Title: Were the hospital allowed to do this in my birth? If not, what can I do

Question:
I gave birth 5 days ago. In my birth plan it clearly stated I wanted to use gas and air, and any other pain relief I requested.

Well I got to the hospital and they didn’t give me gas and air until I was 7cm dilated even though I begged for it when I was 4cm. I begged for an epidural when I was 6cm dilated and they never gave me one. Kept on saying they will and promising they will but they would not give me one. They kept saying that it was too early for an epidural and too early for gas and air. I begged for anything to help ease the pain and I had nothing. The only thing they gave me was gas and air when I was 7cm.

Was this allowed to happen? I remember being absolutely terrified and was in so much mental distress. I only thought about how they might have not been able to do that two days ago.

Answer:
 Well the epidural can only be given by an anesthesiologist. So if they were busy with another patient or got stuck in surgery, that can be cause for delay. As far as the gas, too much taken too early can cause a number of problems that your ob can explain to you further.

You can call your ob and ask what happened or why this happened and make a report to the hospital.

My birth plan was to do about the same but my anesthesiologist was in surgery and my ob was in surgery when it came time to push. She ran into in the last five minutes and delivered my kiddo.

So long story short, birth plans never really go as planned sometimesAnswer #2: The treating physicians are allowed to use their judgment as to how to treat you. As a non doctor you cannot force them to take any specific action. If their actions fell below the standard of care and you have actual damages you could sue for malpractice. This is something that is highly fact specific and beyond the scope of this sub. But honestly it’s improbable that you would have any case as you have not disclosed any actual financial loss.Answer #3: Since this is the NHS you may want to check in with r/LegalAdviceUK


Title: [PA] Alzheimer's patient needs to be moved to a nursing facility.. Two people have POA, one refuses to do anything.. Possible case of elder abuse also.

Question:
Here are the players in this not-so-little story. My maternal grandmother, aged 89, suffering with late Stage 6 Alzheimers, My Mother, retired, turns 70 in two months, and my Aunt, her sister, working, aged 55.  My Mother and Aunt have joint power of attorney for my grandmother.

Grandmother is living with her daughter, my Aunt, at her house.  During the workweek my mother goes over there to care for grandmother, she is there from 9am to 8pm, sometimes longer.

Here is the problem, my Aunt is a selfish, self centered, worthless piece of trash human being. She is also a hoarder - one who is constantly buying all kinds of crap, whatever catches her fancy.  Most of the time it ends up laying scattered about the house, mostly still in the shipping boxes. Same with clothes. The house is an absolute pigsty because of her laziness, also having three small dogs doesn't help.

To make matters worse, at night and on days when my Mother is not out there, my Aunt does not take care of Grandmother at all. Grandmother is to the point her mind is that of maybe a two-year old. She needs to be led to do just about everything. She is incapable of taking care of herself.  Many mornings when mom comes in, she finds her mother covered in feces. Sometimes the dogs too, and of course its tracked all around the house.  Mondays are the worst. Mom comes in to find her mother still wearing the same clothes she had on when she left the previous Friday.  Naturally the feces is caked on.  Its absolutely horrible.

All my aunt does at night and on weekends is sit on her computer and shop for things (she always did this even before moving in her mother.)  She does feed grandmother, sometimes.. if you count TV dinners, fast food, and Wawa as proper food - especially for someone who has IBS and almost no control over her bowels. It takes about three days of my mother properly feeding her for the diarrhea to stop, but come Friday the cycle starts over..

What my Grandmother needs is to be in a home - memory care or whatever. My mother is ready, she wants it because quite honestly what she has been doing is killing her. I see how she is when she comes home at night and I am really starting to worry that one morning I am going to find her dead.

The problem is the Aunt. She is "not ready yet" is her excuse, despite the other day when during a conversation about some open sores that are likely to get infected, since Aunt does nothing and they end up covered in feces.. My mother mentioned strongly to the Aunt how those wounds need to be kept constantly clean or she will end up in the hospital. To that the Aunt mumbled "Good, a vacation".  Thankfully my medication kept me from doing harm, old me would have.

Anyway what can we do? Aunt is absolutely horrible, does nothing yet complains all the time.  Mom can't put her mother in a home without her sister agreeing - and she won't do it.. "not ready yet".  I looked into reporting my Aunt for elder abuse, unfortunately the information I was given is that my Mother would get in trouble too, get this, even if mom is the one who reports the abuse, because of the dual POA, both would be held to account criminally.

We (Mother and I) have tried several times to have a nursing service come in to help out. All have refused due to the absolute mess the place is.  Also tried talking to my grandmother's physician. If the doc ordered her into a home, Medicare would pay for it, the problem is this doctor is afraid of my Aunt, she fears that if she orders grandmother into a home, the Aunt will sue.

One idea that ended up getting shot down was moving Grandmother back into her own house, which is only a block away from my mom's house - but that place is cluttered also with all of Aunt's junk, and she refuses to take anything out of the place, in fact she dumps off more crap to store it there all the time. That plus the refrigerator and stove are shot, they need to be replaced, and the washer + dryer was moved to Aunt's house (for the past 20 some years she would bring her wash to her mother for her to do).  The cost to replace everything, clean out the place and make it ready is too much - out of our price range.

I'm at wits end as to what to suggest doing. My mother has been doing this over a year - unpaid, out of the goodness of her heart (it is, after all, her mother she is caring for.) Already consulted with the family lawyer, he didn't want to touch it. Not sure if talking with another one would do any good since the main sticking point seemed to be the dual power-of-attorney.

What to do.. any suggestions?
TIA

Answer:
 What you describe is no doubt elder abuse. You can [report it here](http://www.aging.pa.gov/aging-services/protections_rights/Pages/Report-Elder-Abuse.aspx) and remain anonymous if you need to.Answer #2: I work in healthcare, and my husband works in hospice.

Honestly, just talk to a hospice facility and let them know you want to bring your grandmother.  Get them the necessary documents.

They will ask "do you have POA?"  and the truthful answer is yes.  They are not going to look at the document to see what or who exactly has the power to do what.

Your aunt being "ready" is none of her concern.  Your grandmother is ready, what your aunt feels has no standing.  (healthcare wise).

If your aunt really wanted to contest this, then she would have to explain to someone why she doesn't want her to receive adequate care.  Her being "not ready" is not a reason or excuse to not provide medical care.

I would let her know if she plans on fighting this legally that your mother will no longer come to care for her.  I would tell her adult protection services will be called and your aunt will have to explain why her grandmother died due to sepsis.

If your aunt is as lazy as she says she is, it sounds like she won't even bother trying to challenge this.

I am really sorry to hear about the shape of your grandmother.  If she is having bed sores covered in feces, her time is becoming short.  I really hope she can leave the world peacefully, clean, and comfortable.


Title: My deadbeat stepdad just stole $200,000 of my mom's retirement savings

Question:
A little bit of back story: My step dad and my mom have been together for about 16-17 years now. In this time, he's never worked a job that paid much more than minimum wage. Barely helped around the house. Was never the one who took ownership of anything. My mom paid all the bills, did all the taxes... literally every single adult responsibility was my mom's. She also made a lot more money than he did, and on top of that, she was incredibly smart with it and was able to invest it and grow it to the point that they had several hundred of thousands of dollars saved up so they could retire rather comfortably. Together.

Earlier this week, they had a huge argument because she wanted to invest some of their savings in a somewhat beat-down (but very flippable) cottage. I'm talking screaming, yelling, and death threats (by him, towards my mom). Today, he was fired from work and emptied their shared account of over $200,000. He is also threatening taking half of the house they currently live in, of which over $400,000 has been paid off.

Obviously, my mom is staying with family until he leaves (if he leaves) because there's no telling what he might attempt at this point. So now my mom is pretty well homeless, money-less and no longer has retirement funds. I can't even believe someone could do something like this.

What are her options at this point?

Answer: She files for divorce and gets a good lawyer - and stepdad may well be forced to return half (or more, depending on the judge) of that money in a division of marital assets.Answer #2: If the house is worth $400k and their savings equal $200k, their combined assets are $600k. She'll have to pay him an additional $100k, maybe less whatever penalties she'll have to pay for the early withdrawal, if applicable.Answer #3: If it was a shared account then it isn't theft. She files for divorce and deal with their marital assets in court


Title: [FL/CA] My son had a botched surgical procedure and needed second surgery to fix

Question: Hello r/legaladvice. My son is 11 months old and had a circumcision 6 weeks after he was born at Kaiser in CA. We tried to have it done before we left the hospital but the pediatrician at the time advised us to wait until he was a little older and the penis grew a little more. 6 weeks later we had outpatient surgery with a different pediatrician. During the Q/A with the pediatrician my wife asked him how many he had completed and the doctor chuckled and said "I have done literally thousands." They took my son back and he was done within 15 minutes. We could hear him scream from down the hallway. My wife breast fed him and he calmed down some. The doctor came in and said that everything had gone well but there a "little" bleeding and he had to place some silver nitrate at the bottom of the incision. During the next few days we noticed that his penis did not correct and we saw our sons primary pediatrician. He agreed that it did not look right and recommended we see a pediatric urologist. We saw the Kaiser pediatric urologist and he said that it looked fine and we shouldn't be worried. We then moved to FL, and his new pediatrician saw his penis and agreed with our pediatrician in CA that his penis was fused at the base and was not correct. We met with a pediatric urologist in Gainesville, FL and got a second opinion with another pediatric urologist in Orlando who both stated in their words this was a "botched" circumcision and needed to be revised or he would have permanent damage to his penis and may have problems using the bathroom and reproducing. We contacted our pediatrician in CA who suggested that we write a letter to Kaiser explaining to them what happened and they would likely pay for his revision. My question is should we contact a lawyer to write the letter or should we write the letter ourselves. We're not looking to win a fat settlement, we just want to fix what they screwed up. Please provide any advice that you may have. Thanks

Answer: Medical Malpractice is a extremely fact specific and if you think you want to seek an attorney do so sooner rather than later.


Title: [Toronto] My dad was making a left turn an hit a motorcycle rider. What should he do?

Question:
This just happened yesterday.  My dad was making a left turn and the motorcycle was going straight. The rider is in the hospital and looks to be in bad shape. The police are still investigating.

Is there anything my dad can do to protect himself legally? Would he still be at fault if cameras caught the motorcycle going 50km over the limit? Should he start trying to collect surveillance footage from surrounding businesses?

Thanks in advance

Answer:
 Step one is report it to his insurance. If criminal charges are filed against your father, he should retain an attorney. Although the insurance company will give him one, depending on the policy.Answer #2: In Ontario your father is at fault for this accident, unless it can be proved the motorcycle was crossing on a red. Based off what you have said the motorcycle had a green. As for speed it won't change the fault at all. Liability it might be a different story and may shift a fraction but your father is still going to be found the majority of liability here.

Speed does not change that the motorcycle has right of way as he is going straight at the intersection and your father was turning left. What your father should do if he hasn't already is contact his insurance company immediately. They are there to protect him in this arena he sooner they know what's going on the better they can do that.


Title: I can't terminate my lease.

Question:
Nevada

I was going to college and lived in an apartment building. At the very start of their lease renewal process, I asked the management, if I decided to move back home, if I would be able to simply void the lease. The girl who was helping me out just straight up said, "sure". I decided to go back home. I let the management know what she said and they said I couldn't leave this lease. They told me that no one would say something like that. They also said the agreement is binding. They said they would find someone to fill the space. I advertised for six months but no bite. Also, anyone I sent over to their management simply couldn't take the lease for one reason or another. I read that lease agreements have either a termination fee or require a replacement. This one requires both. No one has taken my lease and the management won't even answer my calls anymore. I don't know what I can do. I do not want to pay the equivalent of a car even though I'm not living there. Any advice would help.

Answer: You can't do anything. You signed a contract. You are obligated to honor the terms of that contract.


Title: [IN] Girl I know was raped at party. Can my testimony be held against me?

Question:
Hello, I am going to try as best to keep this as vague as possible while still keeping relevant details intact in case somebody reads this who can recognize the situation.

I was at a party last night in an Indiana college town that ended up in one of my roommates allegedly being raped. There was underage (at least myself and the victim) drinking and marijuana present there. I saw the victim dancing with the alleged rapist, then making out, then being led upstairs. I walked home and learn later that she says she was raped.

A girl that was still at the party drove her to the police station (I'm assuming), where they did a rapekit and questioned her. I told this girl what I saw, which I learned a few minutes ago she relayed to the detective. The detective will be coming later today, and also wants my phone number.

While I obviously feel that I should tell the detective what I saw, I at the same time do not want my or her account to be taken less seriously because of the alcohol and marijuana involved. At the same time, can telling the detective that I drank and smoke be held against me and result in some form or charge?

Also wanted to add that I do not doubt that whatever happened was non consensual, I hear her crying herself asleep in the room next to me.

Answer:
 > at the same time do not want my or her account to be taken less seriously because of the alcohol and marijuana involved.

You should never, ever ever ever lie or "fudge the truth" in a situation like this.  If you do, and they find out(and they **will** find out) they you and the victim both look like liars.  Far better to be a drunk honest person in this case.

Your confession to a crime can be held against you, yes.  You can refuse to answer questions, if you'd like.  You can even refuse to answer *individual* questions.  You can tell about the rape but refuse to answer questions about alcohol or drugs, if you'd like.  But again, your reticence may reduce or eliminate your usefulness as a witness.

You can look into hiring an attorney before speaking. to the police, as well.  In all frankness, the chances of the cops caring about your alcohol or marijuana are low, in any case, but the chance exists


Title: Defending a neighbor's dog from attacks- Austin TX

Answer:
 Film it and give it to the police as evidence. If they don't want it, it'd probably become viral on youtube or local news really fast. Texas is a one party consent state when it comes to recording.Answer #2: You would be guilty of assault.  Unlike defense of other, "defense of dog" isn't a defense.

The justifications for using force against someone else are laid out in [Chapter 9 of the Penal Code](http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/PE/htm/PE.9.htm#9.01).  Unless one of those justifications applies (and one doesn't to this situation), you can't just go around using your gun to enforce the laws you've decided someone is breaking.  Even if the person you would be pointing your gun at actually is breaking the law.

That said, you could film it and give the film to the Austin City Attorney or the Travis County County Attorney and ask them to prosecute.Answer #3: Film it and upload it to Facebook and share/link to his Facebook and shame him publicly.Answer #4: If you haven't had good luck with the police, try animal control, if that doesn't work call the humane society. Someone will eventually come check on the dog.


Title: [Colorado] Hit by driver who was driving someone else's car without a license -- Insurance can't contact other parties

Question:
Last Thursday my girlfriend, let's call her Sarah, was hit by a driver, Bob, who was turning out of a parking lot on to the main street. Bob was very hesitant to call the police but Sarah went ahead and called anyways. When the police arrived they cited Bob with a traffic violation and (presumably) cited him for driving without a license. Turns out Bob was driving his girlfriend's car, and it is under her policy.

Both parties involved have the same insurance company, but the insurance company is unable to contact Bob's party to determine whether or not Bob was given permission to drive the car and to get his statement on the accident so they can continue the claim. Meanwhile, this has put everything at a standstill for Sarah; no rental car, no determination on a replacement of her car, no opening of medical claims, etc.

I understand that this is a "process" and it might take longer than a couple of days to get everything rolling, but given the situation (other driver had no driver's license, may or may not have had permission to drive the car, and is now unreachable) is there anything that we should be doing to protect ourselves, outside of letting the insurance company work through it? We've called around to some lawyers and they have honestly seemed to be trying really hard to sell us on their service, but before we start racking up lawyer's fees I wanted to get unbiased opinions and advice.

I've never been in a situation like this, and I'm at a loss in regards to determining what the next step should be. If there is any other information needed feel free to ask; any advice is greatly appreciated!

Some miscellaneous thoughts/information:

* Since both parties have the same insurance does this turn into a "how can we pay out as cheaply as possible" situation?
* Sarah went to the hospital, where they essentially gave her some pain meds and pushed her along (and put the charges towards her personal health insurance, though I think we have this sorted out now...) She's trying to find a doctor to do a more probably diagnosis of injuries, but no one wants to treat her after a car accident so we're having trouble finding a doctor to take her in.
* I'd be very surprised if her car isn't totaled out by the insurance company.

Answer:
 Insurance depends on your policy. Do you have full coverage or liability only? Do you have uninsured motorist

The other guys insurance policy matters what it covers. It is possibly that their policy doesn't cover unlicensed drivers. So their policy may not be covering this


Title: An ex-friend has been harassing me for over 6 months since I told him not to contact me again (during which I have not contacted him). He showed up at my apartment on Friday with a gift and a letter. Police won't file a report because he's not explicitly threatening me. what to do? NYC

Question:
Most of the story is in the title. This is someone who used to be a friend of mine, who wanted more than friendship with me. I told him I wasn't interested in that and eventually the situation became unsustainable as he would say he was okay with just friendship but then be incredibly pushy. Eventually I told him I didn't want to be friends anymore. I sent him a long, angry text telling him that he had completely disrespected my boundaries and not to contact me again. That was in November. Since then I've received calls, emails, texts ranging from annoyed at me to "I never apologized let's meet up." This Friday he left a gift of handmade paper flowers with the language I majored in in college on them and a letter with my landlord. The letter is an apology for crossing my boundaries, which is ironic since he SHOWED UP WHERE I LIVE after 6 months of no response from me.

I have:
Informed my landlord of the situation
Informed many of my friends of the situation
Texted him: "Do not come to my home. Do not contact me again. If this continues, I will contact the police."
Called the police who came by and told me there were no threats so they can't file a police report (but at least there's a record that I called them)
Saved the flowers and letter

I was thinking about trying to get a restraining order but based on the police not even filing a report I don't think I will get what I want with that. I deleted many of my texts with him before because they were stressing me out but I won't anymore.

I'm just looking for advice on the best way to make sure that if this escalates I've made all the right moves and won't be shooting my future self in the foot.

Answer:
 > Called the police who came by and told me there were no threats so they can't file a police report (but at least there's a record that I called them)

That is not how harassment works in the state of New York. Go to the police station. Insist on filing a report. Ask for a supervisor if they don't want to accept the report. Make sure you explain this in detail to them.

What you're describing is potentially aggravated harassment in the second degree. That's a class A misdemeanor in NY, and absolutely illegal.

As /u/simonetmp said a protective order is a good idea.Answer #2: First and foremost start keeping everything, text messages, letters anything.

Here is some info on protection orders: https://www.nycourts.gov/faq/orderofprotection.shtmlAnswer #3: The civil route might be an option. A Cease and Desist to start with, civil charges to follow if that's not enough. The Cease and Desist also give you more ammunition if the situation escalates and you go back to the police.Answer #4: You need to tell the police you fear for your safety and life. They will/should file a Harrasement report. If they do not you have three courses of action you can take. First of make sure you get their names shield and pct. they must give it to you if you ask. Now your three choices

1) go to the command and insistent on filing a report

2) call CCRB on the officers for not taking a report

3) call IAB and file a complaint against the officers


Title: Rejected guy said he reported me to the police (Florida)

Question:
Throwaway in case this psycho knows my main reddit profile.

So basically I was chatting with this guy for a couple weeks, we talked about a lot of things, including psychedelic drugs. So my dumb ass mentions that I've got some acid that a friend gave to me, but that I don't really want to do it because of a past bad experience so I'd probably sell it instead for some extra pocket cash.
After I kinda ghosted and wasn't talking to him for a couple days and he was being creepy I blocked him and he messaged me on another FB profile and said he reported me to the police for possession with intent to distribute.

He doesn't know where I live, he only has my name. Should I deactivate my FB profile?

Also he might have a bit of bank account information from when he sent me 100 over FB messenger? (This money was a random gift and I have no idea why he sent it, probably to gain my affections)

I have to admit I'm a little bit nervous and feeling pretty dumb right now. What should I do, aside from getting rid of any illegal things I have in my house just in case his psycho ass figures out how to track me down?

Answer:
 1. Don't do illegal things. This also means to get rid of illegal things in your house
2. Don't talk to the police if they show up. Don't let them in unless they have a valid warrant. Instead, speak to them when you have a lawyer present


Title: I want to do parody photoshop requests on social media and try and make a profit.

Question:
I want to photoshop any image sent to me (personal and copyrighted). When I photoshop copyright images will this fall under fair use? Also, if I get a huge following I want to sprinkle in social media posts promoting products and ads so I can make a profit. Can I get sued for that? I’m in New York
Topic:
Computer and Internet

Answer:
 Okay. I don’t want to come off as harsh but I want to provide you with the simplest answer. You’ve been asking a lot of legal issues on this and there’s only one answer that will likely solve all your issues and that’s to use your own material. Or public domain. Bam. You’re good to open shop and photoshop others for pay.

You can get a lot with copyrighted material, yeah, is it ethical, up to you. There is a very very small possibility you get sued. Parody law is not as easy as it sounds, and you can still get sued. The goal is to avoid a lawsuit entirely if you’re starting a business. Legal fees might just kill your profits entirely.


Title: My girlfriend and mother are getting evicted because the landlord misused their payments on the house.Anything they can do to stop it?(Charlotte NC)

Question: My girlfriend and her mother have been renting a house for over 10 years and never missed or been late on a payment to the landlords. I learned their property managers had been mismanaging their money for a while and now the home is being foreclosed on and they will have to move/be evicted. Is there anything they can do to avoid this?Take ownership of the property without getting evicted?Maybe go directly to the bank??

Answer:
 If they buy the house at auction, sure, they can stay.

However, there is no necessary legal connection between the rent being paid and the LL paying the mortgage. They may be able to sue the LL for moving expenses if they get evicted, but good luck getting anything from that exercise.

The bank might pay them to move, though.Answer #2: You will not be kicked out immediately, if you have a lease, the new owners will have to honor it. If you are a month to month tenant, you will still be given proper notice to terminate (I believe NC is a 30 days state, but you should check to make sure). If you are given notice today, you will have until March 31st to find somewhere new.

If you can afford to, you could attempt to buy the house at auction. Otherwise keep an eye out, as you will have a little more than a month from the sale until you have to move, unless the new owner wants to keep you as tenants.


Title: [CA] didn't consent to search, got searched anyways?

Question:
Basically the title. I was driving with some friends and got pulled over in rural California, and the cop wasn't so friendly at all. He asked to search my car, I didn't give consent to search, and he told me that it didn't matter. I kept saying I didn't consent but then he said that it doesn't matter shut up or I'll take you to jail.

He didn't find anything, but he dumped all my shit on the ground (breaking my GPS, and getting all my books wet) and literally tore up my car. Is there any way I can somehow be compensated for this?

I'm a minor for what it's worth.

Answer:
 So first, the officer doesn't need your consent to search if he has probable cause. Many times, police may ask for consent as a kind of legal insurance policy, even if they already possess probable cause.

>breaking my GPS, and getting all my books wet

If this is true, I would file a complaint with the department. In terms of actual compensation, while you could speak to an attorney about it, winning any kind of civil action would be difficult.

You could also speak to your insurance company about it, but they may not cover this type of claim.Answer #2: I post this story a lot, but I've been pulled over twice for having California plates. Once in Louisiana and once in Ohio. Both times they asked if they could search my car, and both times I said no.  And both times they said, "By saying 'no' we now have probable cause" and searched my car.  No drugs, because I don't do drugs.

I was out of state, so I wasn't going to find a local attorney to do anything about it.  I hope it works better for you.Answer #3: Police can only search your car with consent, probable cause, and warrant. Most of the time if you decline the cops chose to call the dogs to do a walk around of your car to see if it smells anything. Since your tint was dark it wasn't probable cause. He can't really arrest you for declining a search. He can take you to jail but they will have to release you because they have no reason for the arrest. He's going to have to pay for the broken items. Take it up with the city.


Title: [Oregon] Can I secretly record conversations if not for use in court?

Question: Basically I know that there is verbal/mental abuse happening to my son on weekends, but have no proof. CPS is investigating. If I told my son to push record any time he is scared, I know I couldn't use it in court but would that be illegal to even do, and would the caseworker be able to listen to it to at least prove I am not making false claims?

Answer: IANAL but a google search shows that Oregon is a one party consent state. that means that your son consenting is good enough for it to be legal. i don't know what the applications of that recording would be though.


Title: I am 17 and living on my own, best way to become a legal adult

Question: I recently moved from Texas to Utah I've had several documents that needed to be signed by a parent. We've looked into giving me their power of attorney over myself and emancipation. What's the best way for me to go about?

Answer:
 What circumstances moved you from Texas to Utah? Are you a runaway? Who are you living with? Those are all things the courts will ask if you try to seek emancipation.

Becoming emancipated isn't something you just sign and do. Realistically, the best way for you to become a legal adult is just wait until you're 18.


Title: Caught stealing from my job

Question:
I work at a grocery store and just tonight I got caught stealing food for break. When they asked me which register I bought the food at I told them straight up that I stole it and I had to write out a written statement that I stole and how long (Since June). I'm freaking out right now and I told my mom immediately when I got home.

I am currently suspended until further notice, and they say they are going to have me questioned by loss prevention.

&#x200B;

And before anybody tells me:

I know it was dumb. I feel like a moron. So many people warned me not to do it and here I am doing it anyway. I feel like shit. I don't know what to do and I have no right to ask anybody for help since it's my own mistake. My hands are shaking while typing this and I just lost 1 and a half years of work experience, so it's almost like I didn't work anywhere at all. I feel like a complete idiot and it's because I am.

&#x200B;

If anyone is reading this thinking stealing is ok, or that you won't get caught, I can assure you it isn't worth it and you should definitely break the habit while you're ahead.

&#x200B;

Back to the main topic: What should I do? Was it a mistake to write down and sign the paper saying what I did? I'm so scared and I have such a bad pit in my stomach. I am such a moron for thinking I wouldn't get caught.
Topic:
Employment Law

Answer: Don't answer any more questions.  You don't want them going to the police with even more of a confession.  You've lost this job. Just never go back there again.


Title: AED not used at the gym during sudden cardiac arrest?

Question: My brother passed away at a gym from what we think is sudden cardiac arrest. They haven’t given us the autopsy report yet, but they were textbook book signs of SCA. The CPR certified employees let him finish having convulsions and after he didn’t have a pulse before they administered CPR and then waited for the ambulance. They have an AED on site (all health clubs are suppose to have one as of 2009 because heart attacks and SCA are very common during exercise) and they failed to use it at all which most likely could’ve saved his life. Is there some justice that can be had for this negligence?

Answer:
 I'm sorry for your loss.

In California, unless explicitly stated, no one has a legal obligation to provide medical help to another person. They didn't even have to perform CPR.

It's possible there was no one that was trained on the machine. It's possible that a mistake was made and the AED should have been used. But in these situations, we don't hold people legally responsible for not providing exactly the right help. Otherwise, no one would ever help anyone.

Once again, sorry for your loss. Answer #2: I’m very sorry for your loss.

You’d be attempting to argue that the presence of the AED obligates someone to make use of it during an emergency. Which, as stated, CA state law does not concur with.

I might suggest a more productive means to process your grief is to find organizations that provide First Aid training, including AED use, and donating to help them in said efforts. Answer #3: >Is there some justice that can be had for this negligence?

I'm sorry for your loss.  As of yet there's very little case law interpreting the relevant H&S section. At a minimum, you would have to prove that had the AED been used, it's more likely than not your brother would have survived.  That's going to be pretty difficult, given the high mortality rate of those who suffer sudden cardiac arrest outside a hospital.

Feel free to consult a personal injury attorney.


Title: [VA] Stopped at a "License Check" Checkpoint. Legal?

Question:
Hello /r/Legaladvice, hoping you could help me.  Today I was driving in Southern VA at 2pm, and happened upon 6-7 local county police, holding up traffic by stopping and asking each driver on a country road for their license and personal information.  When it came my turn in line, I questioned the legality of the stop, and the lead officer stated "This is a legal checkpoint set up through the county".  I was then bullied into producing my license and was sent on my way.

It was my understanding that in order to be stopped and ordered to identify yourself, officers must have probable cause to stop you - they can't just stop everyone going down a road.  I was never under arrest or detainment, however I was forceably required to produce identification while driving, is this Legal?

Answer:
 The Fourth Amendment's reasonableness standard prohibits officers from randomly stopping vehicles to check driver's licenses and registration. In Delaware v. Prouse, a patrolman stopped a vehicle without reasonable suspicion to check the driver's license and registration. He seized marijuana in plain view. Addressing the stop's constitutionality, the Court noted that the public interest in ensuing that motorists are licensed and cars are registered justified the checkpoint's slight intrusion on motorists. In Prouse, however, the officer had unbridled discretion regarding which cars to stop, making the checkpoint unconstitutional. By contrast, license checkpoints conducted in a systematic, predesignated manner are constitutional.

This was a legal stop, OP.


Title: US Virginia Lady claiming I owe money when she was at fault

Question:
I just received a letter from an attorneys stating that i owe almost $5,200. I don't have any experience in insurance claims or any claims. To give a background, the accident occurred in Virginia. I was riding my bicycle in the city on a one lane, one way road. I was riding in the correct direction with traffic on the right side of the road to allow cars to pass. I hit a parked car on the right side of the road when the the driver opened her door as I was passing her. I slammed on the breaks, but there wasn't enough time for me to avoid hitting her door. I flew off my bike and hit the pavement. I didn't have any serious damage to my head, just a little bleeding above my eye. After the accident, she took me to her office nearby to wash up and we exchanged names. I thought she was at fault, but i didn't feel I needed to press charges since I didn't get too badly hurt. I didn't realize she was going to press charges against me. I called the attorneys office and they kept on saying it was my fault and asked how I was going to pay. I don't have a lot of money, I'm a senior in college as a nursing student. I don't know what to do or how to contest this, or if I even have a chance. I would greatly appreciate any feedback.

Heres a paint drawing to show what happened
https://gyazo.com/9b4d29e36b44f5479c3400714ac4180b

Answer:
 It sounds like Virginia recently (April) passed law that makes opening car door into a bike a traffic violation. And makes the driver at fault.Answer #2: This could be a scare tactic to keep you from suing for injuries, but it sounds like they are trying to shake you down for the repair cost on her vehicle.  You have only received a demand letter but it sounds like the insurance company is trying to recover the cost of repairs to their client's vehicle.  I think your best bet would be to have an attorney send them a letter with a bill for your medical costs and negotiate down to zero from there.Answer #3: I appreciate all of you for taking time out of your life to give a stranger helpful advice. This was a new experience for me. I felt very anxious and nervous, but your words helped reassure me that I will be okay. After considering everything you guys have told me and talking with my parents, I've decided to not pay the claim from USAA Casualty Insurance Co. and hire an attorney to take it to court if need be. Ill keep posting more questions as I go through the process. Y'all are the best.

Thank you and best regards /r/legaladvice.


Title: (NJ) Cop was doing a "rolling slowdown" and I we got a ticket

Question:
So I'm driving with three friends on Route 287 through New Jersey. All of a sudden a cop puts his lights on and begins swerving across all four lanes of traffic to slow down the speed of the cars. It's an extremely dangerous maneuver. I began to film it because none of us had ever seen something like this before. I filmed for about a minute and then stopped.

After about 7 minutes of the rolling slowdown, the cop turned off his lights and moved to the right side. We passed him, still obviously going the speed limit. He then moved behind us and waited about 30 seconds and then put his lights on and pulled us over.

He walked up to the car and asked for the license and registration, then also told me "Did your video come out good?" to which I responded "I'm just exercising my Constitutional rights," and then he said "Ok" and left to run the license. He came back and gave my friend a ticket for failure to maintain lane (which simply was not true, my friend was not swerving and was completely sober). My friend is also from out of state if that matters.

To me, it just seems he saw me videotaping and decided to target and pull us over for a non-offense so he could ask about the filming. I wasn't made aware that using your phone in a car as a passenger was illegal.

What do you guys think? I'm an aspiring lawyer myself so the entire event was interesting to me. Thanks!

Answer:
 You are an aspiring lawyer and find a cop doing a traffic break as extremely dangerous?

Your friend is welcome to fight his ticket. He didn't get a ticket for the video so the cop did not say it was illegal. What is the number of the statute he watt ticketed for?Answer #2: Rolling slowdowns (or ["traffic breaks"](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traffic_break)) are quite common in some places, and while the first time someone sees one they can seem bizarre or scary, they are actually a completely legitimate method of making things *more* safe. Generally they are done if there is an obstruction or accident in the road ahead and they want to stop everyone.

It's not something that an officer would want to hide, it's a legitimate tactic, so I don't know why he would care if anyone was filming it. Personally I would have said "the video is awesome, I'd never seen one of those maneuvers before!" but that is neither here nor there.

> I wasn't made aware that using your phone in a car as a passenger was illegal.

It's generally not, but he didn't give you a ticket either. It's *possible* that the ticket was some sort of retribution for filming or for disrespecting him (if he felt that you did) and it's also possible that your friend was not maintaining his lane (or the officer honestly believed that he was not maintaining his lane).


Title: [Chicago Illinois] Custody rights battle between appointed Godfather and Biological Aunt, who has the right to custody?

Question: Last year an associate of mine passed away after an accident. He has a son who is less than ten. His sister took his son in, but a friend of the fathers came forward with a document from the father granting the friend custody of his son as Godfather. Sister is pissed and trying to fight it. Godfather says sister is only interested in controlling her brothers estate which goes entirely to his son. He says he didn't trust his sister enough for her to take care of his son and that's why he was appointed Godfather. Sister is adamant that the Godfather should not have a say in the matter and as the biological relative closest to the boy she should have custody. We kind of want to see this come to an end, I'm on the fence about what's best for the boy but I think his Godfather is better for him than his aunt. What does the law say about custody in a case like this. This situation may go to court, the boy is staying with his aunt and there's a challenge to the fathers will by the sister.

Answer:
 Being a godfather itself has no legal meaning.

So what kind of paperwork did he present was it the father's will?Answer #2: A court will determine custody according to what the best interest of the child is (where is the mother is this scenario?). Answer #3: Godparent is a religious/honorary title. It grants no legal rights or responsibilities. If the will names this person as custodian of the child, and that will is judged valid by probate court, then the "godfather" will get custody.

Was he named custodian in the actual will, or some other document produced after the fact? Is the other parent still living?

In any case, this matter will probably be decided by a judge. How good a case either party has is impossible to say without knowing details.


Title: [PA] Pays overtime, but encourages us not to take it. Legal? *details inside*

Question:
I'm a full time hourly employee who works for a small local newspaper of about 12 people. The newspaper is owned by a larger corporation. Our place isn't doing too great lately, as we've been struggling to keep our hometown newspaper going.

In order to save money we've been told that "cutbacks" had to be made. Went through a series of layoffs, was told to keep papers small in order to save money on materials, and we were told to not have overtime if it could helped. Twice a week I have to wait for my newspaper pages to be assembled into a designated layout from an out of state company (we're all under the same corporation - just different roofs. It's one giant mess!). Twice a week they're always past deadline up to 2 hours. My manager and boss are very aware of this, and every time it falls back into the same situation. So every week I can have anywhere between 30 minutes and 4 hours of overtime.

The thing is, we're encouraged NOT to take it. Meaning if I have 2 hours overtime on Monday then they'd rather I just come in later on Tuesday or leave early Wednesday so I won't get paid the overtime. Is this illegal for them to do to us? Can I take my overtime as a hint for the company to follow deadline so I don't have to stay late? Can they legally deny my overtime if I don't use it up?

What I'm basically looking for is if there would be any repercussions if I were to demand the overtime I have every week or not.

If I posted this in the wrong area I apologize. Just trying to get some insight on where I stand here. Thanks in advance!

Answer: Your employer has every right to set your schedule. If you demand overtime from a company that is financially struggling, expect to be fired.


Title: Employer is refusing to pay me despite having proof of work (US-FL)

Question:
I work remotely and my employer recently changed their payment policy. Their policy is that you must be logged into the system 10 minutes prior to your shift and be logged in for the entire shift.

Their system bogged down and finally logged me in 5 minutes til my shift start. I have screen shots proving that I was logged in prior to my shift. I also have screen shots showing that I was logged in an working. 30 minutes later I had to do a conference call with a customer and do a follow-up which was accounted for within their system.

However, they are refusing to pay me for the first hour of the day's shift. Is there any way to fight this?

Answer: Because you are in Florida, you don't have a state department of labor for filing a wage claim.  You can either try the US labor department, or you can sue in small claims.


Title: [ USA, KENTUCKY ] Neighbor walked onto my friend's property and shot her puppies.

Question:
I have no clue if she even wants to do anything, but this fucker should have to pay for what he's done.

My friend's neighbor shot her two husky puppies for being "wolfdogs", even though they type very obviously as purebred huskies.  One has had to be euth'd and the other may have to be put down as well, and she is over 800 in the hole because of this.  He walked onto her property and shot her dogs.  She was not home, she found them there, he had left them.

I am a very young adult and have never had to press charges on anyone for anything, ever.  Is there anything she can do or is she just screwed in this situation?

EDIT: Yep, she had already called the police before she went to the vet.  She's not a moron, yay! :)  Changed some wording too.

Answer:
 Call the police and make a report.  It doesn't take long.  When your friend talks to them, have her include every detail, including whatever conversations led up to this.

IANAL, but I believe this falls squarely into the category of animal abuse.

Even if the cops do not wish to pursue it as animal abuse, there are many other issues at play here, such as:

1.  Point-blank destruction of personal property;
2.  Trespassing;
3.  Discharge of a firearm in a restricted area (high likelihood if this happened in a residential area or near a park -- check your county and city laws).

Depending on how this went down, it could have also been menacing (which is also illegal), particularly if he did it to intentionally cause emotional harm or to scare/harass her into something.  If she was at home at the time, and he threatened her in any way or made her feel threatened because of the guns, she needs to disclose that to the cops.

I don't understand why your friend would be slow to call the cops on this man.  The fact that she is makes me want to believe that there's more going on (like a history of aggression between them, or she's scared of him).  The kind of people who do this sort of thing are nuts, and they need to be dealt with, or he will make it a point to terrorize your friend every chance he gets.


Title: [UT] child-on-child sexual abuse

Question:
CW for, well, what it says on the tin.

In the mid-80s I was sexually abused repeatedly by two classmates. As far as I know, the school did nothing, CPS was never called, I was never sent to therapy, and today I struggle with PTSD including flashbacks to the event and other health problems.

I am 99.9999% sure there is nothing I can do about this legally, but in the .0001% chance I'm wrong, do I have any legal recourse against my abusers, their families, or the school district? I'm not looking for money but an acknowledgment that everyone failed me and an apology.

&#x200B;

Thanks so much for reading.I appreciate any advice even if it's "there's nothing you can do."

Answer:
 A few questions to get the conversation going:
Did you tell someone, like a teacher, about what was happening?  If so, when did you bring it up and what was the result? Did this abuse take place at school during school hours?
If so, it sounds like either the teacher or school or both may have been negligent. This it worth discussing with a lawyer.


Title: Pictures found online on my blog?

Question: Is it legal in United States  to post pictures or videos  found online on my blog without showing where I got them from?

Answer:
 Depends.  If you took them then of course you can do anything you want since you own the copyright.

If you didn't take them then it depends on how they are licensed by the copyright holder.  There are several types of licenses ranging from no you can't use them, to yes you can if you pay for that right, to yes you can but only if you attribute the author, to yep use it for whatever you want to however you want.  And there are more steps in between.

Without more information on what you are trying to do, you might start by reading up here:

https://wiki.creativecommons.org/Frequently_Asked_Questions

And then finding works covered under the various CC licenses that suit your purpose to use.

Hope that helps.


Title: California - I have a question about what would happen if a teenager lied about statutory rape and a sexual relationship and their lie was found out

Question:
Here is my question:

A 16 year old boy lies about being in sexual relationship with a teachers aide. She is arrested and convicted, does some time in jail and is now a registered sex offender who was also sued by his parents. 4 years later he tells someone on Facebook and verbally that it never happened and he made everything up. That person goes to the cops and they start investigating. What kind of consequences would the boy be facing? Would his age at the time of the lie be taken into account?

Thank you.

Answer: Just out of curiosity, does anyone know how it would work for the teacher in clearing her record now? Would this happen automatically? (Something tells me no on this) Or would she actually have to got through some sort of process to get her record cleared? I'm also assuming that it would cost her more money for that.


Title: Help with end of life procedures and attorney-client privilege.

Question:
I don't want to go into specifics but I'm trying to set up a situation for my 2 (two) children on the event of my death.

Three questions:

Does the attorney client-privilege cover suicide?

Would medical debt be able to take a pension/retirement plan, a small trust, and social security from any inheritors?

The non-custodial parent would likely, especially if he were an active parent, be able to take custody with no issues, right?

This is Missouri.

( The children are and will be taken care of. There is no need to worry about their safety.)

Answer:
 do not leave your children. please call +18002738255 if you need help.Answer #2: Your attorney is likely to be required, ethically, to report it if they believe you are likely to commit suicide.

You should definitely talk to a suicide hotline and/or get some objective financial planning assistance, though.

Good luck, OP. Believe it or not, I know how you feel right now.Answer #3: Please don't do this. Your children deserve to know their mother. Even if they're too young to remember you, it will still hurt them forever - I have taught kids who lost parents when they were infants and it still weighed on them very heavily.
I reiterate what the others have said and encourage you to see a counselor. You have nothing to lose at this point.


Title: Got A DUI on a Skateboard, Pennsylvania

Question: I was driving home Saturday night when I got a flat tire on the highway, said fuck that because I was not trying to get a DUI, got off the next exit, parked my car, got on my skateboard and made my way about a mile up the road to were cops stopped me looked at my ID and proceeded to give me a DUI. Somebody called 911 and said I was driving on a flat tire and gave them my license plate. Any advice?

Answer: Title is misleading. The fact that you happened to be on a skateboard when stopped doesn't mean the skateboard has anything to do with the DUI charge.


Title: Uncle asking for a favor to get licence after DUI (IL)

Question: I don't know the legal issues of to why my uncle got his licence revoked I know he had a DUI for sure. Anyway my uncle showed up to my house today to ask me for a favor, he wants me to go to the DMV with him because he has to take someone with him with a valid drivers licence. I guess  nobody wants to take him. The way he explained it to me was that they only need to see my licence and that was it, he didn't say anything about signing anything and if I have to I will not do it. Does anyone have any input on this or experience?

Answer:
 You can drive him to the DMV (or anywhere, for that matter).  Nothing illegal about giving someone a ride.

He wants a ride there because if he shows up alone, they are going to assume he drove there illegally.


Title: Can a casino owned by native Americans, located on their reservation, show hiring preference toward native applicants?

Question:
Edit: Not sure why a genuine question offended someone enough to bother downvoting, but I think I pretty much got an answer, which is that this is a tribal law that the state likely can't interfere with. Thank you to those who answered!

I know of a Native-owned casino in New York state where there is an ethnic ranking system for applicants. Members of the tribe that owns the casino are ranked at the top, then other tribes, and then non-natives at the bottom. The casino is very open about the existence of this system, under which whoever is higher ranking gets the job. A native would get the job over a non-native no matter what, as long as they meet the bare minimum qualifications (on paper- in practice, they are rarely qualified). A non-native with 10 years of experience will lose the job to a native with 5 months of experience, solely because the latter is native.

Is this legal? Is it considered affirmative action?

Answer: Usually, you would have to find a lawyer familiar with that tribe's laws. Many tribes have laws requiring employers to favor tribal applicants before any other applicant.Answer #2: Generally speaking tribal governments and industries can have a hiring preference for tribe members and/or American Indians in general.


Title: Should my friend sue the kid who broke my friends rib.

Question:
For some context my friend was at a base ballgame and a kid on the opposing side runs up to friend who is like 4 feet away from 2nd base and just punched him in the stomach. My friend is 12 and the kid probably 13. My friends parents are thinking of sueing for hospital Bill's and that stuff. They have witness and the coach was telling the kids to do whatever they could to get to the base. Should my friend sue?
Topic:
Personal Injury

Answer:
 If that’s how it went down (he ran up to him and just punched him), then absolutely yes. If he was just running to get to the base and accidentally ran into him, then this would be 50% yes and 50% no.

But if it was intentional, I think it would be best to teach that kid a lesson so he wouldn’t do that in the future. Also, why should “broken ribs friend’s” insurance or parents have to pay for another kid willfully hurting him? That’s not right.


Title: I work for the state and got hit by a patient in the neck 2 months ago, I can barely handle the pain anymore, what can I do? [MA]

Question: [deleted]

Answer: Not legal advice, but I think you need more diagnostic testing than just an x-ray. Besides localized neck pain, what are your symptoms? You may want to look into getting a MRI / MRA. Neck injuries are serious stuff, and if you've been experiencing accompanying headaches and or any cognitive issues than I recommend seeing a neurologist. Even without headaches / cognitive issues a neurologist may still be a good way to go. You may want to specifically ask about MRI / MRA of the brain / head / neck. Hopefully it's nothing serious (like VBI) and will improve with time & physical therapy.


Title: Can a homeowner association regulate docks installed in 100% public waters ajdacent to its properties?

Question: If a lake is 100% public waters and an HOA’s covenants do not indicate ownership or control of any part of the lake as part of the HOA member-owned or common properties, can the HOA legally make and enforce its own rules for docks installed on the public lake, ie rules stricter than the state rules? The HOA covenants only state that the HOA can regulate the "Lots" and the improvements "thereon".  The covenant definition of "Lot" does not include the lake.  To the extent that the dock is not "on" the Lot but in the public lake, would this HOA have any regulatory powers over it?

Answer:
 > To the extent that the dock is not "on" the Lot

If it's attached to the lot, then the HOA has dominion over it.


Title: Can my grandmother (69) legally be evicted from her home? (OHIO)

Question:
My grandmother (69) has lived in the same house for the last 13-14 years with her husband. They divorced, then reconciled with plans on getting remarried. Before that could happen, he passed away.
His son had power of attorney, and where my grandmother and step-grandfather divorced, my grandmother wasn’t written into the will.
It has been 2-3 weeks since my grandfather died. Now, his son is telling my grandmother she has to leave by the 6th of June. He isn’t letting her take anything that belonged to my grandfather, despite knowing they were going to remarry. My grandfather owned the house, so now his son legally has the right to it.
Is there anything she can do? TIA
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer:
 She needs to talk to an attorney.

If your step grandfather had her removed from the deed to the house while they were divorced, or if she was never on it, then she may no longer have any rights to it. However this might depend on any number of factors. It's a pretty complicated legal question, I don't think internet advice is going to be helpful - except for the suggestion to talk to a local attorney.


Title: Gym Membership

Question: Over this summer me and my friend signed up for a Blink gym membership because of a one free day to check it out. What I didn't know was that it set me up for a year contract and has cost me around 300$ and I only went once ever, to that gym. So instead of cancelling my membership which costs around $200, so I just linked them to like an old debit card with 0$. Will there be any debt collectors or anything I can do to get my money back?I have emailed them and theyve told me I have to be there to cancel my membership, but I am currently away for college.

Answer:
 >Will there be any debt collectors or anything I can do to get my money back?

Probably, yes. They will tack on extra fees and interests, your credit will take a big hit and they can take you to court and garnish your wages and levy your bank accounts.

EDIT: You are legally bound by any contract you signed, including its cancellation clauses.


Title: My boyfriends brother has been using his name for legal issues

Question:
My boyfriends brother (we’ll call him X)  is currently homeless and suffering from drug addiction. My boyfriend (we’ll call him Y) has done everything he can to help, but it’s been an ongoing situation with their whole family.

Anyways! A few weeks ago Y received a ticket in the mail for sleeping in the park. Y filled out paperwork to get the ticket out of his name, but today received another ticket for the same thing and possession. Now he’s receiving mail for not appearing in court and other stuff. What can he do to stop this and clear all of these tickets? We’re worried this is turning into a reoccurring thing  and that Y could get in serious trouble because of this.

Y loves X and worries about him nonstop and this just breaks his heart. He doesn’t want anything bad to happen to him because of this, just wants it to stop. What can we do?

Answer: Call the court clerk and explain the situation. Write a letter explaining the situation to the judge, the letter likely has a court case number. Your boyfriend might have a warrant out in his name(you get warrants / bail requirements for not showing up in court), so off to jail if pulled over. Answer #2: NAL. Y might love X, but X clearly has no problem potentially ruining Y's life to save himself. You'll never get a clearer sign that Y needs to cut X out of his life completely and he needs to do it right now - tell him so.


Title: My apartment complex says the A/C unit in my window violates the fire code. Does it?

Question:
 Hello, all, I've been living at my current apartment complex for 10 months now, and I've always had a window mounted A/C unit in my second-story bedroom window. It's a two-story apartment with the dining room, kitchen, and living room downstairs and the 3 bedrooms upstairs. I kept the unit up there because I live in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where it can be over 100° outside in the summer and costs $300+ monthly to cool (and only seems to be able to get it down to 75° at that), so my roommates just don't use the A/C because we can't afford it and most of them don't care about being hot. I (and more importantly my spouse) can't sleep in an uncooled house in Alabama in the summer, so when we moved in I asked if it was okay to install a window unit in my bedroom and they said yes.

Now, 10 months later, out of the blue I get a notification saying an inspector rated it as a fire hazard and it had to be removed immediately or the inspector would come remove it himself. I talked to the office and they told me the inspector was from corporate and had said the window unit violated the fire code because a means of egress can't be blocked by anything.

I've read about not being able to put up window units in windows next to fire escapes, but this is a second story window in a recess with no fire escape (or any other means of getting down other than jumping). The recess is about at waist height, too, so the only way to get out quickly during a fire would be to take a running start and dive headfirst out the window, which would probably kill you since it's on the second story. Otherwise you'd have to climb up into the recess to stick your feet out and then scoot yourself forward and just drop right next to the wall I guess, because there's no way to get enough of yourself out the window that way to properly jump. I can't find anything saying that that window counts as a viable means of egress or even that you can't obstruct a means of egress like that (just that you can't obstruct widows next to fire escapes). It seems like what they're saying would imply that all window units violate fire code, because short of it being physically impossible to fit out the window or on an even higher floor I can't think of a way to make this a *worse* way to get out a building during a fire.

What bothers me even more is that from a practical standpoint, the window unit doesn't obstruct egress at all. It actually obstructs egress *less* than the screen I had to remove to install it because if you don't hold it when you open the window it will fall by itself, leaving the window clear for you to somehow get out through it (whereas the screen would actually be kind of difficult to remove if you needed to do it really quickly).

Anyway, is it true that in this case, having a window unit installed is a violation of the fire code? Is there anything I can do to challenge the assertion that it is and reinstall my window unit? My spouse has sleep issues as it is, and while I could *probably* find a way to deal with the heat I don't want to exacerbate those pre-existing sleep problems with it being boiling in the room at night.

UPDATE: I looked up our local fire code and found nothing that would prohibit the installation of a window unit, so I talked to the leasing office again. Although they had said yesterday they thought it was a violation of fire code, it turns out there was a miscommunication between the office and the inspector. They found it's actually a violation of the mortgage company's newly revised fire safety standards, not the fire code. Since the lease states that the office reserves the right to revise the fire safety standards at any time, my window unit is now in violation of their standards, even though it wasn't before (explaining why they had previously given me permission). Given this, I'm now planning to either turn the unit into a standing unit or sell it and use the funds to help me buy a standing unit.

Answer:
 Invite the inspector over, remove the air conditioner, and ask him to demonstrate how he would exit the unit via the window.

Defenestrate him if he refuses to do so voluntarily.Answer #2: What you think is an issue with fire code isn't relevant, it's what your fire code says.

It looks like most of the relevant information on Egress can be found [here](https://www.municode.com/library/al/tuscaloosa/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CO_CH6BUCOREAC_ARTIXREBUCO).

First pass it seems like you'd be in the clear but IANAL and I'm without coffee. Some of the full building code may apply.

You can talk to your management company and ask about the specific code it's violating, and consult your lease to see if they can evict you for modifications (ie, window AC). Answer #3: If this is the only window in the room it likely does violate the fire code. You can get a portable a/c that only needs a outfeed hose. They are more expensive though.


Title: A package was delivered to my house. It was rained on and left outside for 2 weeks and then tossed. Now the neighbors who were supposed to get the address want compensation or they will report me.

Question:
Hey LA, first post here. I am in California.

So a package was delivered to my house I am renting and left on the side of the house where packages are supposed to go as per the note on my door. I did not check that part of the house for 2 weeks as I had no packages that I was expecting. (It was a small package and I did not notice it prior). By the time I found it, it was ruined from the rain and bugs, etc. So I tossed it. I know I didn’t order a package and the address paper on it was destroyed. Now, almost 2 months later, a neighbor is claiming that it was his and that if I do not compensate him for it he will report me for some sort of mail fraud. He found my address through the support of the website which he bought this item from, which confirms that he typed in his own address wrong and put in mine.

Does he have a case? Am I screwed? This all seems a bit ridiculous especially that he is coming to me 2 months after the fact. Thank you for any advice.

Answer: Is it a crime? Yes. Can he take you to court over the criminal portion? No, but he can report it. How did he find out you had his package? If you knew it was addressed to him, why not just give it to him or return it to the post office?


Title: Voluntarily terminating parental rights Oklahoma

Question: Is it possible for a father to voluntarily relinquish his parental rights of an 8 year old child even if the step father of the child is not adopting them

Answer: No. If you are a sufficiently horrible person (like going to prison for crimes against your child horrible) the State May terminate your rights. But unless someone else is lined up to take your place you can’t opt out. Even if you have nothing to do with your child the state wants you to support them.


Title: [NJ] Having trouble kicking out a squatter

Question:
I live in New Jersey.
I have a squatter living in my basement and won't move it. He is possibly an illegal immigrant however I am not 100% sure on that. He has threatened my father(landlord) saying that he would take him to court. However, there is no proof of him living in the basement. Rent is collected only in cash and no lease was ever signed. We got him to move his stuff out because we told him he had to leave but he still stays there sleeping on the floor. We plan to change the locks in the basement so he wouldnt be able to go in. I want to know if it is ok to do that based on all the information given above.

Edit: He also hasnt paid rent in 3 months.

Answer:
 >Rent is collected only in cash and no lease was ever signed.

That doesn't sound like a squatter.

Regardless, you need to give him proper notice to end his tenancy and then evict him if he refuses to leave.  Answer #2: You don't have a squatter, you have a tenant.

Do not change the locks.  That's called constructive eviction and is illegal.

If you want him out, the only way is to go to court and get an eviction order.  This is not a fun process, especially in New Jersey.

The easiest thing is to offer him a sum of money to get out.  Start with $1,000 and see if he's interested.

Also, this is what happens when you rent illegal units.Answer #3: He's a month to month tenant. Has he stopped paying rent?

Do not change the locks, that is an illegal eviction.Answer #4: If there was no lease signed but he did pay rent, he is a tenant and will need to be legally evicted.


Title: Friend just passed the Bar!

Question:
I'm so proud of him and his journey and I wanted to get him a little something.

So I don't know if this is the place for it but Lawyers of legal advice, what would you recommend I get him? What's something that you got that meant a lot to you? Or what was an item you picked up that made your life easier after freshly passing the bar?

Or should I just take him out to dinner or something simple like that?

Any help would be apprrciated!

Edit: happened in Ohio.

Answer:
 Booze. Always booze. A nice bottle too.

Many congrats to your friend.

Answer #2: *Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law* box set.Answer #3: A case so he can make money.


Title: [FL] Video of me driving away from hitting parked car. However, the video doesn't show that I parked in an adjacent lot and left a note for the owner.

Question:
The title is pretty much what happened. Crazy woman almost hit me running a stop sign, follows me into a parking loy, starts filming me for whatever reason (I had done nothing wrong at this point), and as I'm backing out of a spot I pulled into, I hit a parked car. I left the scene and parked in a adjacent lot because the lot lane is only big enough for one car one way and people were actively trying to leave. However, I parked in a nearby lot, came back, and left a note.

It's pouring here so I'm worried it'll wash away in the rain. I did go into an office and ask for a sticky note and a pen so people know I was leaving a note for SOMETHING. When I went back to leave the note about 5-10 minutes later the woman was not there filming me and the owner of the car I hit was not there.

Did I technically hit and run? I'm so nervous right now I've never so much as gotten a ticket driving. I did leave a note but I'm sure the video looks terrible with me driving away. I do not know if the video has my plate numbers, has my car hitting the other car, or what it has on it, I just know she was filming or taking a picture or something.

What is my next step?

Answer:
 Cop here.

Call the police department non emergency line and ask if there were any accidents reported in that parking lot at the time and date you were there. Tell them you were trying to get into contact with another vehicle owner whose vehicle was involved in a collision with you there (not admitting fault but telling the truth).

Note or otherwise document your phone call to the police department.

Relax. You did not intentionally hit them and did not intentionally leave.


Title: [Pennsylvania] My boyfriend and I just signed a year lease - after we signed our landlord told us he may be selling the property...

Question:
So my boyfriend and I found an amazing apartment (half house) for $600/month. We read over the lease and talked quite a bit with the landlords, gave them the down payment and signed today. About 10 minutes after signing, our landlord informed us he is looking to sell the property in the near future...

This doesn't sway our wanting to live here as it's an amazing property and the landlords are great. He did say that he'd offer the place to us(or the other tennant) to purchase before he sold it to someone else or a realtor, and he assured us we'd be kept in the loop, but I feel very scared for some reason.

The lease we signed is for a year, starting June 1st, and then after that it will be month to month. I just re-read the lease and it says nothing about if the property were to be sold while we were still there. I did some research and found that the 1 year lease will keep us protected, but I am more concerned about what happens afterwards as we intend to live there for the next at LEAST 3 years...

Are these concerns something I should address with the landlord at this time? I am hoping if the place does sell, that we'd be able to stay for the same price after the year lease ends. I am hoping the new owners will be landlords and will be great level-headed people.

This just sucks because I was on cloud 9 until this bomb was dropped... and we haven't even moved in yet. I am just looking for some advice here.

Thanks!

Answer:
 > This just sucks because I was on cloud 9 until this bomb was dropped

It's not a bomb; just a reality of renting. You have a one year lease and you get to occupy the property for one year. After that you become month to month and unless you sign a new lease, it can be terminated by either party with proper notice. (30 days in most States, I did not look it up for PA)


Title: (Texas) Husbands ex-girlfriend is changing her name to his full name.

Question:
My husbands ex-girlfriend(they dated for a few weeks the summer before college, in other words a long time ago) is trying to change her name to his full name. One of his friends found out and told us.

(Example: Cho Chang is trying to change her name to Harry James Potter.)

Can we stop her doing this? We're mostly worried about any legal issues this might cause for him.

Answer:
 That is really weird and creepy. Hopefully she won't go through with it, especially if enough people tell her she's being a weirdo.

[Here](http://texaslawhelp.org/files/685E99A9-A3EB-6584-CA74-137E0474AE2C/attachments/F448FB0A-9D07-43C5-BD7F-A52CF6741A38/name_adult_kit_final.pdf) is the procedure for a name change in Texas. She has to explain to the court why she wants the name change and the court is supposed to grant the change if it's in her and the public's best interest. So if she tells the judge some crazy shit, hopefully she'll be laughed at instead.Answer #2: What a crazy loon this person is. It isn't really a problem for him though. And the following isn't legal advice, but if she changes her name to his, and then HE changes HIS name to HER old one, it would be just like the [Sneetches](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sneetches_and_Other_Stories).Answer #3: 1.  Texas like most states requires publication of a proposed name change.  Keep an eye on the papers.

2.  He can then write to the court and explain why he opposes a change.  If he can attach documentation of stalking & their history to it, all the better.

Don't let it happen.


Title: Filling out an affidavit, or the pre-affidavit, to receive my late father's pension... was he considered divorced or single?

Question: Part of the form asks if he was divorced or single before he died. He hasn't been married since like 1993, and he was only married to my mom for like 3-4 years. It says I'd need to get a copy of the divorce papers if I put divorced. Can I just put single?

Answer: If he's divorced, he's divorced.


Title: Question about Florida and CPS

Question:
Please direct me to any other subreddits or resources.

Here's the story:

My father and his wife about 20 months ago took in 2 young boys (2 years and 3 months at the time). Since then they have become foster parents to these brothers. The boys had a full sister born a few months ago who is placed elsewhere.

My dad's plan is to adopt these boys, move to Utah where my sister (married, 1 13-year old son) lives and essentially plans to sell them to her. My sister and her husband are unable to have more kids and unable to adopt or foster due to domestic violence on their record (unfortunately I was the one who had to report them).

When the plan arose a year and half ago, I thought they were crazy and things would never progress, however my sister has gone to Florida to visit the boys and my dad has even brought the boys to Utah.

My dad just got a job in Utah and is moving there this week and he plans to stay with my sister until he gets an apartment of his own then he will have his wife and the boys (they're also planning on the infant girl too but I know that won't happen) move to Utah. The boys will move directly in with my sister and the "plan" will proceed.

AFAIU, my father is just a foster parent. He is "legal guardian", the birth parents have no right to make any decisions for the boys but my dad has to go through the judge to make any himself.

Is this legal? Who do I call to report this human trafficking? Can my dad move these boys, who are technically of the state, to Utah? If so, do they become of the state of Utah? Would a judge ever allow a late 60s couple adopt 2 young children even without the knowledge of planning to give them away?

Any advice is welcomed. My family is crazy and it makes me absolutely sick what they are doing.

Answer: Call CPS.Answer #2: Can you please update this when it resolves? I'm extremely curious to know how this turns out.


Title: Public indecency?

Question: I masturbated in my bed with the lamp on. I just rearranged my room and unfortunately this made it so I was in front of a window. Only the top floor of the house across the street could see. To make matters worse it was at night (light in room and dark outside). I closed the blinds as soon as I noticed. If someone saw this could I be in trouble. I'm 17 and a half in Wisconsin if that helps clarify any other legal aspects. Thank you for your time.

Answer: You're most likely fine. Close the blinds first the next time you want to wack it.


Title: [CA] I was filed for sexual assault, what's my position?

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Stop.  You are woefully naive.  Do not admit anything.  Colleges go by preponderance on the evidence--if they're 51% sure you did it, you're fucked.  Contact a real lawyer ASAP. Answer #2: > I have a meeting with the dean later this week, I will cooperate 100% because I feel I have nothing to hide.

No, just no. No. Stop it.

> My actions are not justifiable because I was drunk

That's not even close to being true. Not one ounce.

Answer #3: Stop talking about this to anyone - you need a criminal defense attorney ASAP.Answer #4: Lawyer lawyer lawyer lawyer. This can ruin your entire college career with this school. Admit nothing.

Innocent boys have been kicked out for less, get a lawyer.


Title: [MA] Got ticket for drug possession. Was I entrapped?

Question: I was walking home pretty late at night and a sketchy looking guy approached me on the sidewalk and offered to sell me pot. I said no and tried to keep walking but he blocked my way and then followed me for a few blocks, harassing me. I finally bought a joint to get him to leave me alone (I had intended to toss it at the next trashcan) and as soon as I paid him, he pulled out a badge and wrote me a ticket. Can I fight it?

Answer:
 My automatic reaction: No. That's not entrapment. How did the guy harass you? If the guy was just annoying, no. Did he threaten you or prevent you from getting away?

See [the illustrated guide](http://thecriminallawyer.tumblr.com/post/19810672629/12-i-was-entrapped).Answer #2: IANAL.

Actually, yes, that might constitute entrapment. You'd need to look at exactly how the MA courts have defined it and how they've dealt with similar cases, but if what you described is actually what happened, you *might* have a viable defence.

Get a lawyer and don't talk to anyone else about your case.


Title: CT: Question on Child's Internship Contract

Question:
As a parent I'm required to sign a document, the final clause scares me a little bit (see below). I am quite certain that this was not contracted or written by an attorney, but take a look for yourself. Is this industry standard? Is this something that I should be required to sign? Is this something I should sign? Thanks for your advice, it is much appreciated.

>I agree to fully indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Town of ***** and/or **** Public Schools and all of their respective officers, employees, agents, servants and volunteers to the fullest extent allowed by law for any claim for personal injury, bodily injury, death, property damage, emotional injury or any other injury, loss or damage of any kind occurring during the term of the agreement and alleged to have been caused in whole or in part by Name , and even if caused by the negligence of the Town of ***** and/or ***** Public Schools or any of their officers, employees, agents, servants and volunteers.

Here is the second page of the contract: [Contract pg. 2](http://imgur.com/x3gpfKX)
Topic:
School Related Issues

Answer: Yup, that's pretty standard.  They want as much protection as possible.  In today's lawsuit-happy culture, you really can't blame them.Answer #2: Just because you sign it doesn't make it enforceable.  I have no idea what your state's laws are but I find it unlikely that that's going to adequately defend any lawsuit for actual negligence.  It could likely be found against public policy (and therefore likely unenforceable), against state law (contract provisions likely wouldn't override state law), or unconscionable.  I would venture to guess this waiver isn't going to do a whole lot for preventing against a negligence case.  It might have *some* small amount of weight, and more weight for a non-negligence case, but I highly doubt simply presenting this in any lawsuit is going to get the case dismissed.  Again, I could be wrong, it could be that way in your state, if you wanted to be certain you should see an attorney.  They could refuse your child to be allowed their internship if you don't sign it, however.


Title: [SC] Former landlord replied in less than 30 days to demand, I believe she has lost her mind.

Question:
First of all, this is going to be long, I apologize in advance... I have posted about parts of this situation a couple of times over the last few months, but it seems to have come to a head.

Family of 6, renting a house in a upper-middle class suburban neighborhood. Mid-June we got an email from the landlord saying that she would not be renewing the least at the end of July. Two weeks later my wife suffered a stroke and had to be hospitalized, thankfully there seems to be no permanent damage. Immediately after she got out of the hospital, we emailed the landlord explaining the situation and asking if we could have another month or two.

About 2 weeks later, she stopped by with a contractor to look at the outside of the house and see what needed to be done. She did not enter the house and had not been inside it for more than a year. She told him, in front of me and my wife, that she wanted wood floors throughout the house, we asked her if that meant she did not want us to have the carpets professionally cleaned upon moving out, she said that was correct. She bitched about some of the bushes in the front of the house that my kids had beaten up a bit, we informed her that our landscaping guy had already talked with us about putting some 7-7-7 fertilizer on them and that would get them to where in the late fall they could be trimmed and shaped so by spring they would be back in the proper shape. She also bitched about the 9' bare circle in the back yard's weeds that we had put an inflatable pool in, we also informed her that the landscaper had said he would seed and aerate that area next month. Two days later we got a follow up email letting us know that we would not be allowed to stay past the end of the month and that we had to be out... So we scrambled and got out, it took 2 extra days and we were finally able to hand her the keys on Aug 3rd.

About a week before we finished moving out, with much of our furniture already at the new house, she came by with the contractor and looked through the house. She was livid... She was bitching about the carpet in every room "It was brand new when I moved out in 2008!!!" She bitched about a hole in the window sill and drywall under a window in the living room (low window, about 9" off the ground) saying that we were supposed to repair that when we moved in, to which I replied "I am not a carpenter". She bitched about the yard again... She bitched about the paint saying that it was brand new when we moved in because the former tenant had painted it.

Immediately she started demanding pay for those 2 days... At first I was ok with sending it to her but after thinking about it, we paid $1800 in deposits 2 years earlier when we moved in, which was increased at the time we went to go sign the lease from the original $1680 that it was agreed upon ahead of time. We moved into the place as the former tenant was moving out, they never had any carpet cleaning or anything, we had to have that done ourselves. With a family of 6, I figure ahead of time that my security deposit is gone, I just chalk it up to the cost of living... So it was not about the deposit... But then she started harassing me... From the 12th of August she sent me 6 or 7 emails through the 4th of September asking about the money, finally ending with an email saying "Everyone is suggesting me to take a legal action toward you guys -  the severe damage of house, I have been putting a year worth of rent to fix it."

Quick math says that would be over $20,000! I was not amused and that is when I finally decided to go on the offensive... Sent her a certified demand letter for the security deposit on Sept 9th, thus starting the 30 day timer in SC. She got it a few days later and hit the roof, calling me and yelling at me about how expensive it was to fix things... I calmly told her that I was not responsible for paying for her putting hardwood floors in her house, and that any further communication needed to be in writing.

She took every bit of the allowed 30 days, I finally got her reply via certified mail postmarked the 8th of October. Instead of an itemized list, I got 3 pages of bitching and 5 pictures of carpets that were stained and dirty... She calls me and my wife liars multiple times... Says we shouldn't be parents... That she has the neighbors and our landlords prior to that all willing to go to court for her... Etc...

Oh, she also claims that she had heard we had child services called on us... Which we did, they showed up back in the spring due to a report that our youngest child was running around naked, as 5 year old boys are wont to do... The case worker talked with us and our kids, looked around the house and subsequently said that she could tell right off that it was bogus. We figured that one of our kids had said something at school and a staff member overheard it and was required to report it. No one in the neighborhood would have known about it because we did not talk to them, not something we would have talked about with anyone really... So for her to know about it, the only way possible would be that one of her friends on the cul-de-sac is the one that called on us... We spent 2 years with a yard nazi next door and a lady at the end of the street threatening to call the cops on our 5 year old every time he even looked at her yard funny, all the while them complaining to our landlord... So it must have been one of them.

In the 17 paragraph letter she sent, only 3 things are actually mentioned with dollar amounts next to them... There is no chance in hell that we caused over $20k damage to the house... And by my reading of SC law, I have her dead to rights if I file a case for her violating the security deposit law.

At this point, I just dont know if I want to continue dealing with the harassment and worry... If she had been professional and not a raging lunatic, and sent a semi-legit itemized list of damages, I would probably be done with it... But her spending 3 pages to call me a liar and question my parenting skills has me kinda wanting to just go to war.

TL;DR: Former landlord is crazy, I have her dead to rights for not returning my deposit, not sure if I want to deal with it any more...

Thoughts?

Answer: If she has not returned the security deposit and/or an itemized list of deductions within the statutorily allowed timeframe, take her to small claims. I'm not sure what you're waiting for.


Title: [AL] Being evicted from a house that's infested with mold for failure to pay rent, need advice.

Question:
After separating from my wife for six months I resumed living with her (along with her five-year old son, who I’ve long considered to be my own, and her sixteen year old nephew) in July to help her financially and possibly work things out. She had a new place by this time, a house she’s been renting. I moved in and thought it was nice. After the first rain, though, I learned there were several leaks in the house, most prominently in the master bedroom’s closet. I set up a few buckets to catch the rain. We informed the owners of the leaks, but they never responded. We stopped using the master bedroom and slept in the living room.

By September the closet ceiling had caved in and mold had spread across the walls inside the closet (top to bottom). We were behind on rent, so instead of informing the owners I decided to clean what I could with a borax/water solution. After catching up on rent in October we informed the owner of the mold and emailed them pictures of the mold before it was cleaned (meanwhile it was returning to its former glory). We told them the entire house smelled like mold, and that my son and I had to see a doctor for persistent coughing (which I still have), but they didn’t respond.

Because we can’t afford to move anywhere else in the area, I suggested we move to a nearby town because it’s cheaper and closer to work. My wife was against the idea and continues to be, certain that something will work out with this property or with another one in the area.

Moving on, December came, and we were late on rent. The owners posted an eviction notice to our door. We expressed intent to pay while continuing to vocalize the mold problem. On December 8th though we found a note on our door from the sheriff terminating our writ of possession and requested that we vacate the property by midday December 11th. She’s been looking for an attorney ever since and I’ve been helping where I can outside of renting a uhaul and moving our things to the aforementioned nearby town. I remembered this sub and how supportive/informative it's been for other people and so returned in search of legal advice in regards to this unusual situation. Any guidance will be greatly appreciated.
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer:
> How to Obtain Repairs in Alabama

>Despite popular opinion, Alabama tenants may not withhold rent or use "repair and deduct" when landlords fail to make important repairs that are necessary to keep the rental fit and habitable. (Ala. Code § 35-9A-164.) Tenants should put their requests in writing and deliver the notice to the landlord, giving the landlord 14 days to accomplish the repair (or less, if it's an emergency). If the landlord does not make the repairs, tenants may move out without responsibility for future rent. Tenants may instead remain in the rental and sue the landlord for damages, which would be the difference between the stated rent and the value of the rental in view of its uninhabitable state. Judges may also direct landlords to make repairs.
Tenants in Alabama who are evicted for failure to pay rent may raise, as a counterclaim, the landlord's failure to make needed repairs. But this does not mean that tenants may withold rent. When tenants properly file a counterclaim in an eviction lawsuit, they must pay all rent due into the court, and the court will then hear the counterclaim. If the judge decides that the counterclaim is frivolous, the landlord may obtain attorney's fees. (Ala. Code § 35-9A-405.)

[source--though not legal you can check the statute](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/alabama-tenant-rights-withhold-rent.html)

Did you ever notify your LL about the problems in writing? Did you receive notice of a lawsuit? If so did you respond; file a counterclaim?


Title: FedEx lost rent cashier's check (MD)

Question:
So for situational awareness, I am deployed to Afghanistan and my wife is handling the day to day operations at home.

My wife mailed our rent out via cashier's check to our landlord in the 1st via FedEx. FedEx says they delivered the check to, for anonymitys sake, 10234 Road Rd. However my landlord lives on 1234 Road Rd and 10234 Road Rd does not exist. My wife contacted FedEx and they basically told her to eat shit, not our problem. So then my wife contacted the bank and they told her that since it's a cashier's check, they can't cancel it but that she can sign a declaration of loss and they'll refund the check within 2 days and be able to issue her another check then. I told her NOT to send another check and to request the landlords bank account information for a wire transfer cause I've been telling her it's fucking stupid to send out basically cash in the mail.

So my questions

If the landlord, because he's an idiot and insists on receiving a check in the mail, refuses to accept rent via wire transfer, can we give him the FedEx tracking information and proof of withdrawal and tell him to contact FedEx, it's his problem?

If the check ends up being cashed fraudulently, is there anything we can do to recover the funds through FedEx?

Answer:
 No. It isn't his problem to make sure you get rent to him.

Pay with a regular check and use tracking/return receipt requested.


Title: [Florida] I kidnapped my kids to get them away from my abusive ex wife and now she's breaking into my home and stealing from it.

Question:
My wife and I have been going through a gruesome divorce where she's taken everything I've ever worked for. Long, long story short:
-Wife had partial custody of my daughters (12,14,16) but neglected them they came on their own merit with me overseas.
-I left everything I had to get away from her including my house and all the valuables inside.
-She's now breaking into my said house and looting it.

I need to know if I can send back my daughter (18) without her getting in legal trouble or a way to retrieve all that I have left to my name.

I've abridged 4 years of a downhill battle so if there's anything that I've left out, please feel free to ask.
Topic:
Custody Divorce and Family

Answer:
 >I need to know if I can send back my daughter (18) without her getting in legal trouble or a way to retrieve all that I have left to my name.

Don't do that. That's an awful position for you to put your daughter in. Call the police, file a police report against her for breaking and entering, theft, etc. Answer #2: You need to talk to a lawyer. Leaving the country with your children was a very bad idea especially if they are under 16 due to the following

The International Parental Kidnapping Crime Act (IPKCA) of 1993: A criminal arrest warrant can be issued for a parent who takes a juvenile under 16 outside of the U.S. without the other custodial parent’s permission.Answer #3: > if there's anything that I've left out

Alot