Title: (FL) Cashier won't do her job properly. I want to fire her but HR says no because of religious reasons.

Question:
Hi, legaladvice. I can't believe I'm in this situation.

I was recently promoted to Store Manager of a grocery store after the original manager quit (I was assisstant manager before for about 6 months).

We hired a woman, let's call her Sally, a couple of weeks ago. She's not terrible at her job (just basic cashier stuff) but she refuses to process payments that equal $6.66. I know, it sounds crazy.

Our store prices everything ending in 28 cents as a ploy (kinda like Brandsmart). So anything priced at $6.28 will ring up to $6.66 after tax, and it happens quite often that people will buy just that one item (which I've learned after Sally started working here).

Every time this happens, one of the managers or supervisors has to take over because she refuses and sometimes it throws a spanner in the works. I brought it up with HR and they said I can't do anything about it because it's her religious freedom (since 666 is the number of the beast in Christianity).

The thing is, we have the same religion; we even go to the same church! But I don't think she should be able to use that excuse to not ring those transactions. I've offered to move her to another part of the store but she doesn't want to stock or do anything else.

HR warned me not to decrease her hours or I'd get in trouble, but I just don't see how I can do my job properly if I have to take care of petty stuff like this.

Is there a law or something that says I'm right? I don't want to go back to HR without knowing I'm 100% right that she shouldn't have the job if she can't perform all aspects of it.

And if I'm wrong, I suppose I can bear it even if I do think it's ridiculous.

**TL;DR** Employee does not process payments of $6.66 due to her religion, HR says I cannot fire her even though it's a major inconvenience and we have to get someone else to do it each time (multiple times a day).

Thank you in advance.

Answer:
 Why not have a coupon bar code that will decrease the total by 1 cent that she can scan and place it by her register. Then she can ring up the total as $6.65 without bothering anyone. And even if she has to do it 10 times a day, it's still cheaper than the oppurtunity cost of having a manager waste the time to do it.

I mean, it's stupid. You don't need to do it, and she'd probably lose a religious freedom argument if she tried to sue after being fired. But HR is wary, and if they say you can't; you can't, even if you are right. So this seems like the least stupid compromise that can actually get things done. Answer #2: You can legally fire her for that. HR is just super wary of a lawsuit. Religious accommodation still requires that the employee be able to perform their job. Purposefully ringing up a wrong total is not performing her job.  Why don't you suggest to HR that the price be lowered and that the profit decrease come out of their budget?Answer #3: Not legal advice: Do you think your pastor or minister or whatever it is you call the preaching guy at your church could convince her to knock it off?


Title: Privacy invasion by facebook/htc

Question:
Hi. I'm based in Europe.
Several years ago I deleted my facebook account.
At the start of the year I had to get a new phone. Due to financial constraints i had to settle for a HTC Desire 626g running android 4.4.2.
Recently a colleague of mine sent me a link to something on facebook. When I clicked the link, I saw friend requests and notifications and the profile had my name on it. The friend requests were from friends of mine who were notified that I am using facebook.
I want to make this clear.. there is no way on earth I would ever sign up for facebook again.
When I went to log out, it came up with a message "Sign out from device".
It used my phone number to sign up (verified via forgot password options)
I checked online and in the manuals I have for the phone and I can't find any information in the TOC's regarding Facebook sign up acceptance.
Do I have any legal leg to stand on?

Answer: Chances are you didn't delete your Facebook account, you only deactivated it. As soon as you log back in you re activated it.


Title: So I turned 25yo 6 days ago, just got pulled over and nailed for expired tags and license.

Question:
Just moved into a new apartment so funds are nonexistent. Risked driving like a dummy and got pulled over today (Sunday). Was expecting to get a warning for tags and got nailed with 2 tickets.

 * Expired Tags
 * Expired License

Well shit. I wasn't expecting that. The officer really served some good justice to me. Keeping criminals like me off the street.

Anyways, Should I pay the tickets or go to traffic court and hope the judge throws one out? Advice please.

EDIT: Keep in mind everything expired 6 days ago. 6 days!!

 **Ohio law**

Answer: You really should have tagged your post with the [Douchebag] tag.


Title: [Alberta] FOIP and taking pictures of bears

Question:
Took the kids to the zoo today.  You can have your photo taken with a bear in the background for $25.  For obvious reasons, the zoo doesn't want people going in the photo area and taking pictures with their smartphone, so this is not allowed.  The guide stated, "here in Alberta, FOIP is a thing, and taking pictures inside the bear enclosure is against the law".

I'm quasi-familiar with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and how it relates to use of personal information, but am unsure how it relates to taking a picture of the zoo's bear.

Not debating the zoo's need to fundraise or their authority to set zoo policy, just curious if pulling out a camera would have been in contravention of FOIP.  If FOIP is not the legislation that covers this, could the guide have been confused with something else?

Answer:
 It doesn't seem to be a FOIP violation, but they can certainly trespass you from the property if they don't like what you're doing.

Presumably you paid entry fees and have the right to take photos as you please... but yeah. If they want to protect a certain area and charge extra so you can have a photo of a bear, then they can very simply eject you from the property for violating their rules.

EDIT: words.


Title: Can my 18 year old stepdaughter take my last name without my adopting her?

Question:
This sub has some of the saddest stories. Maybe this will be a nice change.

 I have an 18 year old stepdaughter. She doesn't see her father and I'm the only dad she cares to see or have a relationship with. I've wanted to adopt her for years but her biodad hasn't been willing.

Now that she's an adult I could adopt her without his consent. The hangup is that according to divorce terms he is obligated to pay for half of her college. I would but can't afford it. If it were up to her mother and me alone she couldn't go.

 I'm the guy who helped her buy a car, hugged her when she didn't get her first choice school, etc. It stinks when people realize she has a different name. They assume she's a step kid but our family doesn't have steps. They're just our kids.

Can she just change her name? We are in Pennsylvania.

Answer: Yes she can file for a normal adult name change. Very easy to do


Title: [SC] Owner sold a property, turns out he sold all 4 he owned on same lot - no one taking responsibility

Question:
I know the seller of this scenario (family so I care) and I think that he just messed up big time.  Let's call him "Bob".  He owned 4 properties that he built himself on one piece of land (parcel as the county put it), which he purchased 20+ years ago.  Bob always paid taxes for that one parcel every year.  He rented his four houses out for retirement income at this point as he owned everything outright.  One of his renters asked to buy one of the houses that they lived in - and since he wanted some extra cash, Bob said yes to the offer.  So the renter went out and got a mortgage for about $150,000 which covered the house and the land that Bob designated for the house.  The closing happened, where the renters/buyers were represented by an attorney and Bob said it would be fine and he didn't want an attorney (after all he has experience as an investor because he owns multiple properties) and everything was fine until the former renters got a tax bill.

Lo and behold the tax bill was massive, as it turned out that they were "billed" for the whole parcel.  So they freaked out and called their bank/lender who referred them to the title company.  The title company, after talking to the attorneys and the county, said that Bob never subdivided the parcel of land so he sold the whole thing, and on top of that he never was authorized to build on the parcel AND the county does not allow for this kind of parcel (zoning?) to be subdivided at all.  Bob said that he wants to talk to his former tenants and sign some kind of contract that says that he will get the land back along with the other 3 houses.  Also the former renters have, on advice of the bank/title company, hired an attorney who is also trying to help them out in this because they don't want to pay huge taxes, but apparently it's not going anywhere as of now.

So my question is, can anyone provide some info on this kind of situation?  Who messed up?  Any possibility to fix?  How screwed is Bob, and will the former renters in fact keep the property?  Will they have to pay the huge bill?  Can the county board fix this if they lobby them?  Any input is much appreciated.  Thank you!
Topic:
Real Estate law

Answer:
 Wow what a mess. I can't imagine how dense Bob must be to think he didn't need a lawyer despite having absolutely no proper sense of the laws that applied to what he was doing. He needs a lawyer to unravel this and then to stay out of real estate for the rest of his life.

Answer #2: Yes, Bob needs an attorney. There are infinite possibilities here, really.

I'm saving this post for later, because I frequently say in this sub that everyone - EVERYONE - should have a lawyer when they buy or sell real estate, and I am poo-pooed every single time by others.


Title: Hotwire reservation completely unusable, denied refund

Question:
Hi,

I recently booked a one day Hot Rate car rental through Hotwire, pick-up and drop-off at JFK.

I am a resident of NYC.

The agency I was given a reservation with (Advantage) has a "local renter policy" which requires renters that live within 65 miles to have their own car insurance.  I don't have a car and rarely drive, so I definitely do not have car insurance.  There was NO option to purchase insurance at the counter that would satisfy this requirement.

I know the Hot Rate rentals are nonrefundable but, from a legal standpoint, is there any ground for me getting a refund?  Is it not implicit that I was purchasing something usable?

During the booking process I acknowledged that I am over 25 and that I have a credit card, NEVER that I had my own car insurance or that I had a flight out of JFK.

Thank you for any help!

Answer: Did you pay with a credit card? I imagine you had to. Your first step is to dispute the charge. Answer #2: I have been through this twice with advantage at jfk. The first time they let me just rent the car even though I didn’t have insurance because I had come all the way out to the airport without ever being informed of the policy, the second time I spoke with them on the phone prior to the date of the rental and they agreed to refund me since they were the ones refusing the rental. I would give their customer service a call.


Title: A whole year's rent on a mythical apartment?

Question:
This started in Gainesville, Florida, summer of 2009. I was staying with my former best friend and her boyfriend until, without notice, I was given three days to find somewhere to live. I found a young woman, (X), who needed someone to take over her lease. I explained my situation to her, was reassured that if I took over her lease I would have a place to stay, and by day three, was at the complex signing paperwork on the lease. The employee asked if I had a guarantor and I responded in the negative. She said that was fine and I could get one later. I didn't finish signing the paperwork that day. When I returned to do so, I was told I would need to have my first month's rent to receive my key. I didn't have it at that time and the employee said I could stay with X "as her guest" until I got it.

X consented saying that she would lend me her key so I could come and go for work and her property wouldn't be compromised by an unlocked door. But by the time I returned later that day with my belongings, X changed her mind. My calls went unanswered as did knocking on her door. A police officer showed up and asked if I was the person X had called about. I agreed, but explained the arrangement her and I had and the officer left. When I did get my first month's rent together, I was still not allowed to move in for lack of a guarantor - something I was not told would prevent me from moving in. I was given the opposite impression, if anything. I never received a key or stayed in that apartment. I moved home.

I started receiving calls from the complex about how I owe $5400 on the apartment. I told them my situation and was only met with, "You signed the lease." I asked how to rectify it and was told I could not cancel the lease, but could find a sublessor. When I finally managed to do so, she was told she would not be able to take it over because my rent was not current - a stipulation I was never aware of. The charge still exists on my credit and is the only thing preventing me from moving into an apartment of my own today.

I was under the joint influences of ignorance, a serious time crunch and deception (on the part of the complex and X) when I signed that lease. Is there anything I can do to combat this?
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer:
 If I'm understanding your question correctly, I don't think you owe them anything.

Your dispute with X is functionally irrelevant.  It sounds, though, like the complex refused to let you move in because of a lack of guarantor, is that right?  If so, then they didn't fulfill their part of the contract, and you don't have to fulfill yours.


Title: Auto Mechanic job gone wrong!

Question:
Hello, I'm hoping to gain some advice as to what to do with a auto mechanic job gone horribly wrong. Thanks for your time and help! Much appreciated <3

So on June 1st, I had my Ford F150 hauled away by a auto mechanic shop that was going to do some work on it. The scope of the job was to replace the timing chains and Camshaft phasers (replace everything that comes with the kit), and to also replace the cylinder cover on the passenger side of the engine. What happened is my timing chain broke and popped a 1 inch hole on top of the engine cover, so the job was for them to replace everything and to put on a new cover.

He said the job would take a couple days tops, 3 weeks later I get the truck back (keep in my most of this conversation is recorded via text). So 3 weeks later they hand back over my truck in this condition.

\- He never replaced the cover, just patched the hole up.

\- Fuse box cover was missing

\- Front grill of my truck was missing

\- Radiator/Coolant leak (in order to do the work on my truck, you must take out the radiator. So this leak is a direct result of the work they did)

\- Radio doesn't work anymore (Checked the fuse, it isn't a bad fuse)

\- The power steering, break fluid, coolant levels were all extremely low.

\- Plastic cover above the radiator was missing all its screws

\- Radiator mounting bar missing all its screws

\- Front license plate missing

\- Radio antenna missing from my truck.

I paid him $1200 to do the work, and after I got home, I started to notice all these things!!! So I called them back and told them about what I'm starting to see that wasn't like this before. He said bring it in the next day and he'll look at it.

So I call them the next day, he said he was at the shop and to come in now so he could take a look at it. So I drive to their shop right after talking to him letting him know I'd be right there in 30 mins, he said no problem. When I get there, no one is at the shop, doors are locked. I call him and he said that he just left and that he will be back in 3 hours... I was a little upset but wasn't going to make a big deal about it. He said just leave the truck there and send him a text of the things that were wrong and that he'll look at it when he gets back... So that's what I did.

One more thing, throughout this entire ordeal, I asked him over 30 times if I can get a receipt of the work that was done to my truck. He would always come up with an excuse and say that he'll get it to me as soon as possible.  One day I called him about when my truck would be done, he finally answered and told me to call him back around 3 - 4pm when he'd be back at the shop to check and see when it would be done. So I called him back at 3pm and also at 3:30pm and then at 4pm, with no answer. Then I left him a text message asking about the receipt and about when I'll be getting my truck back. This was his reply: "The receipt is not a problem.. but if u continue to be a peasant I will charge u accordingly and not help u out with the price like I did". So not only is he being horrible at communication and is having my truck for 2 EXTRA WEEKS for fixing issues that they caused, apparently I'm the peasant?

Anyways, 2 weeks later after giving my truck to them for the second time, I am finally able to come pick up my truck. Apparently it is done and ready to go, 5 weeks after the start of a job that he said would take a couple days... So I get the truck back and this is the list of the things he still hasn't fixed:

\- Front grill of my truck still missing

\- Radio still doesn't work

\- Platic cover that is on top of my radiator is still just hanging there without any screws at all

\- Front license plate still missing

The fuse box cover, radio antenna and the radiator screws were all still missing but I at least got him to fix those while I was there picking up my truck. All the other things he said he was going to have to look at their surveillance video and would get in touch with me about it.

So I just got done calling him back and he says that he looked at the surveillance video and never saw any activity. Which is funny because when I noticed my antenna missing, he said that they had like 3 or 4 of them stolen from their parking lot... So he's already contradicting himself. So he tells me that he's done dealing with me, that I'm just trying to screw him over for all this extra free work, and that if I want to do anything, that I need to take him to court...

He still has yet to give me a receipt, and at this point, is just going to deal with me in court... All the missing parts and the radio not working is a direct result of them. I'm positive that my license plate was also stolen from their property, along with my antenna.  He is denying EVERYTHING at this point. Just unsure what to do and how to handle this!

Sorry for such a long read, I really appreciate your time and any advice! Thanks - Jason!

Answer:
 Scope of the job was to replace the timing chain, camshaft phasers, and one valve cover (I'm assuming, since "engine cover" is normally a trim piece, wouldn't be damaged when timing chain failed, and wouldn't have separate left and right pieces)? Mechanic sounds incompetent.

If a timing belt/chain fails on an interference engine, THE HEAD(S) COME OFF to check for valve/piston damage. If something was hit hard enough to send a piece of metal through the valve cover, YOU HAVE VALVE DAMAGE.


Title: My apartment complex has signs posted stating the property is under video surveillance. My car was broken into, and lo and behold, they dont actually have cameras. Does the property management have any sort of liability? Im in Washington state fyi.

Question:
My apartment complex has signs posted stating the property is under video surveillance. My car was broken into, and lo and behold, they dont actually have cameras. Does the property management have any sort of liability for creating a false "sense of security" for posting such signage without cameras?

Before you ask:

--I realize it isnt worth the time or effort to sue them, even if I had grounds, and have no intent to do so.

--Yes windows were up, doors locked, alarm armed. (however it only detects opened doors etc, not broken windows) Furthermore, the apartment bills itself as having "secure, off-street parking" which tenants are charged $25 a month for, however parking is not gated.

--Apparently there has been a huge surge of prowlers/breakins on this property (which management has failed to notify tenants of) and management's only response has been to put up signs claiming to have surveillance with no surveillence in place.

--While not DIRECTLY claiming or that cameras are in place, they imply that there ARE cameras in place, such as signage, from management that FLAT-OUT states that there IS surveillance in place.

This may actually be a two part question, sorry for the confusion. Basically Im asking:

A. Does the property management have any obligation to me? (While I think its not fair, Im resigned to the fact that they do not.)

B. Is making a blatantly false statement like this legal, and or does such a statement confer any liability or responsibility on the property management?

Answer: Unless the contractually promised you that there were cameras, or you can prove that they were complicit in the theft, they have no liability.


Title: Can I be forced into an HOA? [WI]

Question:
Our neighborhood has decided they want to start an HOA. I'll be up front about the fact that I do not get along with my neighbors; the vast majority of them are retired people with nothing to do, and they're very nosy.

As I'm sure I don't have to say, I don't want a group of old nosy people in charge of when I can put my trash out and whether or not I can build a shed.

Apparently everyone except me and one other house (I don't know them) in my neighborhood except me has agreed to start one, and almost all of them have signed a petition for me to join. Neither me nor my wife wants anything to do with this.

I was mailed the petition last week after I had told some neighbors that I didn't care how many people signed, I wasn't joining. Yesterday I got a knock on my door and it was someone I'm not super familiar with who introduced himself as "President of the HOA" even though it doesn't exist yet. He explained to me that I had to join, or they would be taking me to court to make me.

Is this the load of crap it sounds like? They can't force me into an HOA can they? I know it will be used to bully me if they do, my neighbors have problems with certain things I have/do that the HOA would certainly forbid.

Can I tell this guy to pound sand?

Answer:
 The answer is "I'll see you in court. I'll bring popcorn for when you are in front of the judge."

No, they cannot force a new deed restriction on your house without your consent. Everyone else is doing it is not an accepted reason.

Make sure you never sign ANYTHING they give you. Not even if they're collecting donations for girl scout cookies or something. Doesn't matter. If they're scummy enough to play the lawyer card to strong arm you into the HOA, they're scummy enough to lie and try to trick you down the road.Answer #2: For me, the moment they mention legal action, the conversation is over.  They are permanently off my property and everything from that point forward goes through my lawyer.


Title: [CA] Ex-GF is filing a restraining order on me, can I use her Reddit posts as evidence?

Question: So she currently has a temporary order on me, and our hearing is in a few weeks. I just found out she was posting about cheating on here while we were still together and I believe that is her main reason for the order. Can I take screenshots and use them at my hearing?

Answer:
 Sure...

But, bringing to court seemingly irrelevant evidence that you gained by stalking her posts does not sound like a very good defense against a restraining order.

You should get an attorney to help you present a good defense, which may or may not include those screen shots.


Title: Growing CBD no THC marijuana in Virginia

Question: Is this legal? Do I need a license?

Answer: Unless you're growing hemp, there is no such thing as CBD only marijuana. All marijuana has different levels of THC and CBD. I don't know Virginia's marijuana laws. IANAL but I used to grow tons of marijuana in California.


Title: (NY) Can I drink as a supervising driver?

Question:
My wife just got her learner's permit, which makes me feel a lot more comfortable about having a glass or three when we go out with friends for dinner.  Before, I'd be super paranoid about driving home even after one glass of wine.

As a supervising driver, how tipsy am I allowed to be when I'm sitting in the passenger seat? I'm not planning to get wasted, but it would be nice to not worry about counting drinks when we visit our friends. We've checked her Learner's Permit paperwork, which doesn't seem to state that the supervising driver has to be himself legally capable of driving--butI'm also not a lawyer.

Answer: You have to be able to legally take over for her, so no more than if you were driving.


Title: Selling a home to a family member

Question:
Hi Reddit! So, my parents are in their early 70s. They have agreed to sell their small home in Massachusetts worth around 250,000 to my sister and her fiancé. A couple issues...

My sister and her fiancé have been engaged for 10 years, have 3 kids and are unlikely to get married anytime soon. He has a good job and credit but my sister doesn’t work and has no credit.

My parents owe 150,000 on the house and are planning on using the 100,000 they would get from the sale to build an addition onto the home as an in-law apartment for themselves with separate utilities.

Everyone involved is happy with the plans to build and we are planning on talking to a local trust attorney and bank about the best way to sell the house or transfer ownership.

My main concern is protecting my parents and sisters interests in this transaction.  Even though my sister doesn’t have credit/money, I want her to be as much a owner as her fiancé. She is making a huge sacrifice by offering to be there to take care of my parents in their later years. So I’m not looking to benefit at all from the sale of the home now or in the future.

Should my sister and fiancé just buy the house from my parents, then set up an irrevocable trust so my parents can live there without fear of losing their stake in the home?

Or maybe add my sister and fiancé to the deed and have them refinance to build the addition?

I’d love to hear some advice, suggestions, experience?

Thanks!

Topic:
Real Estate law

Answer: Oh man, this is just asking for trouble.  Even if your sister is on the deed, if they are not married then the default rule is going to be that should things go south her fiance would be entitled to contribution for all of the payments he makes towards the house.  So in the event they broke up she wouldn’t be entitled to 1/2 the value.  Marriage would change this calculus.  I’m not saying they should get married, that’s an entirely different issue from a relationship standpoint, I’m just saying this could end very poorly.  The need for your parents to live there and be spending money on the property is another issue.  If this is going to be done then it needs to be done through a trust or other complex transaction that is beyond the scope of Reddit help.  This should absolutely be taken to an attorney who does trusts and estates.


Title: Received money from a "friend", used it at a gas station.. scared

Question: he took the money. I was 100% unaware that it was counterfeit. what's funny is that while in the line (the guy in front of me was busy talking to the owner about the Powerball teaching 1 billion) I did start to notice how offcolor it was compared to the real $10 bill. he knows me and my mother. he didn't call the cops but how should I proceed. he took the money and said he couldn't give it back to me

Answer: So...the first question you’ll be asked by the authorities is “who is your friend” and “how do we contact him”?


Title: [Oregon] My 14-year-old maternal half-brother’s father is kicking him out on the streets.

Question:
His father (A) has resigned as a parent. He copped out emotionally a long time ago, but now he’s really throwing in the towel. A said he’s “done” being a parent, and encouraged my 14-year-old brother (T) to figure it out on his own.

They’ve been fighting for years now. All the time they bicker about anything that’s bothering A. Naturally, my brother T cops a pissy attitude when being yelled at, slapped around, and threatened constantly. He’s developed a hard exterior but honestly, he’s an extremely well adjusted and well behaved kid and has been doing great academically.

Our mom’s a homeless addict and A hasn’t allowed her any contact with T since he was a toddler, though they have met briefly to chat behind A’s back on a handful of occasions the past few years.

He was born addicted to heroin which is an important detail - T is taunted relentlessly by A’s live-in girlfriend for being a wh***s son, a junkie’s kid, reminding him he has ADD and is messed up because of our Mom, and telling him they’re testing his DNA because A probably isn’t even his dad, and he might have developmental issues (he clearly does not). They insult him with stuff that really makes my blood boil, they are circumstances that an innocent victim in this situation doesn’t deserve to be bullied over, especially by his own legal guardians.

My question is: is it illegal for A to kick T out on the streets and how can I report this without endangering T? Or, even lesser, is it even legal for him to encourage T to run away and basically neglect and verbally abuse him whenever he returns home (creating a hostile and unlivable home environment)?

Would I need T to testify against A, in order for any action to be taken?

I don’t know what to do to help my brother out of a situation that is emotionally agonizing for us both. He deserves a break from this, and I want to help however possible without potentially making the situation even worse.
Topic:
CPS and Dependency Law

Answer: You need to contact child protective services. What A is doing is abuse and the girlfriend as well. Plus he would be better off elsewhere, that is a toxic environment for a teenager and can't end well. Call CPS and tell them all this, they will help you.


Title: Can you sue a person who has caused severe emotional distress and anxiety/depression over their actions?

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 How has this kept you from work? I don't get that part of your story.

Either way though, no you can't successfully sue your sister for cutting off contact and sending letters to grandma. Answer #2: If this was possible, then anyone who gets offended can go around suing which would ruin society.  (Although people try this anyway.)


Title: Can a school go a day without supplying lunch? [NJ]

Question:
My high school have not supplied a school lunch on shortened days. We don’t even get to go to the cafeteria. This doesn’t seem very legal to me, especially since it’s exam time.

This is a public high school in NJ.

Answer:
 The schools in my town and regional HS district (also NJ) don't serve lunch on half-days as the students are home by lunch time. There's nothing illegal about it. Answer #2: Why would they supply lunch on a day when school ends at lunch?Answer #3: How short is a shorten day?

When you ask a teacher, what did they say?


Title: Employer asked if I was A certain religion during an interview

Question: I have a very stereotypical sounding name for my religion and an employer nonchalantly asked if I was (insert religion). I said yes and he said he was too. I think the interview went well, but if he doesn't hire me, can I sue?

Answer: In Saudi Arabia I'd imagine it's perfectly legal to discriminate against non-muslims in a variety of ways.Answer #2: Only if you could proof that he didn't hire you based on your religion. But based on his response you have no grounds that could be used to win a lawsuit.


Title: Not sure where to ask, but what do I do if my information (SSN, etc.) may have been stolen?

Question:
In Oregon, and stories goes like this. Trying to fillout the information for Obamacare on Healthcare.gov. Had some questions, so I used their find assistance tool to find someone to help. Contacted one person. I figured with them being registered on an official government website, it should be safe, so I provide them with information as they requested (SSN, Driver's License number, pictures of the form 1040 from tax return). Then, I set up an appointment with them.

However, when I went to check the address in Google Maps, it doesn't lead to any office as far as I can see. On their site, they claimed to be a Farmer's insurance agent, so I check with farmer's 'find an agent' tool and he doesn't show up. I call Farmer's insurance and they can't find him in their system. I even reverse google search his picture from his website and it shows up as someone completely different (supposed agent is Asian. Reverse image search brings up someone hispanic).

So, at this point, I'm like 99% sure I just got screwed. Hard. What do I do? I supposedly have a meeting with him today but I don't know where I'm even supposed to be meeting him based off of google maps. There might be a building behind the one directly on the street that google may have the wrong address to? And he's asking me to call him when I'm in the parking lot (also fishy, especially since he has my address). I guess I could ask my mom to stay at home just in case he's using me being at his 'office' to break in?

Help, please. I'm freaking out.

Things I've considered in terms of information being stolen: Fraud alert at the three credit bureaus, fraud monitoring service (any good ones?), potentially report to police depending on how meeting (or lack of) goes?

Edit: The guy cancelled on our meeting. He did give a reason he brought up when we were on the phone last night in that he was wondering why one line was so high and recommended we go talk to our accountant/CPA. He didn't want us to get audited because this line would change dramatically from 2015 tax return to 2016 tax return.

Other notes: He did try to prove to me that he was an insurance agent when I pointed out to him that he wasn't in the Farmer's system. He gave me an insurance estimate for our house but it lists a real insurance agent that is in the database as the agent and suspicious guy as the preparer. Unfortunately, legit agent is out of the office until Monday because he isn't open on the weekends.

Answer:
 The FTC has a great overview starting [here](https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/topics/privacy-identity-online-security); it'll walk you through the steps.

You can also have a credit freeze put on your credit reports, which means you'd have to put in a specific PIN a few days before you needed anybody to look at them. Whether that costs you money or not depends on Oregon law and whether they require a police report.


Title: Trucking company says they can't/won't hire women right now because they don't have any female trainers. Can they do that?

Question:
I am looking for an over the road truck driving position as a newly licensed trucker.  Most companies require that I drive with a trainer for 4-6 weeks when first hired.  This requires that I "live" with the trainer in the truck for days on end.

One company says they can't hire me because they have a limited number of female trainers and they won't allow a woman to share a truck with a male trainer.  They said it's company policy that men and women can't stay in the same truck due to "problems that can be caused by that situation".

Can they do this?  They wouldn't even take my application because they said they only have 3 female trainers and they are booked up for months.

Edit:  I assume they also won't allow a woman to team drive with a man.  Team drivers make more money.  Do I have to accept lower, solo pay simply because they don't have more female drivers?

This is nationwide, but I'll just say ND for the bot

Answer:
 In 2014, a federal judge ruled that one of the nation's largest trucking companies violated the law with its policy of only teaming female drivers with female trainers.

In essence, the judge said females were being discriminated against in hiring opportunities by having a same-sex trainer policy. While men were quickly hired, women had to wait (sometimes as long as 18 months) to be assigned a trainer. It was ruled a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

http://www.eeoc.gov/eeoc/newsroom/release/8-18-14a.cfm


Title: The company I work for "goes around" workers compensation when somebody is hurt. Just how sketchy is this and what are the implications for somebody who is hurt?

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 if you get hurt, contact worker's comp yourselfAnswer #2: you've identified the problem here. If you don't report to WCB, then you will have a VERY hard time making a claim later. MAYBE if you have lots of documentation from your doctor you'd be ok, but only if you can show the injury is work related.

And what happens if the injury takes a long time to heal and you can't work? Will the company just keep paying you indefinitely? I doubt it.Answer #3: I am a Work Comp attorney in Illinois.

What you describe is very much like a deductible. It is common and legal. It allows an employer to pay the smaller claims out of its own pocket and keep its insurance rates down.

It also happens with medical bills. Employer pays the clinic, the ER, the radiology guys,etc up to a certain dollar amount, then insurance kicks in.

It has no effect on the worker's rights or obligations. The worker still has to report the accident promptly, follow local rules about getting medical care ( sometimes the employer directs where to go and sometimes the employee gets to choose), come back to work if  jobs within restrictions are offered, etc., and, most important, if you are going to formally file a claim, you have to do it within the specified time period.

So what you are describing is a common, legal strategy for a business owner to keep control over its work comp costs.


Title: Former employer wouldn’t release final paycheck until I signed an “agreement” saying I wouldn’t leave a Glassdoor review about them

Question: Basically the title. Former employer gave me an ultimatum: sign their document saying I won’t leave a review on Glassdoor about what it was like to work there, or they would not release my final paycheck. I will add that the final paycheck was for PTO days, which to my knowledge, businesses are not legally required to pay out in the state of Florida. Just seeing if this is 1) legal 2) if I leave a review, what would happen.

Answer:
 It would be a shame if someone else left that review for you.

The key here was that they were threatening to withhold your PTO days, which they may have the ability to do. That said, they would have to prove that the review came from you.Answer #2: Where are you located? In some states, like CA, earned PTO must be paid out.Answer #3: If it's only final wages, they cannot require you to sign an agreement of any sort to receive your final paycheck. Your remedy for that would be to filr a wage complaint with the US federal Dept of Labor since Florida is one of the states without their own DoL.

However, as you said, Florida doesn't require the payout of your PTO upon separation.

Do the math and figure out if your PTO is worth it. They can't reverse the paycheck in any way if you do write the review, but they can sue you for the PTO that they paid out in accordance with an agreement. It's unclear who would win that.


Title: [Dallas, TX] Here on TN visa, but has husband's employer broken immigration laws over employment? Question from an Australian couple.

Question:
We're two Australians who moved to Dallas, Texas a few months ago (last August actually), on a TN visa. We're a young couple, me 25, and my fiancee, 26.

My husband is here on a TN visa for a Management consultant position (that's what Wikipedia says is eligible) for a firm here in Dallas. He got the job via a trade fair and several interviews last year (by July 2016 he got the position).

However, a few months into the job, I found out the management job was actually a sinecure. TIL a sinecure is a job with no real responsibilities or work involved, and few if any actual roles.

My husband told me last night that the boss had told him he could never tell anyone this job was a sinecure (and showed me the email which was a copy of the conversation) and that it would be "breach of contract" to discuss this with anyone else. He told me how the boss said that he didn't even have to turn up to the office, and that the boss had something of a fetish/obsession with Australia and admitted to him privately she'd only hired him "because I want Australians, and that they're hot in the world of business right now". The boss is a woman, btw, in her mid-40s.

I've seen my husband'a work contract; a PDF copy. On paper, it's ostensibly a management job, with a lot of corporate-speak in a 30-page PDF, but the reality is, none of the actual duties mentioned in the PDF are part of this Management Consultant job he signed up for (it's a sinecure since my husband told me this).

Has my husband's boss broken any immigration laws? BTW the boss is the owner of the company, there isn't a board of directors, or a boss's boss, nothing like that.

We need advice before we decide what to do next. Has my husband been the victim of a con?

I should add, he met this boss at an IT trade fair in New South Wales, his employer was promoting themselves back in our home country of Australia (we're from Brisbane).

Anyone able to help us work out what to do next? Do we need a lawyer or as you guys say "lawyer up"?

Asking here since this is involving the USA, not Australia and American law, despite us being Australian.

Answer:
 As other commenters have pointed out, if your husband is Australian you are not here on a TN. You would be here on an E-3 which is more restrictive than a TN. Speak to an immigration attorney

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E-3_visa


Title: Need advice

Question: I told an employer I was born with a birth defect when I started there to maybe help accommodate my situation and all that ever happened was that i was constantly referred to as that retarded shit that should be ashamed to wake up. I put up with this from may of this year til November and it got to the point where suicide  was considered an option for me. So I finally decided that I would ask them to stop and when I tried asking for them to leave me alone they fired me on the spot. Today was the day I was supposed to pick up my last check and I was refused the check. Any advice on what I need to do.

Answer: It sounds like you may be in a protected class ( Disability) . I would Immediately contact your States Labor Board or Employment Development Office. ASAP


Title: Can I (17f) go to the police for fraud

Question:
I'm 17 and Australian in QLD and last night I posted a post on whisper saying "can someone do my assignment for $50"

Someone responded and I gifted them money through paypal good and services. I have it in writing that they said they would do my assignment and that they go to uni studying what my assignment was about. Anyways she "finishes" the assignment and told me she would only send it if I gave her money through the friends/family option and she sent me the money I gave her back. She would only give me the assignment if I paid her through friends/family paypal option so I did. I have her number and her paypal. Can I go to the police about this? She lied about going to uni and said since I gifted her the money the police can't do anything. I have the text logs where she agreed to do it for money. Please help. She never sent me the assignment or anything.
Topic:
Non-US

Answer: So just to clarify, you were defrauded while trying to commit fraud and you want to know how to get them in trouble for their half of the fraud. Yeah?


Title: Help! Need to evict tenant from an owner occupied two family house! (X-post from r/landlord)

Question:
Not entirely sure if this is the right sub, but maybe you guys can help.

My SO and I just bought a two family house. The upstairs apt is rented to a guy who we found out did not pay his electric bill all winter. The law states that they can't legally shut off your electric until April so it just got shut off. The tenant was unaware of this and thought the seller had cut his electric, but it was the electric company.

We want to help this guy get his power back, but the power company is requiring a lease agreement. Unfortunately, due to the fact that he is not paying his electric, has lost his job and other factors, we do not want to keep him as a tenant and would like to evict him. He was on month to month terms that we don't have many details about since the seller didn't speak much english.

Since this is an owner occupied home with less than 4 families (2fam), What is my legal due diligence to evict him? I am having trouble finding the specifics since we don't fall under the Anti-Eviction act. As far as I've read, I have to serve him a notice to quit by the end of April to get him out by May 31. I also read that I do not have to site any of the reasons for eviction under the anti-eviction act because we occupy the premises. Is this correct?

Any Help/guidance is greatly appreciated! Thanks!

EDIT: I'm in New Jersey! Sorry!

Answer: If he is a month to month tenant, give him notice in writing that you are ending his tenancy in 30 days.  If he fails to pay rent for those last 30 days you can evict him or if he fails to move out after the 30 days you can evict him.


Title: Landlord claims my roommates and I are responsible for damage to another residents car from ash falling on it from our balcony. (California)

Question:
I live in an apartment complex of about 30 apartments. I received a text message from my landlord today claiming she has been getting so many complaints about our smoking on our balcony. This is our first time hearing about it. She says the ash is falling onto a car (about 20 feet) below our balcony and that it caused damage. She says we are responsible. We do not ash over our balcony and even if we did I highly doubt ash from a cigarette could do damage to a vehicle from that height. I have not responded to her message and I do not know what damage was done. We put in our months notice this month and she is aware we are leaving by June 1st.

1. Is this a way for her to screw us out of our security deposit?

2. What could she possibly do to us before we leave at the end of the month?

3. Should I even respond?

Answer:
 If it's not her car that is being "damaged" she has no justification for taking your security deposit. That doesn't mean she wouldn't though. Your recourse would be to sue her. Do you have something that collects the ash up there? Where do you empty it?

Maybe she is just politely asking you to make sure you control your ash.


Title: [MN] Dog's health going downhill, now recall announce for her dog food, are they responsible for vet bills?

Question:
My dogs health has been declining the last couple of months.  She's old so I didn't think too much about it, but it has gotten severe - 10% weight loss, vomiting food, moving onto incontinence, etc.  I took her to the vet's earlier this week because I needed to make sure it wasn't an illness or something instead of approaching the time to make a hard decisions.  I've spent a little under $400 so far and was due to come in today for another $150 in tests.

Yesterday evening I get a email from the pet food store where I purchase her food.  The manufacturer of her food has announced a recall due to contamination of the food, the possible symptoms match hers exactly.  I will be calling the vets as soon as they7 open this AM, assuming blood tests can confirm the specified contamination has caused her medical issues, do I have a recourse to contact the pet food manufacturer to ask for reimbursement of vet bills?  I realize pets are considered property, she was a rescue to I imagine replacement costs would be limited to the $400 - $450 adoption fee for another dog, but what if I spend a couple thousand in dog medical costs to save her life?

Answer:
 If your pup was injured due to a defective product, and you can prove it, you can absolutely sue for damages.

> assuming blood tests can confirm the specified contamination has caused her medical issues

You're already in the right direction. If the symptoms are close, and/or the vet believes the food may be cause I would consult with a lawyer and see what they think.


Title: Amazon refunded me for items I never received but now they're asking for me to return the packages or get charged

Question: Not too sure what I can do here; package never arrived (even though it says delivered). Just got an email threatening me that if I don't return the package by next week, I will be charged the full amount without the coupon I used. What should I do? I spoke to an Amazon rep and he assured me I won't be charged, but it's not up to him whether or not I get charged; it's up to Amazon's automated system that I can't talk to. He can't change the status of this return.

Answer:
 Have you escalated this issue with the carrier that supposedly delivered the items?Answer #2: contact amazon via email. tell them (again) that you did not receive the package and ask them to provide proof of delivery and the name+signature of who signed for the package. make it clear that this was not a return but a refund because you did not get the order.

you could also ask the delivery company who/where they delivered the package to.

is it possible that a roommate, family member, neighbour, etc. signed and took the package and did not tell you about it?Answer #3: Call Amazon. It always works better than email or chat.Answer #4: The phone rep assured you that you won't be charged. So wait a week and see. If you do get charged, call again and they will probably refund you. Answer #5: I've found Amazon live chat customer service to be excellent and if they did charge you I would be surprised if they didn't agree to quickly refund you.


Title: Need Legal Advice

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 > What should I do?

Stop laundering money for your boss.

Seriously, you're well into federal criminal territory here.Answer #2: It sounds like you are participating in hiding money from the feds. $9900 is just below the mandatory $10,000 reporting limit to the IRS. You may be guilty of [structuring](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Structuring) and this is a federal crime. Stop doing it and start looking for another job.Answer #3: Almost certainly NOT legal.Answer #4: >When I answered honestly the banker told me what I was doing was probably illegal and that if I ever tell another banker that I am depositing a businesses money into my account then wiring it - my account would get shut down..... Well without me telling anyone else, a few more wires later, my bank was shut down for suspicious activity. I was told I could never bank with this specific banking entity EVER AGAIN in my lifetime.

Do I have this right: a banker tells you what you are doing is "probably illegal" but you keep on doing it?

(ʘ_ʘ)
Answer #5: If you want to protect yourself as much as you can:

Step one: Stop Immediately

Step two: Quit

Step three: Hire a lawyer

Step four: Blow the whistle

You may have a problem with blowing the whistle but it is the best way to protect your self. It is illegal and will be uncovered at one point or another either by the Feds or the IRS. Your industry will likely be under extra scrutiny under this new administration. Answer #6: This is definitely illegal.


Title: (NJ) Can an employer withhold my bonus because I am leaving the company?

Answer: Do not hand in your resignation until your bonus is in hand. THEN hand in your resignation. Then can simply delay payout of the bonus until after your resignation date and you will effectively be left with nothing. I suggest you don't tell them you're resigning and then resign after the bonuses are handed out.


Title: If someone posted extremely disturbing questions but didn't act on them would they be charged?

Question: Let's say someone online simply asks "Why is terrorism wrong and legal?" or "I think the Columbine victims deserved it" but don't say they are going to commit a mass shooting, would they be charged with anything? They aren't making terrorist threats.

Answer: No, being an edgy teenager isn’t usually illegal. It might put you on some watch lists though.


Title: If a parent stole credit cards/debit cards and used them to pay for their child's cancer treatments, are they likely to get away with it, even if caught?

Question:
I have talked about this to other people before.  Several people said that they would vote to acquit for reasons such as: the law should not be applied in a way that penalizes a parent's strong and natural urge to protect their child; if the parent goes to jail they might miss what is left of their child's life; they have personal experience of a loved one who has cancer, and would do anything to help them.

Some people said that they probably would not acquit because they would doubt very much that the parent truly had no options other than theft, or that the parent even paid any medical bills unless they had proof; another person said that this case would never go to trial and that the parent would instead be given a plea deal, a plan to compensate the victim, and probation or a suspended sentence.

Answer:
 > the law should not be applied in a way that penalizes a parent's strong and natural urge to protect their child

What about in a way that drags some uninvolved third party into caring for the accused's child? Credit and debit cards aren't free money, and while Amex and Mastercard aren't exactly charities, there's no obvious reason they should bear the burden of fraudulent charges, either.Answer #2: Whether they should be acquitted through jury nullification (as described in your first paragraph) or _would be_ acquitted due to same are two entirely different questions. The latter is based entirely on the jury members empaneled for the case.


Title: Question about a car in my mother's will

Question:
Hi all. Glad this sub exists, really need some info here.

So my mom passed away in January. In her will, my father was made executor but he rejected it since they haven't spoken in over ten years. In the will, she states she leaves 100% of her possessions, car, house, etc etc to me. She didn't own any property but she did have a car and money in the bank. However, from what I have been told, she was several thousand dollars in credit card debt.

It's been about 5 months and we haven't heard anything from debt collectors. My stepfather says I should just take the money/car, but my father is saying I'd have to go to probate court and pay a bunch of money or something. I'm just really confused as to what to do.

Answer: If you go and clean out her bank accounts after her death (presumably by using her debit card or writing a check to yourself or some other fraudulent manner) you will very likely find yourself in trouble and likely will have to return the fraudulently converted estate assets. Just going to the bank and telling them that you are the beneficiary of the will won't be sufficient to give you the balance of the account. You will have to go through the process of petitioning the court to become the estate executor and the entire process of probate paired like you said, if she is in debt, there is a significant risk that there will be no money or assets left over for your trouble and expenses in doing so.Answer #2: A [voluntary administration probate](https://www.mass.gov/how-to/file-a-voluntary-administration-for-an-estate) costs $115 in Massachusetts; it may be sufficient for your needs, if she owned no real estate and had very limited other assets.


Title: My ex husband is still paying child support for a child who no longer lives with either of us. I have tried to have child support modified without going to court (now live in CO) and haven't been able to. What do I do?

Question:
(FL) Child support - My 16 year old daughter does not live with me anymore. She had very extreme emotional and mental issues, was committed repeatedly for violent/homicidal/suicidal thoughts and attempts, and for the safety of the other children (one with cerebral palsy and completely helpless), lived with a relative until she was put into a group home. That's a whole other story and also one that I should get legal advice regarding.
However, ex husband still pays child support for all three children. He is in arrears by several thousand, however I don't want him to continue to pay for a child that does not live with me. I also got remarried this past May.
I have called child support enforcement, the courthouse, the office of judge who set the order for support, and sent a certified letter with a system explaining this to Florida DOR that was returned (even though I sent it to the address I was told to by the court clerk - a friend of mine).
I do not live in FL anymore, I currently reside in a CO and the expense involved in going to FL to fix this is more than I can afford and I am my disabled son's primary caretaker/licensed CNA and have another job on top of that which would make it difficult to take time off.
What do I need to do to have this all legally "above board"? I send my 16 year old money/pay for other expenses she has, but because she does not live with me, I know I can't keep receiving child support for her.
Edit to add:
• I am no longer her legal guardian (voluntary surrender).
• I sent the relative money to support child while she lived there.
• I continue to send the child money once I found out where she is now (no loner with relative and in group home).
• My daughter and I maintain a good relationship. Texts, Skype, calls, send cards and gifts, etc.

Answer:
 >What do I need to do to have this all legally "above board"?

You file a motion to modify the child support obligations. This isn't something that is resolved by mailing a letter or calling the court. Answer #2: >I don't want him to continue to pay for a child that does not live with me.

If you're her legal guardian, I don't think your wants are material considerations for the court.Answer #3: Why isn't your ex husband doing this? You could keep the money in a separate account to get it back to him (or the state if they ask for it) assuming you're able to calculate that child's share.


Title: (Australia) Diputed payment on Paypal for not shipping, got called a scammer and threatened to file a law suit.

Question:
In mid January we bought some goods from an online dropshipper (i.e. the seller buys their goods elsewhere and then send the goods to us) and paid $1750 via Paypal including tax, labor and postage. The seller however did not send the goods, did not respond to our inquiries. The seller also did not upload a tracking number until 3rd. Feb and the tracking number was invalid. We disputed the transaction then and received full refund on 10th. Feb. Then in some way by Paypal their credit got deducted (probably for invalid tracking) but now the seller is blaming us.

About a week ago we received a letter from said seller who we have not contacted since January stating that we owe them some $16k USD and that the transaction in mid Jan was a "fraudulent scam transaction", that we stole their $1750 from their Paypal account, putting them in debt and damaged their credit and reputation. In the letter it also states that "as soon as we notified the buyer the good was shipped out, they played trick to dispute their payment with Paypal and relevant USA companies". Out of nowhere it says that "their fraudulent scam activities are clearly evidenced" and that the shipping company is keeping our goods forcing the seller to pay storage fee. Note that the seller did not speak to us about this nor during the dispute assessment phase on Paypal at all in the last 10 months.

Then in short we were threatened to pay the $16k by 24th or else we will be reported/sued and the letter serves as evidence that the seller has tried to settle this matter informally.

Now I have absolutely no idea what to do about this, it just seems like a bunch of rubbish the seller has made up in order to make us pay the storage fee that he has never mentionned.  I will state that the last time we've communicated was 14th. Jan, item was marked shipped on 3rd. Feb (but still not shipped and tracking number was invalid). We haven't heard a word from them since and now suddenly we receive a letter and they've been calling us non-stop these past few days, we ignored the calls.

Not sure what to do here, would love some advice and I can fill in more details if that's required.

Answer: Sounds like empty fluff. Ignore unless you are served with an actual lawsuit, which 90% chance will nkt happen.


Title: [TX] Letter to judge to avoid having speeding ticket on my record

Question:
Last week I  fell victim to a speed trap and received my first speeding ticket. I called the courthouse to find out what the fine was, and the clerk informed me I could pay the fine ($300), but write a letter to the judge requesting a probation period (60 or 90 days) and if I don't get another ticket in that time this one would not show up on my record.

&#x200B;

I was wondering what I should include in this letter or if there are any examples of such a letter. Should it be an apology and acknowledgement of what I did wrong or can I simply put "I'd like to request a probation period" and leave it at that? I have no experience with this and I don't want to screw it up and end up having the ticket appear on my record.

Answer: Also do not use the word victim, in the essay. You actively decided to break the law and we’re caught. You were not a victim.


Title: Asking for advice on work discrimination

Question:
I work in a group home for developmentally disabled adults. Upon hiring, I fully disclosed I myself have a disability and take medications. My employers will not let me pass medications or get verified to pass medications because of this reason. I am in Florida. Is this legal?
Topic:
Medicine and Malpractice

Answer:
 It could be an ADA discrimination issue, assuming the company has enough employees for it to apply

Did you request any reasonable accommodations upon disclosing your disability that may have led to this decision?


Title: Maritime law on reddit! No, no - the real kind, almost.

Question:
This article - http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2016/03/2-men-take-us-govt-ocean-science-buoy-now-want-to-sell-it-back-for-13000/

has a thread in /r/nottheonion here:  https://np.reddit.com/r/nottheonion/comments/4cfstz/2_men_take_us_govt_ocean_science_buoy_now_want_to/

The TLDR is two men found a USGS buoy floating in US territorial waters in the Pacific.  I'm no expert on maritime law, but basically they are claiming, through their father who is an attorney, that it was abandoned and have offered to sell it back to the govt.  Now the govt is suing since they won't hand it over and claims it was not abandoned property.

So it's maritime law!!! Sort of.  Since it's in the water even if it's not international waters.  At least it isn't sovcit maritime law, for a change.

Anybody with any relevant legal knowledge want to chime in?

Location:  United States

Answer:
 ~~I'm assuming the buoy was found within three miles off the coast of US territorial waters.~~ Bad reading. It's within 12 nautical miles of the US territory.

>A pure salvage claim has three
elements: (1) the property saved was exposed to a marine peril; (2) the service was voluntary,
with no pre-existing duty or contract to rescue; and (3) the operation must be successful, either in
whole or in part. Marine peril does not need to be imminent or absolute; all that is required is
that the party seeking the award demonstrate that a reasonable apprehension of peril existed.

This seems to apply, ~~but I want to say that I read somewhere that US Government property lost at sea isn't obtainable under salvage law (which is very ancient) because there's an automatic assumption that the US Government doesn't ever stop looking for it.~~(See below).

This is a very interesting case. Someone with admiralty/maritime law experience should weigh in; I'd love to see how they take this.

EDIT:

>Further, if the remains of a United States or a foreign government’s ship are recovered then the law of finds does not apply since it is generally accepted that governments never abandon the search and recovery efforts for their own vessels.

The Abandoned Shipwreck Act of 1989. Not sure if a buoy could be construed to be as a vessel or part of a shipwreck if the ship didn't actually wreck, but that isn't for me to decide.Answer #2: Now this has me wondering if folks who actually do maritime law get letters from sovcits asking for their help.Answer #3: And an update from the other side: http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2016/03/fisherman-who-has-kept-usgs-buoy-for-10-weeks-all-i-want-is-compensation/


Title: Apartment Complex is attempting to make me sign a lease addendum and will tow my car if I do not sign it.

Question: The lease addendum is for some kind of new parking system. In the original lease we were issued permits and that was all that was needed. Can they tow my car or am I still covered under the original lease?

Answer: Did the original lease promise you a spot?  As in, does it guarantee that you will have a spot for the entirety of your lease?


Title: Can they take tips?

Question:
This is my first post on Reddit so try to not murder me with words over something I say.

My girlfriend works for a cookie shop in Utah. At the cookie shop they have an option to receive tips when someone buys something (as most places do these days). She however never receives these tips. The owner collects all of them and then uses said tip to buy 'employee incentives' like gift cards to Wendy's. The math was worked out (thanks to the system at the shop having a history of everyone's hours worked and tips received) that my girlfriend would be getting $104+ in tips if she actually received the tips. Over the last month she has only received 1, $25 gift card (instead of $416 in tips).

My question, is this 'Can a company take tips and use them for whatever they want or does the company have to give employees tips they earned?'

Answer: [This is all you need.](https://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/whdfs15.htm)


Title: Realtor did not disclose full details of a property.

Question:
So me and my wife are looking for a home.  We recently found one that we fell in love with.  We made an offer, and the realtor for the seller said that since we were the first to make an offer, we would be given the opportunity to match the highest offer, and that the seller requested for this to be the case.  We were really excited, and as of yesterday, the seller's realtor told our realtor that we had the house.

Today, however, the seller's realtor told us that the house was instead owned by a relocation company and that we would not be getting the house. I called the seller's realtor, and she told me that she didn't know that it was owned by a relocation company.  I have recently found out that she was employed by the relocation company to sell the house. Is there anything we can do about this? Our realtor told us that this was very suspicious and possibly illegal that she didn't disclose this information.  Is there anything we can do about this?  Is this worth talking to an attorney about?  We are both very upset with this.

We are in Arkansas.  Thank's for the help.

Answer:
 You aren't looking at much in the way of monetary damages directly. There'd be some minimal claims if you were left in a vulnerable position due to the mistake (e.g., sold your own home and have nowhere to live). See: [Promissory Estoppel](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/p/promissory_estoppel.asp). But even if that applied here (and not sure it even does), that would only be for something like a motel for a few days.

If you want some petty revenge and don't care about damages, just report that person to the licensing board about misleading you. They'll get a slap on the wrist, but if they're a habitual offender and it wasn't an actual mistake, it could add up to something larger.


Title: If someone impersonates his ex's fiance and cancels all the wedding stuff how many laws did he break

Question:
Someone impersonates a his ex's fiance on the phone and over email and cancels everything related their wedding (the Justice of the Peace, the venue, the flowers, the caterer, the photographer, the hairdresser etc.) and basically makes it that the bride and groom have a tux and a dress and that's it. Everything else was cancelled in the days before the wedding and the bride and groom weren't able to her married that day because they didn't realize until the night before the wedding and day of. In the state of New Mexico, would his actions be against any laws?

EDIT for clarity this person is the bride's ex boyfriend.

Answer:
 Other than the obvious problem of water turning to ice when he touches it, he's potentially facing both criminal and civil legal problems.

The criminal charges would probably be identity theft, if he hijacked somebody's e-mail account and used their identifying information to make business transactions without their permission.   Maybe a computer access crime in there too.

Civilly, this would be what's called "tortious interference".   He's interfering with somebody else's contract.   That's usually very hard to prove, but this is as slam-dunk a case of improper means and improper motive as I've ever heard.

The best thing for the happy couple to do is to sue for all of their losses;  there will certainly be hefty non-refundable deposits.Answer #2: It's blatantly illegal.  Impersonating someone to financially harm them is [a felony in New Mexico](http://law.justia.com/codes/new-mexico/2011/chapter30/article16/section30-16-24.1).  There may be criminal charges.  There would also certainly be a civil case for the money lost (for example travel for relatives, deposits, the cost to take a new license, etc.)

Answer #3: Not legal, but this is why some engaged couples put in a security protocol with vendors, i.e. "do not make any changes to our set plans, unless the person gives you the password."

It's not usually exes, it's usually .... moms. Yep.Answer #4: You could definitely sue him for damages (for example, if you paid a non refundable deposit for catering, venue, etc)
Other than that, I'm not 100% sure.


Title: VA- My parents live in a disgusting house - of sound mind (I guess) and refuse to move - can I do anything?

Question:
Located in VA:

My parents built their house 36 years ago...it was initially very nice.  However, over the years, they became animal hoarders and now the house is ruined.  Any area that can be reached by an animal has been chewed, clawed, or the bathroom used on it.  All of their furniture is disgusting.  The house smells like death.

Additionally, they had some leaking from skylights they ignored, and now there are several wet spots in the ceiling and walls...they have fixed a little of this but not all.

I hadn't gone to their house in 10 years because I can't take the smell (they always come to my house).  But mom had a heart attack and i had to go out to help.

I wish I were in a better position to help them, but I am an only child, a single parent and just doing everything I can to take care of myself and my son.    It breaks my heart that they live this way, but they refuse to move and can't afford to fix the place up.  (And by fix up- I don't just mean paint.  The house needs to be taken back to studs and redone.

Is there anything I can do legally to force them to move or stop subjecting themselves to these horrible living conditions?  They are legally competent.  I think they must be a little crazy to not realize how bad it is...but I can't say they are legally nuts.  Help?

Answer:
 >Is there anything I can do legally to force them to move or stop subjecting themselves to these horrible living conditions?

Have you contacted their local housing inspection authority? Their house *could* be condemned either (a) forcing them to clean and repair it or (b) give it up completely because it's not livable.

The second option, which I don't suggest quite yet, is adult protective services. They obviously aren't of sound mind if they choose to live in a dump.Answer #2: Animal control may also be interested in this if they are hoarding animals. Answer #3: > they refuse to move and can't afford to fix the place up.

Google "Virginia home repair for indigent seniors".  Follow the results and see what programs they may qualify for - hell, apply for the ones they don't qualify for as well (it won't hurt).  And don't limit yourself to the first page of search results - keep going through several pages.  Then start going through the links at the bottom of the search results page (the section labelled "Searches related to virginia home repair for indigent seniors"); make sure you go through several pages of results for those as well.

Do you parents belong to any churches, civic associations, animal groups, anything?  Its possible that they may be willing to help with money, manpower or supplies.


Title: Employer requiring contract employees to attend a mandatory training to view an ethics presentation.

Question:
Hello Reddit! My question is about the legality of this mandatory meeting and if I could bill them for my time.

I am a private music instructor in Texas. I go into public schools and work one on one with students. I am vetted like a normal teacher, background checked, and fingerprinted. The school districts which I work for do not pay my salary. I bill the parents of the kids directly and they pay me directly.  That being said they do determine how much I am able to charge for my services, charge me a facility use fee, a yearly admin fee, and supply me with a badge that gives me very limited access to the schools I teach at.  I am also required to have liability insurance. At the end of the year I am responsible for reporting my income and paying the appropriate taxes as self employed.

This year they are requiring all private lesson staff to attend a mandatory 2 hour “session”. “At this session private music instructors will complete paperwork, watch an ethics presentation, turn in a copy of your proof of liability insurance (which is mandatory), and pay any fees...”  They are obviously avoiding calling it a training session or meeting and in the past all paperwork was submitted via email.

Can anyone out there give me advice as to if this sort of thing is legal to require me to sit through an “ethics” presentation and waste 2 hours of my day when I could be teaching lessons and making money?

Answer:
 If the school were your employer and they required you to attend this 2-hour training then they would be required to pay you for your time. But if I understand the situation correctly, the school is not your employer -- instead they provide a venue where are you can act as an independent contractor and bill students directly. They are well within their rights to restrict who they invite in as an independent contractor. For instance, they might choose to invite only instructors who have a degree or certification in music instruction. And they can also choose to invite only instructors who have completed certain ethics training.

My advice would be that this two hours is not something worth contesting. Even if you were successful, it would take far more than 2 hours of your time, and would so tarnish your reputation ("the instructor who does not want to learn the ethics rules") that it might well cause you other difficulties.


Title: Asked to Resign [Ontario Canada]

Question:
Hello Legal Advice,

I have recently been asked to resign from my management position (I'm the most senior management at this branch), with no previous reasons, or write ups. The company wants to restructure and rehire new management to take over (this was discussed verbally, but not on paper).

I have been given approximately 2 weeks to give in my resignation, I was also told that I did not have to resign if I did not want to, but would be demoted into another position (but at this point, it wouldn't make sense to stay as it has become very hostile).

I was offered a letter of recommendation, but it seems like the real reason is to avoid paying out severance or so I cannot claim unemployment.

The company has sent a Regional manager to oversee, and it seems that the person they sent is here so that they can try to write me up for any small thing they can, so they can get rid of me "for cause".

This has become a very uncomfortable situation for me, as the staff are aware, and my role is now being replaced publicly. I am now being directly managed by the RM.

I have bills to pay soon, and this is not adequate time to allow me to secure a new job this quickly.

Can someone please let me know what my next steps would be in this situation.

Thanks!

Answer:
 Set up a consultation with an employment lawyer yesterday.

In the meantime make sure to get as much as you can in writing. If you have copies of previous positive performance reviews, make a personal copy.

If someone is telling you that you need to resign or you will be demoted, that's constructive dismissal. You're likely entitled to pay on lieu of notice based on your contract or common law.


Title: I inherited a house when my mom passed away and I want to receive my share, but my stepparents are currently living there. What are my options?

Question:
I am living in California

THEN: My parents had my brother and then had me. My dad passed away when I was 5, and my mom remarried in 1997. My mom purchased a house in 1999 and passed away in 2000. She left the house to my brother and I equally, to be ours when we turned 21. My stepdad become our legal guardian. Since then, my stepdad also remarried, and my step parents have raised us in the house. The house has become a "family house" vs "Riddypad and her brother's house." I believe he was receiving social security that helped pay for the mortgage for awhile, but otherwise, he and my stepmom have been living there, maintaining the house, and paying the mortgage. **they took out a 2nd mortgage IN THEIR NAMES as well. The 2nd mortgage was taken out to do major repairs on the house. Complete remodel all 3 bathrooms. Rip out the floors that had mold, new bathtubs, toilets, vanities, etc. This was done in 2008** Nothing was done when we turned 21 in terms of giving us the house, as my brother and I both lived away from home at college and have moved away.

NOW: Now 26, my husband and I are looking to buy a house sometime soon (within this year) while we have enough for a down payment, being able to use my share of the inheritance of the house would also help to have a lower mortgage, better chance of getting a house as well as being able to afford a nicer house. My step parents are currently living there, as well as my step brother and his girlfriend. Since my inheritance is the house itself, there isn't really any "money" unless the house is sold. My parents don't seem to be in a position to move anytime soon, and I don't know if I want to force them to move out. They also aren't in a place to "buy me out," so they would basically need to take out another mortgage to pay me if I wanted. My brother is also in a mindset that he is fine leaving things as is, he has no need for the house or income at this time.

At this point, I feel like i don't have any control in the situation unless I force them out, and i don't believe its fair that i have to wait for them to move to receive my share. My mom left the house to my brother and I, and she would want me to use it towards my future investment in a house with my husband.  However, I want to keep things as smooth as possible. I don't want to burn any bridges with family, especially with my brother.

**What options do I have in terms of receiving my inheritance?**

**Can I sell my portion to a bank?**

**How does owning 2 properties affect property tax? I believe the current name on the house is actually "The Estate of Riddypads' Mom's Name," so i don't know how that will affect if my husband and I buy our own house.**

What rights does my brother have? Can he stop me if i wanted to sell the house? Can he stop me if i wanted to move in and make my parents move out?

What rights do my step parents have since they have been the ones paying the mortgage all this time?

Any advice on how to proceed is greatly appreciated!

Answer:
 IANAL...

Sounds like some rough years for you and your step dad. I would imagine there were some financially difficult years for him.

Selling the house would turn his life upside down. It would mean moving out of a home he has been in a very long time. Then moving into a more expensive home somewhere else.

The pursuit of the equity in the house could damage your relationship with him and be a financial strain on him. Is it worth it in exchange for a lower mortgage payment?

By all means see a lawyer, that second mortgage does complicate things. But be clear eyed how this affects the man who raised two kids after their birth parents had died.


Title: Florida Trespassing vs Infidelity

Question:
I'll keep this short! I'm in Florida, a close friend of mine had suspected his wife of cheating on him for some time. Eventually, he discovered where the potential other guy lived, which is close to their house. He saw her iPhone was at the guy's house so he went over. While he was walking by, he sees her through the glass front door.

He walked around the side of the house, which is the other guy's property, and ended up taking some pictures and videos on his phone of her cheating on him. He hasn't revealed these yet, but he's worried if he brings them up that he could face legal repercussions of trespassing when he took the pictures. Does he have a valid concern?

Answer:
 Yes, he has a valid concern about proving that he was videoing people in private without their consent, acting like a peeping Tom, and trespassing on someone else's territory. The only person actually committing crimes so far is him.

He should delete those files, get a divorce, and never bring up having done things that stupid.Answer #2: Even if infidelity was against secular law, he would still be committing a crime. Just save those pics as a reminder for not getting back together.


Title: I was fired for crying. Please help me, I believe it was wrongful termination. Portsmouth, Ohio.

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Sounds like you basically abandoned your job and ran off for a substantial period of time. Yes, you can be fired for that. Answer #2: Your reaction to being reprimanded was to run off and throw such a temper tantrum that police were called and you had to be taken to counseling. Any competent boss would fire you. Answer #3: There's nothing illegal about firing you for crying.

Answer #4: Without a contract, they can fire you for wearing shorts. Or not wearing shorts. Or because it's Monday.

Frankly, it doesn't sound like this job was a good fit for you.  Answer #5: There are a lot of comments here that reference your behavior and your reactions and that these are good grounds for firing. While none of those people are incorrect, a fundamental principle to understand is that the employers do not need *any* grounds to fire you, good grounds or not, so long as they do not fire you for an illegal reason (like going to jury duty, or being a certain race or religion, something like that). They can fire you for unfair or illogical reasons if they like, so long as the reasons are not within the narrowly-defined range of illegal reasons. Nothing you have posted is close to being an illegal reason to fire someone.


Title: PA - ex employer reported me to unemployment for working; I'm an unpaid volunteer. Did they break the contract?

Question:
Greetings. My boss was fired a few months ago and everyone in our entire department (around 70 people) quit in support of him. I had a lawyer negotiate with them to lay me off because our department was now closed, so I can collect unemployment (rather than quit). The ex employer agreed on the contract that they would not interfere in any claim of mine for unemployment.

My boss started his own nonprofit in the same field, can’t afford to pay anyone, so I volunteer for him a few hours a week. The literature on unemployment says you can volunteer while receiving benefits, and it’s a good part of a job search strategy, so long as you’re seeking other employment (requirements of which I’m following to the letter).when my boss IS able to pay an assistant, I want to keep my foot in the door so it’s me.

My boss got a letter yesterday from unemployment, addressed to him, asking about his “employee” - me - and how much i'm paid, and when I work- This is clearly the action of the ex employer.I cannot say why for legal reasons.

 My boss will return the questionnaire to reflect the truth, that I am an unpaid volunteer.

Did my ex employer possibly violate our severance contract by vindictively reporting me for "working"? (there is no doubt, due to significant evidence, that it was them.)

Do I have any recourse against them?

Answer:
 You typically cannot waive your right to file for UI and they cannot waive their right to contest UI.  Those agreements usually don't hold up.

That being said, you'd need to consult with the attorney who drafted the agreement or a contract attorney to see if it holds up.

For the UI, you can appeal any decision against you so you can argue your case to the ALJ.


Title: How can I use text messages as evidence in CA Superior Court?

Question:
I am defending my family against a claim in California and would like to use text messages from my iPhone that took place between the plaintiff and myself.   Are there any specific things that I need to do in order to use them?  I am reading a little about authenticating the text messages somehow, but not finding any more details.  I have been summoned for a deposition with the Plaintiff's attorney and they are asking for all original documentation.  I have the texts extracted to a PDF and printed out, but I'm worried that I won't be able to submit those printouts.  How can I establish that these texts actually came from the plaintiff?  Thanks in advance.

Edit:  Thanks for the advice, everyone.  I will attempt to get an admission of ownership of the phone number during deposition or form interrogatory and request the text messages from my carrier for authenticity.   I feel much better knowing that this will help in court.  Thanks again!

Answer:
 I'm not sure what you mean by "defending your family," but I'm sure that you know as a non-lawyer, you can only represent yourself.  I'm assuming you are *not* in small claims court?

If the other party refuses to stipulate, you need to do a subpoena duces tecum to the carrier, with proper notice to the person whose phone it is, and prepare to defend it against a motion to quash.  The civ pro practice guides should have info you can use, but honestly, this is a procedure fraught with potential trouble for a pro per.

Reconsidering your decision not to hire a lawyer is the best course of action here, IMO.


Title: [NV] Is it a crime to prevent another from receiving medical care?

Question:
Just heard this story through a friend of a friend (I'll call her Amy) and I am wondering if it should be reported to police.

I heard from Amy today that she went to meet up with a few old friends this morning, and discovered that one of their roommates (I'll call her Sue) was unconscious and had been for something like 20 hours. Apparently Amy's friends did not know that Sue was unconscious or even on the premises because Sue's boyfriend concealed Sue and her condition. Amy took charge and called an ambulance, and Sue is now hospitalized with a number of serious problems including major infections and organ failure. She has not regained consciousness.

I'm wondering if Sue's boyfriend committed a crime by concealing her condition and failing to render any sort of aid. Can't find any good guidance online. Help?

Answer:
 You should call the police non-emergency number. You're not a doctor or a detective, so you might want to just relay the facts and let them investigate. It could be that her medical condition was caused or aggravated by abuse that you aren't aware of. This is fishy enough that I'd want to in any case. Answer #2: >Sue's boyfriend committed a crime by concealing her condition and failing to render any sort of aid.

Maybe.

If Boyfriend participated in activities that led to Sue's illness, that might give him a duty to seek aid, but it would likely be a civil duty, not a criminal one.

If I'm reading between the lines and seeing "heroin", and Boyfriend provided the injurious dose to Sue, then it's possible that he committed a crime more serious than ordinary drug possession;  some states allow a person who gives a fatal dose to be charged with homicide.

You can report this secondhand information to police in Sue's location, or, better yet, encourage Amy to do so because of her more direct involvement.Answer #3: Did he actively prevent her from seeking care until she passed out or did he just not seek care once he realized she was unconscious?

Iirc, some types of professions in certain states may be required to render aidAnswer #4: I would call the police and ask to speak to a detective. This was abuse and may become something worse.


Title: I was recently hired by a hotel...

Question: I was recently hired by a hotel that is running a Passover program. My job was to help ensure the kitchen was kosher for passover. We are expected to stay on site at the hotel for the duration of the program and a few days in advance to get things set up. This involves a lot of X, Y, and Z. During the course of X, I ended up breathing in a lot of ammonia. I requested a mask and although I was told one would be provided, it never was. We were provided rooming in the hotel as part of our employment, but our rooming was a shared room for three people with only two beds, which made me very uncomfortable. Finally, I witnessed two of my coworkers who were supposed to be ensuring the kitchen was kosher eating non kosher food in a non-kosher restaurant. For all of these reasons I quit my job. I would like to alert the wider community to these problems, but I am afraid of retaliation. What can I reasonably do? Can they do anything to me? Sue me for defamation?

Answer: Anyone can sue anyone for anything but if you're tell the truth it isn't defamation.


Title: How can I legally rape my slave?

Question: So... yeah. This isn't as bad as it sounds (I hope). I'm a gay male and sometime ago another guy approached me in a popular app asking me to be his dom, or "master". Note that I don't have something that says I'm open to that in my bio, but he tought I looked, and quote, "manly", so he asked me. We met a few times and it has been tame, I order him around to clean my house and stuff (nothing too demeaning) and he seems to enjoy it. We also have sex (protected). Now he tells me that his biggest fantasy is for him to get really drunk to the point of unconciousness and me taking advantage of him, however I please. I'm open to the idea of exploring kinks in a safe and consensual manner but I'm worried that this could be a) a trap or b) a problem later on. How can I make sure that this doesn't constitute rape? Do I make him sign something saying he's of sound mind? Maybe a video, for my safety? I know those still could be coerced so not definitive proof, maybe save the texts about him proposing this? Any help (and little judgement) is encouraged, thank you.

Answer:
 As a matter of law, you can’t.

That’s not to say that people don’t play every day in the area of non-consensual sex.  They do.  But consent can be revoked.  So nothing your slave might do now eliminates the possibility of him revoking that consent later.  So a video or a notarized document establish only that he once gave consent.  They don’t prove that he didn’t revoke such consent after the recording or signing and before the sex act.Answer #2: Clearly outlining in writing what will happen is the status quo for any kink.  Ask him if he'd like to come over to play out his drunk rape fantasy.  Always have a way for him to withdraw consent or non-verbally way for him to tell you to stop.  Could be shaking his head back and forth or a safety word.  You need to cover the ground rules.

If he drinks to the point of unconsciousness, he is too drunk to consent.  If you have sex with someone too drunk to consent, it could still be considered rape if he later approaches the police about it.Answer #3: There is no legal way to do this. They must be able to withdraw consent at any point.


Title: I was let go of my job after 5 years with no written notice or reason behind it, after informing the company of my dads recent cancer diagnosis.

Question:
I have been working full time at a welding company in Alberta for the past 5 years. During my employment at the company I was put on Workers Compensation for two back injury’s. During the first claim I was off work with full pay for 6-8 months. (Do not have specific dates). The second injury placed me at home as well but for a shorter amount of time. I returned to work and continued with full time duties, but I noticed the owner of the company call him Jim (not his real name) had started to dislike me. Apparently because of my 2 injuries their insurance had gone up 9000 a year. I was reminded this more than once.
The owner would never talk to me directly and seemed very upset every time he had been forced to talk to me.

Last month (Oct 16) found out my dad has thyroid cancer and he needed surgery in the near future. I told Jim of the situation the very next day and said I would be requesting days off in the future to be there for him for appointments and the surgery. He had said that would be no problem at all. Couple hours later I was approached by Jim and said maybe I should take Compassion Leave at the end of the month (15 days away) and they would give me 5 weeks severance and a Record of Employment to apply for Unemployment Insurance. They didn’t give me a choice. He said “do this, or things will just harder down the line.” I just said “well maybe, I will think about it.”
I never brought it up again and had just continued coming to work.

I was informed at the end of October, by word of mouth that my last day of work was to be November 15 and on November 30 I should be receiving a cheque for full pay for the last 2 weeks of work. (Nov 16-30) and also 5 weeks severance.

So fast forward to now, my last day was Thursday, November 15, 2018. I never took or applied for the compassion leave, never got written notice of my dismissal and the reason behind it.

Is this legal as the how they let me go?
Am I entitled to more severance?

Sorry for the long post.
Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Topic:
Canada

Answer:
 They're actually giving you slightly more than what they're require to. If you've been employed more than 4 years but less than 6, they are required to give you either 4 weeks notice, 4 weeks severance, or a combination thereof.

It looks they gave you a half-assed notice (which wasn't legal since notice must be written, not verbal), and then gave you another improper notice, and then more severance pay than you're legally entitled to. You might be able to push them on the improper notice bit, as they should have provided it in writing, but all they'd have to do is provide you a letter within the next week.

The caveat to this is that if you're classed as a "construction worker" on a site, they aren't required to give you any notice. From your description I doubt that applies, but you'd know better.

The one thing I'd look further into is the part where they pay you on the 30th. Legally they're required to pay you all wages owing, severance, vacation, and anything else outstanding within 3 days of the end of your employment (ie, November 18).Answer #2: 5 weeks severance for 5 years sounds correct. They can let you go at any time without cause as long as they pay severance. I was also recently gotten rid of because of WCB claims causing an increase to insurance. So, I've done some reading up on the issue.


Title: Work hasn't paid me for a month and they keep prolonging it

Question:
(US)

I work for a company that has remote locations set up for cheerleading classes in each town. I was hired to be a head coach for two locations. I started training at one location and get paid hourly, and I manually input my time and wages online when I get home. The other location started a month ago and I'm supposed to get paid based off attendance. I have gotten a paycheck every week for the hourly location but have yet to get paid for the one that is actual income to me. My secretary also noticed she hadn't gotten paid for this location. ruI'm in between homes with my 9 month old right now after a rough break up with her father and my full time job ended in January leaving me relying on this as my income, currently.

I called immediately after getting my paycheck last Saturday and it only having the hourly location on it. He said he was working on it. I called on Thursday to check on it and was told I would get a call back. Never did. Didnt get a check in the mail on Saturday (didn't have work this week at the hourly location) and I called and was ignored. Left a message. I called this morning and was told my check should be good to pick up and to just check with the office. I called the office and was shuffled around to people, including the CEO who told me he would have another person give me a call. He asked for dates that I worked and gave some speel about when the checks were getting cut, before he really even knew what I was talking about.

I work tomorrow, but my classes are suffering because I can't afford things like a boom box and gas, honestly.

What should I be doing right now?

My dad says don't work till I get paid. My best friend says the same thing. But then I have another friend saying I should just go into work because they 'will pay me eventually'.

Thanks!

Answer:
 If you haven't been paid for a month, you can quit and file for unemployment because failure to pay wages for that long is a constructive discharge just about everywhere.

Two people not getting paid is not a coincidence, it's a sign that the company is broke.  The fact that you got passed around like you did at the office is further evidence of that.