Title: My new landlord "cancelled" my lease agreement 2 days before I'm due to move in. I'm about to become homeless. Can I go to the police? [Ontario, Canada]

Question:
Hello,

So I'm 21F, a student in a university town. I signed a lease agreement on April 10, 2016 (for May 1, 2016 to April 30, 2017) with a management company and paid my first and last month deposits soon after. I was verbally promised that I'd be able to move my things in a day early because my current landlord wants my current place cleared out by 1 pm on April 30th to prepare the place for the new tenants. After I signed my lease and paid my deposits, they completely ignored my requests for moving in early and said it was not possible. I called in yesterday, angry about the situation, and told them I felt "blindsided" by their lack of empathy toward the personal situations of their tenants. This is what probably pissed them off.

Yesterday I get an email from said management company telling me that they're cancelling my lease. I called in, said that was illegal, and they said it was because the landlord is planning to sell the place.

Today, I go online trying to find a new place to move into and to my surprise, the same place is still available for rent, with rent ads posted hours after my deliberations with them. I call in the number posted on the ad and it is the same management company. What can I do?

Answer:
 when you enter into contracts with people, remove phrases like 'blindsided by your lack of empathy' from your vocabulary. except for maybe a marriage contract.

nonetheless your lease is still in effect. if LL wants out, he should pay you for your consent to terminate. if he fails to deliver possession on first day of the lease, you can sue him for your damages. which could include a hotel for the night and maybe a broker's fee for a new apartment. Answer #2: The landlord "planning" on selling is irrelevant.  Even if they do sell, they sell to a buyer who inherits all the lease obligations for the property.Answer #3: You should schedule an appointment to look at the apartment and show up with your copy of the lease :)


Title: Sold a truck, with conditions that were never met. Still has a lein, but was sold. Now What?

Question: So I sold a truck in Edmonton, Alberta Canada,  to a guy who was going to make payments on it,  but never did. Then he disappeared. I figured I would one day find him and just take my truck back, but today I saw the truck and followed it. Turns out he sold it...even though there was a lein on it, and still is! I called the registry and they said they just register leins...seek legal advice. But being a Saturday and me all worked up, I'm wondering what to expect and who to contact? Anyone ever been through this before?

Answer: It sounds like you need to find the person you originally sold the truck to a sue them for what they never paid to you.


Title: Is there a simple way to divorce that won’t involve lawyers?

Question:
My wife and I have been split for almost two weeks now. I just turned 25 and she will be 23 in a few days.
 We had been in a relationship for 3 years and are married for a little over 1 year.
It looks like we’re going to go through a divorce but we want to make it as simple and easy as possible without screwing each other over with legal obligations or financial obligations due to the divorce. The relationship just didn’t work out and we took that big step toward husband and wife probably sooner than we were ready for.
We don’t have kids and the only thing we have under both of our names is her car that I co-signed

Is there a simple way to go through the divorce process without over complicating it ?

Answer: This greatly depends on the state and could even depend on the value of the car. You may be able to ask the county clerks office (or whoever approves marriage and divorce licenses).


Title: [USA-CA]Big company sends me an item I ordered... I get the item... changed my mind and returned it... but apparently I was never charged in the first place (I still got a refund).

Question:
So basically I preordered/received an item, and I never bothered to see if I was actually charged for it or not (never crossed my mind that a company as big as this would make a mistake like that). I went instore and returned it because i decided to buy something else. I get the refund of the original amount to my account...

Two months later, i receive a letter to my surprise saying I never returned the item or something like that... So i call them and they tell me its fine, your account has been updated. Great... except a month later, I receive another letter saying I have 10 days to comply with them. I call again asking them what the issue is because I thought it was resolved. Turns out, they forgot to charge me before/after shipping the item, and I didnt notice... and then they refunded me the money when I returned the item.

The right thing to do is to pay them back... which i will do I guess. But am I legally obligated to? This question is more my curiosity than anything else.

I know if a company sends you an item you didnt order, then youre not obligated to return it. But what if you made an order, and my situation happens?
Topic:
Consumer Law

Answer: Yes, you are legally obligated to return money that you erroneously received.


Title: [GA] Had old $100 bill, spent it, now worried it could have been fake or something

Question:
Okay so I’m a waitress, and one of my tables gave me a 1988 $100 bill to cover their check. It honestly looked fake, so I took it to one of my managers, and they checked it one of those pens where it draws on fake bills but is invisible on real bills. It was confirmed real by the pen.

Today I tried to dispense it into my bank’s ATM and it wouldn’t take it. I went to Walmart because I needed to break it, and they wouldn’t take it either at first. I asked if they had pens they could check it with, and the cashier said they didn’t. (even though I’m pretty sure they sell them in the store.) The cashier took the bill to their manager and against what the cashier wanted to do, the manager said take it. Perks of knowing the manager I guess.

Anyway ever since I’ve had this paranoid feeling that the bill could have been a fake, and that the pen it was checked with was somehow wrong. Even though it’s probably real.  Could I get in trouble for UNKNOWINGLY spending a fake $100 bill?

Answer:
 It's real, it's just that the newer machines have updated image files of current bills and the '88 bill is so old that it's not in the file.

Next time you have this concern, take it directly to a bank teller inside.


Title: How do I handle this situation?

Question: I’m sitting in a hotel room unsure of what to do. I’ve been a relationship with my boyfriend for over 4 years. We are visiting FL from N.C.  Last night we were having a great time and on the Uber ride back we got into an argument about how rude his brother was to his girlfriend. It unfortunately escalated and I got punched twice in the face by my boyfriend. I WAS IMMEDIATELY IN SHOCK AND STARTED BALLING. We were yelling at each other and I did get in his face. He grabbed my wrist. I think he thought i was going to hurt him. I got very upset when he grabbed my wrist, I asked him what was he doing? Do you want to fight me? And that’s when it happened. His brothers girlfriend was in the back and quickly positioned herself in between me and my boyfriend. I called my brother as soon as we got to our destination to come and pick me up. My brother kept urging me to call the cops to get a police report. I haven’t yet, this man who was my best friend just assaulted me and I can’t bring myself to go to the police because I’m afraid he will get in trouble. What is wrong with me? I don’t want him to get arrested but I would like some record on file. Will FL arrest him even if I don’t press charges? I’m planning to head back to N.C. and move out and remove myself from the lease that’s why I think I need the report. He is in the military and I know he’s up for a promotion. Domestic violence on his record would be detrimental to his career. What do I do? I want to remove my liability at the home I’m renting. I want a report but don’t want to press charges.

Answer: Then he should not have acted like the abusive asshole that he is. Go to the hospital and get checked out, they can contact the police for you and get things started while you are there.  Nothing is wrong with you, you don't deserve to be treated like that. Normal people do not assault someone they claim to love.  His actions are his and his alone and he needs to answer for that.  It isn't your job to protect his career, if he loses out because of this that is on him and him alone.  You deserve better.


Title: Need to go to retrieve rent payment from tenant who claimed she paid

Question:
Los Angeles, California

The platform my subtenant and I used for rent was her WellsFargo surepay and BofA mobile banking. We had successful transactions but the first payment she claimed to have made I never received it on my end. I am sure because my account was not linked to the service, also confirmed by my bank.

However she claimed to have made the payment and sent my an email confirmation about it. She keep saying she had proved it "on her end" and she never gotten her money back so she will not pay me.

I was suggested to further my actions via small claims court.

So, what exactly should I do and what kind of paperwork can I get from my bank to support my claim?

I know its a long post, but this has bothered me too long to leave it alone. Please help. Thanks

Edit: location

Answer: What do WellsFargo and BOA say about the payment? There might be money in limbo if your account wasn't linked. Have you asked her, in a non adversarial way, to help you track it down?


Title: My job hasnt paid me since Thanksgiving

Question: Long story short, I worked a job for a few months, ended up having to quit because of mental issues. My last two checks were sent to somebody's account that wasn't mine, I met with the VP of the company who said "You'll have to wait until we get the money back from the account." This was a month ago. I've been waiting since the week of Thanksgiving.

Answer: State matters. Generally speaking the answer will be to stop talking to the employer and to file a wage complaint with your state department of labor.


Title: What are my rights after the apartment I rent is sold?

Question:
Illinois

So what I am looking for are my interim rights, i.e. apartments have officially been sold, existing security deposit has been x-ferd to new owner, but I have yet to accept/sign the new lease.

New owner is asking for another security deposit, however I confirmed with the original owner/seller that the existing deposits were transferred.

Am I still governed by the terms of my original lease?

Answer:
 Your prior lease generally stands.  The original ending date of the lease would still be in effect.

If your previous lease had expired, and you're now month to month, he can request nearly any terms he wants to allow you to continue living there.


Title: Is a voice recording admissible in court and/or introducing to a bar ethics committee re: flagrant lies of attorney.

Question:
To make an incredibly long and complicated story short, a very prominent attorney in our jurisdiction, a US territory, Guam, has told countless lies, and not of the variety of misleading non-truths. He makes Saul look like an honest man who abides by ABA model rules and ethics in comparison.

Assuming that we are a "one party consent" jurisdiction, if we have extensive audio recordings, would this evidence be admissible in court or at least be given to the bar association ethics committee as proof of his misdeeds? I realize that the rules pertaining to the matter are rather specific and "depends," but due to the small size of the literature of this US territory, I'd like some thoughts and just want to confirm that I'm interpreting the "one-party consent" as inclusive of the person recording as well.

Any general legal advice would be welcome, and of course, I realize that it is simply general advice given from an internet stranger, and will perform all due diligence prior to taking any action. I just need somewhere to start. Thank you.

Answer:
 >Assuming that we are a "one party consent" jurisdiction, if we have extensive audio recordings, would this evidence be admissible in court or at least be given to the bar association ethics committee as proof of his misdeeds?

Yeah, probably.


Title: My mom was driving early in the morning (around 3 AM) And there was a pretty huge cement boulder in the middle of the road, she had to swerve around it (she ran over a portion of it) And almost crashed head first into an ambulance, they were on call so they had to leave.. can anything be done?

Question: An officer took her home, and she showed him the huge rock in the middle of the road, she has his name and he took her home, is there anything that can be done about the damages? or is she completely screwed. new jersey

Answer: Who do you want to sue, Fred Flintstone and the quarry he works at?


Title: (Internet Law) Ex-boss is threatening to take legal action over my domain name purchasw

Question:
Edit: added info about trademark

Edit edit: I get the message that it was an opportunistic move and it makes me a douche. I've decided to give it back, should I wait for the letter or do I tell them now that I will be giving it back?

Hi Reddit,

I'm from the Philippines

My ex-boss is threatening to take legal action because I bought a domain name, during my employment there related to a media partner, (which is just a free blogspot blog) who wishes to use the domain name now.

The blog owner contacted me asking how they can they get the domain. They told me to name a price and I said $1000.

They haven't replied. They now went to my ex-boss to complain. Ex-boss now believes that it affects his company negatively because of what I did.

I bought the domain using my own money, my name, and my own computer. Even the registry reflects all that. The domain name was publicly available when I bought it. I did not wait for it to expire or to be auctioned.

Other facts/details:

- sitename or domainname had no trademarks or patents inside our outside the country

- I didn't contact the media partner nor inform my then boss when I bought the domain because it was a personal purchase.

- I did not threaten them or anything. I was always polite in explaining my side.

- media partner blog was just site.blogspot.com. i just bought the sitename.

- ex-boss thinks it was predatory for me since I knew the value only when I worked there. But I already saw media partner's blog years ago on social media and such.

- ex-boss said i will be receiving a letter from their lawyer

- company is not registered in the country and does not pay taxes. I was aware of that when I went in

Hoping for speedy responses! Thank you in advance Reddit!

Answer: Do some research on cyber squatting. If you're served with a lawsuit, you'll need to retain your own attorney.Answer #2: Why did you buy it?Answer #3: What if a domain is purchased before a trademark is filed?


Title: What are my rights as an American if I get pulled over in Canada?

Answer: The same rights as a Canadian.


Title: Lawyer isn't representing me, help!

Question:
So I've been in drug court for a little while. I can't say where, as I'm worried about my identity.

&#x200B;

I was put in drug court due to a stupid reason, I'm not a drug addict or anything, but it was the only way to get around getting the charge of a felony. I hired a private lawyer to help represent me back in October (When I was arrested), and so far, he's had another lawyer represent him to represent me, as the lawyer is farther away and it's simply more convenient for him to do this.

I was fine with this for quite awhile, and had no problems. I completed the sober living house after 7 months, and even a few other things, however, a problem arose. I found out about 3-4 months ago, that the guy who was representing my lawyer to represent me (the one who was showing up to court with me) had to give up his law license as he was caught taking illegal videos and pictures of women in a certain workplace. The court knew about it, and didn't want to tell me on official record when I showed up one day, but simply asked me to google his name.

&#x200B;

I did, saw the allegations on him, and also saw that instead of taking the charges, he opted to give up his law license instead.

&#x200B;

I thought this was despicabled, and immediately called my actual lawyer about it. My lawyer told me dumb shit like "He didn't do it" and "He had to give it up" which I don't buy for a second. But most importantly, I told my lawyer that, because of this, he's going to have to start showing up to my court dates now to represent me. He said that's no problem, and he'll be there next court date.

&#x200B;

Fast forward to June, my next court date comes, and my lawyer is not there. At all. I tried to call him, and he never answered. I left him a bunch of voicemails, and he still never got back to me. It's worth it to note that this whole time, I'm basically granted PTI (which means if I complete some classes and a watered-down probation, they'll dismiss my felony charge.) I've already met with my PTI officer twice before now so the ball has already been rolling.

Fast forward again to a few days ago, when my next court date was. The lawyer was still not there. I was furious. Then, on top of that, the judge starting spouting about "Hey don't worry, we're gonna get that paperwork filed, and have you get a PTI officer no problem, it'll happen soon, we're really sorry." In which I interject to say, "Well, actually, I already have an officer, and I've met with him a couple times now." The judge, and the state, was confused by this, and let me know that my lawyer hasn't filed the appropriate paperwork that deems I'm even in the PTI program AT ALL.

&#x200B;

They said they were sorry about that, and one of the state members gave me the advice to file a bar grievance against the lawyer. I said I was probably going to fire him.

&#x200B;

So basically, my lawyer isn't doing his fucking job or even filing paperwork that relates to me, his client, which again, is his fucking job. He's not showing up to court dates, and that infuriating too.

He was pretty pricey for me to get, and so far, he's done jack shit for me trying to get out of this thing, and I don't intend to be in this program longer than I have to. I'm not really sure how bar grievances work, but I definitely want to fire him, and get a refund for most of what I've paid him.

&#x200B;

Is there anything I can do? I've called him all this week and left voicemails and he still hasn't responded.

&#x200B;

Please help!

Answer:
 Yes. Contact your state’s bar association. Ask them to file a grievance. Explain what happened. They will likely want you to give a written statement.

Make no mistake, complaining to your state’s bar association is nothing like complaining to the Better Business Bureau. The bar will do a thorough investigation. They have the power to suspend a lawyer’s license, or to completely disbar them forever. Lawyer’s are legitimately scare of the bar. And the bar will generally do a good job of going after corrupt or shitty lawyers.

In the meantime, hire another lawyer, and talk to your new lawyer about recovering your pre-paid retainer from your old, shitty lawyer.

Also, please post your state.


Title: UT- my wife had a c-section and requested to have her tubes tied. They removed them instead.

Question: From what Ive heard tying tubes is reversible.  Removing them is a done deal.  Do you think that she consented to having them removed when she consented to having them tied.  She is not sure.  If not what should she do next?

Answer:
 Not a lawyer or doctor, but did have a tubal done last winter. When I consulted with the doctor prior to my procedure it was explained that the procedures were virtually the same when it came to how it impacted fertility. The removal though added an extra protection against a type of cancer that can develop on the tubes.

I also think she'd need to check the consent form she signed to see if it spelled out a ligation or removal. Answer #2: Tying them is practically irreversible as well and AFAIK no insurance will pay for the surgery to attempt it. So from a practical standpoint it may not matter. You would need to consult with an attorney to see if the standard of care was not followed.


Title: (NJ) Consequences for someone who causes a car accident, threatens the other driver into turning over their dash cam and lying about what happens?

Question: Hello. I have a legal question. The situation is that someone causes a car accident by changing lanes abruptly without signaling right when he came up to an intersection. He almost side swiped a car but it slowed down and he got rear ended because the light was red and he stopped hard. Then when he saw the other driver had a dash cam he threatened her into handing it over. He drove away because there wasn't a lot of damage and reported the accident to the cops and to his insurance later, saying he has stopped at a red light and was rear ended. Now the other driver was a cop from NY and the dash cam footage wasn't stored in the camera but somewhere else and the cops in NJ have it (she never said she was a cop during their interaction and she let him have it and drive away). What sort of consequences would this person face?

Answer:
 I'm curious as to whether the OP knows the cop or the asshole who caused the accident?

If it's the asshole who caused the accident, inform him that lying to your insurance company about what happened in an accident can constitute fraud. Answer #2: > Then when he saw the other driver had a dash cam he threatened her into handing it over.

>Now the other driver was a cop from NY and the dash cam footage wasn't stored in the camera but somewhere else and the cops in NJ have it

He threatened a cop in an unmarked car into handing over their dash cam?! Consequences on something like that could be very severe. Cops tend to watch out for each other, if the NJ cops have the video of the person causing an accident and then intimidating a fellow officer into handing over the dash cam, and then leaving the scene of the accident, combined with them potentially misrepresenting what happened when they eventually did notify the police and their insurance... it all adds up into a very bad picture.

Was the dash cam they stole the personal property of the cop or did it belong to their department?


Title: [Serious]UPDATE and ADVICE NEEDED: Neighbors that fed my dog drugs.

Question:
So, since the last time I asked for advice on my neighbor situation my dog has recovered. The Vet believes that it was cocaine that he was fed, the police say there is no way to prove it and haven't been much help. I have since found out that there is one owner of the house and it is the mother of the people that are causing problems. I was wondering, would it be an option to send her a letter explaining the problems that we have been having with her daughter and the daughters boyfriend in the house? We were thinking of filing a lawsuit in small claims court for "loss of enjoyment", but I wasn't sure if that is a thing. We are not looking for money, I really don't care if we get a penny, I just want their behavior to stop and was wondering if this was a good idea or not, thank you for your help.

EDIT: Western New York, I don't know why I forget to put that in:)

Answer:
 Previous post: http://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/comments/314t6s/seriousadvice_on_the_worst_kind_of_neighborsthey/Answer #2: Depending on your state laws, you may have a case for injury to your dog. According to [Nolo](http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/free-books/dog-book/chapter9-6.html), you may be able to recover for the costs of treatment, emotional distress, sentimental value, etc.

Keep in mind that even if the police may not think they can find anything to support a criminal case, the standard is different for civil cases. You just need to prove its "more likely than not" that your neighbor harmed your dog, whereas criminal law requires "beyond a reasonable doubt".


Title: (CA) Pro per serving papers

Question: In California - can someone who is representing themselves (pro per) serve documents?   Grey area to me if this is ok since the process server cannot be party to the case.  Thanks!

Answer: [No, you cannot serve your own papers](http://www.sdcourt.ca.gov/portal/page?_pageid=55,1057191&_dad=portal). Anyone over the age of 18 who is not a person directly involved in the case can serve papers for you. Alternatively, you can opt for alternative service such as serving them by US Mail.


Title: Ohio - Ex has lied to the court, how do I not get screwed?

Question:
Case has been going on since 2006. I've been represented by 4 other attorneys (two died, one withdrew, and the most recent seems disinterested in continuing). Opposing counsel NEVER responds to inquiries from my counsel, and tends to file for a Continuance at the last minute (literally, he filed one 1 HOUR before we were supposed to be there!). The current companionship order was supposed to be effective commencing September 2016, but due to clerical error (a comma) it now does not commence until 2017. We are supposed to be following the Standard Order, I get one weekend a month, and was just given overnights last year. Couple of years ago her mother said on record that our daughter has a food allergy to pork, and provided no medical records to substantiate her claim; yet it made it onto a journal entry. Now, she is alleging child has allergy to milk, and the records indicate no allergy to pork; hence, her lying about it. Another point is my daughter said I made her drink "yucky milk", and my ex assumed I had my daughter drink my wife's breast milk (this did not happen, and the reason she thought this is because I am lactose intolerant, and can't drink any milk with Vit A Palmitate, so I use breast milk), and so took my daughter, when she was 7, to get an STD test done. The milk in question I had my daughter drink was Soy milk because I was informed she had a sensitivity to dairy milk, so I was trying to find an alternative. She also had made claims alleging that I was stalking her prior to the commencement of the case. I have something of an affidavits signed by the neighbors disputing one claim in particular - that I was sitting her her neighbors porch, staring at her house.She tells me only what she wants to know, and as an example, I just found out that our child is on IEP. My daughters medical file, at 12 years old, is thicker than mine is, at almost 40. There are more examples of what she has done than what I has listed, but I don't feel like typing out a short story listing them all.

I am not asking for a suggestion regarding new counsel, I am searching on my own. But everything she has done, I have documented, and when I told my counsel I wanted to make the court aware of it, they told me the court wouldn't care about it. Does anyone have a suggestion for making the court aware of this? Short of filing an Ex Parte Communication motion?

Answer:
 So you already want to go around your attorney and do something they suggest not to? That won't end well.

The courts don't care about random food allergy issues or a misunderstanding about milk. Or that she sat on a neighbor's porch.

It doesn't matter. It is minutiae. Answer #2: >when I told my counsel I wanted to make the court aware of it, they told me the court wouldn't care about it.

Your counsel is correct.

>I am lactose intolerant, and can't drink any milk with Vit A Palmitate, so I use breast milk

Come on dude.  I haven't drank milk in like 30 years.  Drink some water or soy milk or soda or beer or anything else.  Then get some therapy because you are an adult drinking breast milk.


Title: A local lake is invaded with goldfish, do I need a fishing license to handle them?

Question:
I live in Minnesota. Recently, I've noticed large hoards of orange fish in a lake nearby (they're absolutely massive) and I know that goldfish can spread through various bodies of water very quickly, and they're just an easier to spot carp. At least I think?

I know you cannot transport them, since they're invasive, but I want to go fishing for goldfish and then euthanize what I catch. However, I'm not sure if I need a fishing license to do this? I plan on either doing it with a net (think a big butterfly net) or using a rod. I can't, however, seem to find where in the fishing manual this topic would be covered.

(If this is the wrong sub, please direct me to one that can help!)

Answer:
 You’ll need a fishing license, it’s a hefty fine if you’re caught without one. Very rarely is a net a legal method for capturing fish, but that’s going to be lake/area specific as opposed to a statewide rule, especially with water like MN has.Answer #2: It is legal to transport goldfish, since they are regulated invasive species and not a prohibited invasive species.  You would only need a permit in order to place them into another location while living.  You would need a fishing license if a fishing license is normally required in that area.  You can contact your local invasive species specialist for more information:  [https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/ais/contacts.html](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/ais/contacts.html)Answer #3: Im pretty well versed in fish and wildlife law.

You need a fishing license because fishing is indiscriminate. You have no control over what you catch, so even if you only wanted to goldfish, you would also catch minnows, bass, and other native fish.

Those other fish have bag limits and and restrictions and you definitely need a license to fish for them. Even if you kept none of them, you still need a license to fish for them, catch them or interact with them in any way.

So yes, you need a fishing license to fish in any public body of water. It does not matter what you intend to catch or what you do with them.Answer #4: Please refer to the Minnesota DNR. Generally, yes, you need a fishing license to fish. I can’t see anything that suggests that a person would not need a permit to fish.


Title: My mother is going to kick me out tomorrow unless I stop all contact with my boyfriend. What the fuck do I do. New Zealand.

Question:
F/19/ Pay board of $140 p/w but not on lease. Have been living here a few months now. Have bills etc to show established residence.

My mother wants to kick me out unless i cut all contact with my boyfriend. Tomorrow, no less. I have no clue what to fucking do. I need to stay here. I tried telling her I would cut contact but she went on some rant about how she couldnt trust me and that I manipulate everyone around me and all this other stuff that didnt make sense. She also says she will trespass me?? I have no idea how.

What can I do?

edit: UPDATE.

my boyfriend now wants nothing to do with me because of the drama my mother creates in our lives. I guess that problem is solved then. Thanks for the advice.

Answer:
 I wouldn't worry about it too much. If the police there are anything like they are here, as soon as she says it's her daughter that is "trespassing" they're going to look at her with extreme skepticism, and want to hear your side of the story. And from what I've heard, your tenant laws are even more tenant friendly than the US.

However, it's still not a healthy situation. If she's willing to lie and say you are trespassing, she's also willing to lie and say you assualted her, which they will remove you for, especially if she follows it up with a protective order.

You and your mom either need to get counseling which will help you build up communication and trust; or you need to leave. And my vote is to never live with crazy. You're an adult now; it'll be tough but millions of adults leave home everyday. You'll find something. Answer #2: I am not familiar with NZ law, but I would be shocked if she could evict you in NZ with no notice. She will likely need 30-60 days notice.

>What can I do?

In NZ you are an adult right? Hopefully someone can tell you exactly how much notice your mother would need to give in NZ.

Unless your mother has some legal obligation to support you past 18, I would get ready to move. Alternatively, I would break off contact with the BF and show proof to your mother hoping she will relent.  Answer #3: http://communitylaw.org.nz/our-law-centres/

Look up your local community law centre and give them a call first thing tomorrow morning. They will be able to give you some advice and let you know what other services are in your local area that can help


Title: Serious Hot Boxing NIGHTMARE

Question: Ontario Canada. I rent in a 6 unit apartment, and am on the top floor. For the past Few weeks a unit below me has been smoking weed and cigrarretes in his unit and the smell has been coming up into my unit. Now I need to explain that the smell is very extreme. I believe the tenant below is hot boxing in his bathroom, and so the smell comes up to to my bathroom which is right above. It gets very hard to breath in and use my bathroom for several hours. The smell permiates through my two bathroom walls into my two bedrooms. The smoke smell makes it hard for me too fall asleep and gives me headaches. I have told my landlord and she has confronted the below tenant, but not much has changed, he denies everything. The smoking is consitent, at about 6pm every night. Much of my clothes and furniture has the smell linger longer and longer every day, I have even had comments at work regarding the smell on my clothes. How can I get this to stop? I am worried about permanent damage to my clothes, furniture, lungs.

Answer: Is it against the rules set forth in your lease (and presumably your neighbor's lease) to smoke weed and/or tobacco in the building?Answer #2: This probably falls under rules about interfering with other tenant's reasonable enjoyment of their homes. Have you asked your landlord to come by after 6pm to verify the problem?Answer #3: Marijuana and cigarettes are legal to consume in a private residence, however, unless there is a clause in your lease (e.g. my complex has a clause that prohibits smoking marijuana and cigarettes indoors even though I live I a state with recreational weed) or local ordinance which prohibits smoking indoor, there isn’t much you can aside from filing a complaint with your landlord.


Title: [FL] My father's surgery has possibly lead to a loss in his hearing, but lawyers don't want his case seemingly due to the hospital's reputation. Is there anything we can do?

Question:
Greetings all. My father had surgery a few years ago for a facial tick. The tick was fixed, but he lost hearing in one ear a few months afterwards. The surgery was performed below that same ear as evidenced by the giant (albeit cool) scar he has from the surgery.

However, whenever he tries to contact malpractice lawyers about his case they seem to all come back relatively quickly with a tepid response. We don't ever get a real answer on why they can't take the case as they say it's just not something they really handle. This seems to be whenever they find out which hospital the surgery came from and whom the surgeon was (the surgeon seems to have a clean record and has been in practice for some time). For the record, the surgery was in Jacksonville and I can say the name of the hospital if it's needed/allowed.

I know this isn't the place to try and get someone to take his case and I haven't detailed the specifics of the procedure, but it seems at least someone would hear him out (cause he can barely hear us now haha get it).

QUESTIONS: Is loss of hearing after a neurosurgery not something that can be sued for or are the reputations of certain doctors/hospitals too good to try and go after? Is there an avenue we can take to see if the surgery and hearing loss was related? Are we screwed anyway because it's been so long since the surgery? I'll try and offer any better detail if/when needed. Thanks in advance.

Answer:
 If an attorney is unwilling to take your case, then there is most likely a reason for it.  Have you went to another doctor that has actually diagnosed the cause for the hearing loss? A non-medical person claiming this doesn't mean much. As someone that is legally HoH, it's extremely common to lose hearing as one ages. Having preexisting neurological conditions increases the risk. The hearing structure of the ear is more in your head, not really below the ear.Answer #2: To prove malpractice, you have to have more than a bad outcome.  You have to prove negligence.  Not all bad outcomes are caused by negligence.  You appear to be talking to lawyers without such proof, based on your questions.

Further, there is most likely a two year statute of limitations, starting from the hearing loss, at play here.

If several lawyers don't want to take the case, they either think there isn't a case on the merits or the damages aren't high enough to make it worth their case.   This likely has nothing to do with anyone's reputation.


Title: [US, MA] Living in an basement dwelling that is not permitted in the district -- can I get out?

Question:
I've just moved to the Boston area this past week and was really pushed for time in terms of finding somewhere to live. I've ended up renting a converted basement that, upon receiving the keys, I'm really unhappy with. My main concern is that the entire furnace system for the three-family home is embedded within our apartment, and not completely concealed. I'm very worried for my safety in regards to this.

I've been desperately trying to find a way to break the lease, and I think I may have found something -- so I'm looking for some advice please.

The apartment is in the town of Belmont, MA. [This document](http://www.masshousingregulations.com/pdf/accessory.pdf) states that "no accessory or in-law apartments are allowed (by right or special permit) in any district".

Is this reason enough to break the lease? Am I living in an un-permitted dwelling?

Any advice would be hugely appreciated!

Thank you.

*EDIT: Additionally, we aren't aware of any CO detectors in the basement. This is not only concerning because of the close proximity to the furnace system, but as I understand, it's also against state regulations -- is this correct?*

Answer: If the unit cannot legally receive a certificate of occupancy, yes, you can get out of the lease. I recommend calling your town clerk and asking if there is a CO on the unit. If not, tell the landlord that they can let you out or you're calling to call the building and codes department. Be prepared to leave right away, because not being able to legally live there means you gotta get out.


Title: My friend [M18] got discriminated by a dental office employee for wearing a hearing (Portugal)

Question: [removed]

Answer: Ask a lawyer, in Portugal. I doubt that many people on this sub are super knowledgeable on Portuguese law.


Title: My apartment complex won't give me a parking pass and my car has been towed three times this week.

Question:
Hi, I live in Harrisonburg Virginia. I just recently took over a sub-lease for the apartment complex urban exchange. They told me a parking pass was 35$ a month, but I could park on the side of the street for free. My first night there I parked on the side of the street and didn't the I was in a tow away zone. My car got towed, my fault.

The next night i parked NOT in the tow away zone on the side of the street, but still got towed. I was parked in two hour parking from 7am - 7pm. They gave me a parking ticket then towed my car. At 7:30am. The city of harrisonburg says that you need three outstanding parking tickets for them to tow your car. My "third" ticket, they put on my car that day, then towed it.

I asked for a parking pass from my apartment complex and they said they couldn't give me access to the parking garage, but gave me a sticker to park outside with. The lot the sticker is good for is very small and fills up quickly. I took my car for groceries and the lot had filled up. I parked on a different street with NO signage AT ALL related to towing. My car was towed the next day. What can I do? I have a feeling the first time my car was towed is completely my fault. The second time it was towed I don't think I was violating  any laws, and the third time is very questionable. Is this all my fault? Is my apartment complex responsible for anything? Thank you!!!

Answer:
 Your complex is responsible for nothing.  It's on you to park properly.

You can fight the tickets/tows, if you truly believe you're innocent.  Answer #2: This is not legal advice but practical advice, start talking to your neighbors and asking how they park safely, also call whoever leased to you.


Title: Neighbor showed his privates to me toddler son and wife.

Question:
So what basically happend is that my wife and my son we're outside when a male neighbor was unloading groceries out of his car when he took out his private part and started peeing in my wife's and my sons direction while staring at my wife and son and keeping eye contact.

She is afraid to file a police report and to go to court because of what he might do to her.

Now my question is, what can I do? Can I file a police report in such a way that my wife doesn't have to feel threatened?

A little side note, this guy is in his late 30s and has his mother living with him in section 8 housing. They are definetly playing the system. No jobs but a brand new SUV and multiple cruises a year. I wouldn't mind  getting them kicked out to ensure my family's safety.

Answer:
 You can call the police. If he is charged with a crime she would have to testifyAnswer #2: She needs to call the police.

> She is afraid to file a police report and to go to court because of what he might do to her.

Clearly he isn't afraid of doing things if she doesn't call the police and she'll be living in fear anyway.Answer #3: That's likely indecent exposure, and you should absolutely contact the police, or rather your wife should

>Now my question is, what can I do? Can I file a police report in such a way that my wife doesn't have to feel threatened?

Not sure what you're speaking of here, either she reports it or she doesn't, the guy will likely find out about it when he gets a knock on his door by a detective, if he tries to retaliate or threatens you with violence, tell the police.


Title: The hard drive on my work laptop died and some irreplaceable pictures were on there. My job refuses to help.

Question:
This is a throwaway account for anonymity sake.

So the laptop Hard drive died and my work is stating that they are unable to recover the pictures on it. I had pictures of my grandmom we converted to digital a few weeks ago. I had not gotten around to uploading them to anywhere yet and the originals can not be found anywhere.

I was told that there was a way to recover information from a dead hard drive but my job states they will likely not pay for that. I offered to do it, but they said that the hard drive is company property and that I should not store personal data on company PCs.

I am willing to pay and they are refusing to help me. What are my rights here? Is there any hope I can get this accomplished or do I need to sue them?

Answer: Your employer is not legally responsible for ensuring that you have access to personal files stored on work equipment. They could have deliberately deleted those files, and you'd still be out of luck.Answer #2: You have no rights to anything stores on a hard drive that doesn't belong to you.


Title: [SC] Friend was wrongly imprisoned. Legal recourse?

Question:
Last Friday my friend got hit in his truck and the person who hit him drove from the scene. He chased them and got their license plate. Another woman was able to obtain the plate number as well. A police officer showed up and ran his information and said he was driving with a suspended license and arrested him. He was in jail all weekend as a result.

Today at court the judge ran a background check and found his license was not suspended and let him go. How would the officer that arrested him not see the same information that the judge ran? Also, does he have any legal recourse for being falsely imprisoned or is this a common error?

Answer: Your friend was mistakenly imprisoned, not wrongfully imprisoned. It would be great if out police were perfect and never made errors, but that is not the case. Your friend probably has no recourse... it's just a bad situation.


Title: Totally ridiculous non-compete agreement; the restricted area includes any company within a 75 mile radius of any companies my current company has sold or marketed to over the past 2 years. I am in GA. Can this be valid?

Question:
I am currently working for an IT firm in a business development role in Georgia, and would like to pursue a similar position with a different IT firm (I have hit the glass ceiling).

The excerpt below is from my non-compete agreement and I don't think it could be enforceable, and therefore (hopefully) would be invalid in the state of Georgia:

"The term "Restricted Area" shall mean any territory within a seventy-five (75)-mile radius from any territory in which the Company sells or markets or sold or marketed products or services during the last two years of your Services with the Company." (This is for a 12 month period after the termination of my services with the Company for any reason.)

I am looking for some general advice on the above statement, to me it seems totally ridiculous and having been part of the inside sales team a year and a half ago, we basically marketed to every fortune 1000 company in the US.

My plan: I would like to ignore this non-compete agreement and join a different IT firm in a business development role, then just not go after our current customers in Georgia. Also, I'll be upfront about my non-compete with the company I join. I understand this might be a bit risky but are there any show-stoppers I am missing?

Answer: It's probably worth discussing with an employment lawyer licensed in GA, but any non-compete which basically prevents you from ever working anywhere for reasons unrelated to any business interest the company holds (for instance, what is the interest in preventing you from working in a 75 mile radius of a company your employer once did business with?) could not possibly be enforceable.


Title: Anyone understand Ferpa?

Question:
Does Ferpa law apply to PTSAs? I found out that the PTSA was discussing issues around my family, telling other parents that I “was an asshole”.

I don’t think that’s okay.

Mb

Answer: ... I don't think you understand what FERPA is. They're gossiping. That's fine.


Title: Just received an entire ream of unmarked exhibits for upcoming custody trial.

Question:
I handed my exhibits over to her lawyer today, and he gave me hers'.

Mostly all of our exhibits are texts/emails.  I took the time and formatted all of mine into easily presentable exhibits.  Every piece of information I want to share includes the context before it, up until the date is listed of said information.   I then clearly marked my exhibits with A1, A2, B1, and so on.

When we get to trial and I want to talk about a certain exhibit, I can easily say "exhibit A1"

I'm looking over her exhibits and I realized, if I get any of this out of order, I am fucked once they begin to talk about a specific  exhibit. I can't plan a proper defense around this crap.

Is this stuff even admissible the way it is?  Can I just object to all of it?

I'm doing this pro-se, and it seems as if I'm doing a better job at lawyering than her attorney is.

Answer:
 >I'm doing this pro-se

A client who represents himself has a fool for a lawyer.

If you can afford it got and get a lawyer.


Title: University Apartment Bunk Bed Collapsed and sent my roommate to the ER.

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Is this university housing, or is this a third-party company who rents to university goers?

Either way, I would contact your state's bar association asking for a personal injury referral.  A lawyer may consult with you for free to see what you are owed.

I wouldn't settle for guaranteed housing or speak to the university any further about the matter before you consult with an attorney and see what legal options you have.


Title: Was this situation that happened years ago legal?

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 No one can say without more information.

If your ex's presence was causing poor conditions for the siblings, then CPS telling her "if you stay here then the kids can't" might be completely appropriate.

Or it could have been completely out of line.

It will depend on specifically why and specifically what was said, neither of which you likely really know.Answer #2: They're not evicting her.  They're pointing out a dangerous condition to the children which they require be cured, and pointing out the easiest way to do that is her moving out voluntarily so they don't have to snatch up the kids.
Pretty normal with CPS fuckery.


Title: (Tennessee) My mother is trying to make me go to Ohio with my crazy abusive aunt. Can she me make do this, as I am under 18?

Answer:
 Maybe. What else is going on?

If anyone abuses you, call the police.


Title: Is this really a salary position?

Question:
My wife was offered a promotion to office manager at the podiatrist office that she works at. She was told that the position is a salary position. I don't know if the dollar amount matters, but the offer was $35k/year. Here's where it gets weird. If she works less than 40 hours, her pay is pro-rated to however how many hours she actually worked, if she works overtime, there is no extra pay. I've done all the research that I can but can't find anything that clearly explains the difference. It sounds like hourly with a cap to me, but I don't know. This is in Florida, if that helps.

Thanks!

Answer: That would be hourly and not legal if they're not giving overtime. They can't have it both ways.Answer #2: Salaried means you get paid a guaranteed amount regardless if you work 80 hours per week or 20 hours per week. Tell your wife not to touch that offer with a 10-foot pole unless they remove the prorating clause.Answer #3: Not all salary positions are the same -- there's salaried exempt and salaried nonexempt. Since her position is management, that should qualify her as exempt, meaning they cannot dock her pay if she works under 40 hours/week nor is she eligible for overtime. These two articles should help clarify: [article 1](http://smallbusiness.chron.com/salaried-exempt-vs-salaried-nonexempt-24213.html) and [article 2](http://www.flsa.com/coverage.html).Answer #4: I don't know if it has passed yet but Obama is pushing a change for salary people who are paid less that a certain amount--I think it may be $55,000 a year will have to be paid overtime pay.  I salute this change as many "salary jobs" turn out to be "minimum wage" jobs because the employee ends up working an ungodly amount of time with no extra compensation.Answer #5: Its time to negotiate or decline the promotionAnswer #6: Is this some kind of flexible schedule where she could make it up the next week, or is the time below 40 hours lost forever?


Title: I think I made a terrible mistake when I purchased my first handgun

Question:
Background: I grew up in PA, went to college in PA and have a PA drivers license. Well a little over a year ago I got a job in MD not very far from where I lived at with my mom in PA. I then moved in with my gf who lives in MD since it's closer to my work, my employer has my gf address and thus I pay MD taxes.

 Well yesterday I bought my first handgun in PA, since i recently turned 21 and am a gun enthusiast, using my PA drivers license with the address on my license thinking it was my legal residency since I still have the same DL and get a lot of my mail at my mom's house and just didn't think anything of it. I passed the background check no problem and walked out of the store with the gun. Well I just did some research on laws (which I'm kicking myself for not doing this before the purchase, I know I'm an idiot) and I'm pretty sure that technically I am a MD resident since I've been staying with my gf here that needs to get my license and info transferred over. My main concern at the moment is whether or not I committed a felony (pretty sure I did) by giving false information on my 4473 and if there's anything I can do to reconsile the situation since it was an honest (and extremely stupid, naive, mistake) I am a nervous wreck right now and feel like a complete moron, I'm normally smarter than this. I have never been arrested or have gotten into legal trouble before in my life and now I fear I will be a felon.

Please help!

Answer:
 1.) Is your name on the lease with your GF? (if not, it should be)
2.) Technically you committed a crime because handgun sales can only be through a resident of the state it's bought in. Otherwise you need to go through an FFL Transfer to transfer it to a gun store in your own state, and then pick it up there.

You admit here that you were legally a resident of MD when you bought a gun in PA claiming to be a PA resident. You also have failed to change over your license and car registration to MD probably too, which is also a crime. If you are a new resident of Maryland and you hold a noncommercial driver's license, you have 60 days to obtain a Maryland Driver's License.

In this case, don't worry about it, nobody's going to come looking for you, but yes, you did commit a federal crime and could have faced serious jailtime.

Also, if you or your gf smoke weed or do any other kinds of drugs, do not get caught with handgun + drugs. That is also a federal crime, and one you do not want to deal with.


Title: Charges for weed that wasn’t mine?

Question:
Ok here’s the story.
It’s 2 am in Wisconsin and my “friend” is drunk, he plans on driving home. I would feel horrible if something bad happened all because I didn’t wanna drive to maybe save a life.
Anyway I get him from the house, he’s completely shitfaced and hops in my car with a beer open and puts his weed in my glovebox.
So I was tired, didn’t want to drive, and I’m not really “friends” with this guy I just don’t wanna let someone I know drive drunk and die.
No excuses though I was going ten over.
We got pulled over they saw beer cans open searched the car blah blah blah.
I blow a zero my friend doesn’t.
I have a clean record...my friend does not.
The cops split the charge for weed between us because he didn’t want to admit to it because he already has charges for weed.
When I go to court I’m going to take full responsibility for speeding but I’m going to plead not guilty to the weed charges because of the story I just told...all I wanted to do was keep someone from killing them self or someone else behind the wheel and now I’m In this absolute clusterfuck.
Any advice helps

Answer:
 In the future get him and Uber or something.

The weed being in your car is enough to convict you. You will want to talk to a lawyer before you go to court.


Title: My neighbors moved but hired someone that removed half of my fence that separates our yards and haven’t repaired it yet.

Question:
I’m located in North Carolina. So, my neighbors seem to be moving, I’m in a military town so that’s pretty normal. We’ve lived by each other for 2 years and this might be weird but we’ve never really talked, which was always cool with me. We all kept to ourselves besides a few friendly waves and we’ve never given each other any issues. About two weeks ago I notice they have a mobile storage unit in their driveway and they haven’t been around since the day it got there. My husband and I have noticed people dropping by to inspect the place and looking around the back yard.

Here’s the issue. In our backyard our neighbors share the fence that divide our yards but it seems to technically be our fence bc of the pattern of the panels. The other sides of their fence are different. Today before I left to run to the store I see a random man in my backyard removing the fence panels of our joining fence. It’s definitely my fence bc he had to come to my side of the yard to remove them. He took half of the fence down and when I returned he was gone and nothing else had been done to the fence. It’s just taken apart and he piled the wood in the neighbors yard with nails pointed up and nails coming from the posts. I have two dogs and a one year old child that I cant even let out back bc it’s dangerous.
I’m pretty sure the guy will be back tomorrow to fix it but now I’m just paranoid that maybe it won’t even get fixed properly. When I left I did write down his license plate number bc his vehicle didn’t have a logo or anything on it. I also took a picture of him in the back yard, I had sent it to my husband. I know some of you might wonder why I didn’t confront him and I’ll be honestly, it’s bc I’m a puss. I don’t do well with confrontation and I’m always scared I’m gonna say something to the wrong person and get murdered(true crime junkie here). I was home alone with my baby. And I just assumed that the dude was gonna finish what he started. Maybe he just went to Lowe’s to get the new panels he needed but nope, nothing. He didn’t even knock on my door to tell me he was going to be back there working or to not let my dogs out bc he had the back gate open.

So my dumb question: if this guy never comes back can I file a police report or anything? I don’t even know my neighbors names so can the police help me at least figure out a way to contact them?

It’s only been a day so I’m sure this seems dramatic but my husband and I are kinda pissed.

Answer: Yeah, because technically it is vandalism of your fence. Assuming it is yours.


Title: [ON] The large retailer I work for is saving customers' email addresses with their credit/debit card information. They just sent a company-wide memo telling employees to lie to customers about this.

Question:
Edit: I am in Ontario, Canada.

So I just want to preface this by saying I am not interested in taking any legal action here, I am more just curious about how legal/illegal any of this is, because to me it is at least ethically fishy.

I work for a well known North American retailer (like, there is one in almost every single mall). With every transaction put through the POS cashiers are required to ask customers for their email address. These emails are then linked to the debit or credit card they paid with. So, in the future when they pay with the same card, their email address with pop up automatically without the cashier typing it in. But if the same customer paid with a different card or cash, then their email would need to be taken again. Not sure if this is relevant, but their email is not enrolling them in any membership program, it is just opting them into the promotional emails/coupons the company sends out. The thing is, if a customer has unsubscribed from our emails, but then they pay with the card linked to their email address and the cashier hits "submit" they will start receiving the emails again (often without their consent/knowledge, because the cashier will just hit submit without saying anything).

I guess there was a recent customer complaint that lead to a company-wide memo being sent out. A cashier let a customer know that their email had popped up automatically and when the customer asked how, the cashier explained it was linked to their card. The customer was upset that the company was storing their card information and tying it to their email address. This week we received the memo and part of it says,

"If a customer questions how the cashier found the customer's email in the POS, respond with: "our system recognizes your email once we start typing it in because you've shared your email with us before." We do not locate customer email addresses with their credit/debit card number."

This is a complete lie. Their email pops up before the cashier types anything in, and even if the cashier does start typing an email address the system does not locate any previously captured emails, no email address suggestions pop up or anything like that. And yes, the email address is located through the credit/debit card. The company is instructing the cashiers to flat-out lie.

So, r/legaladvice, what's the deal here?

Answer:
 > I guess there was a recent customer complaint that lead to a company-wide memo being sent out. A cashier let a customer know that their email had popped up automatically and when the customer asked how, the cashier explained it was linked to their card. The customer was upset that the company was storing their card information and tying it to their email address.

Before throwing the retailer under the bus, it's entirely possible to link an email address to a credit card without storing the credit card number.

The card number can be stored as a hash. It's a one-way mathematical process where text can be turned into a number, but can not be changed back , so for example "1234-5678-9012-3456" can be turned into "01b6d1bbf5c89f802820e11b810e80fca3a884049e0d09552d1948cbafcd1a12", but "01b6d1bbf5c89f802820e11b810e80fca3a884049e0d09552d1948cbafcd1a12" can not be turned back into "1234-5678-9012-3456", however it can be used to lookup customer information like name, address & email.

This would let them lookup your information from your credit card without actually storing your credit card.

Note that I have no evidence that they're doing or not doing this, just that it's possible and is common practice. Nobody actually *wants* to store your CC number. It's like radioactive waste.There's no advantage and a ton of liability.

Answer #2: At the very least, re-activating promotional e-mails for a customer simply because they paid by credit or debit card (which almost all Canadians do), would violate [CASA](http://fightspam.gc.ca/eic/site/030.nsf/eng/home) as a reactivation would require *express* consent, which this clearly isn't.


Title: General Contractor won't pay $180,000 (85% of total payment)

Question:
I agreed to provide custom display cases to a client (a very high-profile Texas university) working through a General Contractor in the amount of $210,000. This is a job they literally begged me to take, because of my HUB status (Historically Underutilized Business).  Because I am a very small company, I agreed to the work under the condition that materials to build the cases would be reimbursed within 12 days after purchase.  A contract stated I could invoice, which I did.

The cases were completed on time, delivered over a month ago and are now being used to display items in a show.  Per the contract I agreed to, a 5% retention was to be withheld until all punch (fixing small imperfections with the cases) was complete. Sure, OK...

The problem is their show is going to last until September (which they never told us) and want the punch work to be assessed in September. I would finish the punch now if they would allow it, but they will not.  They are holding $180,000 of payment from us (out of a $210,000 total). They have the cases and are actively using them. I have told them that I am a very small company and that kind of money being withheld will effect us GREATLY (to the point of maybe going out of business). This statement they decide to use against us..

So, they have hired a 3rd party to "evaluate" the cases to see what the punch issues are currently and what they could potentially find in September (after 5 MONTHS of hundreds of people being able to touch, scratch, and do whatever to our cases).

Essentially, now they are withholding money because they think we might go out of business before September, and not finish the punch. BUT THE ONLY REASON WE WOULD GO OUT OF BUSINESS BEFORE SEPTEMBER IS BECAUSE THEY WON'T PAY US WHAT WE AGREED UPON!

I have borrowed a lot of money because of this and are now in jeopardy of losing everything.  Is there anything I can do??

Thanks,

Answer:
 With this amount of money at stake it's worth talking to a lawyer.

It'll come down to what the contract says. If they were only allowed to retain 5% then they're in breach of the agreement for the amount they withhold beyond that (and depending on how the contract defines completing the job even for the 5%).

Find a lawyer who will review the contract and send them a demand letter for the money you're owed.


Title: I just bought a house with tenants and they're not paying.

Question:
I just bought a house that is being rented. The lease agreement states:
"In the event that the property is sold, the lease/rental agreement between Landlord and Tenant is canceled on the date the new owner takes possession of the property. Tenant has 90 days to vacate the property or sign new lease with new owner at new owner's option."

I closed on the house on 10/4/16. The rent was due on 10/24 and still has not been paid. I have not and will not sign a new lease. I bought this house to be my residence. My question is: Is it worth the trouble of trying to have them evicted for not paying since they have to be out within 90 days anyway?  Thanks.

EDIT: I'm in Alabama

Answer: I would. If they are the type of people who don't pay rent what makes you think they won't just stay in the house and you have to evict them then?


Title: Rear ended someone, reckless driving ticket with no cost on ticket?

Question:
Got a reckless driving ticket for rear ending someone while looking for something on the radio:/
Was going 45, the speedlimit but slowed to like 25 by the time I hit.
Cop was being a dick, and although I was being very nice and apologetic still gave me a reckless driving ticket but didn't put down the cost, are they required to do so? And is this worth fighting? I live in Florida btw.

Answer:
 The reason there is no cost, is because this is a 1st degree misdemeanor not a basic traffic ticket. You are looking at a criminal record here. You need a lawyer unless you want to to have this hanging around you.

I don't know what chance you have of getting the charges reduced, but your odds are far better with a lawyer than without.


Title: Following too close ticket which stems from being in an accident. Need advice.

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 > So would I be able to fight this

No.  You were following too closely, as evidenced by the fact that you couldn't stop before you hit him.

>  I know I technically did end up hitting him but that does not mean I was following too close

Yes, it does.


Title: Hi, quick question about who pays for repairs for mailbox.

Question:
hi I live in California.

Hi, someone broke the lock on my mailbox door at the cluster of mailboxes at my apartment complex.  It's outside next to the street with public access. Should I have to pay repairs for a mailbox that was broken into?

Answer: I'd get the $8 part and fix it myself.


Title: Harrison, MI possession charge on my way up north for Memorial Day Weekend

Question:
Hello. I was passenger with my gf driving up north. Cop pulls us over while speeding, asks what we have in the car, I show him bag with about 1g in it from my backpack, he searches car finds nothing else. Only thing is, where I live (Lansing) marijuana is decriminalized. Is there any way that helps at all?
Topic:
Drug Possession

Answer:
 No, that doesn't help you at all.

Answer #2: >Only thing is, where I live (Lansing) marijuana is decriminalized. Is there any way that helps at all

You're subject to the laws of where you were pulled over, e.g. even if you're from Colorado you can't have marijuana on your road trip cross countryAnswer #3: I'm sorry, but no.  If possession is still a violation of a Harrison ordinance, then even passing through with marijuana is still in violation of their laws.

 There is actually a federal lawsuit between Nebraska and Colorado about this type of issue right now.  NE and other states are suing CO, arguing that CO's legalization is increasing crime in the other states.  Officers in neighboring states have also begun looking for certain demographics of people coming out of CO.


Title: Texas - A friend paid cash for a car yesterday. A few hours later the check engine light came on, and the car apparently needs a catalytic converter. Now what?

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Well, if the seller said she'll pay for it then that is great.  I don't think they're under any obligation to.  Generally, sales such as this are "as is."Answer #2: What exactly is your question?

Did she buy the car as-is? Did she have a mechanic inspect it before she bought it? Is this a private seller?Answer #3: How old is it?  If it's less than 8 years old federal mandates dictate that it's a warranty repair that a dealer cannot weasel out of.Answer #4: I bought a car in cash in October. Same thing happened. Check engine light came on before I got home and it was the catalytic converter. I bought the car from an older couple and I didn't believe they would hide it. Just bad luck.

If you know someone that fixes cars, it's a lot cheaper to just buy the part and have them fix it.


Title: [RI] My neighbor's bamboo plant hangs in the middle of the road. Can I hit it with my car everyday until it dies?

Question:
So I have this neighbor who has a bunch of bamboo on his property. About a week ago, one of the plants started hanging into the middle of the road like [this.](http://imgur.com/a/L2qLz) It is perfectly at windshield height and goes halfway into our small, residential road; it essentially creates a one lane situation. Everyone drives slowly (<25 mph) on this road as it's small and there is no reason to go faster than that. I live at the dead end of this road and have to go by the bamboo plant every time I leave/return to my house.

Here's my problem: I have to get to work so early in the morning that it is pitch black out when I'm leave my house. There are no functioning street lights I forget that the bamboo is there and don't notice it until it's too late to safely move out of the way. Every morning I hit it with my windshield and it scares the daylights out of me. One of my town's senior police officers (I don't know his actual title) lives on my road and is fully aware of the hazard, yet nothing has happened so I don't think he's said anything to anyone. A few days ago, I called my town's non-emergency police number and they told me they would look into the matter. They're very busy and in the mean time, my parents (who I live with) said they could "deal with it" themselves. I really think this is a bad idea because if something bad happens to the rest of the bamboo plant, my parents are liable for the damages. On top of that, it's just not nice. This neighbor is super sketchy, so I'm not going to knock on his door and be like "Can you trim your plant please?"

My plan for now is to just keep hitting the cursed thing with my car every morning until it dies, mostly because I keep forgetting it's there. I'm not sure if this makes me liable for damages to the plant, though. Additionally, if my car were to get damaged by the bamboo plant, would my neighbor be liable for the damages to my car?

Answer:
 Hitting it with your car is HIGHLY unlikely to kill the bamboo. (If you need to get rid of it, I suggest tactical thermonuclear weapons. Ok, not really, but the stuff is damn hard to get rid of when you're trying to. A little thing like getting hit by a car's windshield is trivial.)

If your city has a forestry division, that may be a better option than the police. Also try the road maintenance office and code compliance.Answer #2: Booping it with your car is not going to kill bamboo.  You can hit it but it's more likely to scratch the paint on your car. Answer #3: If it's bamboo it will never die and will create river of metal in your car.Answer #4: Yay, crappy MS paint! Thank you for delivering.

Bamboo can put up with animal lawn mowers chewing it down (pandas), so running through it won't do much. Do you have a city arborist or parks/landscaping department? Start by contacting them. You can also contact public works. If there is a power line, talk to your power company. If they're like the electric companies around me, they'll hack that sucker back to its roots and leave a spring to annoy sketchy neighbour's windows.Answer #5: Call your city and ask who to speak to about private property creating a hazard in a public street. As you mentioned the police might point you in the right spot, but I'm guessing this will be municipal government for stern letters/trimming/fines.

And yeah. You ain't killing it by booping it with your car. Maybe if you burned it and sowed salt in the earth on which it stood*

*no, don't do that ffs.


Title: I was involved in an accidental death, mother of victim keeps harassing me over text and I’ve been told I should ignore her. Advice?

Question:
A few months ago, my friends and I got together and stupidly decided to pop some pills together one night. I brought pill1 and another friend brought pill2. One friend decided to take some of both pill1 and pill2 and he died of an overdose the following morning. The autopsy ruled that it was a drug interaction involving fentanyl.

My friends and I had all taken copious amounts of pill1 in the past from the exact same source and even the same batch. In fact, I witnessed someone take 11 of these at once (11 times as much as I’ve ever done) and wake up the next day like nothing happened. In addition, pill1 is not an opioid so it is less (albeit, slightly less) likely that it would’ve been laced with fentanyl.

None of us had ever taken pill2 before and knew nothing about the source, authenticity or quality of pill2. Pill2 was an opioid which is far more likely to be cut with or replaced by fentanyl because the effects have a similar feeling. Most of us decided not to take it, besides the victim that night and the person who provided it. Which means that the one and only night that anyone had even seen pill2, someone took it and died.

Now for the difficult part, I made the mistake of actually texting my friend before he passed that I had some pill1. I haven’t been arrested, but I spoke with police (big mistake, I know) because they had seen the text messages between us after seizing the victim’s phone.

They then told his mother, who has been harassing me ever since and accusing me of killing her son. She says she plans on pursuing this as far as she can until she can get the worst possible outcome for me. Everyone who was there has more or less blamed the person who brought pill2 and I haven’t been attacked or blamed by a single person besides his mother. The person who brought pill2 was a good friend of the victim’s too and even skipped the funeral because he felt guilty.

I’ve been told by my lawyer that I must ignore his mother. I feel awful because I understand that she lost a son and she truly believes I’m the reason her son is gone. I get it, I don’t blame her at all. I feel like it’s terribly rude to ignore her like this. I also want to clear the air and let her know that the person who provided pill2 is the one who more than likely brought fentanyl to the scene. I don’t wanna throw anyone under the bus, but it’s not fair that I have to deal with this and he gets to walk free. The person who provided pill2 has even confessed this to multiple people and the general consensus is and has always been that he is the one who provided fentanyl that night and that I had nothing to do with it.

Will responding to his mother and explaining my what happened really be that detrimental to my case? Once again, I have not been arrested nor have I been formally charged with any crime. My record is clean. Any information would be much appreciated, thank you!

TL;DR: I provided pill1 and someone else provided pill2 to a party. Someone took both pills and died of a fentanyl overdose. I’m being blamed by his mother even though pill2 was more than likely the pill that was laced. I want to explain this to her, but have been told not to by my attorney.
Topic:
Drug Possession

Answer: You should listen to your lawyer. And not random strangers on the internet.Answer #2: Listen to your lawyers advice, trying to explain yourself to the mother will either hurt you in court or do nothing for you in court.


Title: [WA] [Solved] Move-Out Woes

Question:
**Original Problem**

Apartment seized security deposit and sent an invoice for a further $550, totaling $1,050 in 'damages' requiring a carpet replacement. The move-out inspection was conducted with two witnesses, no damages were assessed to the carpet, but a vague term 'carpet needs quote' (explained as a cleaning quote) was put in the notes section. Upon receipt of aforementioned invoice, I asked for legal advice.

**Solution**

After legal advice was offered, I requested the receipt and inspection from the carpet cleaning company and the apartment, drafted a letter of demand and mailed it via certified mail. I included my disputes, outlined why I felt the charges were not justified, and offered to settle by just waiving my security deposit. In my letter I highlighted:

* Washington Tenant Law
* Discrepancies between move-out inspection and carpet inspection
* Applicable carpet life codes in my municipality
* Witnesses willing to back up my statements
* Offered a settlement before taking them to small claims court

A few days after the Letter of Demand was verified as received, the apartment called me, said they could not justify replacing the carpet, and said a cleaning quote came to my security deposit + $50 extra. I accepted after verifying the cleaning cost statement with an independent company.

Thank you legal advice community for helping me. I am content with the settlement and do not have to pursue any legal recourse.

Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer: Awesome job! It's good to see a decent outcome.Answer #2: This post could be used as an example of the best way to initially dispute security deposit charges. The property management company handled the situation well in the end, too, which is pretty unusual. Thanks for the thorough update and congrats!


Title: Hospital not providing pain relief

Question: My brother is in a small rural hospital in eastern Washington state. He's been in and out over the past 6 mos due to blood clots that resulted in him having an ostomy placed. He's currently having complications with the ostomy that's causing him to be in excruciating pain. His Dr and nurses acknowledge that he's in pain, but because he overused his prescription meds a couple of weeks ago they have limited him to tylenol and that's it. He is at this moment literally their prisoner as he can't leave on his own (too weak to stand or walk and can't live without being on IV fluids) and they will not give him any relief. Is there any way to compel treatment or relief? Or make them transfer him to a different hospital that will treat him humanely?  I would appreciate any assistance or guidance. I can answer questions of course. I'm so upset right now and I just don't know what to do.

Answer:
 Almost every hospital I know of has some sort of policy that limits prescription pain killers to people who have a history of abusing them. The hospital staff will take that into consideration when deciding what pain meds to give out. In this situation, they have likely determined that the risk of substance abuse doesn't outweigh the problems with the pain he is dealing with now.

He can always request a change of hospitals, but his substance abuse issues will be noted in his medical files and he'll likely face the same problem anywhere he goes.

Hospitals are extremely cautious when it comes to prescribing pain medication to addicts. With all due respect, doctors have been sued and lost their licenses far too often for them not to be.

It's extremely unfortunate for people in your brothers situation, as he'll likely have to deal with the pain. It's nearly impossible, even with a lawyer, to compel a doctor to give pain meds in these situations. Sorry I don't have better news.


Title: (TX & FL) Do I have to disclose on job appeal rooms that I was arrest even though I wasn't booked?

Question:
This took place in Texas, I now live in Florida.

One morning at 6am I was taking my husband to work. I drop him off at his office, there's a police car in the parking lot which isn't strange since it's the perfect place to see people speeding on the highway. As I'm walking out of the office building the officer comes up to me and tells me that I'm being arrested for prostitution.

I ask her why she thinks I'm a prostitute and her excuse is that no girl my age could have a car and jewlery like that without being one. My husband ran outside to help but the officers threatened to charge him as well if he interfered. He did however call his lawyer to help.

I wasn't booked. The people that do the actual booking saw through her bullshit immediately. Apparently she had a history of arresting women in false charges.

Do I have to disclose this when I apply for jobs?

Edit: the title should say job applications. No idea what happened there.

Answer: You probably don't have to disclose it unless they ask. You do however probably has a have a cause of action against that particular police officer and the local police department for wrongful arrest. Based on the facts *as you describe them here* there was no probable cause or even a reasonable suspicion to arrest or detain you. Normally this wouldn't result indamages but because you are in a unique occupation you might be able to squeeze a settlement out of them or at least get an official letter formally apologizing/disavowing the arrest.


Title: Getting access to grandmother's will

Question:
I'm in NYS, we've been told that my aunt was the sole inheritance to the will, i frankly don't believe this.
1. as a grandson do i have a right to see her will?
2. How would i go about obtaining it?
 Buffalo NY

Answer: As a grandson, you may not have the right to see the will.  However, the children of your grandmother do have a right.  Is your mother or father still living?Answer #2: You request a copy of the will from the probate court in the county where she lived. You can call around, if you're unsure which county.


Title: Tax-Dodging Nazi Sovereign Citizen Furries Forced To Cancel Denver Furry Convention. Yes, Really.

Answer: What I want to know is why the Nazi Furries named themselves "Furry Raiders" instead of going with "The Furred Reich"Answer #2: I... Wait...*what?!*


Title: [VA] Cousin got reported to the IRS by online harassers.

Question:
I posted this on r/personalfinance but they removed it because I guess I wasn't understanding all that they were saying...

My cousin who is 22 years old phoned me last night crying about how her she had to close her business accounts on social media because apparently some men are going around the internet reporting women to the IRS. She was freaking out because she hasn't been paying any taxes but she didn't even know that she was supposed to.

Is she at any risk of jailtime? We just talked to my uncle (her father) and he said he'll get an accountant. Will that be enough? Should we get a lawyer too in case she is charged for her business nature?
Topic:
Tax Law

Answer:
 Jail is very, very, very, very unlikely. A tax bill plus penalties is likely. The IRS doesn't care at all how people earn money; they just want their share.Answer #2: I assume your cousin is a sex worker? They are the pwople who have been targeted. Answer #3: ALL income is required to be reported to the IRS, even illegal activities such as drug dealing, illegal gambling and escorting.

It's how they got Al Capone.

What she needs to do is start a business as a 'personal life coach' or similar. This keeps her legit PLUS she can write off a lot of business related expenses.

Talk to an accountant.

Also, wake up to what she really is doing, no judgement. Answer #4: Just curious how did the people know your cousin isn't paying taxes?Answer #5: The IRS just want their money. They'll do payment plans usually. If she refuses to pay, she might eventually go to jail.Answer #6: Just cooperate and don't get caught lying to the IRS.


Title: when i was 14 my parents coerced me into lying to the police about my sexual abuse.

Question:
content warning: child abuse

sorry for the novel but here’s my in depth question

from the ages of 4 to 14 i was sexually abused by force by my brother multiple times a week when he was 10 to 20 years old. my brother first sexually assaulted me when my parents put him in emergency charge of babysitting me and my twin sister while they had to rush my other sister to the hospital for an allergic reaction. he told us to take off our clothes. we did. he told us to perform sexual acts on him. my sister ran away. i tried to as well but him being much older than i was and stronger that i was he held the door shut and wouldn’t let me leave the room until i performaned sexual acts on him. when it was all over my brother told us not to tell our parents, and we didn’t.

a pattern developed where any time my parents would leave and put him in charge of baby sitting he would sexually assault me. if i didnt do what he wanted he would hit, kick, punch, drag me down the stairs until i did what he wanted. this all continued up until our ages of 14 and 20 respectively. when one day he did the same thing he had done for a decade, except this time when i physically resisted i was able to tackle him and held a knife to his throat and made it clear that he wasn’t going be abused any longer i told i told my parents what had happened. they told me not to tell anyone. dont tell my other sister. don’t tell my friends. don’t tell my aunts or cousins or grandma. but i told my school counsellor, who was a mandated reporter. and she reported the abuse to the police.

the police called my parents and told them they had to be there for questioning to follow up on the abuse report. my dad said that he would absolutely be in there in the room for questioning.

the morning of the interview my dad took me out to breakfast and told me, ‘you have a choice, you can keep the family together, or you can put your brother in jail”. i told my dad that i loved my family and i didn’t want to break it up, he then told me exactly what i was going to say word for word. he had me repeat it over and over.

when i went into the police station, sat down in the interrogation room with the officer and repeated the coached lines word for the man “ive thought about it, and i don’t want to disclose any information, i dont wish to speak about this any more.” he knew id been coached. he asked me multiple times if that what i really had to say. he asked it again multiple ways multiple times again, he asked if i had been told what to say, i told him no. my dad glaring daggers at him.
with a sigh the officer closed the file and and told me to call him if i did have anything i wanted to talk about it.

im still not ‘allowed’ to tell any outside of my immediate family and my therapist as per my parents wishes. we just pretend it didn’t happen.

the statues of limitations has problably passed and i don’t want to drag myself through the legal process when i can just never speak to my brother ever again and hold my parents at arms length as i have emigrated out of their country.

my question being this: did my parents break the law by coaching my answers to the police? they employed emotionally manipulative statements to silence a childs credible abuse allegations and to tamper with a  minor witness to a crime?

Topic:
Juvenile and Youth Law

Answer:
 Yes your parents grossly violated the law with what they did. There's no statute of limitations for sexual assault in many countries for this very reason. Answer #2: Witness tampering and intimidation is a crime nearly everywhere, including [in Minnesota](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/609.498). Your father substantially broke the law, and in so doing helped shield your brother from the consequences of his actions, at your cost.Answer #3: How is your brother, if I may ask? If he acted like that with his own siblings I can’t imagine what he’s probably done to other people, he has to be put in check.Answer #4: Have you had any counseling or talked with anyone about this?

If you contact RAINN or a local domestic violence shelter/group they will help you work through this on all levels including legal and find what’s best for you.

https://www.rainn.org/about-national-sexual-assault-telephone-hotlineAnswer #5: I think people will need your state, and how old you are now/how long ago it happened.Answer #6: I don't think you're past the statute of limitations. You can probably still take legal action. You're very brave for coming forward about this, coming out about abuse, especially sexual abuse, is hard.  If you need someone to talk to, I'd contact RAINN. Good luck.


Title: Man came to my door, called me, claiming to be detective but wouldn't provide any information about himself. (Kansas City, MO)

Question:
I was at work and a man called me asking me all sorts of questions about my roommate. He said he had a "package" there for him. I asked what type of package and he said he didn't know, that is what he wanted to find out. He was asking how to pronounce my roommates last name, where he worked, his phone number etc. I asked him what his badge number was, he wouldn't tell me. I asked him where he was stationed he said "downtown." His name is supposedly "detective hunter." Again, wouldn't provide badge number or anything else. I was in my car for lunch so I thought I would drive by. No one was there but another man approached and said there were about 6-10 plain clothed guys banging on my door hard. Said one of them had some sort of badge hanging around his neck but no one else had a badge. They were in regular vehicles. The guy was very rude and demanding on the phone. Said he would just come back when my roommate was home, as if it was a threat. My roommate is a good guy, I have known him for years. Wouldn't have any bail bondsman after him or anything like that. If they come back, should I just call the actual police? What gives?
Topic:
Douche

Answer:
 It is very hard to believe that these are real police officers. If they are real police, they're definitely conducting an investigation, not looking to make an arrest.

I'd suggest the following:
1. If the "officer" calls again, tell him that unless and until he provides a name and badge number, you will not talk to him because you do not believe he is a police officer. If he provides a name/number, hang up, call the non-emergency police number in your city, and confirm he is a police officer, and ask them to put you in touch with him.
2. If the "officer" stops by your place, demand to see a badge and identification. If he threatens you in any way, call 911, and say that someone pretending to be a police officer is threatening you.

This could be the real police. But it's also possible it's someone whose just going after your roommate. Either way, don't do anything more until you know whether it's a cop or not.

((Just a note that this is not legal advice and I am not a lawyer.))


Title: [Texas] The landlord is outright lying to prospective buyers

Question:
I've been living in the house I'm in now for almost seven years and the landlord listed the house for sale last week. That being said, I know very well what is wrong with the house I'm in as there have been many major issues through the years that he's either McGyvered or outright not done. These include:
Foundation needs to be piered as it's shifted almost three inches.
The seals in ALL the windows failed long before I even moved in so in the winter, the cold comes right through and vice versa in the summer.
The roof is beyond its rated life cycle.
The entire A/C system needs replacement (Outside unit, FAU in the garage, ALL the ducting and insulation in the attic.
The patio cover is not up to code and plans were never submitted with the city for approval.

These are the majors with a few mid-range issues as well.

He's been over a lot doing half-assed jimmy-rigged repairs that he's put off for months/years of my telling him about them. So, he's been present when realtors come through with prospective buyers and he's been telling them that there aren't any foundation issues, the roof is good and that the appliances are only three years old. LOL, three years ago, the oven broke so he waited until Bulk Trash day and drove around until he found an oven and matching dishwasher that someone left on the curb  (That still worked), loaded them in his truck and installed them in this house. (From that day, I never used either, Ewww)

Anyway, I literally sit here listening to him lie about all of it.
Am I compelled to say something? Doesn't he have to disclose those items legally when asked? Can I be held legally liable for not saying something?
I did tell the listing agent that the Nest thermostat and security camera are mine and both will be uninstalled upon my moving out.

Answer:
 > Am I compelled to say something?

No, you are not.  You **can**, if your statements are truthful, but you're under no obligation to.  You should not, however, perpetuate his dishonesty - if asked questions, you should either refuse to answer or answer truthfully.  Answering dishonestly *could* open you up to liability.Answer #2: You can't be liable for not saying something. You aren't a party to that transaction. If you want to say something then you can, but saying things that aren't accurate can lead to problems.

That said, if you want to throw a monkey wrench in the works you can simply point out the things that aren't to code to the city inspectors. It's literally their job and the flags they put on the property can make a property virtually impossible to sell until the issue is fixed.


Title: [Louisiana] I live in an apartment complex and a guy tried entering my apartment.

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Seeing as they weren't trespassing yet, and wasn't a threat to your life, yet... I can't see that result ending well for you...

Did they just mistake which apartment they were at?  Drunk person trying to open the wrong door?  Would have been a very sad ending...


Title: Trying to help my friend out of her mortgage/relationship

Question: So she went and bought a house with her very abusive fiancéon the condition he got therapy but surprise surprise he hasn’t and nothings changed and she’s trying to leave but doesn’t wanna screw herself finically basically I’m just wondering if there’s a loophole or some sort of law that could make her mortgage bill and void

Answer:
 > I’m just wondering if there’s a loophole or some sort of law that could make her mortgage bill and void

No.

She can buy him out, or sell him her share, or go to court and ask a judge to order a partition by sale.Answer #2: No, her obligation is to the bank. They don't care about her relationship issues. She can offer to buy off his half or that he buys off her half.


Title: Baby mama (I'm step mom) possible neglect questions.

Question:
The mom only sees the kids five weeks in summer. She could see them more but fails to schedule visits. And for mandated visits no shows. The kids(both girls) tell us at moms they share a small mattress with a 4 yr old boy (moms bfs kid) and get their own breakfast and entertain themselves far into afternoon cos mom and BF are sleeping. The boy vomited and they slept in it last time. I phoned to inquire with cps and they said it wasn't exactly neglect per say. The five week visit is coming. Advice please.  Thanks Reddit. Ages 7/8. They've been ours full custody for over three years.
Wa state.

Answer:
 Non-Legal Advice:  Give the kids a phone and some toys to take.  Keep in touch with them.  Do not set it up as the kids having to choose between your love & their mother's love.  (And don't ever refer to her as "baby mama" in front of them.)

You got the kids most of the time.  Enjoy it.  Schedule a vacation for your 5 weeks off.Answer #2: What you have described is sad, but not neglect.  They have a place to sleep.  They have food.  They are old enough to be reasonably self sufficient.

Four year olds throw up in the middle of the night and dont even wake up.  As long as its like not still there the next visit, or they didnt come home with it in there hair or something.

You could always get them a pay as you go phone if you truly believe their safety is at risk.. Barring that, a portable dvd player and a small.assortment of movies is cheap as hell.  Send them with some things to do.

You can't fix the issues you have described.  So find ways to work around them.Answer #3: what you have described is not neglect.


Title: Not sure if this is the right place to ask. My gf family bought a new house and their neighbors threatens them with trouble. Can she call the cops if they continue to issue these threats?

Question:
A brief context.
My gf's family recently bought a house in a quiet neighborhood with predominately White population@[NYC]. Everything was fine until they rented out their two rooms to two young adults of which both are not White. One of the neighbors threatens to cause trouble if the two tenants were continue to live there. So far they don't know what kind of trouble he intends to cause but the merely fact he threatens someone because he doesn't like the color of the people living across the street is pure disgusting. Is there anything they can prepare and what are their options when the worst comes?

Answer: You've framed it as a race issue - do you know that is is a race issue or are presuming because of the races of the people involved? For instance, could this neighbor actually be angry about 2 tenants because that means there is less street parking for his household/more noise from your gf's property/some other issue consequential from more people living at your gf's property?