Title: LegalAdvice posters who cannot afford an attorney

Question:
This is something I've noticed often in /r/legaladvice, and I'm just wondering if there's a better way to approach the issue. I'll admit up front that I'm not sure what the right answer is.

This is a frequent scenario:

* OP asks for advice on a civil matter
* /r/legaladvice correctly tells OP to consult a lawyer
* OP explains he/she is destitute and cannot afford a lawyer
* /r/legaladvice suggests various legal aid options
* OP has already explored these options and still can't get a lawyer
* Other posters pile on and suggest hiring a lawyer / pursuing legal aid options that have already been discussed

I'm sure some of these people could afford a lawyer if they made sacrifices, sold things, borrowed money, etc. And for them, it's a good thing that we repeatedly emphasize the need for an attorney and why it is more important than just about any other expense.

However, I'm also sure that some of them *are* destitute, do not have access to credit, have borrowed all they can borrow from friends/family, and do not have anything of substantial value left to sell. It seems as though this is often the case in custody / family court discussions. One parent can afford legal representation, and the other has been financially drained trying to keep up and comes to us as a last resort. I frequently see replies that say legal aid organizations will only assist with divorce, not with ongoing custody issues.

Aside from "get a lawyer" (which should absolutely always be the first response), is there a way we can be more helpful to these posters?

**EDIT:** To clarify, I am **not** suggesting that we recommend self-representation. I would like to know if there is better advice we can give about **how to obtain legal representation** than "sell your stuff / beg / borrow to pay for an attorney" when OP has exhausted these options already, or just reiterating "you need an attorney NOW" when it's been said a dozen times and OP isn't arguing. Or, alternatively, more specific advice we can give about how best to find and make optimal use of legal aid resources that are often underfunded/understaffed and can only give each client limited attention.

**EDIT 2:** If there is interest in a new template or guide for low-income Redditors who need an attorney for a civil matter, I'd be glad to work on that. However, IANAL, I've never had to find a lawyer while broke, and I'm sure there are options available for those in need that I'm not aware of. One of the reasons I posted here was to find out what kind of advice people think would be most helpful, and I'd love to hear from any attorneys who've done legal aid or pro-bono work and Redditors who've taken advantage of these services.

Answer:
 I have a name for the people who come here asking what they should do, I call them the sad cases.

As you've noted it is often the case in matters regarding family law (so divorces/custody/child support cases).

The problem is that they are often here asking questions that show that they clearly cannot handle this on their own and really need a lawyer.

The fact that some people seem not able to afford a lawyer in cases like this is sad because getting a lawyer is way cheaper then not getting one in the end. If you've ever been on forums for parrents who believe that they got screwed by the courts and now have to pay a whole lot of money on child support, well those are the people who more likely then not did not have a lawyer and are now paying for it. It is though because it is a double edged sword, if they get a lawyer they might not be able to hold a roof over their head for now but if they don't get one they cannot afford a roof over their head in the future.

To my knowledge the best thing we can do for them is to advice them to beg, loan, sell some propperty or get another job (even if it is just for a view hours a month) because they really need a lawyer and that /r/personalfinance might also be able to help them out by giving them some financial advice.


Title: Working at a strip club and curious about tipping

Question:
I work at an all nude strip club as a bartender in Denver, Colorado. Basically a juice bartender since there's no alcohol.
Can anything be done about dancers that tell customers not to tip me? I get it if the girl doesn't want to tip since she has to pay house fees and such but what if a customer wants to tip Me? A lot of times the girls will touch the no tip option for the customer. Anything I can do about this huge money blocking issue?

Answer: Not a legal issue.  The only thing you can do is to talk to the girls or management.


Title: In 2013 i was in a car accident and the car that hit me push me into someone yard now the homeowner had homeowner insurance so the homeowner insurance paid the homeowner now the insurance company is coming after me and person in the car accident to pay the insurace co. Back or licience will suspened

Answer: This is why have insurance. You did have insurance right?


Title: Police say I have a conviction but never been charged or been to court

Question:
In Australia

The business I work for has had legal issues in the past. Today a co-worker was pulled over by the police and informed that they had drug convictions against their name even though they have never been charged with anything or ever been to court in their life. They showed him their screen that said it and assuming they were just going off that, they weren't lying. It said he had a conviction. He was searched and let go when they didn't find anything.

The last time search warrants were executed on the premises his name was on them but he doesn't run the business or own the premises. He's just a normal employee.

What should he do??

Edit: sorry about the title. Was going to ask in his place but don't want him to get in trouble for me seeking help from you by the business (social media policy)

Answer:
 Hire a lawyer to investigate.

Possible they have a different person with the same name. Possible he was convicted in absence (although then he would have had a warrant and the cops would not have let him go). Possible the clerk just entered it in wrong.


Title: [Pennsylvania, USA] Terminated for cause, but employer is lying and I have proof

Question:
Hi, this is a thowaway account as I'm embarrassed about being fired and haven't told anyone except my wife at this point.

Here is what happened.  In the early part of this year (specifically late February through early April) I was having some health issues, nothing terribly serious, just a string of them that was affecting my ability to work (in the hospital for a night after allergic reaction and food poisoning twice) all in all I missed a total of 4.5 days of work in that span.  I told my manager what was going on and she told me "take the time you need to get better" and "don't reply to emails while on PTO".

So fast forward to early April, I'm healthy an at work every day again and I asked to take the a week off in late April as we were buying a house and I wanted to take some time to move in and get the house set up.  My request was denied because I "had used more time off than I had accrued so far this year" which wasn't true as I had only taken 4.5 days off to that point and had carried over 5 days of PTO from 2016, so I actually hadn't even touched my accrued balance.  I didn't make a fuss about it and instead just asked for the day of my closing off, which they reluctantly granted.  Then a few days later I was written up for excessive unexcused absences, I protested mildly at that point that she had told me to take the time that I needed.  In the end I just kind of said whatever as the action plan I was given said that I needed to improve my attendance by the end of June or additional action would be taken.  I figured "ok, well I'll just not take any time off until summer, no big deal".  Then a few weeks ago, during my 1x1 with my manager she had an HR person there as well and told me they were releasing me due to my performance not being sufficient.  I was shocked,  in the past 18 month I received the maximum review (5 out of 5) and was promoted to a higher position and couldn't believe that they would fire me for my performance,.  I accepted it, filed for unemployment and have been looking for a new job since. Today unemployment contacted me and said that my employer was challenging my claim saying that I was fired for missing work on the dates in March saying that they were unexpected and unauthorized on one occasion and that I never told anyone I was going to be out on another.  In both cases I saved emails between my manager and I discussing that I would be out for a few days and her telling me to take the time I need as well as the email to her saying that I was going to be out sick with food poisoning.  My previous employer was a large US bank and I was a VP level employee who worked remotely, I had been with them for 3.5 years and in the industry for over 10.

My Question is, do I have a case for wrongful termination?

tl/dr was fired for taking days off without telling my boss, but I did tell my boss and have emails to prove it

Answer: You have no case for wrongful termination, but you do have a case to receive UI.  Appeal the decision and you will more than likely win the case.  In almost every state, the employer is not allowed to give you one reason for termination and then tell the State another.  So it should be an automatic win or close to it.


Title: Can they find out?

Question:
I am 15, living with my mom and 22 year old brother. My brother has drank and then torn up our house multiple times. He has some issues. And he’s no longer supposed to be living at our house but my mom lets him anyway, even though I’ve tried to get her to kick him out.

I was arrested for shoplifting earlier this year. I’m still going to court for it and I’ve been court ordered counseling. This counselor will be coming to my home about once a week. They work for DJJ.

Anyway, my mom wants me to lie to them, if they ask, and say that  my brother lives here. I forgot to mention, there’s a no contact order between my brother and us so if my mom and him are caught talking (THEY ARE LIVING TOGETHER,) she could go to jail and I’d be taken away. So that’s why she wants me to lie.

But what if I lie and they find out about him anyway, and he and my mom still get in trouble? This would all be avoided in the first place if she wouldn’t let his dumbass live there. She’s endangering me and herself by doing that.

So what I wanted to ask you guys is: CAN DJJ find out about my brother living there? As in, do they have the ability? Would the counselor look that closely into it?

Topic:
Custody Divorce and Family

Answer:
 >But what if I lie and they find out about him anyway, and he and my mom still get in trouble?

Yes but you migh also be in trouble at that point for telling the lie.


Title: Ex employer forcing me to pick up my last cheque instead of direct deposit

Question: Quit my old job and I'm working out of provence now. my old boss messaged me saying he will not be doing direct deposit for my last pay and I will have to come pick up my cheque. I think it's a passive aggressive move because I left. Is this legal ? I'm from Ontario Canada.

Answer: It's typical not to direct deposit your final pay in the US


Title: Nurse vs college.

Question:
Hello!
So here is the scoop. Last Friday my girlfriend attended her nurse pinning ceremony for completing her nursing program. Which is basically a graduation ceremony for nurses. Anyways about a day ago she recieved an email from one of her advisors stating that she's was 8.5 hours short from completing  the required amount of hours in the clinicals she was taking in the winter. The email also said that that hours would have to be made up in order for the school to submit her information to obtain her degree. And that a date would be set for the hours to be made up. But here is the kicker every student who was at that nursing ceremony received the same email( about 12 students). So im assuming some where along the way the school messed up. Either not assigning the correct amount of clinical hours or not keeping track of the hours met by the students.  So today another email was sent out saying that the make up time would be this Monday. All 12 students have to go as a group because its easier for the hospital to get advisors for all of them at once. Anyways my problem is this...my girlfriend and I have had this vacation planned for over a year already paid for. We would have left this Friday. But now she has to go make up her clinical hours this following Monday, which is for 8.5 hours and is also 2 hours away. The bad part is it seems that She is the only student who has a problem going to make up the new hours. Every other student is available.

I'm only lead to believe that some where the school messed up all these students clinical hours. Given that everyone who graduated got told they were short clinical hours the week after their pinning. Its not fair to my girlfriend to have to miss her vacation that she and I both saved and planned for her graduation specifically when it's the schools mistake.

She did talk to the dean and the dean basically told her this is the way it has to be.

There has got to be something we can do. Any advice would help.

Answer:
 > There has got to be something we can do.

There is.  You can choose between taking a vacation and getting a degree.

Life isn't fair.


Title: My college professor is coming to class on pain medication (vicodin, oxycodone, other narcotics) that are not prescribed to him.

Question:
Ironically, this is a "substance abuse treatment" class. He is having problems with sciatica (nerve pain) and is getting narcotics from his daughter who is a nurse. He brings his bottles of pills to class and has openly admitted they do not have his name on them.

He is driving to work while on these narcotics which I believe is illegal. Today he told the class he backed into his daughter's car before coming to work, and then said "Maybe I shouldn't be driving while in pain meds.." He didn't seem apparently high in class today, but I noticed his coordination was whacky.. (he spilled his coffee, had trouble with his balance, etc.).

He has openly admitted that he has not been preparing for his classes, and the quality of his instruction has suffered because of this. Should I report this to the college? Do you think it's possible to get a refund for this class?
How would I got about doing this?

Answer: Yes. You should report it.


Title: [Indiana][Domestic] Ex took my daughter away today over my inappropriate encounters with her family

Question:
Location: Indiana

My ex and I separated years ago over my cheating + incidents with her family, where I violated trust and made sexual advances on some of her extended family. Of these advances, some of the women reported feeling very uncomfortable (while others did not, which is maybe why I felt like it was OK at the time, even though I now know it isn't ever OK to do this).

She has told me several times since then that if another incident happened, she would take my now 3-year old daughter away from me. She works a minimum wage job, gets food assistance, and drives a car I am still making payments on for her. I make the car payments, cover any emergency expenses that come up, pay for childcare, etc.

Well, I was woken up early this morning by one of the women in her family knocking on my door. Like a fucking idiot, I approached her in a somewhat lewd manner (too long of a hug, intimate kiss on the cheek / ear), and now my ex says not to talk to her family at all anymore (you figure this would have happened sooner, but they adopted me in for whatever reason), and that I can only see my little girl on Saturdays from now on... Plus, she wants $400 / mo or so in child support, if I let her continue driving the car. Or $800 / mo otherwise.

I am at a loss...

I was OK with the situation as it was because she and I supported each other, even if I bore some additional financial burden. I'm close to a six-figure salary, and I was afraid getting on "proper" child support would kill my financial plans. I'm approaching 30 and really want a house at some point... I also think some of my behaviors are due to stress and depression. If my financial burden gets too high, I'm not sure I'll be able to keep going it alone...

I don't feel it's right to take my daughter from me, though. I think her mom is afraid I'm secretly a pedophile or something. Her family has a lot of perverts (men and women included, and I guess myself), which is why I think she feels this way. I don't know how to feel about it. I'm afraid if I take this to court, I'll get called out for my perversion and made to pay an unreasonable amount of child support, as well as lose my rights to see my daughter.

I don't mind being cut off from the extended family. There have been too many incidents, whether they were sober or inebriated, deliberate or just hormone-driven. But why take my daughter away?

I'm just not sure I have the energy to fight this in court, and I'm not sure it would be healthy for my daughter's mom and I to have an even more tense relationship if I do that. I'd rather work things out amicably between us, but I don't want to wait a year or longer without taking action...

I know this is a fucked up situation to read about, and you probably think I'm a terrible person. This may be true, and I deserve to lose my ex as well as the relationship I had with her family. I really am a caring dad, though. I read to my daughter and write with her, take her to the park and events, classes at the community center, tell her stories, sing her to sleep... everything... Few things keep me going the way a long hug from her does when she hasn't seen me in a few days.

What can I do?

Answer:
 You can get an attorney and go to court for shared custody. But jesus stop it with her family already what the hell is wrong with you?Answer #2: If you want custody/visitation, file and pay whatever for child support.

Maybe get some therapy too.


Title: Is it discrimination and harassment at work?

Question:
First time posting on reddit ever. Sorry about length and hopefully this is the right sub.

I was penalized at work for sitting down after having an episode caused my my disorder (that they are aware of). I sat down for 30 minutes at the end of the day so I wouldn’t fall and hurt myself. I never left the property and supervisors checked in frequently. The following day HR said I was wasting company time and took away my time off.

In another instance I consulted my doctor and he highly recommend a hospitalization that could last a week. When I spoke to HR about it she said that I was not allowed any time off for that and I would be given points. Enough points for termination. She said she had accommodated me enough. I have no reasonable accommodations here.

When I asked for FMLA papers HR said she heard rumors that I was faking and was going to abuse the system (even though she has spoken to my doctors and gotten documentation). She then went on to discuss a coworkers condition and compared us. I did eventually get the form.

So with the rumors I began to wonder if this was harassment. In the beginning of the year people would say that I was going to quit because I was mentally strong enough for this job. Then they got worse like I was going to kill myself of property. Then they got specific saying when and how. Along side that people would frequently make jokes and comments about my disorder. My supervisor knows about these and has done nothing. When I spoke to HR things only got worse.

Is any of this illegal? What can I do?

Answer:
 You should have rights and accommodation.  Go to EEOC.gov and look up disability.

Also you will probably need to see An employment lawyer. Google for “disability rights network” and your state and a local non profit that can help you for free should come up

In the meantime, document with dates (if you can) what this HR and anyone else says and does to you.

Good luck


Title: I have been threatened with legal action as i have supposedly defamed an user on reddit!

Question: As titled, how is that even possible when what I said was factual. I thought for the tortious action to succeed, you would need to prove what  I wrote was false, and as a result the reputation of the person defamed is damaged. Further, how do you quantify the damages for defamation against an username? I am baffled by this.

Answer: Just ignore and move on.


Title: Is prostitution legal in Canada?

Question: Hey, I am from Canada and I am wondering if prostitution or escorting is illegal. When I try to look it up the laws seem ver confusing. It seems like everything about prostitution is illegal, except for the actual act? I'm also wondering how there are so many escort agencies that advertise regularly, and have been in the same establishments for years. These escort agencies seem to be breaking Canadian laws but with no repercussions at all. I'm hoping someone can clear this up for me, thank you. :)

Answer:
 NAL but quick googling told me this: It's illegal to purchase sexual services but legal to sell them. You can't even inquire about these services as that too is deemed illegal. The usual way to get around this is to sell "companionship" and only that but state that if anything happens it's out of the free will of both participants. That's the way you see them in papers.

So prostitution is in one of those funny legal positions where only one party is committing a crime.


Title: [x-post from /r/tifu] So i found vulnerabilities in a website and told them about it using my real name, now they are threatening legal action

Question:
Bot requests me to include location: Belgium, Brussels

So the story:

On the 9/20/2015 I found a website that was ridiculously vulnerable to all kinds of attacks.

It is a Hungarian website for older people (who's data should be the most protected anyway)

I successfully exploited one of them to install a PHP shell. Anyway, then i discover that their mysql admin password (a user that can see and control everything in the database) is empty, so there goes their user data protection, i then also escalate to the admin user (this time not only the database admin, but the whole system admin) so there goes their whole system.
I also discover that their web directory contain all sorts of stupid files (one of them is called dick.php and it displays 'dick' on when executed).

And then i find out people have installed backdoors on the site before.

Anyway i of course notify them, both using my email and then Facebook. At 11/20/2015 around 15 they quietly read my facebook message and remove all the backdoors and (try) to fix their vulnerabilities.

As time passes, no response, but they blocked my IP, i then message them that they shouldn't block my IP, as i didn't want to do anything wrong.

Then suddenly they reply this on facebook

'
Dear laci420 or whatever you're called;
' The found security vulnerabilities in now way allow you to cause problems in our website or illegally steal our users data.
We will take the appropriate measures against you using our lawyears who have been already notified.
Merry Christmas, CompanyName'

Then i receive this email from a disposable email address, titled 'huston we have a problem'.

They have linked my facebook, my school's website, and my horrible old youtube channel,
and have stated the cybercrime part of the Belgian law and the punishment (2-6 years in prison, up to 200k euros)

They also state that the website was defaced (wtf, it wasnt)
And they mention that i wont be able to get a job ever in Europe.

What should i do guys?

TLDR; Found vulnerability, sucessfully got user data (= showed it to them on their website using the shell), got root, told about them about it on facebook, they are lawyering up, just sent me email containing the local laws about hacking and how i'll go to jail.

EDIT: I should also mention i kind of 'threatened' them with going to the media.

Answer:
 > What should i do guys?

Stop breaking the law.

If sued or charged, get an attorney.Answer #2: >I successfully exploited one of them to install a PHP shell.

Oh god.

>Anyway, then i discover that their mysql admin password (a user that can see and control everything in the database) is empty, so there goes their user data protection

Please no.

>i then also escalate to the admin user (this time not only the database admin, but the whole system admin) so there goes their whole system.

For the love of Christ why?

>Anyway i of course notify them, both using my email and then Facebook.

[weeping intensifies]

You did everything wrong. I hope you are a minor because that way you might just get a long probation.

For all the other wannabe hackers out there: Unless the site is participating in a vulnerability bounty program the only legal thing you can do is examine client side code for suspected vulnerabilities.

If you find a potential exploit on a site without a vulnerability bounty you do not contact them using a traceable email let alone Facebook. Even if you have an anonymous email it is still likely better to not disclose the issue as companies often go after security researchers for embarrassing them.Answer #3: You should probably consult with a local defense attorney of some sort. Generally the law doesn't protect vigilantes. When vulnerabilities like that are discovered, the proper procedure is to notify the company, not penetrate their servers, access user data, and generally leave traces and fuck around.


Title: If someone comes at you while you're in your car and you feel threatened, how much trouble would you get in for hitting them with your car? (CA)

Question: I was just thinking about this the other day. This isn't something that I've experienced, but something I've been wondering about.

Answer:
 That is deadly force.

So if you were reasonably in fear FOR YOUR LIFE, you could successfully claim self defense.

Otherwise, likely prison.


Title: Starbucks coffee order

Question:
Hi everyone,

This is regarding an order at Starbucks.

I have extreme caffeine sensitivity, which means that I can't have more than 20 mg of caffeine (max 50 and I go into anaphylaxis).

I ordered a white hot chocolate, and specifically told the cashier to please not mix my order up with a white chocolate mocha, as it's happened in the past and I didn't want it to happen this time - he said ok don't worry.

I drank my drink and I realised it was a damn mocha. My boyfriend had to rush me to the hospital to get an epinephrine shot because I started to go into anaphylaxis.

What do I do here?

Answer: Don’t go to Starbucks anymore.


Title: WA State: Private Investigator ran my plates

Question:
Washington State, USA

TL;DR A private investigator is trying to get a hold of me and I don't know who they are or what they want. What am I supposed to do in this situation?

Last weekend I received an email from my neighbor stating a "sketchy" person was attempting to get into my apartment building and said they had paperwork for me. They were very rude and banged on the front door of the building and on my neighbors' window to her apartment. i was not home and she relayed this information to the individual who then left. I was startled to learn about this encounter because I wasn't aware of any paperwork that would need to be delivered to my residence. Thinking it was a scam I shrugged it off, thanked my neighbor for not letting him in the building and if he returned to call the police.

Fast forward to this weekend, I received a notice from the DOL (DMV for people outside of Washington State) stating there had been a Vehicle Vessel Record Disclosure Notification on my car which discloses my name and address. The date the information was disclosed matched up with the person who banged on my neighbor's window saying they had paperwork for me. I submitted an inquiry to the DOL to provide information on who had ran the Vehicle Vessel Record Disclosure. This morning I received an email stating that the only information they can legally provide concerning the original request was that it came from a Private Investigation Agency. According to state law [RCW 46.12.635(4)(b)-(4)(c)]
(http://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=46.12.635) the only way I can get more information about who submitted the information request is if I have a no contact order, which I do not.
I've tried to research "Why a PI would run your plate" and I don't feel like I would fit into any of the scenarios. I haven't been in an accident, I am not going through a divorce, I don't have any children, I haven't witnessed any crime, I have no other debt besides my mortgage and I've owned my car for over five years.

I feel helpless and not sure what to do. Any experience or advice with this kind of situation would be greatly appreciated.

EDIT: Are there any legal options to find out who the Private Investigator is and what they want?

Answer:
 Former PI from VA.

If you are sure you don't have any of the major issues going on (debts, divorce, babies, court) then this could just be a mistake, especially if you have a common name. Sometimes we're not given complete information regarding what a client wants, and once we start sifting records we figure out that you're not the right person. The plate being run might be the PI trying to figure out if you really live where you say live/are who you actually are.

If they need to get in contact with you, they will. I wouldn't worry unduly until you are actually delivered something. If you feel like you are being followed/identify someone following you, don't hesitate to call the police/stay in a public place. The PI will have to identify themselves to the officers. Answer #2: Strange. Who knows, honestly I'd just keep an eye on your person/finances and move on.


Title: I was sold the worst lemon of all

Question: I went to go purchase a vehicle from a used car lot located in Nevada (Nevada Paralyzed Veterans Association NPVA for short) a 1993 Chevy 2500 with 70,xxx miles. After purchaseing the vehicle and driving off the lot the vehicle without any warning threw two piston rods on the highway. I want to know what my legal rights are and what I can really do because I’m really not 100% sure, anything helps. The people at the establishment are attempting to say I was “hot rodding” which is absolutely preposterous and ill business practice. If there’s anything I can do to get legal repremandations please let me know.

Answer: This is a 25 year old vehicle. This is almost certainly on you.Answer #2: A 25-year-old truck is very unlikely to have come with any warranty. It's generally a good idea to have any used vehicle inspected independently. Your state requires vehicles with over 75,000 miles to be inspected before sale and I have to wonder if that odometer reading was truthful.


Title: Landlord says covenant of quiet enjoyment does not apply to neighbor smoking and making noise late at night. Info online says otherwise

Question:
I am in California

Neighbor smokes cigarettes, marijuana, and has his tv on loud (he refuses to wear a hearing aid and he needs one) at night time. The smoke comes into my apartment even with my doors and windows closed because we have a shared door inbetween our apartments. I cannot even have my smoke detector plugged in because it goes off because of his smoking.

Can I sue the landlord and neighbor? I've seen a few cases where this has been done.

Answer:
 There's a small chance you may be able to approach it from the smoke detector angle.  If the building was built after 1992 the smoke detector should be hard wired with a battery backup and there are rules about tenants removing them or shutting them down.  He can't ask you to keep it off, if he has.

There are a few cities and counties in California that limit smoking in multifamily units (in others the landlord may limit it, but he'd have to want to do so), but if you aren't in one of those areas there's less protecting you from the smoke itself.  You do occasionally see things like: http://www.ocregister.com/articles/smoke-499353-association-secondhand.html  but something like that will be very difficult and need a lot of evidence of harm.


Title: 10 years ago, I was in my stupid-twenties, and broke the cardinal rule of not sticking it in a girl who was crazy.

Question:
We had a brief fling, then she said that she was also sleeping with a few other guys, and she was pregnant with her finance's child (I had not known she was engaged). That was the last I heard from her, until this morning.

Today, she located my mother on Facebook, and directly told her that she has a 9-year old grandson, and that I need to come be a part of the child's life. Before I consider even talking to this psycho, I am requesting a paternity test, which will hopefully show I am not the father and be the end of it. If somehow I am the dad, what can I do to protect my family now? I am married, and well-off with 2 young kids. Should I lawyer up before even taking the paternity test? Thanks for any help!

I am an upstate-NY resident.
Topic:
Custody Divorce and Family

Answer:
 If it is your child, you're probably going to pay some form of child support. There is no legal requirement that you involve yourself with the child at all. What do you mean protect your family? Do you have any reason to believe she is going to harm them? If so, get a restraining order.Answer #2: I don't understand your question.

> If somehow I am the dad, what can I do to protect my family now?

If you're the father, this boy *is* your family.


Title: Tryig to get medical records for school, but doctor said I have to sign for them in person

Question: Is there any way around this? The records are in another state (Georgia). I offered to fax over my signature with a release but they said no. What can I do?

Answer:
 Overnight your original signature to them.Answer #2: The [applicable Georgia law](http://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/2010/title-31/chapter-33/31-33-2/) refers to a signed written authorization.  Your provider appears to be making the safest interpretation of this language to obtain an original signature.

It is unlikely that you actually have to sign for them *in person*.  You should be able to send an original wet signature and have them accept that.  Answer #3: Get a signature notarized where you are, and send them the raised stamp authorization and notary's contact information.


Title: [UT] My landlord sold the house I’m leasing. The new owner is trying to remodel several rooms while I still reside there. I don’t want them in the house but they said they have the right to.

Question:
I originally signed my lease by a property management company and there are 2.5 months left in my lease. The house was sold the past week and the new owner has started construction and remodeling on the house. I’ve been out of town the past 2 months but my roommate has let them start remodeling a room without my knowledge. When I return home I do not want them working in the house since I work from home (besides just not wanting them working incessantly on a house I reside in).

I told the owner I’d like them to stop immediately and he’s saying he can do it since our lease says the owner can enter the premises for business purposes. This doesn’t sound right to me. Can I legally deny them access or prevent them from keeping on doing construction while my lease is in effect?

Answer:
 Landlords are generally allowed access, with proper notice, to make necessary *or agreed upon* repairs. Now I'm not sure if a full on remodel is going to qualify as a "repair", but it sounds like he obtained permission from your co-tenant, which is probably sufficient. Answer #2: What does your lease say about the landlord entering?Answer #3: 1) Do you have a lease for the entire house or just a room?

2) What kind of construction? Is it so loud or disruptive that a reasonable person would be unable to work from home?


Title: Best way to legally get kicked out of my gym?

Question:
So I'm a member of a fancy health club in London and I've decided I want to leave. No problem there, I'm outside of my contract term and can do so upon written request. The issue here is that they require a 3 month notice period where I still have to pay until my membership lapses. I've read through the terms and this does not apply if they terminate my membership, so I'm thinking about getting kicked out.

Is there an argument to be made that the 3 month term is unreasonable? Alternatively to keep it legal I guess I can't cause them any damage or loss. How about lying down in my underwear in the lobby or something equally ridiculous?

Thanks in advance.

Topic:
Contracts

Answer: Work out in some of those recalled yoga pants. Answer #2: Try /r/shittyadvice and ask what you can do to stay as a loyal member of your gym - Either that, or just ask them nicely.


Title: I had an extraordinarily dramatic falling out with my roommate and left. She destroyed some of my stuff. What are my legal options?

Question:
The cops were called twice. First by her (she said I wasn't packing fast enough) then once by me after she threw a sealed glass soda bottle at my head.

She kicked my Xbox across the room, which is now non-functional, and she destroyed a dragon statue incense burner of mine that was a Christmas gift. I have the pieces to it and a text from her admitting she broke it on purpose. I however have NO proof that she broke the Xbox. She will just say I was pissed and did it myself.

This happened after the cops left our apartment. So the burden of truth lies squarely on me I feel. The cop seemed to sympathize with my situation while he was there and he told her *explicitly* NOT TO TOUCH MY BELONGINGS.

tl;dr Roommate detroyed my xbox and some other stuff as I was leaving. Am I able to pin a destruction of property charge on her?

Edit: Michigan

Answer:
 You can call the police if you want to file a report.  They decide if it warrants review by the DA for criminal charges.

You can also sue her for the depreciated value of the used items in small claims court.Answer #2: >  Am I able to pin a destruction of property charge on her?

Why not? If you have the police report, and proof of owning the property that was destroyed, photos of the property before and after it was destroyed and proof of the value and cost, then you should be able to bring a claim against her. Depending on the total value of your loss, you can either bring her to small claims court or, if more than the limit for small claims, charge her with something that fits the amount of damage she caused. Good Luck.


Title: Is it illegal for my employer to lie to my leasing office and tell them they're transferring me? Ohio.

Question: I'd like to move, because of some new developments in my life, but I'm currently 4 months into a 12 month lease. My only chance of getting out is if my employer transfers me >50 miles away. Would it be illegal for them to just tell the leasing office that they're transferring me to Japan, at our parent company? I won't ask if it's not legal. Not trying to break any laws.

Answer:
 Any time someone lies to gain something of value, it's very likely illegal.

Lying to help you terminate a contract could be both a criminal violation and a civil matter.


Title: Mom (60f) retired from Post Office 13 years ago and received notice that they are lowering her monthly payments and repaying themselves for an overpayment of $93,000.

Question:
San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties, CA, USA.

Hello! I'm hoping you can help send me in the right direction.

My mom recently received a letter that her monthly retirement payments were being lowered. She was medically retired from the Post Office 13 years ago after blood clots and breast cancer. She also has been receiving Social Security for disability.

Her payments now will be $525.00. The PO has also determined that she has been overpaid and they will be repaying themselves with her monthly wages in the amount of $348.85. This will leave her with a little over $100. In order to be retired originally, she had to get a letter from Social Security which approved her disability. When she received the letter from the PO she called the Dept of SS and they said 'Oh, if the PO was overpaying you, we probably were too, so we're going to investigate.'  The letter states that even if the mistake is theirs she is required to repay all of the overpaid amount.

As you can imagine this is really scary for her. She has until the 26th of this month to respond. I think she's asking someone at the local senior center for help, because she can't afford a lawyer.

Does anyone have any advice? Has this happened before? Do you know of any cases where this was fought and won on the side of the retiree?

Thank you so much for your help!!
Topic:
Disability Issues

Answer: Don't retired post office employees have their own union, or at least their own division of the main union? If so, start there tomorrow. They should be able to point you to an advocate.Answer #2: For SSDI she can obtain free legal help at the county legal aid. SSDI is based on her earned income while she was employed. It is not dependent on whether you get any other disability or retirement income. However if she was in the welfare program SSI then her income and assets would count, but you said she was overpaid so SSI would have paid her too little but she can't collect back underpayments.


Title: [IN] Won a judgement in small claims court, now how do I collect it if the defendant doesn't pay?

Question:
I recently took my former roommate to small claims court for unpaid rent. I have been paying his share of the rent and bills since he moved out in May, in addition to money he owes me for the initial down payment. On top of all this, he refuses to return his house key, which makes me very uneasy. I took him to small claims court and easily won the judgment for the money he owes. The only problem is he was not ordered to return his key because he claims he lost it. In the end he was ordered to pay for the money he owes me, and agreed that he would pay the court within 1 week. It has been over 1 week and he hasn't paid. I don't expect he will pay anytime soon, and I anticipate that I will have to garnish his wages.

How do I go about garnishing his wages? Is it as simple as filling out a form? Are there any other options that might be more effective?

Also, is there anything I can do about him not returning the key? The small claims court judge believed him when he said it was lost, but I know he still has it.

Answer:
 >The only problem is he was not ordered to return his key because he claims he lost it.

What?! How did he not get forced to pay for the locks to be changed?!


Title: [CO] (Family Law) - Being accused of being an addict, on restricted parenting schedule.

Question:
Hello there Legal Advice!

So, last year I went through a custody battle with my son's mother. My new attained girlfriend at the time knew the fine details of the entire ordeal. Now that she and I are no longer together and went through a "bad breakup", she has taken the liberty of contacting my son's mother and made **accusations that** -

* I'm addicted to narcotics due to a foot injury as well as marijuana edibles.
* Claiming I am emotionally and physically abusive in front of my son.
* I apparently left him in a high chair for two hours while playing video games with a soiled diaper.

I had received notice from a judge's order that my parenting time has been revoked down from three days a week, down to eight hours a week with a licensed therapist. Thankfully it's only for a week, but now I have to build my defense case. I have a court date for this Thursday to prove my case

* I'm not an addict and am able to provide a list of all prescriptions. Last one being prescribed to me was three months ago. **I have a print out I will be submitting as evidence to support my claims**
* I'm not addicted to marijuana edibles. I did take some, to help me fall asleep at night only when my son wasn't there. It's been about a month since I likely took anything. **I have my employer and who is able to be a character witness**
* I am not abusive in any way. **Character witnesses**
* I have never neglected my son in any way shape or form. **Character Witnesses**

**What other options do I have available to me to prove these accusations are false to the judge?**

* The last trial of the custody case, the Judge stated: The Court has some concerns about Mother’s ability to encourage the sharing of love, affection, and contact between Child and Father. The Court notes that Mother is overprotective of Child, which unfortunately has impacted his relationship with his father.

Answer: It's very hard to prove a negative, and I'm guessing mom will submit her proof in the form of testimony against you from the ex.  You REALLY need a lawyer.  If you aren't on drugs, a drug test may be useful, but ask your lawyer.  Answer #2: Do you have text messages from the ex-girlfriend saying either 1) you are amazing, wonderful father/boyfriend that she loves so much and you are the greatest thing on this planet, blah, blah, blah, etc. or 2) she will ruin your life by telling your son's mother you do drugs, are abusive and neglectful? We have used texts messages against vindictive women at our law firm.


Title: If someone is arrested for trafficking and weapons charges and released within 2 days with all charges disposed, does it mean that they most likely have turned CI?

Question:
Edit to satisfy the bot:  This is in South Carolina

I have a former coworker that was arrested for trafficking cocaine over 28g, meth over 10g, and weapon possession during a violent crime charge.

After 2 days in jail he was released and the charges are listed as disposed on the jail's website.

I don't know if that means they dropped the charges becasue someone else in the group he was arrested with took the heat for everyone, or if he made a deal to get them more people. I don't understand how someone with that many charges can just be released in such a short time with everything disposed. If he went the confidential informant route wouldn't they scrub the booking from their jail's website so if his dealers, or new buyers, looked him up they wouldn't see such a sketchy catch and release?

The jail's site will list people's status as "pre-trial" or "sentenced," I guess depending on their first talk to a judge and how they plead. Could him having a status of "disposed" mean that, in those couple of days, he saw a judge and pled guilty to lower charges so these charges are technically disposed? He's out and about so could he just be waiting for sentencing but out on bail?

I'm curious to how these things work out legally and I don't understand how his jail website listing status of "disposed" and him being out of jail mesh up.

Edit: I need to step out for about an hour or  two so I will be back to answer questions then.  Hopefully that will be enough time for this to get what little traction/attention it will, and a few answers/followup questions will have been made.

Answer:
 No.

1.) If it was that obvious, then anyone could figure it out and the CI would be useless.

2.) Once the charges are dismissed, then the CI has no reason to keep helping.Answer #2: > I don't understand how someone with that many charges can just be released in such a short time with everything disposed

Search was found to be illegal? Off the top of my head. Answer #3: charges get dropped all the time, nothing all that weird here. Probably don't engage in drug transactions with this guy for awhile, he is not good at getting away with it.


Title: Father giving away thousands without mother’s permission

Question:
Hey all I appreciate any help or suggestions.

For the past few months my dad has given away around $4,000 & an older car (worth probably about $4-6k) to a 20-something guy. This has all been hidden from mother and she is just now finding out.

The guy receiving the money is, as far as I know, a former drug addict who my dad met through a rehab program at his church.

I understand him wanting to help this guy get back on his feet, but my parents are not and all in the place to be giving away money. My dad has been notified that he will soon loose his factory job and they do not have enough in savings to last too long.

All of this had been hidden from my mother as he knows she would not approve. Their relationship has not been in a good place for a long time and it feels to me like divorce is imminent. When she confronted my dad about this today he said something like this is all his money to begin with so he will do what he wants with it.

What avenues does my mother have to protect  the little money they have left?

It’s also worth noting that she does have a side business that does pretty well selling custom goods on Etsy and that money is kept in a separate account.

Thank you for your time!

Answer:
 How long has divorce been imminent? If your mom believes he's giving away marital assets to keep her from getting anything (or worse, is committing fraud and expects to get the money and car back after the divorce), then she needs a lawyer *right now* to file for divorce and speak to a judge.Answer #2: This is divorce lawyer time. Full stop.

And unfortunately in this process your mom/you may learn some uncomfortable things. Answer #3: Is he having an affair with this person? Or, is your Dad doing drugs and paying this person for them?Answer #4: It’s the same as if mom went to take out money. Anyone on that account can do so. The only thing mom could do is start taking money out and hiding it. It doesn’t matter how much is in moms separate account, they are married so it’s half dads as well.


Title: [fl] wife diagnosed with psychosis, refuses to take medication, we have 2 small kids and im worried about them.

Question: We live together but we are divorced, she got the kids in the divorce but we got back together, now im worried about the things she says and does around the kids, what can i do? Can the department of children and family require her to take her medication or else they will give them to me? Can i get custody if her doctor can provide prove of her situation? Im desperate and worried about my kids, we have a 7 year old and a 3 year old, she won’t listen to friends or family and doesn’t trust anybody anymore, she thinks everybody is her enemy. Please help,

Answer:
 No one can force anyone to take medication. You need to talk to an attorney tomorrow and get those kids out of there if it isn't safe. Answer #2: Standard IANAL. You can report her behavior and medical noncompliance to her psychiatrist/whoever diagnosed her, and she may get Baker Acted. If she becomes violent  episode, call the police immediately. You can also contact APS.  Psychotic disorders aren't anything to fuck with, and 100% need medication to manage them.
I cannot speak to anything custody related.


Title: [Ohio, US] Is it politically protected speech if I were to make a podcast called "(Politician Name Here)- Super-Pac Man", and then criticize the politician's supporting PACs? As in, would I be violating the trademark for Pac-Man?

Question:
Topic:
Intellectual Property

Answer: 1) be careful that everything you say is 100% true; 2) probably would be parody, maybe emphasizes the "super PAC" slight pause "man" to make it clear; 3) it's somewhat ironic that you're asking if it's protected free speech to critize another for using protected free speech.


Title: What are the legal options for purchasing a home from a family member?

Question: My wife and I are looking for a house ~275 to 300 thousand dollars. My aunt has a 375 to 400 k home that needs about 60 K repair and cleaning (hoarding) and has sat vacant for over a year. They are desperate to get rid of the house as they have been paying 2 mortgages as they still have 7 years left on their mortgage for the home we'd like to buy. What are our legal options?

Answer: A home empty for a year will have additional issues.  Seals will have dried out in sinks and toilets, pipes may have frozen due to no one being there to notice the heat being off, and it may take over 6 months to clean out (my grandmother was a hoarder and i bought her house)


Title: Can I get out of my lease and not have to pay thousands of dollars?

Question:
I am in Texas.

To be perfectly honest I want out of my lease. I asked several months ago if they would let me out and was told I would have to pay reletting fees and so forth that will equal 2000-3000 dollars so I’m trying to find a way to get out of it without having to pay the fees. My lease is not up until March of 2019

There was a leak that I contacted them about as soon as I noticed it. They sent someone out promptly who said it was the bathtub and would fix it.

Apparently it was a crappy plumber because it was not fixed. I called each and every time I noticed water and they sent the same crappy plumber out and in the mean time mold grew in two bathrooms, a hall closet, and a closet that contains the ac and water heater.

The crappy plumber came out 3 separate times.

When I first noticed the mold growing I took pictures and contacted the office immediately and they sent someone out to fix it within a week.

But they didn’t actually fix it. They just painted over the mold and within a few weeks it was back. And yes. I took pictures then too. And yes. I called the office again. Who sent out the same shitty person who just painted over it yet again. And yes. I have pictures of everything.

There was a water leak once again and they FINALLY called a different plumber who said it was the toilet and fixed that. I’m hopeful that it’s truly fixed now, but I’m not holding my breath.

The mold is back.

I was not present for the other times they came in to ‘fix’ the mold.

So now it’s the third time and it does look like they are truly fixing it. I watched them remove baseboards and parts of the wall.

I also explained to the office that they need to make sure to shut the front door when they are coming in and out because I have a cat who can and will get out. She assured me she would email the contractor to make sure he knew not to leave the front door open.

The main contractor came today and I showed him what all needed to be fixed and made sure to explain to him that they needed to keep the front door shut because of the cat.

I have a camera in my home focused on the front door and it shows the contractors not shutting the door whatsoever.

I left to run some errands and the camera picks up them not shutting the door. I came home and spoke to the guys and told them they needed to shut the front door and explained why.  Sometimes there is a language barrier so I asked the guy if he spoke English, he said he did and speaking to him gave me the impression he understood me 100% when I said the door has to be shut.

When I left again the camera shows them not shutting the door.

Locking the cats in a room isn’t an option. They are fixing the bathroom in the master as well as the one in the hallway. And trying to get a cat in a carrier and make them stay there all day long really isn’t an option either......shutting the front door is though....

They also need to replace the flooring thanks to the leak as well as the carpet and padding in the master.  I’d like to be here when they do it because I don’t trust that they will shut the door AND I was told if I wasn’t there I would have to sign a waiver with the flooring guys that would not hold them liable if anything went missing while they were there. I can not afford to take off work and the flooring guys only work Mondays Tuesdays or Wednesday’s. Never weekends.

There is also rampant drug deals that I catch on my outdoor camera and I’ve spoken to the office AND the police about and no one seems to care. The cops don’t want to review the camera. There was also a sexual assault in my building at the first of the month and again last night. The gates that they advertise about as amenities are broken more times than they are fixed and are broken right now.

On top of all of this the mold is making me sick. I have allergies, it’s horrible right now. And I’ve had to make several doctors visits due to the mold.

I would much rather move to a safer complex closer to work than stay here. I do not feel safe. Is there anything I can do or say to get out of my lease because of all of the mold/Leak and not have to pay the reletting fees?  Or am I just going to have to live with all of this until March?

Answer: You have no grounds to break the lease. Sorry.


Title: really annoyed with fedex anything i can do?

Question:
(Im not sure what other civil matters flair tag is..the others didnt seem to fit & i didnt know where else to ask where people may actually know what to do"

I ordered my kids a couple of gifts from walmart. It was shipped by fedex. One delivery i was outside on my porch & recieved it. The next delivery i was home & most likely up but never heard a knock or anything. My package was delivered Fedex said & that has to mean left on my porch & some grinch had to of stolen it.

Im really...REALLY quite upset over this as it contained my 4 year olds 2 christmas gifts in it. I can replace one but not the main one as it took two months of saving to get. My husband was involved in a bike wreck & out of work july-oct & the hospital bills are eating us alive plus playing catch up on other bills.

Fedex basically is acting like its no big deal. They HAVE been warned in area of people who follow their trucks & watch for packages to be dropped off & then steal. It doesnt make sense to keep doing it :( ive never used fedex before this & hate them now because im really gutted now my sons present is gone & i was happy wecould buy him it because he loves dinosaurs from watching jurrasic park. Is there anything I can do legally? Im in mississippi. I already put in a complaint to our local PD(thats how i found out fedex knows thieves are following them).

Topic:
Other Civil Matters

Answer: Unless a signature was required, they can leave it on your porch. You should call Walmart and tell them you never received the package.


Title: Can I use a hotel's gym that I'm not staying at?

Question: The hotel's gym that I'm staying at only has cardio machines and 8lb dumbells, so I walked to the other hotel and they had two benches, a cable machine, 50lb dumbells and everything else you can imagine. Could I get kicked out for working out there?

Answer: Yes, they can kick you out. They can also let you use their gym if they want. That's up to them. You're not paying.Answer #2: That's like asking if you can legally walk into someone's house that you don't know and sit down to watch tv.


Title: I was hit by a car last week, I'm in pain & it's gotten worse over the last few days, but I have no idea what to do.

Question: [deleted]

Answer: Give them your insurance. They will go after hers. Focus on recovery not what insurance policy to bill. This is why you have insurance. Get yourself to the doctor pronto.


Title: A dog bit me in the face last night requiring 23 stitches. Denver Colorado

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Dog Law specialist here.

Oh, dear.

First, continue to consult the attorney you've hired. Good work.

Secondly, the bar is likely not directly liable, but given that it did happen on their premises, they could well be named in a suit.

The exact compensation figure is going to vary wildly.


Title: Landlord selling the house we're renting. What rights does he have regarding showing the house to potential buyers while occupied? (California)

Question:
So a few weeks ago our landlord told us that he is going to be selling the house we're renting. No problem, I've been wanting to move anyway. I already have some potential places lined up, but it's going to be a few weeks until I can get ready to actually move.

Now he has informed us that he will be starting to give walkthroughs of the house starting next week. I take issue with this, because I don't feel comfortable having strangers walking through my home. I'm a fairly private person, and I just generally don't feel comfortable with this.

So, from a legal standpoint, what is he allowed to do? Since he owns the property, is he allowed to show the house whenever he wants? Does he have to give us advance notice every time he shows the house, and if so, how long does that notice need to be? Are there any rules in relation to things like closets, cabinets, etc?

I'm very irritated and feel incredibly violated at the thought of strangers going through my personal space. What are my options? I'm not looking to lawyer up over this, but I'd just like to get a good grasp of what my rights are as a tenant. I understand that this is his property, but it's still my home. He has practically begged us to stay until it's sold (He framed it as a "favor" to us, but in reality I know he just wants to keep the rent checks flowing since we always pay on time.), but this is the last straw, I'm moving as soon as humanly possible. In the mean time, any advice is greatly appreciated.

Answer: In California it’s 24 hours notice (reasonable notice). It can be given verbally or in writing. Unless your rental agreement states otherwise.


Title: probation advice

Question: Hey everybody! so back in December I got a disturbing the peace charge which fell under domestic violence  (gf and I were fighting, got a little heated and yelled. neighbors called the cops. spent 6 days in jail and now have a year of probation) any ways it's so crazy the system these days. I have to take 7 u.a test a month and attend 8 classes a month on d.v. all totalling over 400$ in cost every month. I'm pretty much to the point where I either get to eat, or I get to complie with probation. my p.o gave me vouchers for a month but just told me today that the state will no longer pay for my treatment (so you're telling me that you're forcing me to do all these classes and test. and then when I don't have the money to pay you threaten me with jail time? seems like a giant scam to me) any ways I was wondering if there is any way to fight my p.o and get more vouchers or maybe even possibly serve some jail time to end the probation? I live in Denver Colorado for some background and have no knowledge in law so any advice would be amazing. thank you:)

Answer:
 <--Probation employee for 23 years here.

First off, your PO isn't forcing you to do anything. A PO is tasked with enforcing a court order. When you were in court, you likely had the option of completing your sentence in jail or having the sentenced probated over a year term. Obviously you took the probation term. It is also likely that you were given a copy of your court order which outlined the things the court required from you. If you accepted the probation term, then you told the court either in person or by virtue of your signature, that you would comply with these terms.

Think of it like buying a car. When you sign a contract at a dealership to finance a car, you accept the terms they give you, and if you fail to comply, your car gets repossessed and you take a huge hit to your credit and if the car isn't worth what you owe on it and they sell it for less, you will be sued for the remaining balance.

This "scam" from the "master overlords" can easily be ended right now. Just tell your PO you don't intend on complying with your court order. He will set up a hearing with his supervisor and they will recommend a motion to revoke probation and the judge will sentence you to serve out your sentence in jail.

Of course, you could find ways to comply with the court order like getting a second job or a better job or contact local charities or churches or food banks for help. But honestly you sound like you want to vent about how you are being unjustly persecuted. If that is so, good luck and I hope things go well for you.


Title: Could a lawyer help me recover proof of contact from a DOC facility? [CT]

Question: I wasn’t sure how to explain this in the title. Basically my ex is in DOC custody and called me numerous times (hundreds) while we had two protective orders in place, which stated no contact of any kind. I called DOC a few times and finally got them to block my number from his facility, but when I said I was going to file a police report, they weren’t exactly helpful. They told me that obviously I can do whatever I want, but since my ex was using other inmates PIN numbers to access the phone, on their end they can’t prove it was him. They wouldn’t punish him internally due to lack of proof so I’d imagine they don’t have much to offer to the police. I realized later that there’s likely cameras that could show him on the phone (matching my phone records) and the calls are supposed to be recorded (I have answered before, so his voice would be on there). A family friend told me I might have luck if I got a lawyer to help me- maybe to write a letter or something to the facility? I’m not really sure which is why I’m posting here. Would a lawyer be of any help here? I feel like DOC could produce proof if need be but kinda blew me off when I talked to them. Would it be better to just file a police report and let them handle it?

Answer:
 > Would it be better to just file a police report and let them handle it?

Yeah, that's all you have.

Violation of a protective order is a criminal matter.  DOC doesn't owe you any items, records, recordings or anything else.  The police, through investigating the crime, may choose to retrieve those.


Title: Engaged and I'm worried he committed bank fraud..... Advice please

Question:
Need some advice here until I speak with a lawyer this week. Short story.  I'm engaged.  My fiancé has his own business. He took a business loan and it was set up that any time he would be able to draw from it...he would have to submit receipts for approval and be reimbursed. Otherwise he couldn't get the full 150k.

I recently found out he took some of my invoices for my own business and submitted it.  He told me that the bank would be calling for my routing number and account.  I asked why?  He said because they were reimbursing him...and he wanted me to give him the cash.

But I never charged him for any services. He made it up.  I told him I was very nervous about what he was doing.  He said that it didn't matter....the banker told him he could always keep the cash if he returned something or canceled a service.

It's very clear the banker has NO idea we are engaged.  He thinks I am just a contractor who needs to be paid.  My fiancé has access to my business account to0 (he's a registered agent on my business) and I saw that this has already been done.  He got the money out and told me this is absolutely no big deal.

I told him I was terrified this was bank fraud. He said that I'm insane and that I should calm down and stop trying to set him up or accuse him of crimes he hasn't committed.

Could I get in trouble here?  He says there is absolutely nothing wrong and the banker has allowed him to return computers etc before and keep the cash.

Thoughts?

Answer:
 Yes. You could get in trouble here.

Your "fiance" is committing felony fraud with amounts like that. Answer #2: In addition to what sounds like some form of financial fraud, your fiancé’s response to your valid concerns was to gaslight you and try to turn himself into the victim.

I suggest you speak to a business or criminal attorney regarding reporting the fraud suspicions, and a divorce attorney about how to disentangle yourself, your business and your finances from him. Answer #3: I've read through most of the replies and I'm presuming that you're breaking up with him. Before you break up with him, make sure that he no longer has access to your buisness account, or any of your bank accounts! Better safe than sorry. Answer #4: Someone else posted a very similar question months ago (reddit search I'll never find it) It was a few years later in their relationship and things had started going downhill.

Yeah, it's loan fraud. There are plenty of loans that don't have this requirement. If you want cash without the disbursement hoops you get a different type of loan.

Speak with a lawyer and consider removing him as an agent of your business.


Title: Interstate age of consent laws

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 > Im not going just to have sex but it could happen

No, it won't.  You're an adult, act like it.

As is, interstate travel to have sex with someone under 18 is illegal federally, in addition to your conduct potentially being illegal in whatever state you do it in.

Answer #2: You'd be looking at **minimum** 10 years in prison and registering as a sex offender. And if you met her online they'll probably give you a lifetime internet ban too. Answer #3: > I've been with a girl for a very long time

> I turned 18 last month and shes 15 turning 16

.....Answer #4: Nope. You can't do this anymore. Answer #5: You're in child molestation territory, dude. Sex offender registry for life, jail time.

Drop her like a bad habit. No phone calls, no Skype, no text messages, and definitely no texting photos. Call her after she's 18. Answer #6: https://www.colorado-sex-crimes-lawyer.com/sex-crimes-elements-and-legal-definitions/18-3-402-2011-sexual-assault

It would appear that you would be in the clear to have consensual sex with her in Colorado if you were an established resident of Colorado.

However, it is against federal law to leave your state or the USA to have sex with a minor. http://www.crimlawla.com/category/federal-crime-areas-of-practice/travel-for-sex-with-a-minor

> If I visited and her mother didn't approve of it

If her mother approves of it, there are possibly legal consequences for her.

Her mother doesn't get to decide whether to pimp her daughter out to sex with you.  The federal government will likely prosecute you if it finds out.

Cancel your visit. Go no contact now. These decisions today will preserve your liberty and ability to earn a living.


Title: I quit and my employer retroactively cut my wage before my final paycheck

Question: My boss was threatening me to cut my wage, so I quit and didn’t work a day after. When I received my final paycheck I noticed my wage was cut. They retroactively cut my pay, what legal recourse do I have?

Answer:
 That is illegal. You can file a DOL wage claim in your state to get the money back. Answer #2: I recognize your username;  you've been posting about the fallout of your ragequit and your manager's shitty behavior for a couple of days.

Since you are in Washington State, you can make a wage claim through the [Department of Labor and Industries](https://www.lni.wa.gov/WorkplaceRights/ComplainDiscrim/WRComplaint/default.asp).    They're pretty good about making employers pay up.

It's going to be hot as heck all weekend.   If you can afford some ice and cheap beer and time with friends, avail yourself of those.    Losing a job sucks, but the job market in damn near every discipline is very strong in the Puget Sound area.   Start looking for another job on Monday.    Spend this weekend finding a way to shed that anger you're carrying around.Answer #3: They can change your pay going forward, but for hours already worked, it is illegal to retroactively cut the pay.

For practical purpose, before I filed a DOL complaint, I would give them one last opportunity by emailing them the DOL regulation that it’s illegal to retroactively cut someone’s wages. Like in a “you’re probably already aware, this is against regulations” sort of way.  If they don’t respond by paying up then file the complaint.

Unless you’re up against the deadline to file a DOL complaint in which case file it now.

The reason you might want to try to work this out directly with them first is because, depending on how much your paycheck was short, you may not think it worth the risk to potentially get a reputation in your industry as a person who would file DOL complaints. Wrong or not, employers are leery of that.


Title: Indiana. Can I have a security camera look out my window to watch over my car in an apartment complex?

Question: Car has had tires slashed before, apartment cameras don't work or didn't catch what happened. Am I legally allowed to put a camera in my 2nd story window aiming at my car and have it record?

Answer: In general, if you're recording something occurring in public, from a place you have the right to be, you're fine.  Your complex may have rules against it, and if so you could be disciplined or evicted.


Title: My girlfriend's boss wants to make her pay for his mistake.

Question: Hey reddit! This is my first post on this sub. My girlfriend and I live in Maui, Hawaii and she serves in a restaurant in town. A few months ago she made the [apparent] mistake of charging a customers meal using their discover card only to find out later that the restaurant does not accept discover, even though their computer system cleared it and printed out a ticket that said it was approved. It was only $20 dollars but she was forced to pay for the meal out of pocket. Well, fast forward to tonight and it happened again. It was really busy and she didn't double check before running the card. It was a discover card, and the tab was over $100 dollars. She is worried that they are going to try and make her pay for the whole tab again, and we just can't afford it. Is this legal? Can't we blame him for not setting up the computer system to not accept discover? Thanks for any advice!

Answer:
 IANAL, but i do have experience with dealing with processing credit card companies as a business, and transaction fees.

If the credit card machine approved the transaction, then the restaurant DOES accept discover card in actuality. They may elect not to do so in practice due to Discover having the highest fees of the 4 major brands, but that doesn't mean they aren't getting paid.

If the transaction approved, the restaurant still got paid their $20 and more recently their $100. If they forced her to pay for the meal (and no doubt didn't pay out her tip) they ripped her off. If they try it again with the $100 check, they will be ripping her off again.

Any employer who willingly steals from their employees to make a quick $20 is a terrible employer and she should start looking for a new job immediately. That being said, they cannot legally compel her to pay $100, they can't even legally compel her to pay the difference in credit card processing fees between discover and the cards they do accept (less than $1 almost certainly).


Title: A girl slightly injured me during sex--is she liable to pay my medical bills?

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 I'm assuming you agreed to allow her to bite your thumb? (I can't believe I just typed that sentence.)

Consenting to biting suggests you agreed to damage caused by that biting. Especially if you did not discuss the  biting terms (how long, what kind of biting was acceptable, where to bite, etc.). You could ask her to pay, but really?


Title: What’s the worst that could happen if I stole my moms credit card to buy a ferret? Could she throw me in jail?

Question:
Topic:
Juvenile and Youth Law

Answer:
 Fraud is pretty serious. Theft is pretty serious. Pet ownership in itself is pretty serious.

If you're almost an adult, why not have enough respect for another person's money and not commit a crime and wait until you have your own ability to buy whatever you want. Not to mention ferrets are expensive and not a one time expensive - food, housing, bedding, washing, etc will add up.Answer #2: How old are you? Where are you located?


Title: Money went down conveyor belt

Question:
I was buying groceries and I laid 150 dollars on the conveyor belt to check my purse and accidently it went down the conveyor belt the store would not do anything to retrieve it they were outright hostile so I called the police and they said it was a civil dispute what do I do in this scenario?

EDIT: Am in canada ontario

Answer:
 Keep escalating with management, then contact corporate if they won't help you. They can absolutely take apart the belt to retrieve the money, it's just a pain in the ass and they don't want to do it. They almost certainly have it on camera to prove the money exists and belongs to you, you just need to find someone who's willing to help you. I sincerely doubt that literally everyone who works there is a raging asshole.

If you really can't get anywhere with them, go to the police station in person and explain the situation so they can't just ignore you or brush you off.

Also, as a former cashier, for the love of god DON'T PUT FLAT OBJECTS DOWN ON THE BELT.


Title: [Indiana] CPS report filed and we received are copy. We are SHOCKED at the report.

Question:
I had originally posted a few weeks back on a separate thread about my husband's situation.

http://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/comments/347yw8/my_husband_28m_and_i_27f_received_a_call_from/

Long story short: CPS called. Allegations of drug use/unfit living conditions in the home where my 5-year-old step son lives. CPS informed us, asked if we had any information, and completed their report. Report was mailed to us. BOTH the mother and step-dad have (had) been using heroin. My stepson had apparently showed someone that he knew how to "shoot up", making us believe that someone at his preschool reported the parents. CPS did NOT ask us to take custody, but we would have in a heartbeat. CPS is instead allowing the children to stay at the home, and even says that part of a safety plan set up with the parents is to find childcare for the children while they are on drugs?!?! WHAT IN THE HECK?! Also, both parents are unemployed (they did not tell us, the CPS report says that they are both seeking employment). I am a teacher with a master's degree, currently working full time. My husband just started a new full-time position and is a social worker. WE WANT CUSTODY. THIS IS CRAZY. Why on Earth would CPS allow these children to stay in this environment?! A friend of mine that is an attorney in Indiana but in a different part of the state is baffled as well.

I just... I want to cry really. For my step-son. He is such a sweet, smart little boy, and it breaks my heart that he even knows what it means to "shoot up" or how people do drugs like heroin. And from the report, the parents took turns doing drugs while the other apparently watched the kids... We don't know what to do or where to turn. Trying to contact an attorney in the area where they live at the moment, but that could take a couple days to find someone, explain the situation and get set up. Not sure if we would win an emergency custody situation either, as CPS did not see the need to remove the children. Please, if ANYONE can give us advice on how we would even be able to proceed with this, I would appreciate it. WE WANT OUR SON (my stepson). WE LOVE HIM. We can provide a stable environment with no drugs, a clean house, insurance, etc.

If more information is needed I will try to provide what I can (within reason). Thank you.

EDIT: Linked to original post. Hoping I did it right.

Answer:
 CPS does its own thing, but why doesn't your husband consult a family law attorney about seeking a modification to the custody order?Answer #2: Former Indiana CPS worker here.  Despite the stereotype that CPS snatches up children at the drop of a hat, removing a child from their parents is incredibly difficult.

First of all, there has to be demonstrable evidence of the children being in immediate danger.  Even if the case worker makes that determination at the time, they have to present their evidence to a judge within 24 hours who can reject the evidence and return the children.

I've done quality assurance audits in a number of counties in the state in the past.  If you can give the county where this was investigated, I might be able to offer additional insight. Answer #3: What does your husband's custody order say regarding parenting time and custody of his son?


Title: [Tennessee] is there any way to be legally emancipated/legally independent without parental consent?

Question: My boyfriend and I are both minors but we both work and have a decent, constant source of income. His parents are not very nice people and are addicts. I would like to figure out a way for him to become independent without any DCS involvement or any potential trouble involving his parents due to his younger sister with autism. He’s 17 and has paid all his family’s bills for some time now and could prove it if necessary. I’ve tried researching laws and stuff on my own but I can’t find anything useful for my situation. Any help or advice is greatly appreciated!!!

Answer:
 Emancipation is not a process to address abuse or neglect.

I am not sure that I am following your logic that having a younger child with autism precludes the use of DCS involvement.

If anything, it necessitates involvement.

If your boyfriend becomes emancipated (he won't), it would just leave a minor with special needs at the mercy of drug addicted, abusive parents.Answer #2: Wait until he's 18.

The legal process for emancipation is not quick or easy. It would very likely take longer than a year anyway.


Title: California - I lost my check and my employer refuses to print me another one.

Question: Like the title says, I think my check must have fallen out of my backpack when I was biking home from my workplace, when I asked my boss for another copy, he essentially said "that's not my problem". Do I have a right to a reprint? Can I report him to the DOL? CA, Los Angeles County.

Answer:
 Yes, you can reach out to the DOL, though I would start by establishing more of a paper trail. Send a certified letter requesting a stop payment on the old check and requesting a new check and give your boss time to respond.Answer #2: Yes, they have to issue you another one.

Seriously you need to find another job. This is a total "jerk move" by the boss, over something very minor. Can you imagine the horrors if something serious actually happened?


Title: Can my employer tell me to find a new doctor? (Minnesota)

Question: I'm immunosuppressed and have taken a lot of sick days this year due to sinus infections, which I can't seem to shake. I still have sick days remaining, and always provided a note when required. After a single sick day, my HR person told me that it was clear that my doctor was not helping me and I should see a new one. Is this legal? Can they refuse future job notes from my doctor? Do I have any recourse?

Answer: OK, it doesn't sound like from what you said that the Official Word from HR is that you MUST find a new doctor.  It sounds like from what you wrote, the person who you were talking to, who happens to work in HR, said you should see a new doctor.  Which if I was sitting next to you in a bar, I'd say the same thing if I heard your story.


Title: [MT] Lady is mad that I returned her dog and won't tell her where I got it. When does her antics cross the line into harassment?

Question:
**TL;DR**: I returned a missing dog to a lady as a third party. Now she is showing up at my apartment threatening to call the cops and "press charges". (I know she can't press charges, the DA does that.) When does this become harassment? Should I file a report?

Long version...

Yesterday I had a friend come over and he explained that there was a dog that followed his wife home. They live near a highway and it had no collar on and it was supposed to get down to really cold and snowing (we're under a winter storm warning) that night. So she brought it in while she tried to figure out what to do with it and who it belonged to. The pound was closed so she couldn't have someone take it there.

He told me that they figured out who the owner of the dog was, that she was saying they stole the dog, and that Dog Lady was going to have them arrested for stealing her dog (Someone saw my friend with the dog). He said she was posting about it on Facebook.

They asked for my help in returning the dog since I am a Reverend, they can confide in me, and I am always there for them. They wanted to remain anonymous and just return the dog. No reward. Just wanted to give the dog back.

I said no to the first plan (which is irrelevant for this post) and just looked up the post on Facebook. A mutual friend of mine and Dog Lady had posted that the dog was missing and there was a reward. There was a sob story to it but I skipped that and messaged her asking where to take the dog to return it. She gave me Dog Ladies number.

I asked my son to come with me because I needed to drive (I have to have someone with me to drive). We went to friend's house and they gave me the dog. We went back to my apartment.

I called the lady and said, "I have your dog. I want to return it. I do not want a reward. I just want you to have your dog back." She asked my name and I told her my full name. I also explained that I am returning the dog for a friend (because they are terrified of the lady)

She asked where I was and I told her, "I am at this spot, in this car, across from this building." and she said she would be there is a second. Okay.

She shows up with a guy (assuming husband), I get out and she takes the dog, loves on it, cries a bit. I looked at the guy and I said, "I do NOT want a reward. That isn't why I am doing this." He nods like, "Oh okay. Cool." I was starting to feel bad for her when she stood up and said, "I want names!" I said I wasn't telling her names but they said they found the dog... she cuts me off and said that they stole the dog from her yard. (My friends have no idea where she lives and neither do I).

At this point she is obviously pissed and I am just trying to get back in my car so I could park it and go inside. She tells me she is going to call the police and this and that and finally I said, "So call them. I am not giving names. Period. You got your dog. Have a nice day." The guy says, "Thank you" and starts tugging Dog Lady away towards their vehicle.

I hop in my car, lock the doors, and waited for them to leave. I parked, went inside, let my friends know she got the dog, and all was good.

TODAY: They found her kids (8 and 9 years old) and started interrogating them about the dog, showed up at friends house and threatened her about calling the police and pressing charges.

Then showed up at my apartment looking for my son and started saying that she just wants the truth. And asked did our friends steal the dog. He says no. She says, "I have been fair and given everyone a chance. I didn't even call the police but I am going to if I don't get the truth." At which point I step in and tell her to knock it off, stop showing up at my door, this is fucking ridiculous, leave and do not come back. Then slammed the door in her face, locked it, and had an anxiety attack. I am calming down now.

We are all thinking of going to the police but we aren't sure if this is harassment yet or if she needs to come over a few more times.

Legal questions are: Is this harassment yet? Is there anything they can do to us for returning her dog? Having her dog? Or anything else? Should I still file a police report?

Slight rambling: The lady is seriously making my anxiety worse today. I can't handle this crap. This is why I stay to myself and have very few friends. The drama is absolutely stupid here. I have been shaking for an hour.

Answer:
 Don't feed the trolls here.

Call her bluff. Tell her to stop harassing you and go to the police if she insists, but never to contact you again or you'll be the one filing a police complaint.

Sheesh. No good deed goes unpunished.  Answer #2: ITT: People who can't understand that dogs sometimes escape fences all by themselves, no human assistance required.Answer #3: Is this Montana?Answer #4: You're a reverend, which gives you an ace if you want to play it. If someone tells you something under the "seal of the confessional" (what it's called in my jurisdiction) it's ILLEGAL for you to tell anyone else.

Did the finders ask you to hear their story under the "seal of the confessional", specifically authorizing you to reveal ONLY that the dog had been found beside the highway in freezing weather (it's life was in danger if not removed from the location) and they couldn't take it to the organization which normally deals with lost dogs because they were closed at the time?

Of course, with the woman's reaction, next time her dog gets loose people won't try to rescue it, and her pupsicle will be found the next day.Answer #5: Tell her ( Madame go pound sand ) the police will be highly irritated with her wasting there time for a dog that got found feed and returned to her happy and healthy . Geez


Title: What Do I Do?: Questionable Practices from Used Car Dealership

Question:
Hey guys, I need some advice.

So three weeks ago I traveled from Athens, GA to Augusta, GA (~2 hours) to shop for a used car. I already planned to pay the full price of the vehicle via cashiers check. So I found the car I wanted, which happened to be at a used car lot located in North August, SC (confusing, I know).

Everything went great. We signed the papers and handed over the cashiers check for the amount of $5,850.00. The girl handling our paperwork must've been new because she kept asking another employee how to proceed with certain things. When we handed her the check, the other employee informed us: "Okay we are going to hold the car title until the check clears and then mail it to you within 10 days."

Okay, so there's obviously no reason for holding the title until a cashiers check clears, because that's not how cashiers checks work. But we were being stupid and in a hurry, so we just said "okay" and left with my new car and without the title.

Fast forward to present day: Still no title in the mail. So, I called the dealership yesterday at 4:47 PM and a woman answered. I said: "Hello, I bought my car from you over two weeks ago with a cashiers check and you told me I'd receive the title within 10 days, but I haven't gotten it yet" — I also gave her the my boyfriend's name because it was his cashiers check — She replied: "Okay let me check on that for you and I will mail the title tomorrow!" Okay, nice. I'm patient. No problem.

Well, my boyfriend got home from work and said he received a voicemail from the dealership at 4:56 PM (about 10 mins after my call). He sent me the voicemail and it was from the same Woman, saying: "Hi [bf's name], if you can come in, I can give you your title and take the GPS off your car [the car I purchased]".

Okay, couple things:

• Neither of us can just up and drive 2 hours to pick up the title. They told us it would arrive by mail in the first place anyway! Also, isn't failing to realize that a cashiers check means we walk out with the title after purchasing their fault?

• I know these private dealerships put GPS on financed cars to repo them if a payment is missed, but we didn't finance so shouldn't they have removed the GPS before we left? Also, we were never told about a GPS being on the car, and I'm about to look over the forms to see if it's mentioned (I don't think it is). Again, isn't this *their* responsibility?

So what do I do? They open in an hour and I'm going to call them. I would like some advice on the best way to approach this.

Thanks in advance!

Answer: If you want the title, drive over there. They hold all the cards. They want their GPS back and are going to use the title as leverage over you until you comply. "Used car dealers+integrity=NEVER!"


Title: Rogue GAL continuing to fleece us even after the case had been closed. Over $5000.00 already paid and she's wanting more.

Question:
A little over two years ago my wife took her ex to court over custody. After a little under a year of nothing happening the court case got going in early September of 2017. In the first few hearings my wife and her ex were asked by their judge if they'd like a GAL, my wife said yes her ex said no on the grounds that he'd just had CPS called on him and was cleared by them, this was news to my wife as we had no idea this had ever happened. The judge assigned a GAL and split the cost between them. About 2-3 weeks later CPS shows up at our door with claims that my step-daughter, who's only 8 at the time, told the wife of my wife's ex that I'd sexually abused her and that she told them the same thing, so I was interviewed and after a few hours they left, leaving the kids with us the next day the GAL comes out for her home inspection we tell her about what happens she makes a note of it and leaves as well. A month later I go in for my interview with her I answer her questions to the best of my ability she's asked about the claims I tell her they're false we move on the interview finishes. The next day she filled an emergency order to have the kids removed and they're taken away and given to their dad. My wife's lawyer files to have them returned the judge, and GAL, agree but only if I'm out of the house. So I leave and move into an RV in October in the North. They GAL requests a forensic interview which she goes to and reveals that not only was what she said not true but her step mother told her to say it or they'd never get to see their dad again. GAL chooses to not believe it and decides that she needed to see a counselor we sent her and the counselor said nothing has happened, wasn't good enough for the GAL, she wants her to see another counselor we send her, same story. It's deep into winter now and the GAL decides that counselors aren't good enough she needs to go to a psychiatrist that specializes in children's sexual abuse, we send her. The specialist says she's a normal could that is being heavily effected by what's going on. All counselors say my being out of the house is hurting them. Meanwhile their dad and step mother and busy filling their heads with all kinds of crap. So, the GAL decides after all of that that I'm not safe to be around them because I have combat related PTSD I get both my counselor, whom I've been seeing for nearly a decade at that time, and a psychiatrist to write letters for me and they do. Not good enough GAL wants copies of my medical records I supply her with everything, I have nothing to hide. Finally I get to come home butt not because the GAL allows it but because my wife's lawyer tells her that if we don't get rid of this GAL she's just going to keep stringing it out so my wife agrees to the GALs demands of giving her ex shared custody and residential parent. They signed the papers a few months ago and I was finally allows to move back in after 8 months of living in the RV through the winter. Today we got another letter in the mail it's the GAL demanding another $1200.00. is there anyone I can write about this? Anyone I can talk to to hold this person accountable? Or am I just at the will of this GAL and her greedy desires to keep squeezing as much as she can out of us. I'm a disabled veteran I only have so much money. I've had to sell my house and all of my things to cover all of these expenses because it wasn't just her I had to pay all the counselors and specialists, my wife's lawyer, food for two places, propane for myself so I would freeze to death. My wife and I are now living in that same RV and still trying to get on our feet after this. When is enough enough?

Sorry for any misspellings. I don't have the internet or a computer anymore. This was typed in my little phone screen.

Answer: Has your wife asked her attorney to file a motion to change the GAL on your case? Answer #2: What is the bill for? It must list the services. Is it an old bill that wasn’t paid?


Title: "No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers." Why can't law firms advertise their business just like everyone else?

Question: Apparently, this is Alabama's version of the disclaimer, but it looks like most states have their own. I found a few state regulations on Google explaining that they must be included in advertising, but I couldn't find anything explaining why. Where did this come from?

Answer: State Bar Association rules, usually.  The most common reason given is that most people are not particularly savvy when it comes to legal issues or attorneys, so allowing more aggressive advertising would allow unscrupulous attorneys to manipulate people into thinking they can offer unrealistic results. Thus undermining public trust in the legal profession when that doesn't happen.


Title: Neighbor claims the parking port next to his unit is owned by him while I claimed its community parking.

Question:
I live in a three unit townhouse, one of my neighbors is claiming the parking port next to his house is owned by him. The other neighbor and I believe its owned by the three of us. Is there any way to confirm who owns the parking spots?  The only reason I bring this up now is he is threatening to tow in violators.
Location: KY, USA

Answer: What does the landlord say? Even better, what does the deed say?Answer #2: Look at the deeds