being denied her meds if she has no access to a phone, visitors, or mail?


Title: Was my car towed legally?

Question:
Colorado. I purchased a vehicle from my uncle on 10-30-2018. His plates expired October. I left the plates on and I parked the car on my communities street parking, as I only have one parking spot and it was already being used. I was under the impression I had 60 days to get the vehicle registered (According to dmv.org). However, on Friday (12-7-2018) my car was towed. The tow was authorized by the police. I am now stuck paying $350 even though I thought I had 60 days to register the vehicle. Did they have any legal ground to tow my car?

Also, I called the tow company today and the website says they are open 24 hours, however the lady said I can't pick it up today because they have no staff available. Though they will be charging me an additional $30 for not picking it up today. Is that legal?

Answer: You had a car with expired tags on a *public road*. They had every right to get a car that *shouldn't be on a public road* off of it. Answer #2: Left the expired plates on--so you didn't get temporary plates that give you 60 days to register?


Title: (TX) Mother of my goddaughter banning me from being around her.

Question: After a messy divorce between my bestfriend and his wife,  I am barred from seeing my goddaughter and her older sister by her demands, no legal matters involved yet. Do I have any course of action? What can the father of the children do?

Answer: The father can allow you to visit with your goddaughter during his visitation, unless their visitation agreement provides otherwise. You almost certainly can't compel the mother to allow you around your goddaughter during her visitation.Answer #2: Godparent doesn't convey any legal rights. She can refuse to let you spend any time with her.


Title: Employer demanding I submit a somewhat personal questionnaire (KS)

Question:
I work for a somewhat small company and recently we were asked to answer a multi-page questionnaire (on paper, not online) asking mostly silly questions (Favorite movie? If you had an extra $25 what would you do with it? etc.) but some are more than I am comfortable with. Significant other's name? Occupation? Where do they work? Perhaps I'm just being thin-skinned but I really think that much of this information is not work related and frankly none of their business. I don't Facebook, Twitter or whatever because I value my privacy and don't want to share this info.

Perhaps I'm overreacting but this is just one of many odd things going on in my workplace lately, including some pretty obvious cases of wage theft, but that it fodder for another post if it continues. My question is do I have to fill this out?

Answer:
 You don't have to fill it out. You can be fired for not filling it out.

In most cases, questionnaires like that are so when employers want to do something nice for you, they can buy you a gift card to a place you will like.


Title: Legal notice about bankruptcy from company I used to work for

Question:
I used to work for Toys R Us until about a month ago and now they are filing chapter 11 bankruptcy and I got a legal notice in the mail today about the bankruptcy but I'm not sure what it means at the top of it it says an order for Relief has been entered and then near the end of it says proof of claim deadline I'm not sure how else to describe it besides showing it but I don't think I'm allowed to do that so if anyone knows why I might have been sent this let me know.

USA TN

Answer: They are notifying you as a potential creditor. If they owed you any money such as unpaid wages or vacation time when you were let go, you can and should file a claim with the bankruptcy court.


Title: Old employer attempting to retrieve my pay after two years?

Question:
Throwaway since I don't want this post to be connected to me in any way.

So back in February 2017, I briefly worked for Liberty Mutual. I only held my position for about four weeks, when unfortunately medical issues arose in the family, so I had to leave that job and move to a different state. Obviously the medical issues were not expected, so I didn't have time to give them a proper two week's notice -- I instead just stopped showing up. I feel bad about how I exited since it was pretty rude of me, but that's in the past I guess.

Today I received a letter from a collection agency stating that I owe a debt of $2,800.00 to Liberty Mutual. I never took out any loans or anything with them, so I can only imagine that they're attempting to take back what they had already paid me (as I made about this amount in my four weeks at the position). My question is: can they do this? This was compensation for work that I had already performed for them, so how can they just take it back? Especially now that it has been almost two years? I really can't afford to pay them this amount, and I'm very confused by this whole situation. Giving a two week's notice is a courtesy, not a requirement, so can they penalize me for that?

Answer: Don't "only imagine". I highly doubt the respected liberty mutual insurance company is trying to get you to pay back salary from when you were briefly an employee. Send them a debt validation letter and see what they send back.


Title: My friends employer is holding him hostage and he doesn't know what to do.

Question:
My friend has been working at this job for a little over a year. He gets paid under the table and doesn't get any documentation for how much he works or gets paid. Recently someone at the job no called no showed and the boss called a meeting where he told everyone that if they quit he will report them to the IRS. He wants to leave because the guy is unstable but he is worried about getting screwed by the IRS. What is his best course of action?

Location: Michigan

Answer:
 Jesus, that's rich.  Your friend's not the one who's going to be in trouble with the IRS.  Your friend has, what, filed (or not filed) one tax return while he's there?  The boss is on the hook for unpaid social security, medicare, state unemployment, etc.  for each and every employee.

Your friend is not being held hostage.  He should see a CPA and make sure his 2013 return accurately reports his income, and get moving on a 2014 one that does the same.  And leave anytime he wants.  Whether he drops a dime on the way out is his call.Answer #2: >What is his best course of action?

Quit and pay his taxes.


Title: Could somebody sue their parents for giving birth to them?

Question: How would a hypothetical prosecution argue this?

Answer: No. Creating a person is not a tort. Answer #2: I think there was a successful case where a couple sued a doctor for not disclosing that your child was severely developmentally challenged because he thought that they would abort if they knew.  I think it was ruled that the doctor was responsible for a lifetime of care.  I supposed you could make an argument around that but I think that was a malpractice case more than a giving birth case so I don't think it would apply.


Title: [Hypothetical]If my child was the "first baby born of the year" at my local hospital, would the hospital need my consent to use my baby's name? (California)

Question:
Another question is that if I demand/request that the hospital take down all personal information of my baby from their advertisement would the hospital be required to do so?

Personal information being the baby's name, address (technically my address), and the parents name.

Answer: Birth certs are public records.


Title: CAN SOMEONE PLEASE FTLOG TELL ME HOW LONG DO I NEED TO WAIT FOR A PARDON FOR ASSAULT

Question:
I have literally contacted over 8 official departments and 3 sites for Canadian pardons and have not been able to get an answer.

Bottom line is: Got into domestic fight, got arrested. Got let out on condition to stay away from girlfriend and appear in court. Girlfriend told mutual friend that I could stay at apartment, when she found out I was with someone else she called the cops on me. Got arrested for breaching. Got offered a plea deal: plead guilty to assault and all charges would be dropped with time served \(the time it took to stand in front of a judge\) and 1 year probation. All this was in October 2012. I need to know if I have to wait for 5 years or 10 years before I can get a pardon \(summary offence or indictable offense\). Couldn't find which category domestic assault was under. I need to know so I can figure out if I should start with the  pardon application now or wait a couple years \(basically like 4 more\).

Sorry for the long post.

Any help is appreciated.

Answer: If all charges were dropped, you don't get a pardon. You get the arrest expunged. I'm not Canadian though.


Title: Ohio - Can my landlord make me move out in four days?

Question:
I got a letter two days ago dated for the 16th that says I need to move out of my home today because of non-payment of the rent and water bills. The rent was late this month because one of my roommates sent it our without a stamp, but we did get it to them as soon as we got the check back in the mail. My other roommate was responsible for the water bill (we each pay one utility, I pay electric) and he's just been shitty about doing that forever. I've been yelling at both of them.

The note says we need to pay the full amount of rent, the water bill, late fees, and then vacate the premises today or the landlord will begin the eviction process. Four days, effectively just two, seems like a wildly unreasonable amount of time to work this all out.

What are my options here? What should I be aware of? Is what my landlord is doing legal?

EDIT: We've already paid the rent a couple weeks back and intend on paying all the late fees.

Answer:
 > Four days, effectively just two, seems like a wildly unreasonable amount of time to work this all out.

It's more than what Ohio requires.  Ohio only requires three days notice.

After those three days(four in your case) they'd need to file an eviction suit to get you out - they can't forcibly kick you out yet.  But they're getting ready to, so I'd suggest looking for new housing.Answer #2: Pay all of the rent and fees agreed to in the lease and the landlord cannot evict you. Unless this letter was delivered by certified mail and that happens to be an acceptable method of pay-or-quit notice service in Ohio (as opposed to personal service or posting at the property), the letter is probably not proper service for the purposes of filing an eviction lawsuit.


Title: My aunt wants to take back the dog that she gave to my family 3 years ago, my parents don't want to give him up

Question:
Basically the title, however, I imagine it gets more complicated than just that.

My aunt lived in New York adopted a dog and took care of him for 5 years, got a promotion and said she couldn't take care of him anymore because her work was overwhelming. So she asked if my mom would take in her dog.

We live in California, so she bought a plane ticket and sent this dog over to us, and he has been a happy and wonderful member of this family ever since, which has now been 3 years.

Now my parents are having a divorce. My aunt wants the dog  *because* of the divorce. She thinks neither one of them can take care of the dog and my aunt is married now (lives in Ohio), so she and her husband can take care of the dog, and they also adopted another dog. The contingency was that we could keep the dog if my mom keeps the dog, not my dad.

However as this divorce is progressing it's starting to look like the best person to take in our dog is my dad, since the place he will move into will allow dogs.

So my aunt is starting to threaten that she will come here and take him because she has the adoption papers. He is a purebred dog so she bought him and has some paper that says she is the owner.

I want to throw some law in my aunts face saying she can't take him because he is *our dog*, but only if there really is something.

I have some of his veterinary papers, his rabies shot, a pet registration receipt and so on if that helps.

Thanks in advance!
Topic:
Douche

Answer:
 Track down the vet paperwork. If not that, take the dog to the vet and get records that you are the owner. Then, she'll have to file suit in California for the value of the dog.

Either, you can request that the Blair be reduced by the vet costs, or you can simply demonstrate that the dog has been yours for three years and was a gift.

Either way, your aunt doesn't have much of a case.