Title: Please help. Child support issue.

Question:
Hello everyone,

So I have two boys. An 8 year old and a 6 year old. Their mother and I have gone back and forth numerous times in court. For a majority of their lives we have had 50/50, but my ex wife definitely knew how to take advantage of me. Several times when they were younger she moved for better job opportunities only to return within a few months.

Fast forward the past 6 months. 6 months ago she claimed she got a school offer to go to nursing school completely paid. She moved from our town to Raleigh NC. I certainly didn't want this since we had 50/50 at the time. I knew going to court could take time and since the courts still favor women heavily I would probably lose.

She agreed to give me one child and take the other. I know that is horrible but I agreed and we go the courts to approve the modification. As part of the new agreement she agreed not to file child support since I ultimately did not want this, but I did agree to buy things the kids needed myself and give them to her like clothes and shoes etc.

Almost a month after moving she moved back because her bf refused to move. She moves back finds out he cheated on her and decides to marry him. He is a three time felon with a 25+ page criminal history btw and I did try to get custody a few years back when they started dating and the courts still gave her 50/50.

And now she is calling me a piece of shit for not helping even though I've spent over $500 on clothes in shoes in the past few months. She demanded $300 a month in child support. I agreed but asked her to submit it since he lives 20 feet from the court house and I live an hour away. She agrees.

A month later she tells me she can't figure it out and is just gonna file through the state. We argue I agree to pay $400 and file the paperwork for her. We do a VSA and I turn it in and even though we both signed and notarized it they are making us go in front of a judge. The paperwork states the support would begin may 1.

She is upset that it doesn't start in April and know claims she will ask the judge to ignore the order and factor in her income and backdate the child support to January.

At the end of the day all I want is at least 50/50. I've spent over $10k on attorneys in the past and never get any where and I know if I try to represent myself I would probably lose.

All of our conversations are in email.

Any advice? Im scared the judge will side with her.
Topic:
Custody Divorce and Family

Answer: With a high conflict scenario such as this, you should pay child support [through the state](https://mychildsupport.dss.virginia.gov/). Please contact DCSE on how to set up your payments.


Title: Grandaunt's will not being honored due to her late father's will excluding me; do I have a leg to stand on with the information I offer? (long, sorry)

Question:
[deleted]
Topic:
Wills Trusts and Estates

Answer:
 The estate attorney is not going to go against the clear language of the document and recommend the Trustee violate the trust agreement.  You might want to consult with an attorney, but based on what you have here I would not get my hopes up.Answer #2: Essentially, the trust money wasn't your great aunt's to give away. When money is in a trust, the beneficiary doesn't have control over it. That's the exact reason people make trusts, rather than wills or other forms of transfer. So it's unlikely any court would override it.

But it sounds like you're on a good path! Keep at it.


Title: Fiance's ex-wife filed Motion to keep me away from the children.

Question:
My fiance is currently dealing with an extremely high-conflict ex-wife (divorced ten years) regarding legal custody issues. Currently, my fiance wishes for the child to be placed back into public school due to extremely inadequate homeschooling. Ex-wife has engaged in serious parental alienation and gatekeeping, and broke their divorce decree about 4585757 times in doing so. Ex-wife has served a Petition for Modification to address this issue, among other things. fiance has a lawyer who is submitting his answer and a counter-petition. Mediation is mandated before court.

That's not the issue. The ex-wife is very unstable. In the past three years, she has gone from loving me to threatening me to admitting to be threatened by me as a parental role in the minor children's (11 and 14)  lives. My fiance and I have spent these three years slowly introducing me, and cultivating my role. For the first year, I was mostly a bystander. Involved, but not more than a caring, helpful adult. In the past two years, I have taken on a more parental role. My fiance and I changed the household and implementing chores, bedtimes, electronic device time restrictions, I make all of our meals and we eat together as a family for them all, created a more balanced diet and limited junk food. I help the children with their schoolwork and I'm very involved in their education. I have spent 99% of the last three years with the children for all of their time-sharing with my Fiance. We have two dogs together who the children helped to name. We take family trips together, spend our holidays split between our families, and have even taken a cheesy family Christmas photo together last year. The children and I love eachother, frequently keep up through text when they are at their Mom's, and they are looking forward to us getting married eventually. The minor son even stated this past weekend we should just get it over with because it would be the best for everyone (lol). We have worked hard to have a good blended family, and to make sure the environment was for the best of the children. We moved slow. We have maintained separate households and I spend part-time at his each week. Due to the conflict getting worse this past Spring, we decided to wait until all of it was resolved before introducing a huge change to the kids. The Ex-wife has constantly involved them in the conflict, and basically because she monitors all the communication between them and my Fiance and I, they feel uncomfortable communicating (against the decree). They've even felt they've "gotten in trouble" because of communication, and the Ex-Wife expressing her anger.

&#x200B;

It's been rocky. I am dedicated to my fiance, and have tried to maintain a level head in regards to her behavior. She called me last month and left a threatening voicemail on my phone, basically stating my involvement with the children would be the reason she took my fiance to court, so I blocked her on my phone and email. She's stalked me online and I've since deleted my Facebook, locked down my Instagram, and removed most of my online presence. I've never discussed the children online, and most of my friends have no clue I'm even on the verge of becoming a stepmother.

&#x200B;

Today, she filed a motion for me to have no-contact with the children. She filled the motion with information obtained from an anonymous blog I keep up about adult Autism, where I discussed my struggles as a young adult before getting proper treatment, my time seeking treatment in a psychiatric facility, working diagnosis and my experience, and my eventual diagnosis by a specialist. Any psychological diagnosis was removed in 2009, turns out, I'm super Autistic and have sensory integration issues. I also found out I was diagnosed as a child and my Father kept it from me so that I didn't use it as a crutch (thanks Dad). I discussed using alcohol as a coping mechanism in my early 20's, and struggles with suicide attempts between 18-23. I'm turning 33 now. She used a text message I sent linking to a Science blog article about the discovery of a skeleton in a 5th century Roman cemetery that showed signs of people believing it was a vampire. I commented how crazy it would have been to live during a time where people could accuse you of being a witch or vampire and kill you, historically accurate and in reference to the discovery. She turned it into I'm having discussions about vampires and witches with the children. Like....I can't even begin to explain the absurdity. All of a sudden I have a history of substance abuse issues and suicidal tendencies. She's basically spent the past three years finding any reason to "tell on me" to my fiance in an attempt to cause discord between us, and to alienate the kids because she's insecure about another "mommy".

The facts.

 Yes, I drank too much sometimes as a coping mechanism, but I have never struggled with alcohol in a way that I was required to seek treatment for it, and have never been diagnosed with a substance abuse issue. I quit drinking in 2009 and have remained mostly sober since, maybe drinking socially ten times. I have never drank in front of the kids, and have never talked about drinking in front of the kids. I can't even remember the last time I drank to be honest. I did get a DUI when I was 22 during this spiral.

The last time I felt suicidal was ten years ago, and that was before I received any sort of psychological treatment. I voluntarily entered a treatment facility for a few months to understand why I was feeling how I was. I was released with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, which was quickly removed by my regular psychologist, and I was treated for years without one. I received my second diagnosis of Autism in 2014. I have not had a psychological diagnosis since 2009, nor received any pharmaceutical therapy since.

I've never used illegal drugs.  Besides the DUI, I've never even gotten a speeding ticket. I have a completely clean criminal records.

All of this was a decade or more before I began dating my fiance. The children are not aware of any of it, unless she's disclosed it to them.

I've never done anything to physically, emotionally, or psychologically harm the children. They love me, express so almost every day, and I love them with all of my heart. We even have cheesy Christmas photos together.

The motion is attached to his court case, so she hasn't filed an order against me personally, just named me as "girlfriend".

I'm exhausted. All I want is to move on with our lives and enjoy my family and this woman is hell bent on destroying it. I've spent three years being harassed by her, stalked online, my communication with the children being monitored so that they feel uncomfortable reaching out to me when they are with her, and it's taking a toll on them. It's causing all of us a great deal of emotional grief.

What can I do besides the lawyer denying the items in the motion? I want them to respond with the facts. I want some sort of protection for myself against her. What kind of protection can I get that won't impact my relationship with the children? Will an Order of Protection prevent me from being able to be involved in their extracurriculars and schooling? Pickups and drop offs? I don't believe there is any merit to her motion nor do I feel it will be accepted, but I need to protect myself in the future. I love my fiance and his kids, and this is just unhealthy.

Answer:
 Since your partner has an attorney, this is best a question for that person.

But generally, orders of protection in Florida are reserved for victims of violence.  You didn’t mention that she was ever violent toward you.

Additionally, any order of protection against her is very likely to impact your relationship with the children.

Attempting to get an order of protection will make you seem like you think this is about you.   Remember that it’s not.  Keep being the bigger person.


Title: HOA wants social security numbers of all residents. Is it legal/common? (Nevada)

Question:
I received a call today from our HOA saying they need this information for their record. We have recently moved into the area. They want us to mail this information to the HOA's address.

When I asked why this is needed, they said it's pretty standard practice and they need it for their own records. They said they have this for everyone.

Do I need to be worried?

Answer:
 I can't think of any good reason a HOA would need your SSN. And I sure wouldn't give an agency that doesn't need it mine.

Check your HOA bylaws to see if they want it and have them do an ELI5 for why they seem to think they need it from you.Answer #2: NAL, but a NV homeowner and LL.

A few years ago, with all the rental homes on the market (people like me giving up on CA, selling our house there, and having enough money to buy 3 houses in NV and rent 2 out) there was a push in a lot of HOAs to register tenants of non-owner occupied homes and charge LL exorbinant fees for the privilege.

Recently, the NV legislature passed a law restricting this practice (among other things, the property managers would not be allowed to profit from it) and the practice died down.  I assume that this demand is a remnant from those days; I got a number of nastygrams from the property management companies, which I ignored (after researching the law enough to convince myself that they couldn't restrict my ability to rent).

It is *not* standard practice, and you should refuse to provide the info - they have no right to your SSN.

Answer #3: Unless it's in the bylaws, you don't need to provide it.

Answer #4: It can be standard practice to stick their finger up the nose of the new tenants, doesn't mean they have a reason to do it. I'd not comply unless they have an HOA bylaw you agreed to saying you must. If they persist, have them explain WHY they need information that can commonly be used for identity theft and fraud?


Title: Ex boyfriend threatening to post naked photos of me online

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Googling around, it appears that Victoria has anti-revenge porn laws in place. Start by contacting your local police department.Answer #2: Make sure you have documentation of everything he has said and threatened you with. Take screenshots of everything please. Answer #3: IANAL but fellow aussie
[Look here](http://www.lawstuff.org.au/vic_law/topics/privacy#cst)

Relevant paragraph:  *It is also against the law to threaten to distribute a picture or video of this description. The maximum penalty to make such a threat is 1 year in jail.*

Lots of states here have brought in laws relevant to exactly this.  I would suggest first thing is speak to your local coppers.  If he is in the same area or close by someone might have a quiet word to him on your behalf.  Keep the text messages to show the cops, if you can print them out, etc.

Hope this helps.

Answer #4: This is blackmail. Also if you took the photo then you own the copyright, unless Australian law is drastically different from US law in this caseAnswer #5: You might seek information from /r/auslaw on this one...Answer #6: There's a crime called 'Threat to distribute intimate image' in the Summary Offences Act which this would fall under- you can definitely go to the police for the threats.


Title: What can I do if someone touches my belly without my permission?

Question:
Colorado.

I am pregnant and I know that when I start showing someone is going to treat me like public property and touch me in a way that feels really badly to me. Actually I am quite certain I am going to FREAK THE EVER LOVING HELL OUT. To put it in perspective I would feel far more comfortable with a stranger touching my butt. I already do NOT like my belly touched in the best of circumstances... with my baby in there and a stranger doing it is going to feel incredibly violating.

I assume I can not just punch them and plead self defense?

I believe it is illegal to touch me without my permission. How would I go about pursuing that? Would I have to sue them or would the police take care of it for me?

Is there any other extreme reaction I can legally have without involving the police? The police kind of scare me too.

I understand you may find this an overreaction and I should be happy people want to be included but please respect that at 6 weeks this is already causing me heavy anxiety. I want to be prepared for when it happens so that I do not have to feel like a victim and do not get myself in trouble with my reaction.

In short what can I legally do to treat this in the most serious way I am able to?

edit: thanks everyone. Your logic around here is so calming to my emotional thoughts on the subject. Rationality shall prevail.

Answer:
 >I assume I can not just punch them and plead self defense?

That is correct.

do the common sense thing - don't allow people to touch you.  It's going to be obvious when they try, people aren't stealthy ninjas.Answer #2: While this is technically battery you probably have very little in the way of damages. Suing someone for touching your belly would likely result in damages awarded for $1, if anything. Self-defense is based on a reasonable expectation of bodily harm. It would be hard to prove that you expected harm proportional to a punch.

My wife is pregnant and going through the same thing. She hates it when people come up and assume she is OK with her belly being rubbed or patted or touched. For this reason she keeps her hands near her belly when meeting new people so it's easier to intercept un-welcome touching.Answer #3: If someone touches you without permission, ask them to stop and/or move their hand away.  No, you can't punch them, no you can't have an "extreme reaction".  If you really want to waste police time, call the police.  Don't be surprised if they don't take a lot of action.


Title: HOA and hardwood floors

Question:
I’ve installed hardwood floors (LTV) in my condo and I didn’t go through architecture review process. Management company has discovered it and asked for formal architecture review process. I also found that board generally do not approve anything but carpet. Even though in House Rules they do not restrict it to carpet, they only have noise level requirement, that I think we meet.

No complaints from neighbors downstairs.

What does community suggest to do now? If I file architecture review, it’ll probably be rejected. Should I get a lawyer to get to compromise? Should I just wait and do nothing?

Answer:
 You could ask to compromise and put an area rug down or carpet over the room.

Did the flooring and underlayment you installed have an IIC or STC rating? Is it comparable to carpet?


Title: My gf quit her job and they won't pay her.

Question:
Hello everyone,

So my gf worked for a small business where we live in Los Angeles. She was constantly complaining about the work environment. For example, the employers would do things like tell her they will be in to relieve her from her shift and end up taking an hour and a half to two hours to show up after she was supposed to be off. Sometimes she wouldn't get to take breaks... etc... A little over two weeks ago she told me she wanted to quit and I supported her. I even helped her write out text messages after she got home from her shift from quitting when her boss wouldn't leave her alone about it. I wouldn't call it harassment but it was making her uncomfortable. Nonetheless, she collected her paycheck from that pay period but still has 4 days of work (and a couple of days of work they "forgot" to include in it) for the next pay period. She was nice about it and waited two weeks until this last Saturday (two weeks) to collect her final paycheck. This was two days ago. Now they keep dodging her. They aren't responding to her calls and are taking their time with texts. She'll text them asking to come collect and they'll reply the next day saying she needs to give them notice so they can come In the shop to give it to her. What should we do?

Answer:
 [File a wage claim with the DLSE](https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/HowToFileWageClaim.htm)

For time worked, waiting time penalties, and for the extra 1 hour of pay for not getting rest periods or meal breaks.


Title: Neighbor keeps parking in my parking spot.

Question: I live in Columbia county, Oregon. I live in an apartment (it is a house that was converted into five apartments.) There are five spots to park in our building. I currently do not have a vehicle in my spot (I was involved in are car accident a few weeks ago.) I do, however do not mind my neighbors thinking they have the right to start using my spot for this reason. I still pay for this in my rent and if I have family, or friends come to visit I want them to have my spot. (there is not parking on the rode. They would have to park a block down in the little convince store parking lot, or down on that part of the street.) So, why is it OK for these neighbors to be illegally authorize parking in my spot? I need legal advice on what I can do to get these people towed, or just out of my spot. I have contacted tow yards they say my landlord has to contact them? ( Is this true, or am I just stating something wrong when I call?) My landlord wont call say's he will has yet to call. Please help me get these people out of my parking spot!! P.S. I have talked to these people multiple times telling them not to park here. One stated "I'm disabled and can do whatever the f**k I want." and the other times I have put my trash can in my spot they have either moved it (meaning thrown trash everywhere big ass mess.) or down right just hit it. I have honestly tried everything I know about. I would appreciate more options and advice to get these people the heck out!

Answer: Complain to your landlord. Make dealing with you more annoying than calling a tow company.


Title: (Connecticut) School does not let you leave prom

Question:
Ok. So my senior prom is this year, and the school has a very strict policy that you cannot leave prom. Not that you can't reenter after leaving; you can not leave after prom starts at all. The only exception being if you are severely injured. The school is also giving breathalyzer tests to everyone entering prom (This makes sense but I figured I would bring it up anyway). I am a very introverted person and get anxious around large groups and do not really like to party, but I also would like to participate in class events such as prom. Also our prom is an overnight affair, meaning I would be forced to stay there for nearly 12 hours with no relief. My question is, what is the legality of this and why? I want to participate but if I, a legal adult, can not leave of my own accord then I will not go.
Topic:
School Related Issues

Answer:
 Is it held in just one big room or something?

If I was in this position I would try to see if there would be rooms or areas where I could take a break and read or something if I wanted to.


Title: I'm getting two paychecks from different payroll divisions from my company. I need advice.

Question:
I was promoted to work for a specific brand within the company (Midwest, USA) in which they have their own seperate headquarters (seperate payroll, president, marketing team, sales team, etc). However, I'm still receiving a check from my old payroll; however, the amount I'm receiving is not the same amount I received on my old paychecks, which is odd. I started my new position beginning of this year.

I'm assuming my old payroll believes I'm still working in my old position or their is an error, hence I'm still receiving a paycheck. If this were a scenario where a single payroll entity was sending me a double check for the same position, it would be different; moreover, I wouldn't hesitate to report it.

Is it possible that one side of the companies payroll believes I'm still working in my old position? If this is the case, is it possible that their won't be any red flags as far as the budget goes? The two have their own seperate budgets and don't communicate.

So far as precaution, I haven't spent the extra cash I've been receiving. If I do decide to report it now, I'll chalk it up as the previous weeks I believed they were checks from Q3 and Q4 bonuses (which pay out the following year).

I'm 95% sure I'm going to report it. I just wanted to get input as this is a unique case. 5% of me believes if I were to leave the company within several months, is it possible it could go unnoticed?

Topic:
Business Law

Answer: According you, 5% of you is a scumbag. I suspect the percentage is higher, but this is just based off the facts that you've given us. Report the error and return the money.Answer #2: Report it. Any company with a semi competent internal auditing department will catch it. It's far better to deal with it now than have them demanding it all back at once. Plus it's the right thing to do.


Title: Slot machine exploit legal advice wanted.

Question:
Hello.

My Question is in regards to my recent slot machine adventures in Queensland, Australia. One night while I was playing a machine, I happened upon an "exploit" where by the machine would take in a coin, spin with with a bet of half a coin, and eject the full coin after. This worked 95% of the time as far as I could tell. Amazed with my find, I tried this out about 30 to 40 times and in doing so I won a mini jackpot that was 200-300 dollars. Happy with my luck at finding this loophole I left for the night with winnings in hand.

Now what im wondering is there any legal ramifications i should be worried about here?

Update:
It is a licened gaming venue, not some major casino.
The "exploit" works on the same model machines.

Answer:
 well posting online so someone can report this to security at the casino isn't a good idea. I wouldn't use it again as people in the us have been charged with hacking for such things.
I'd worry about going back because if the staff review the tape or notice something it could be straight to jail with you. Stay out of the casino if your looking for ways to cheat your life isn't worth 800 or $1000


Title: [UT, Salt Lake City]New property management company is trying to evict me for having a cat.

Question:
Hey Reddit, so here is my situation. I moved into an apartment about 2 years ago, lets call this Apartment A. I signed a 1 year lease agreement for apartment A, and once the lease term was up, i simply kept paying rent and everything was fine. The lease agreement for apartment A prohibits pets, and I did not have any pets in apartment A.

Now about 4 months ago a new apartment freed up in the same building, which was nicer that my old apartment, lets call this apartment B. I called up the property management and asked if I could move over there and they said yes(slight increase in rent$) and I moved over there about 4 months ago. I never signed a lease agreement for this new apartment.

Here is the problem: Since moving to Apartment B, I've acquired a cat. Also, my old property management company, the one who said I could move into apartment B got fired and a new property management company took their place.

This new property management company just did an inspection and upon seeing evidence of a cat told me that I was violating my lease, and that they'd be fining me almost $100 a day and serving me with a 3 day eviction notice.

Are they allowed to fine/evict me for a lease violation when I never signed any sort of a lease? Once again, I signed a 1 year lease for apartment A, and lived in it for about 18 months. Upon moving to apartment B I have signed nothing at all. Thanks for any help.

Answer:
 You lease from apartment A likely carries over.

Did the previous company grant permission for the cat?


Title: Hypothetical Powerball: revealing your identity

Question:
Six states of the 44 that run Powerball allow you to claim the prize winnings anonymously. If you live in one of those states but buy a ticket in a state that requires you to give your name, do you still have to give your name?

Example: I live in Ohio and buy a ticket in Florida. Would I have to follow Florida law to cash the winning ticket or Ohio law (as I would not send in the ticket until I got back to Ohio)?

Answer:
 you have to present the ticket in the state in which it was purchased and follow that state's lotto rules accordingly.

> A ticket must be cashed in the state it was purchased in. Although the Powerball game has a common jackpot prize pool, it is actually a state lottery game and is run on the separate computer systems of each state. After the drawing, all plays are processed and winning tickets are posted to a state system validation file. When a ticket is validated (cashed) in a certain state, it is recorded on that state's central computer as a validated cashed ticket so that the ticket cannot be cashed a second time and the retailer's account can be credited.

[from the Powerball FAQ](http://www.powerball.com/powerball/pb_map.asp)Answer #2: I told my husband last night that the first two things we would do if we had a winning ticket - hire a good lawyer and find a good financial planner. Because you know the moment you reveal yourself to the media, everyone who thinks they have something to gain will come after you for a cut of the prize. A good lawyer will take care of the vultures. The financial planner is self explanatory.


Title: Failed drug test in illinois

Question: Hi all forgive me if this message is all over the place I'll try to be as clear and brief as possible.  My [24f] boyfriend [26m] will soon be terminated for testing positive to pot for a random drug test. We live on our own and he is the breadwinner. Has anyone had this happen to them? I want to bring up applying for unemployment but i don't want to say anything if he won't be eligible due to why he will be let go. Thanks in advance

Answer: Likely he will not. The company will likely fight it and due to failing random drug test. He will not receive unemployment. Time for a new job.


Title: Clinic uses CC field for e-mail, claims they've done nothing wrong

Question: [deleted]

Answer: So what do you propose to do? Suing them in California will get you nowhere. You can try speaking to a local attorney, but I have no idea what the Brazilian legal landscape looks like.


Title: I just got married and found out my wife lied to me. How can I get an annulment?

Question: [removed]

Answer:
 You can contact a divorce attorney. But you are aware that it's not at all unlikely for a hymen to tear prior to a woman losing her virginity and that not all women bleed their first time right...?Answer #2: Assuming this isn't a troll, you're an idiot who doesn't know the slightest thing about women.

This isn't 1625.  A modern woman can break her hymen on a bicycle, doing any number of sports, having an exam or using a tampon.

If in your medieval wisdom you'd rather believe bad science that says otherwise than the woman you chose to marry, you can see a divorce lawyer.  Good luck finding your perfectly intact virgin.Answer #3: I highly recommend you find a divorce attorney - there's no reason a woman should be stuck with a man that has no idea about basic female anatomy.  No woman deserves to be stuck with a man who's that ignorant.

You should also tell her what you said above, that should make it much easier for her to understand she needs to be not around you at all, and will make the divorce process much easier.  Divorce is far easier when both parties think the marriage should end.Answer #4: > We live in and got married in Florida.

Oooooh, that explains it.


Title: Parents want me to pay ticket that is in their for when they lost my dog.

Question:
I had moved out, but couldn’t take my dog to my apartment. My parents agreed to take care of my dog until he could live with me for his food and other things for him. He lived with them from November 2017 to of May 2018.
 One day, my parents lost my dog, but he was later found by county animal services. When my parents informed me that my dog was lost and found, they told me I just had to pay an $8 fee to get him registered with county (which I thought I had already done when I chipped him through the county)(side note: my dog was registered to my parents because at the time my dog got chipped I was a minor.) Fast forward a month after they lost him, June 2018, my dog now lives with me. Today I received a text with a picture attached from my parents. The picture shows an over due ticket for $125 that is addressed to my dad. The following text says they would like a copy of the receipt showing that I paid it.
I was not aware that there was even a ticket. I was only told about the $8 registration fee. Yes it’s my dog, but they lost him while he was in their care.
I asked someone and they say I should just pay half since its my dog. But I honestly don’t think that’s fair considering the circumstances.

Answer: Legally, it's their ticket to pay... but keep in mind they did you a pretty big favor by taking care of your dog. It may behoove you to avoid treating this as a legal question.


Title: Need Urgent Advice! Traveling to Canada soon

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 There is literally nothing you can do to guaruntee you will be allowed entry. They have the absolute discretion to deny you. So really your three choices are:

1. Come up with some reason why you can't go on the trip.

2. Tell your boss that you may be denied and ask him to make the decision whether to try and go.

3. Not tell anybody and risk being denied entrance which would be embarrassing.

Since you know your boss and employer better than anybody here so you should make the decision.


Title: Amish Landlord- Violating State Laws. Making up rules and doing random inspections setting a curfew. Telling me I cant leave.

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 >I don't know what my options are at this point.

The only person who is crazier than someone who is crazy is the person who insists on trying to figure out how to remain living with or renting from someone who is crazy.  Figure out how to get out of your lease, find another place to live, and give notice that you are leaving.Answer #2: > but im going to make her take me to court to evict me.

and ruin your chance to get other housing from people who look for previous evictions as a rental criteria.

smart.Answer #3: >im going to make her take me to court to evict me.

That's called cutting off your nose to spite your faceAnswer #4: > At this point I am going to be packed and ready to go may 1st, but im going to make her take me to court to evict me

I know you're mad but this will ruin your credit. Also, tell her to go to hell if she wants to do room inspections or you to have a curfew(in nicer words though). Have everything you can in writing. And is she kicks you out before May 1st, sue her pants off for illegal eviction through small claims. A lot of money, usually rent x3 is awarded in these cases.

Answer #5: Everyone getting evicted says their landlord is crazy


Title: [NJ] I just found out a friend I lived with for years kept all of my money for utilities and never paid the bills.

Question:
From 2012-2014, I lived in an apartment with three other friends. Our one friend Steve, was in charge of paying the electric, water and sewer. The rest of us paid him cash for whatever the bill was every month. A few times, the power company would turn the power off, but Steve told us he was just late on the payment and took care of it.

Now, we no longer live together. After this, there was a falling out in which it was revealed that Steve was a pathological liar and none of us talk to him anymore. Today, I found out from the old landlord that Steve actually never paid the bills and just kept our money. Apparently he just made the minimum payments whenever they cut the power. Now the power company and the township are going after him for thousands of dollars in missed bills/fines.

Since the bills were in his name, we are off the hook for all of the legal trouble. But I am pissed that he took all of our money and blew it on who knows what. Is this fraud? Can me and the other roommates go after him for our money?  Unfortunately I paid cash most of the time. I'm not sure if the other two guys ever paid him with a check.
Topic:
Douche

Answer:
 > Can me and the other roommates go after him for our money?

He doesn't owe you the money.  He owes the utility companies the money.

Answer #2: > Since the bills were in his name, we are off the hook for all of the legal trouble

Be thankful.  You've got no problems!


Title: [USA] Getting harmed by criminal record when seeking work. I don't have a criminal record.

Question:
As the subject says, people keep looking me up online and finding that I have a criminal record. This is hurting me when seeking employment.

Firstly, the phone number listed for me is incorrect. It says I've lived in Florida, Georgia, and Arizona, but I've never been to Florida, and never lived in either Arizona or Georgia either, that I'm 56 years old, etc. I'm barely in my 30s.

It says I have speeding tickets in states I've never been stopped in, DUIs, etc. I've never drank a drop of alcohol, or touched a single drug in my life.

I didn't realize this until, despite being employed for several months, I had a previous employer and manager send a bunch of private investigators after me, asking lots of different questions that made me stop and go, "wtf?" They kept asking me if I ever lived in Florida or Arizona, and I said no, and they kept trying to get me to admit to things I've never done.

Obviously, I said no. Then I looked myself up and went, "WTF?" None of the information is relevant to me, except my name and current address!

What can I do about this? I just lost a huge job opportunity because of it.

Answer:
 I assume the person has the same or similar name?

I think you can bering it up preemptively during the interview process-at the close of the interview you can say something like "Im not sure how you conduct your background checks but I wanted to let you know there is another individual with my name who has a criminal record.  However if the service researches this further it will show that the individual in question is almost double my age and has lived places I have never been in.

even better if you contact the background service and ask for a letter confirming that that that individual has a different dob and other information than you have and then hand that letter to the interviewer

Answer #2: pre-employment criminal background checks are subject to the FCRA, you can dispute findings on it just like you can with your credit history.

Reputable background check companies use your SSN to find everywhere you lived and then search those counties' court records using your name & dob. It costs them money per county they search so they typically won't search ones that don't come up.

The less than reputable background check companies will use online searches which may return the junk data you're seeing when you google.

As you interview, I'd bring it up in the interview. Just say something like "This has come up before so to prevent any misunderstanding, there's another person out there with the same name as me that has a whole bunch of DUIs and stuff. He/she has a different date of birth than me though. Just wanted to let you know because once a background check brought all that up without double-checking that it was actually me."


Title: (CA) Brother is going through a divorce and doesn’t have a set custody agreement yet though the court. Wife agreed through text he could have kids today, Easter. Then she took off with them and told them she changed her mind. What can he do?

Answer: He needs to work with his attorney to have temporary custody and support set.Answer #2: He can go to court to get a set custody and visitation agreement put in place.


Title: [MI] Enforcing Ex-Wife's PPO against boyfriend.

Question:
So my ex-wife's on and off boyfriend repeatedly threatened her with physical harm.  Most notably, he on several occasions threatened to kill her and force our daughter to watch.  I didn't know about any of this until she came to my house seeking a place to stay and hide and showed me all the texts and emails.  I took the next day off and helped her get a PPO against him (which covered her and our daughter).  I also housed her until she was able to move to a new apartment so he wouldn't know where she lived.  The short version is that my daughter has started telling me that they are hanging out with him again and I worry for their safety.  I know I have no basis for judging the safety of my ex-wife but is there anything I can do to enforce the judgement covering my daughter?  If not, can I use the evidence entered in the original PPO to ask for a separate PPO covering my child?
Topic:
Custody Divorce and Family

Answer:
 If there is an active PPO, it's a violation of the PPO to spend time, even if the person who took out the protective order wants to do so.  You can absolutely call the cops on this one, and say that they are violating the protective order, by spending time with the child and the woman.

She could hypothetically apply to dissolve the protective order, at which point you may take out a separate on for your child.


Title: Curious about the prosecution in the Michelle Carter texting suicide case.

Question:
I've been watching the streams of the trial in the case of Conrad Roy's suicide and whether or not his girlfriend Michelle Carter convinced him through text messaging to go through with it.

If you're not aware, researching it might be your best bet, but a quick rundown would be that an 18 year old named Conrad Roy committed suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning in his truck. Over at least 2 weeks, his girlfriend had been texting him non stop telling him to do it. Ways to do it. Where to do it. That he can't keep putting it off. Etc... At one point during the actual attempt he backed out and she demanded he get back in the truck.

Anyway. The trial just started the other day and the prosecution has been the one talking through 99% of what I've watched. They have questioned the mother and gone over months of texts. Probably 30 or so that I heard. All after Conrad had died. I figured a few would show how cold she was by repeatedly texting sympathetic things to the mom knowing what she had done to Conrad, but most didn't really lead anywhere. Even the judge finally had enough and told the lady that all of these were on the record and she didn't need to keep reading them.

Later on, the first responder (firefighter guy) was being questioned. They held up big printed pictures of the exact layout of the parking lot. 4 of them. Asked how he was informed of where to go. What road he took. Where he went first. What people he saw there. What he saw when he approached. When he entered the truck. What the paramedics did. Had him point out and confirm all of the pictures.

Then they had one of Michelle's friends on the stand. Asked her all sorts of things about how often they texted. If they ever went out. What kind of jobs this girl had. How often she worked. Asked if Michelle and her had plans. She said no. Then the lady asked what her own plans were. When she went on vacation and with who. This girl had nothing to do with the case itself. Just was texting friend of Michelle.

They showed the defense at one point, and Michelle looks over and is really puzzled at the questions and asks her attorney something. He then shakes his head and has a really puzzled look as well.

I'm just confused about what impact things like this could have on the outcome of the trial. What difference does it make what road the first responder took to get to the scene when the actual trial is about whether or not the text messages that Michelle Carter sent were responsible for Conrad Roy killing himself. What reason is there to find out the summer plans of a friend of Michelle's that had already been determined NOT to include Michelle.

I'm obviously ignorant on how this sort of thing works, I'm just curious.

Answer:
 There are, roughly, three possibilities.

1) These questions are part of some larger, overall prosecution strategy, which means it probably won't make sense until the prosecution ties it all together somehow.

2) The prosecution had something in mind with these lines of question but they didn't go anywhere. If this is the case, we are unlikely to get insight into what purpose they served.

3) They are fishing without a specific goal in mind.


Title: Father was ordered by the court to pay outstanding child support but he still has not paid.

Question:
I live in Florida. My ex-husband was ordered by a judge to pay over $6000 in owed child support that he withheld for frivolous and unfounded reasons. He was given 30 days to pay, it's been 42 days. I am unable to afford an attorney and I really need this money to put towards my daughter's higher education. How can I make him pay without hiring an attorney and squandering all of my savings? Thank in advance for the help, y'all.

\-Teddy

Answer:
 Form 12.960
Motion for civil contempt.
Find the Florida Supreme Court Family Law Form
Fill it out, have it notorised, get a copy to serve on your ex.
Either mail or hand delivery.
File it under your case in your clerk of court.
Super easy and free.
This provokes a court date to be set and drags his ass in front of the judge to answer for not obeying the judge.Answer #2: NAL: if he was ordered to pay within 30 days and didn’t, you should be able to contact the court and let them know. I don’t believe you would need a lawyer for this specific issue, although it would be highly recommended for future proceedings.


Title: Is it legal to destroy a brand product in a YouTube video?

Question: Example: You make and publish an online video where you buy a versace shirt and burn it, to then wear an adidas shirt, while clearly showing the brand logos etc. This is without being affiliated with/endorsed by any of the brands in the video.

Answer: It would be legal in the US, freedom of speech. But YouTube don't have to keep your video up if say Adidas make a complaint. YouTube can remove your video from their platform for (almost) any or no reason.


Title: Weird ethical dilemma. Co-worker is married to a pedophile. We work in a school.

Question: Title says it all. My coworker is married to a man who was convicted and is currently serving 20 years for molesting children. He's been in for 3 years yet they remain married. Do I have any moral or ethical responsibility? Would you want to know if your kindergarteners teacher was married to a man in prison for pedophilia? I feel strangely guilty for staying quiet, yet she's not the pedophile. Should I say anything and if I did, could I be subject to legal ramifications? Libel, slander? I'm leaving the company we work for in a month so I don't care about getting fired but could she take some sort of retributive legal action against me? And yes, our manager (her best friend) knows.

Answer:
 The guy's in prison. What more do you think they could do to him? Unless you have personal knowledge that a child is in danger MYOB.Answer #2: They may still be married because his pension is vested and she can start drawing it in a few years.  She can wait on the divorce until he is about to be released.  You don't know anything except that he is no danger whatsoever to those children. Answer #3: As a parent of a young child, it really wouldn't bother me since he is in prison. Also, how close to her are you?  My uncle went to prison for 5 years when I was younger. It was easier for my aunt to stay legally married to him while he was in prison even though she never talked to him.

Just saying that unless you know everything, I wouldn't want to put someone's life in even more of an upheaval.


Title: [Chicago] Due to a settled incident 2 years ago with a state health agency, I'm now on the OIG Exclusion List. I became a nurse after the incident and they just put me on the list this month. How fucked am I?

Question:
Found out after my bosses brought me down at end of shift to figure out how I ended up being pinged. Explained the whole situation honestly to them.

Worked as a State-appointed Personal Assistant (bathe, cook, laundry for someone who can't due to health). Said person (friend's mom, mutual care for each other) went to hospital and then rehab. Said it was fine to keep working for her and just do legwork. Got paid for those months

Years later, I'm an RN and State troopers interview me. I'm a dummy, tell them everything, didn't realize I was in the shit bc I wasn't supposed to work for her while she was in rehab. I'm now being charged with larceny, fraud, theft, etc,. Lawyer up, my lawyer and judge agree that its stupid, I pay restitution and get 1 years Supervision, keeping my Nursing license. Lawyer says 2 years after I can most likely get it expunged. Clean record otherwise.

What didn't get mentioned was this damned Exclusion list. I'm listed as a Personal Assistant still in the database. My bosses love me, I'm like primo nurse-o at work, but they have to play it safe and put me on leave until they can figure out what's going on. I'm to talk to my lawyer tomorrow, and see my boss as well with my documents from the case. I'm just trying to find peace of mind right now, though, because this has slowly become my passion, and to see it taken it from me in such an asinine reason (I would not feel this bad if I actually abused a patient, or embezzled funds or something) is panic attack-inducing. What would be the parameters of this, basically? Can I be kept from working for my job? Is this not applicable to me, the nurse, since the listing is for me, the PA? Can they put me on this list after not mentioning it during the court hearings and restitution agreement? If I'd have known I may have considered fighting the case if it meant keeping both my license and my ability to actually fucking use it.

Thought I could avoid posting here just bc I lawyered up so quickly the last time, but since I have all these hours until tomorrow to wallow in this self-sustained fire, figure I might as well seek wisdom

Timeline: PA 2014-2015. Become nurse at end of 2014. Get hired at current job early 2015. State police interrogate me early 2016. Court 6/16-9/16. Exclusion posted 12/20/2016

Answer:
 I'm surprised your boss didn't see this list earlier. Your conviction is very recent. I have no advice except to do as you're doing and talk to your lawyer?

Not to sound like the morality police but you are downplaying your actions. You took state funds to care for someone who was not around to be cared for. That's a crime, you are on probation. Good luck.Answer #2: You will be fired. No entity that participates in any CMS-run plans will hire you if you're on the exclusion list.


Title: My old Roommate forged my signature on my security deposit and deposited it in his account.

Question:
So far I have a copy of the check with my forged name and it was deposited into his account. He has left the state. Any advice would be great.

Thank You

Answer: Call the police, and sue him in small claims court.


Title: [CA] Work for App based company doing deliveries and people's credit card tips make up my wage. Not a tip added on top of wage. Is this legal?

Question:
Some facts:

- I'm an independent contractor.

- I have an hourly wage. (**For example**, let's say it's $5.00/hr.)

- Situation: If a person tips me $2.50 using their credit card then the company only pays me $2.50 + $2.50(customer's tip) to make up my hourly wage. They use the customer's tip to make up my hourly wage and then pay me anything that doesn't cover my hourly. So it's $customers tip + $company = $hourly. It's *not* $5.00(company) + $2.50(customer's tip). Which I think customers might think is the case.

I know that in other states their hourly wages are like this, where the hourly is low, but they make up for it in tips. Can they do this in California though? Most waitresses I know are paid at least minimum wage and then their tips are extra on top of their minimum.

If this is legal can someone explain why. Also, if it's not what should be my next steps? Thanks!

Overall, I think customers should be aware that their tips aren't anything extra. They are essentially paying my wages by giving me a tip on a credit card, while being charged a delivery fee on top of their purchase.

It would be better overall if a customer gave me even just $1.00 in cash because then the company would be forced to pay me my hourly minimum, and the $1.00 would actually serve as a tip. There are instances where my tips are high, and then the company only pays out a few bucks. I feel bad for the customer because I think that they think that it's a little extra for me but it's really not. I rather the customer, if thinking about tipping by credit card, not even tip me at all so that at least the company can fork over all the money for my wage, and not the customer.

Answer:
 >If this is legal can someone explain why

Federal tipped minimum wage is [$2.13](http://www.dol.gov/whd/state/tipped.htm) per hour.

This means your employers *minimum contribution* is $2.13, all tips belong to you.

The federal minimum wage is $7.25, this includes the tip amount. As long as you walk away with an average of $7.25 an hour, (with a minimum of $2.13 paid by the employer) the procedure is legal.

Now that it is clear as mud, let me give you an example.

Let's say *Jenny* works for *Diner*, waitressing of course.

On Monday, they have a slow night, Jenny works for **6 hours**, and pulls in only **$10** in tips.  Federal minimum wage ($7.25/hr\*6hrs = $43.5) means she has to get at least $43.5, so the Diner has to pay Jenny $33.5 (which works out to about **$5.59/hr**).

Now on Friday, it's prom and this diner is exceptionally popular, over Jenny's 6 hour shift she pulls in $300 in tips.  (a whopping $50/hr!), The employer (due to federal standards, still has to pay 2.13/hr), her takeway for Friday comes out to $312.78! ($2.13/hr\*6hrs+300) this works out to a rate of 52.13/hr!


Title: Could I be held liable?

Question:
I live in the USA.
Long story short, a local private university requires its students to take a foreign language to a certain level, unless they can test out of it. The test is online under the students account on the university site.

I've had a couple people pay me to take the exam for them on their computer (I'm fluent in one of the languages that is an option). My question is, could I legally be held liable for doing this? Yes, this does count as cheating, I'm aware. But I don't think anyone should be forced to take classes that don't pertain to their major.

It's lucrative, but I don't want to continue if it can get me in trouble.

Answer: Oh, for fucks sake. Yes. Your university can institute punishments against you. Expulsion is almost certain if caught.


Title: Iowa: I’m a worker in an emergency room of a hospital. The hospital recently announced that they will not be notifying employees who were in direct contact with COVID-19 positive patients. Is this legally allowed

Question:
The title basically. We keep written records of which employees were in contact with possible COVID-19 patients, and personal protective equipment we wore while they were here.

Our employer said that when they are notified of a patient that is COVID-19 positive, they will review the sheet, and they won’t notify this if they “determine we were wearing the proper personal protective equipment.”

The thing is, we may not have been wearing the appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment) the *entire time* they were here. For instance, I may have worn just a mask for the first 20 minutes a possible COVID-19 patient was here, but then throughout their visit I ended up wearing an N95 mask, face shield, gown, etc. The fact that I wasn’t wearing all of that stuff the whole time doesn’t matter, because I simply write everything I wore throughout their visit on the paper.

So is this allowed? As far as I knew, there are pretty strict rules on employers not notifying at-risk staff. Are there any better resources for me to find out the answer to my question?

Answer:
 I am a paramedic in a major hot spot city. When Covid-19 was new, we were notified of every patient we had close contact that tested positive. Now we are told, “Assume all patients are positive and wear your PPE.”

My agency has the appropriate PPE.


Title: Landlord was not maying mortgage and HOA fees, while we were renting and now we are being evicted most likely. How much time do we have and anything I can do about this.

Question: We just found out yesterday from our landlord that they have not been paying mortgage or HOA (maintenance) fees for a very long time. They have rented us their condo with 1 year lease and now 6-months in we hear that we will most like receive eviction notice giving us 30-60 days at the most to move out. How long will it take until we are served with eviction notice and can I ask for more time just to be able to find a new place and to get my finances in order, since we r single income family with my wife being stay at home mom taking care of our precious 15 month baby girl.

Answer: They would have to foreclose on the property first then go through the eviction process. Until you get a court notice you're okay but prepare for the inevitable. Answer #2: In Saudi Arabia, protections are very limited for tenants.Answer #3: Gotta have location to know that. You can try contacting the HOA and explain your blight, they likely can grant you more time. You should be able to sue your landlord for failure to maintain your possession of the unit.


Title: [ONCANADA] ExGF having me charged with mischief for breaking into my own house during an emergency

Question:
My girlfriend and I were together for about 6 years and lived together for about 5. About a year ago we replaced our front door and I never got a key. We never lock our doors (I know, Canada, eh...) Anyway... fast forward to about a week ago, I have had a progressively worse and worse pain in my back so I went to the hospital. Apparently I pinched my sciatic nerve. It hurts like hell, they gave me a prescription for some physio and some pain meds. the meds made me throw up a few hours after taking them so I left them in the medicine cabinet in the house and chose to try going with tylenol for my back/leg.

Three days ago we had a fight over the phone and text message while I was at work. I ended up telling her I wanted to break up with her. When I got home from work later that day the door was locked. She even put a padlock on our chainlink fence. I attempted to climb the fence to get into the back yard to check the other doors, but the fence gave way just at the top and I fell off into the back yard. I was in immense pain and had the wind knocked out of me. It's getting cold in Ontario and I was just wearing a T-shirt assuming I was about to be inside. When I was on the ground it started to rain. I couldn't climb back out over the fence because of my leg/back. I couldn't lift my right leg and the fence was really wobbly.

I used the fence to get back to my feet and go test the doors/windows after about ten minutes of yelling for help hoping my neighbours would hear me to no avail. At this point, I am soaked, freezing and in extreme pain. I texted my girlfriend "Emergency. I got into an accident call me". She didn't reply. I tried calling and got no answer. I made my way into the garage, grabbed a pry bar and pried the back door open. I grabbed my pain meds, texted my gf immediately to let her know I had to break into the back door and to make sure she checked the fence before she let the dogs out. I laid down until the paid meds kicked in, grabbed a couple things and left to avoid a physical altercation.

I have absolutely zero criminal history. We have had absolutely no history of domestic violence or the police called on either of us, ever.

Today, while at my parents, I got a call from a constable stating that she was going to be charging me with mischief in a domestic dispute. She didn't even let me tell her my side and said her hands were tied and I have to come in to be arrested.

I have proof that I was in the hospital a few days ago. I have the text messages I sent her prior to breaking into the house. It's damage to my own friggin property that I am, myself financially liable for... I didn't take any of her stuff or damage anything else at all in the house.

Ideas?

Answer:
 What she did is an illegal eviction.  She doesn't get to lock you out, with no notice.  That's bullshit.

So, if she actually tries to charge you with "domestic mischief" for getting into the house you have been a resident of for multiple years, you can absolutely return fire with the illegal eviction.

That said, you would both be better off behaving like adults.  Talk to her, like an adult, and resolve your issues.  If you can't, she is absolutely obliged to give you 30 days notice, and use formal eviction, rather than simply locking you out.Answer #2: Who owns the house and if you or she isn't the owner, whose name is on the lease?


Title: Grandfather signed his will while sick.

Question:
Hello,

I recently found out the reason why nobody in my family received anything from my grandfathers will.
His girlfriend who was 20+ years younger than him  had him sign over his will while he was sick and out of it. He apparently signed it over to his girlfriend and her kids. I'm not aware how long they have been together.
My grandfather passed away ~2 years ago... Is there anything that can be done about this now? I'm sure the money is gone as she was/is a drug addict. But he did own over 180 acres in Oregon...I live in Washington State.
My father and his sister's don't seem to care. Which is unreal. After finding this out I'm disgusted that they don't want to get involved.
 Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Answer:
 Contact an attorney who deals on estate law in your state, you should have a case. Look for someone who offers free consultation, but 2 years past might be statue of limitations .

Edit: he may of lacked capacity to make those decision based on undue influence, but that’s just a suggestion not a legal opinion


Title: Made a sword for a client that was then used as a murder weapon, am I in trouble?

Question:
Throwaway...

I'm a professional blacksmith and was recently commissioned to make a sword. Turns out the client then may have killed someone with it. Am I in any way liable?

Edit: location is N.A.

Answer:
 Your location is relevant Answer #2: You may want to talk to an attorney about this.

Will criminal liability is not likely any US jurisdiction, you may have civil exposure.

The [PLCAA](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/15/7901) which protects Glock doesn't appear to cover blacksmithing in any way. While you would likely win a civil suit if making swords is a normal part of your business, it could get expensive to defend.

Talking to an attorney about how to protect yourself in future sales might at least give you some peace of mind.Answer #3: Doubt it. No one holds Smith and Wesson as responsible when someone kills someone else with one of their guns.


Title: Loaned a "friend" $30K, turned out to be a conman. What legal steps can I take to get my money back?

Question:
Throwaway for obvious reasons.

A few years ago, I met a man on a Tinder date. Instantly charming, knew all the right things to say, promising future. He portrayed a life of a busy business man, that was on his game, in our upcoming city. I had recently started a great career, and a few companies that hit the right industries in the right city at the right time. He spoke my language, and was everything I'd never known I was looking for. We were intense, fast, and life seemed perfect. February of 2017 he texts me on President's Day saying someone had hacked his bank account, and his business account, and he was suddenly broke. He claimed to be filing police reports and trying to figure it out. Had me come console him over night, and everything. He spent the night curled up on me crying, telling me all about how his father had died on 9/11, and he was from Brooklyn, and his brother died in Iraq, and all these personal details. This was the first time he asked to borrow money. He said he needed $10,000 to pay his assistants salary, and his rent, and child support, etc, in cash by the next day. Banks were closed so I couldn't with drawl, thankfully, and I ended up writing him a check. Over the next few months, he got spotty, and distant, and claimed it was his PTSD from being an interrogator in Iraq and Afghanistan. I had been through some personal stuff myself and tried not to ask too many questions. I helped him pay his rent for months, and bills, and helped him through his depression.

I am aware now of all the red flags, but manipulators are good at what they do.

Anyway, in June of 2017 we moved him into a studio apartment in the city. I paid the deposit, and rent, and have since then until June of 2018. Through out this time, I discovered he had many other girlfriends, and had them all convinced he was a different person. He was spending Christmas with me when it all came out, and he had nowhere else to go, so i let him stay. One girl thought he was a very Christian man with no children who owned his own business. Another thought he was an atheist who was very political and active in his sons life. I knew he had nothing, and I'd been supporting him. From February 2017 to Christmas, I had no idea he was living multiple lives with ease. Everyone in his previous friend circle was attacking him, and blowing up his phone about what a shitty person he was, and I was there to see him fall apart and talk about suicide, and he made me believe I was his only friend, that knew who he was, and he built these false personas to protect himself. Being around each other for the days between Christmas and New Years, it was some trauma bonding. Both of our families in different cities, and his place was airbnb-ing his place. He had taken credit for my businesses, telling everyone else I was his business partner. After January he got distant again, would only be available from 9-5, but all along was insisting he was getting help for his issues, and was borrowing money for retreats, and PTSD treatments, and his sister needed help with her mortgage, and he couldn't afford his child support, and his niece was sick, and all this and that. Couple thousand a month, couple hundred here and there. Always needed cash, always for an emergency, always making me question myself when I questioned him. Over this time I became an anxious, insecure person, and was asked for my resignation at work, I gave it as I was in too much of a state of depression to put up a fight. This was a $65,000 a year Director position, my income went down significantly, but I kept helping him. We both had depression, and would spend our days together talking about how he was getting help, talking about going to an elephant sanctuary in Thailand, talked about moving in together. He made me feel like I was the only person that understood him and his need for space and alone time to recover.

He once showed up at midnight because he needed to borrow my car to see his son, apparently the step dad had hit him. He took my car for a few hours, came back crying, with an entire story about what happened and how he saved his little boy. He cried in my bed for hours about his PTSD nightmares and how he is so glad he can be there for his son. Also had me take him shopping for a maroon shirt for his sons parent night, talking the whole time about how he couldn't wait for his son to be proud of his daddy. This was during 2017. When I recently discovered the truth, i contacted his ex wife to find out he has not seen his son in two years, and that shirt was for another girlfriends high school reunion.

Also, I have a studio apartment I sublease out. He asked me to let a friend of his move in, and asked to handle the correspondence so he had some responsibility in his life and he felt like he was useful. I gave him this chance, as he seemed to be getting healthier, i thought we were best friends, he swore he would do anything to protect me, and i believed him. He was being spotty about communication, and was out of town, so I contacted the girl to help her fix the AC. It turned out he told her he owned the house, and had her sign a 3 month lease he made up for half of what the rent actually was. I was leasing the place for $725, it's a garage size studio. He had her sign a lease for $450, with him listed as the owner. He did not want us corresponding because it turns out, he's been dating someone downtown and using all of the money he borrowed to pick up bar tabs for anyone they met on their wild nights out. Almost a Bonnie and Clyde couple on drug infused nights out in the city every night, paying for everyone. He had built a persona that he was a millionaire and was buying people all sorts of things. The girl and I bonded, worked out an agreement for the place, and talked out the truth. Once she started questioning him, he branded her a crazy person and blocked her, convinced his girlfriend she wasn't a good friend, and I was out to get him.

I've spoken with his sister this morning, and she confirmed she's very successful and he never sent her a dime. She understands he is sick, but lives too far to do much help. She said at this point I should focus on what legal options are available to me to go about getting my money back, but he has nothing left to take.

None of the money borrowed was for what he said it was for. He was using his checks from the VA and all the money he borrowed from me to put on this rich man public persona. I was gullible for too long, and am unsure what to do at this point. I put off paying some of my own bills to help him during these fake crisis, and it's destroyed my credit.

He originally agreed to pay $400 per month towards repaying the large amount he's borrowed from me, until I let his friends know he was not who he pretended to be. He then blocked me, and is telling everyone I'm insane, saying I'm harassing him. Although, through warning other women, I found many others he was conning still, thankfully saved them from getting in deeper. But he is good at weaseling his way back in, convincing you that you are the different one. I cut off our shared Hulu and Netflix accounts late last night, and had a missed call from the Sheriff's department at 1:48am. I am unsure what he is doing, but he used the word harassment last time he spoke to me.

Essentially, this man conned well over $30,000 from me, most of which I have check receipts for and committed fraud. I understand he has mental issues, and I fell for a typical manipulation. I have proof none of the money he asked to borrow was for what he claimed he borrowed it for. **What legal steps can I take? If any?**

Or do I just eat the cost?

**TLDR: Any legal recourse for getting my money back after loaning a troubled man $30,000 if they're refusing to engage in discussion?**

Answer:
 This started in February of last year. You know his real name. You know his other IRL friends, his sister. You even know other people he's scammed.

Make a tally, of all the money he owes you (rent paid w/ your card, bills). Save whatever texts, and account statements that prove he was gonna pay it back (The $400/month stuff). File a police report. Sue him.

You can't get blood from a stone. But leeches surely bleed.Answer #2: Even assuming you are still within the statute of limitations, and can find and serve this guy, what money do you think he has that you'd be able to recover?   A judgment with no ability to collect when it comes to a person like this is not that useful.   See a local attorney to evaluate the situation for you.

You can make a police report, but it probably won't help you to get any money back.


Title: Sister married a registered sex offender with a 6 year old daughter in the house.

Question: [deleted]

Answer: You can can cps and report your concernsAnswer #2: If he's on probation or parole, you could try letting his PO know about the situation. If he has a condition not to be around children, they might be interested in learning about his activities.


Title: (Indiana) Homeless in a car up for repo, finally have a job again, but afraid of criminal charges.

Question: My wife and I live in Indiana and lost our home when I had unexpected illness that bankrupted us. We also both lost our jobs in the same time frame. The last car payment we made to Ally financial was in February. We're now 6 months behind and still living in our car, but we've finally both got full employment again. We've tried working with Ally to no avail, that's why we're so far behind. Now they're threatening criminal charges and felony prosecution because we don't live at our house anymore. If I can make it till this Thursday (payday) I'll finally be able to make alternate arrangements. I know it's a felony to hide the car, but we're not doing it intentionally. What should I do in this case? If I give up the car tomorrow, we'll both lose our jobs and be back to square one, with nowhere to live. Any advice would help.

Answer:
 > I know it's a felony to hide the car, but we're not doing it intentionally.

Did they ask you to provide the location of their property and did you refuse to tell them?


Title: [FL] How can I get charges increased against a person who ran me over breaking both legs?

Question:
As a bit of a background: I was out riding my motorcycle on a two lane road when I came up to a blind curve.  Halfway around the curve a pickup truck appeared in front of me traveling in my lane, towards my direction.  I slammed on the brakes of my motorcycle which caused me to go down and slide, and the truck ran me over breaking both of my legs and resulting in over $300,000 in medical bills, and kept me in the hospital for a month. I also don't remember anything from that entire day, nor of the next few days after that.

Originally FHP was dispatched to the scene and arrived 30 minutes after the accident occurred.  The paramedics already had me strapped up for the helicopter at that point.  Later my parents received my clothing and found a citation mixed in from the officer stating that I had caused the accident.  Now when I rode my motorcycle I always had a GoPro camera on my helmet in case something like this happened.  It was torn off in the crash and no one had it.  Luckily my Dad found it the day after the crash in some tall grass.  The camera caught the entire event, including what sounds like the truck driver moving me and me screaming in pain.

  After showing the officer the video of the crash, he then ended up charging the pickup truck driver with an improper right turn, saying he had turned out from a side street.  None of this happened until after we had the video evidence (which doesn't show the truck making a turn, but also doesn't say he didn't).  He did drop my ticket though.  It doesn't seem the officer cared to do a proper investigation into the matter and chose to just instantly charge me, assuming it was my fault.  I believe the truck driver lied to the officer about what had happened, but the officer refused to charge him with lying.

Now I do have health insurance and an attorney, however the attorney stated that I can't bring forth my own charges against the driver.  I want to get him charged with something along the lines of reckless driving with bodily injury.  This isn't a money grab, as I had great insurance to cover this event.  Rather, I want to make sure the driver is properly charged for the injuries he caused me.

Is there anything I can do to get his charges increased?
Topic:
Criminal Law

Answer:
 What charges do you think are appropriate, with all of your legal training and experience?

It was an accident.  If the other driver was at fault, you can sue him to recover your damages.  But not all accidents (even those which result in serious injury) result in big criminal charges.Answer #2: The DA will decide all of this. There is also the potential for restitution from the case. I am not sure if that would go to you or your insurance since they are covering you medical expenses.


Title: Father in TX with Joint Custody of 17 year old who I just bailed out of jail - do my rights as the indemnitor override the custody order

Question:
I live in Texas and my 17 year old was arrested for 3rd Degree Felony possession of a controlled substance.
I have 50/50 custody of our two children
The Bail Bond representative told me I had sole responsibility of my son  and as such he is required to live with me until the trial date (which I prefer).
My ex-wife said this does not override the divorce court order.

I can't find any information on this.
Topic:
Drug Possession

Answer:
 It's my totally uninformed opinion that a private agreement with a third party cannot override a court ordered custody arrangement.

As far as I'm aware, signing a bond only obligates you to make sure the defendant gets to court on time.  It would be very peculiar if it also required you to house the defendant until their court hearing.  I'm not really sure how that would be enforced.

I think your wife is right on this one.Answer #2: Interesting one. I don't know but let me see if anyone else does:

/u/Karissa36

/u/-Themis- Answer #3: IMO, the custody order controls.  You can go to court and request an emergency change in the order.Answer #4: No, an agreement with a third party cannot override a court order.

HOWEVER, if you signed a bail bond agreement that he will be residing with you, then you have a problem because you promised something you can't do to someone.  And if they find out you are not observing the terms of the contract they may revoke their bail bond.

So, you either need to adjust the bail bonds contract, adjust the custody agreement, or find a new bail bonds company.


Title: San Diego, CA. My friend [F42] works in fast food. She has been denied breaks despite clearly stating that she has a medical problem that requires her to consume something every two hours. Today she landed in the ER. What are her options?

Question:
[deleted]
Topic:
Employment Law

Answer:
 You left our so many details that it is impossible for anybody here to give you specific answers to your question.

Please post details, or have her speak to an employment law lawyer.

edit: OP edited in details after my post


Title: [Kansas] I got handcuffed and charged with "Disturbing the peace" after my house party got busted.

Question:
I'm 21 & none of the under-21 kids got caught.

A week ago on Friday night my roommate and I hosted a house party that got busted. My friends told me to talk to the policeman outside, so I left my house to walk towards his cruiser. He asked for my name and where my roommate was. I played dumb and said I didn't know where he was in my house. The policeman told me to find him and come back outside.

When I'm inside, our friends tell me not to come back outside, so I followed their advice. Eventually the policeman caught on that I wasn't returning & started knocking on our door. We turned off our lights and hid. For the next 10 minutes the policeman alternated between shining his flashlight through our window and knocking on our door. Then he stood behind a tall fence near our door for 30 minutes. The policeman knocked on our door again for a couple minutes, stood behind the fence for 10 minutes, and then knocked on our door again before leaving. Roughly an hour passed between the policeman arriving and leaving.

The same policeman arrived at my house the next day, handcuffed me, and put me in the back of his cruiser. He charged me with disturbing the peace.

I signed a document that kept me from being booked at the station as long as I showed up to court a week from now. I'm planning to request a public defender and possibly book a consultation with a criminal lawyer. My university's legal services office told me that I might qualify for diversion.

This is my first time getting into legal trouble with the actual police so I'm clueless. Was my university's legal services office accurate? Will my wrong interaction with the police reduce my chances of diversion? Should I meet with a criminal lawyer in addition to my public defender?

**TL;DR:** The police charged me with disturbing the peace, and I'm wondering what the best course of action is.

Answer:
 First offenders are often granted diversion. In the future don't listen to your dumbass friends. Speak to a criminal defense attorney because you'll only be awarded a public defender if you can prove you cannot afford an attorney. Answer #2: Lawyers are pretty much always your best shot at getting the best out of legal situations.

>Eventually the policeman caught on that I wasn't returning & started knocking on our door. We turned off our lights and hid.

Who's bright idea was that? Because you shouldn't listen to their ideas ever again. First off, they likely caused you more trouble than you would've gotten into in the first place.

Second off, whoever came up with that idea is an idiot. Was the officer supposed to think you guys just suddenly teleported off?


Title: [VA] "No name, no mail"

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Short answer, yes.

What the carrier meant is if there is no name on the box then that box is going to be considered vacant and vacant addresses don't get mail. Put your name neatly at the top of your box in the back inside. That way when the carrier opens the box he will be able to see it. It won't be able to be read unless the box is open.


Title: Getting sued over someone tripping?

Question:
Hi all, a close friend of mine runs a business from home. The other day, one of her clients claims she tripped on a garden hose that was in front of the walkway down to her walkout basement. The client walked down the stairs just fine, but then tripped on the way up. The client emailed my friend and told her she went to the ER for that injury, and it shows no broken bones. However shes on crutches.

Now, a lawsuit had not been served yet, but the client did previously tell my friend about how she sued somebody over a personal injury before and won. It was mentioned in casual conversation. Now, my friend is terrified that the same thing may happen to her. She does have insurance, so if she gets sued would she be covered for this?

Answer:
 Your friend’s client is what we call an invitee and therefore is owed the highest standard of care among the premises liability standards.

It’s possible that your friend’s insurance will cover but they probably won’t offer the amount the client is seeking so then maybe she’ll sue, maybe she won’t. If we’re just talking unpaid ER bill, that’s one thing insurance will probably take care of but if she’s going to need long term care like physical therapy and whatnot, that’s where the arguing will start.


Title: Boss paying my wages out of pocket, but can only pay half now. What can I do?

Question:
I made a post here earlier about me worrying that my boss wasn't going to pay me due to a missed deadline, despite me being a part-time, hourly worker. Well, my paycheck was due Sept.30th, and I received an email yesterday that he was paying everyone out of pocket, but could only pay half. He said he would pay October's wages AND the rest of September's next month (so I'm guessing the end of October, since he pays me monthly)

He, however, has a long history of not paying me on time. I've let it slide before, but this is getting ridiculous.

So my plan is to do the following:

- Email him, explain that, while I appreciate he is paying out of pocket, it is unacceptable that the payment is not only late, but that I didn't receive any prior notice that the pay would be less

- Request an in-person meeting (he's closed the office for the next few days)

- Write up a formal document stating he will pay X dollars by this exact date.

Is there anything else I should do/change here? I'm looking at other job offers currently, so I'm not sure it will be necessary to go to unemployment, since I am expecting to have a new job by Nov 1st.

Additionally, back in July, he closed the office for 2 weeks with no prior notice and no pay. Looking at my contract, it says I work between 10 and 15 hours a week. Does this mean I am actually owed money for those two weeks, even though I didn't actually work?? I could bring this up with him as well.

Other information: I am working in NY, am hourly, part-time, paid monthly, and I work in web development (if that makes a difference). I've been working here exactly 1 year today.

edit: grammar.

Answer:
 You can file an unpaid wage claim with the NY Department of Labor if you want to go that route.
If you are an hourly employee, as you have stated, I do not see how you would be compensated for days when the office was closed and you did not work.


Title: Ontario, Canada: I work at an Animal hospital. A dogfight broke out in doggy daycare and i pushed a co-worker out of the way in order to break it up.

Question:
I apologized immediately, my coworker accepted the apology and did not make a complaint. We are cool.

The practice manager saw the video of me pushing my coworker out of the way and is telling me there is a possibility I will be terminated for physical violence after we have a meeting in Friday.

I was only trying to protect the coworker and the dogs. It was not an action founded in violence, and everybody is unharmed. Most importantly, my coworker has not made a complaint.

How legitimate are these grounds for dismissal?

Answer:
 If they feel it was workplace violence and fire you for that reason. You can disagree and consult with an employment lawyer to sue for unfair dismissal.

But take notes during the meeting and be sure why they are firing. They might find other "legitimate" excuses to fire you. They will bring your entire job history and find something to fire you.


Title: [Arkansas] Friend was sentenced to 40 years yesterday...

Question:
His case was in Polk county, Ar. They had little to no evidence and the trial was basically he-said she-said. They caught her in a lie while on the stand, but the judge refused to allow the defense to use it/call her on it.

He met this girl (not sure where) but she is constantly on drugs, whoring around, the whole nine yards. My friend took up the mantle of helping her raise her kids. One night, he was asleep and he wakes up to the police at the door. Someone had beaten the 2 year old so bad that he almost died. All blame was placed on my friend with zero evidence collected.

From what I understand, she is also related to a lot of the folk in the legal process of Polk county.

Back to my friend, the sentencing and trial were yesterday (02/22/2016). What is the appeals process? Is it just me, or does it seem wrong to get 40 years based on the stories of a woman who was caught in a lie on the stand?

Answer:
 His attorney would know best if there is an appeal option available. If you are only hearing his side then there is a lot you don't know.Answer #2: Were you sitting in the whole trial? I doubt it and you didn't see all the evidence.

He can file an appeal, but don't get your hopes up that the conviction will be reversed. Answer #3: So your friend was asleep while this boy was being beaten?


Title: CNN is claiming it's illegal to read documents from Wikileaks, and that you need to learn about it from them. Is that true?

Question:
You can view their claim here:

https://streamable.com/6g5v

Would this vary from state to state? Is it true at all?
Topic:
Megathread

Answer:
 From my understanding, it wouldn't even be illegal for an average person without a security clearance to leak classified documents. The reason we went after Chelsea Manning is because she had secret clearance.

It certainly isn't illegal to possess classified material. (Unless you have a security clearance....)Answer #2: This laughable. Just Hillary's propaganda machine trying to keep the truth from everyone.

Of course it is legal.


Title: (NH, MA) Is it legal for a 16 year old to travel from Massachusetts to New Hampshire and have sex with a 20 year old?

Answer: Enticing a minor across state lines for sex is a federal crime.


Title: (WI) Bought a used car less than four weeks ago and wasn't disclosed "all" of the problems in advance.

Question:
The story is a simple and common one. On January 10th, I bought a ford ranger where the only issues told by the private seller was rusted backdoor latches and a broken display on the radio.

AS of today, I have now had to pay to replace the battery (died THE FIRST DAY. I was upset but not upset enough to return my "avazing value" of a truck), the entire exhaust system (rusted off completely. Will provide a picture if needed), and today the front brakes, rear brakes and the brakes. Those three went out on me when crossing one of the busiest intersections. Luckily I was close enough to a shop to slowly get myself there.

That being said, what really differs my case, I feel, from other cases of "he never told me" is both me having the craigslist post snapshotted with the pictures, a full text conversation recorded and written down, and the list of every problem there was.

To further my suspicions, when I first asked him about the truck not starting, he said he never had issues with the cold. After replacing it, he said it usually starts hard in the cold.

Another red flag is after the exhaust pipe (once again cleanly snapped in half under the cab) fell off, he stopped responding after I sent him the picture. I did not message him about the brakes and nor do I plan to.

However, that is not all. Further problems that will need to be addressed include the fact that my entire right leaf spring is snapped in half. This was not known until I had the car lifted for the exhaust issue. The left leaf spring is also nearing the end. This conflicts with his word that he essentially replaced the entire suspension.

Now for the fun part. Of course I am going to be told I'm out of luck because I didn't get a mechanic to look at it. HE IS A MECHANIC. HE showed me paperwork of his shop 'inspecting it' and thats what made me feel confident buying it. Clearly I should have been more cautious.

With the $100 for the battery, the $180 for the exhaust system, and the combined total repairs for today being $1250, I payed in total $1530. Compared to the 2000 I payed for the truck (the reason he sold it so cheap was because his "wife wanted to get rid of it to fit their whole family in a bigger one")

Originally I was contemplating not paying for the repair today. However, I work and go to college about 30-40 miles away from my home. I could not afford to go without my own vehicle. So as of this moment I am now a 21-year old college student with a maxed out credit card and about 100 dollars to make it to my next paycheck in a week.

I am not looking for responses telling me that I'm shit out of luck. What I'm looking for is a small opportunity that I might be able to take. There's no way this wasn't illegal in some form or another, seeing as how its provable that what I was sold was clearly not what I was told.

Any help is appreciated. My entire financial life is entirely dependent on it.
Topic:
Other Civil Matters

Answer:
 > I am not looking for responses telling me that I'm shit out of luck.

Then I wouldn't expect you will get many answers to your question. Your recourse would be small claims court. You have little to lose by suing him, but I wouldn't count on winning. Proving deception or misrepresentation in an "as is" sale is a hard uphill battle.


Title: My sister purchased a French Bulldog with a heart murmur... Please help

Question:
Hi everyone,

First of all thank you to everyone who can offer us some advice. It appears we are in a very difficult situation. My sister recently purchased a French Bulldog from a breeder who was born with a heart murmur. Upon purchasing the dog, the breeder informed my sister that he was missing one of the papers for the puppy (I assume this was the document showing the puppy has a heart murmur). Upon falling in love with the dog, she took him anyway. My sister took the puppy to the vet for all the checkups and instantly the vet found a heart murmur. Next, my sister took the puppy to another vet to be sure, and that vet also instantly found the murmur. This vet also indicated that no other vet would’ve missed the murmur. Now, my sister reached out to the breeder asking for money to cover the health costs of the puppy. The breeder is now saying “you don’t know what you are doing, bring the dog back”. The breeder will not cover the cost, and my sister is worried that they will euthanize the puppy upon bringing it back. Anyone have any advice on what we could do.... my sister wants to keep the puppy

Answer: She can either return the dog for a refund or keep the dog and incur the costs of medical care.


Title: [USA-WA] Bought used car with clean Carfax, took it in for a warranty repair and they said it had been in an accident. Can I get reimbursed?

Question:
I bought a used 2014 Kia Cadenza from a Honda dealer in Washington state. It had a clean Carfax and was labeled as "Accident-Free".

About 10 days later, I noticed that the adaptive cruise sensor was not working. I took it into a Kia dealership because it was still under warranty. They took the front bumper off and noticed the sensor mounting brackets had been pushed in, almost definitely due to a collision. Since it was a collision warranty won't cover it.

Is there any way for me to get the Honda dealership I bought it from cover the costs for the repair?
Topic:
Other Civil Matters

Answer: No.  A clean Carfax tells you there are no reported accidents - not that the car has affirmatively never ever come into contact with anything.  Hence Carfax's disclaimer that report is based only on the information supplied to Carfax.


Title: Help!!!

Question: I got ticketed going 101 in a 70 in GA, and also a unsafe driving conditions ticket, I don't know the fine yet should I get a lawyer?

Answer: You're a super speeder and will have the normal ticket price plus a $200 surcharge. I wouldn't be shocked if you were looking at a net bill of about $900.


Title: Left out of credits of TV show from work I had done

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 There's no "right" to be included in a TV show's (or movie's) credits.  It's a matter of union rules if you are in an industry guild (which you are presumably not), and of contract otherwise.  If you had no contract with the show's producers, and your company did, then who appears in the credits may be at their discretion.  If you had no contract with your company saying you were to appear in the credits, well, then you don't have much to go on.

In any event you likely have little to no damages, and it probably isn't worth pursuing, but you can see an entertainment lawyer if it gives you peace of mind.