Title: Can a company legally do what my wife's company is doing? (California)

Question:
First and foremost my wife's last day at this job is today, but it is my understanding she can still sue her company after leaving.

Long story short my wife got this job a year ago, and was hired on salary. They promised her work hours were 8 to 6, paid lunches, and they would sponsor her work visa. She moved from across the country to here based on these promises.

Here are some of the things her company has done:

1. They falsify work hours and pay stubs for **only one specific race of employees**. All other races are paid properly. My wife did not get salary. Her paycheck did not say gross wages. It had an hourly rate with hours, and **falsified OT hours**. Her OT hours were EXACTLY the same every paycheck, even though she doesn't clock in or out.

2. She was regularly pressured or even forced to stay at work well passed 6 pm, without any additional OT pay. She regularly said she worried about getting fired if she left work on time instead of leaving when everyone else left. (Other employees stay until 8 pm, AND have to work weekends).

3. Her lunch hour was 12 to 1, but almost every day they would have meetings that would run well passed 12, with no additional time for lunch.

4. A Caucasian coworker was hired on salary, and is paid properly gross wages. She is also allowed to leave work at 6 pm "because she is white" (said by the director themself).

5. The company made my wife pay $5,000 cash to the office manager for her work visa paperwork. It was supposed to pay for a lawyer, but only cash could be given.

6. The company had an intern from an Asian country on an intern visa who they then hired...and gave a work visa sponsorship to. The owner himself specifically told the intern turned new hire that they need to stay at work until 8 pm without OT pay because "I'm allowing you to stay in this country". (This has nothing to do with my wife, just to show the owners character and attitude).

Basically the owner of this company hires people of his own race, but treats them like absolute dirt because "that's how it is" in their home country.

*What kind of case, if any, does my wife have against this company?*

*What kinds of things does she, or we, need to do to properly prep ourselves before meeting a lawyer?*

*If she sues this company, is there some sort of record that other employers will have readily available to them? I understand a background check would probably show a record, but is there a "work record" or anything like that when it comes to court cases?*

Last thing I'd want is my wife to be blackballed from future employers for suing this sorry excuse for a human being (the owner).

I apologize for the long post, and truly appreciate any advice or help!

EDIT: About the intern turned new hire, they filed her taxes with 3 exemptions instead of 0 or 1 so that the after tax pay matched what they promised her. She isn't from this country, so she didn't even know she was responsible for that....nor did she sign anything changing it. Is that legal? I believe she herself could have a case too.

Answer:
 1.  That doesn't mean her hours were falsified.  If she's properly paid a salary, her wages *should* be identical every week.  If they have an old payroll system, it my use an "hours" formula by default that they're too lazy or incapable of changing.  As for the race issue, do you have any evidence that anything was falsified or that it targeted a race specifically, as opposed to just your wife?

2.  If she's rightly salary-exempt, it's perfectly legal and very common.

3.  Again, if she's properly on salary, that's fine.

4.  Do you have proof of this?  That's a very serious charge.  If true, that would be discriminatory

5.  They cannot ask you to pay for legal fees if they are sponsoring her visa.  What they did there is illegal.  However, reporting this means she won't get a Visa either, so you have to weigh the costs.

6.  That's a horrible attitude, and potentially discriminatory but it's not a clear cut case.


Title: [USA, Kentucky] I got fired. Was it legal?

Question:
I'm not necessarily looking to sue my former employer (it probably wouldn't be worth the legal fees anyway) but something fishy is up with my termination and I want to just clear some things up in my mind.

I was hired on as a part-time worker at a department store on March 17, 2015.  The first three weeks were spent training and I was told that sales do not count during this period.  After the three week training period was over, I was told I would have three months to get the gist of things and then have a review after that time period was over.  Even if I didn't make my sales goals, I was told that everything would be forgiven and if I didn't make my sales goals within the next three months after that, that's when I would be terminated.  My training period ended on April 4 so that would put my three month review date at July 4.

During the first month, I missed a couple days because I lost two pints of blood due to an illness within 48 hours.  I could not physically withstand activity without passing out.  I sought medical treatment, had doctors' excuses printed for those days, and was told that it was alright.

A couple weeks ago I got sick again and didn't go to the doctor, but made up my hours at a later date.  My manager told me that as long as I made up the hours I missed, I was alright.

Yesterday I came down with pink eye in both eyes and texted my manager [this](http://imgur.com/0KmEFJl) - once again, was told things were forgiven as long as I made up hours.  I didn't immediately call out without consulting my manager since I wasn't feeling all that poorly and if my manager *really* wanted me at work, I'd come in.

Today I was at work for less than an hour when the store manager called me to her office and told me today would be my last day.  She said my sales were horrible (I was 13% under my goal for the month because I got killed with returns, had over $1000 in returns in 2 weeks) and told me that even though I was sick, that's irrelevant because I didn't come to work.  The conversation went like this:

"So today will be your last day here.  I need you to sign this form."

*"Okay, so despite the fact I had doctors' notes for my absences and made up the hours I missed, I'm still breaking a policy?"*

"We don't require doctors' notes so whether you're sick or not is irrelevant."

*"And is this my three month review?"*

"You won't be getting one.  As you stand right now, you're the most horrible person in the store.  You didn't meet your goal."  (to add insult to injury...)

*"I was told I would have a three month period before my first review, and if I didn't make my sales it would be forgiven.  Then I would be terminated within the next three months if I didn't make my sales after that point."*

"Your sales are horrible this month so that doesn't matter."

*"So do you want me to work the rest of the day since today is my last day?"*

"No, just leave."

I understand that I'm an at-will employee since I was part time, but what I'm stuck on is how I was basically promised job security for 6 months after my training period but suddenly that doesn't apply to me.  I also understand that yeah, okay, despite the fact I was nearly on my death bed for the three days I missed when I got severely anemic, I broke an absence policy.  I never had a customer complaint, or counted my drawers wrong, or was tardy.  I just don't know what to think here.

Answer:
 They fired you because you couldn't preform. Perfectly legal.

That's how sales works. First prize is a Cadillac El Dorado. Second prize is a set of steak knives. Third prize is you're fired. It's fuck or walk.


Title: Any recourse on a mattress purchase from 2 years ago?

Question:
My wife and I bought a Sealy iComfort Prodigy in October 2011 from Mattress Firm. We were looking for something really soft and comfortable and the showroom model was the right fit for us. We got all the bells and whistles - adjustable frames, tempurpedic pillows, etc. We spent about $6,500 thinking this would be the last mattress we ever bought.

Well the brand new mattress that was delivered was much harder than the showroom model. Also, about a month after having the mattress we started noticing our back hurting. We went to the store and spoke with our sales rep who requested us to "walk on the mattress" to break it in. So we did but it didn't help. Mattress firm as this 110 day guarantee where if you bring the issue up with them within 110 days you can swap out the mattress. Unfortunately, we were out of the country and were not able to bring up the issue until 118 days afterwards. I spoke to the store and district manager, neither would allow us to swap but suggested that we have Warranty service performed.

The warranty guy came out and said that, in his opinion, the mattress was defective in that one side was flatter than the other and the foam more compressed. However, his measurements were below the threshold for Sealy to replace the mattress.

We just gave up and never thought of it again. Every morning I wake up sore on my back/ribcage. We tried pillow toppers but nothing works.  That mattress is a solid brick of gel underneath and it hurts. I am wondering if there is any legal recourse now or are we just stuck with it and have to eat the cost. Thoughts?

EDIT: We purchased this mattress in our residence state of Texas.

Answer:
 First off, you have a Serta, not a Sealy. Your mattress should still be under warranty. iComforts had 25 year warranties at the time you bought.

You have no recourse with Mattress Firm, although I am surprised that they didn't still allow you to switch it. I know that often times they will try to do everything they can to help customers, but I guess not in your case.

Your best option is to try Serta again and see if they will honor their warranty. To be considered defective for the warranty, there needs to be a .75" dip somewhere on the mattress. If there isn't one, I wouldn't have them come out. However, you can talk with their customer service folks and express how dissatisfied you are with the product. Tell them the foam never broke in to feel like it was supposed to, but even more distressingly the two sides are breaking in unevenly, and describe what discomfort you're having. Tell them how you're unable to recommend their product to anyone, since they haven't been able to help you out. You could even mention that when you purchase your next mattress you'll have to go with Tempurpedic, since they're a company that values their customers' satisfaction.

It's not guaranteed to work, but those are a lot of things that customer service reps in the industry are usually trying to prevent. Maybe they'll take care of you and give you a new icomfort to try. Don't expect your money back or anything, but hopefully you'll get a bed that isn't defective.


Title: Opposition is asking me to postpone court date

Question:
The lawyer suing me just called me twice leaving an urgent sounding voicemail that their side won't be able to make the scheduled court date or appearance. He offered me a few diff dates instead.

What do I do? Would I benefit in insisting on the scheduled date? Would I benefit or harm from agreeing to postpone?

Help! I'm completely new to this and navigating solo.

Answer:
 Emergencies happen, just the other week we were ordered back by a Judge on a date we were otherwise already set for, so then we had to call opposing counsel and explain.

These things happen, if they are willing to prepare the stipulation for continuation (or whatever NJ uses for them) and pay the fee if there is one (we pay $25 here in CA), it's no harm no foul.  If they continue to move the date forward over and over, that's when you push back.


Title: [NY] Told minority owner of the my company about embezzlement, was fired. Do I have any recourse?

Question:
I worked for a company in NY (not NYC) organized as an LLC, with three members. Two of the member-managers were taking salaries although they weren't supposed to according to the operating agreement and telling the third member that they weren't making any money.

I told a minority member about it, it got back to the other members, and I was fired about a month afterwards. The stated reasons in the term letter were every reason I had ever heard for firing with cause: unexcused absences, work not up to standard, insubordination, etc.

They didn't explicitly tell me that they were firing me because I was working with the minority member, but one of the other managers told me explicitly that the other owners thought I was working with the minority owner. Do I have any sort of recourse here?

Answer:
 Recourse for what? You were an at-will employee, and thinking you were helping the minority owner is still a legal reason to fire you.

You can file for unemployment and appeal if denied.


Title: Dispute over car damage

Question:
I was out with my friend one night when she asked me to drive her car. She had been smoking weed and said she was too tired to drive. I obliged but in so doing backed into a wall causing cosmetic damage to the rear side panel.

As it stands, the repairs are approximately $1,132. Her parents are currently expecting me to pay the entire cost or to claim it as my own fault on my insurance.

I can't afford to do either. I tried to reason with them and agree to pay half, but they won't budge. Her dad says if I don't pay for the damage, then he will take me to court.

What should I do?

Answer: You should pay for the damage you caused. Duh.


Title: Texas- Can I fire my do-nothing court appointed attorney or ask for a different one?

Question:
My court appointed attorney has done nothing in the way of trying to get my  charge reduced or offer anything other than what I have already been offered previously by the D.A.
My case is for 1gm of marijuana.  Every option I suggest to him is strongly discouraged to the point that it sounds like he works for the D.A.
Is there any recourse like asking for another attorney or calling the state bar?

Edit: I don't necessarily smoke weed although I do believe in legalizing it. I had it because my grown daughter uses it for epilepsy and further it was less than a gram. I don't spend money on weed because I am unemployed(hence the court apptd atty). I also am not looking for life advice when I ask for legal advice but I forget, everytime I ask a question on this subreddit, a bunch of dicks answer with nasty comments. I ONLY experience this on this particular subreddit. Thanks to those who gave me their opinions about legal advice.

Furthermore, the Trooper who pulled me over had no probable cause to search my vehicle anyway. NONE whatsoever, why? because I wasn't under the influence of anything other than caffeine and there was no smoke, no alcohol on my breath. He even commented that he "had a gut feeling about it". a gut feeling is not probable cause. My address is in Austin Texas and this redneck figured he had an easy target.
If you attorneys can't figure out that this is a revenue scheme then you're out of touch with reality. So back the fuck up off of me.

Answer: In your previous post you confirm that you had the pot in your purse and in yet another post only 13 days ago you talk about doing acid and ecstasy.  I really don't think this situation is your attorneys fault.


Title: Tenet saying the home is "uninhabitable"?

Question: I have a tenant who rents a room in my home who has just given 2 days notice on a month to month agreement. He claims the house is "uninhabitable" because I asked him not to crank the heater to 80 when it is 60 degrees outside. He is demanding his security deposit back but has not paid his last months rent and is threatening legal action if I do not return it. From my research he does not have legal standing as he has not given proper notice. Am I wrong? We are in California and there is no written rental agreement. Also four more of us live in this house and do just fine.

Answer:
 Here's the law:

>§ 34. Heating (25 CCR § 34)
(a) Every dwelling unit and guest room used or offered for rent or lease shall be provided with heating facilities capable of maintaining a minimum room temperature of 70 degrees F at a point three feet above the floor in all habitable rooms, and when the heating facilities are not under the control of the tenant or occupant of the building owner and/or manager, shall be required to provide that heat at a minimum temperature of 70 degrees F, 24 hours a day. Answer #2: 1.  He needs to give notice.

If there was a condition the needed to be remedied, he'd have to notify you in writing and give you the opportunity to remedy it.

80 might be a bit high... but it might be reasonable to expect the thermostat be set at 70.  he certainly does not have the right to have it at whatever arbitrary setting he chooses.

In the future, consider a rental agreement with some expectations...

He may sue anyway.  Can't really stop him.  If so, a judge will sort it out.


Title: If someone baits you into hitting them, can you?

Question: Basically, if someone on the street is being a bully and shouting "Hit me, you pussy" or any variation of that, is that considered legal provocation for you to hit them (without a weapon, of course).

Answer: No.


Title: My girlfriend being blackmailed

Question: So last night my girlfriend was drinking and she happened to be in the mood to send me some nudes but she accidentally sent it to a random person in her messages. The guy is now saying if she doesn’t send more he will leak it to everyone she follows. She’s freaking out and doesn’t know what to do so some advice would be good right now

Answer:
 What state are you in?

Regardless, she needs to report this to the police.


Title: Landlord not only walked into my house without notice, he walked into my bedroom while I was sleeping

Question:
I'm 23 and live in Colorado. I live by myself in a triplex. The property that I live on is unique because there are three consecutive houses that were each broken up into triplexes with studios in each of them. We all use the same postal address. It's sort of a community space in that there is a hot tub and grill that we all have access to and everyone is really friendly. The landlord is the one that renovated the properties and he actually lives in one of them. Overall, I get along with all my neighbors, and usually my landlord, and really like where I live.

Last night I had four friends over and we stayed up late listening to music and drinking. Apparently the people that live above me complained to our landlord because they couldn't sleep. My landlord barged into my house at 6:30 a.m. yelling my name. I was sleeping in my room, which he entered to threaten to evict me, told me to apologize to my neighbors, etc. I was shocked and scared so I just said okay to everything he said because I wanted him to leave as soon as possible. I sleep without my clothes on, so I was even more uncomfortable, luckily when I heard him enter my house I threw my bedsheets over myself. When my landlord left I heard him yell at my friend who was smoking a cigarette on my porch that he wanted him out and insulted him calling him a twelve year old.

This was the first time that there was ever a noise problem and I've been living there for 8 months now. I think that my landlord will eventually apologize to me and he isn't serious about evicting me. It just seems like he has an anger problem. I don't really want to move out, but I think that this is a pretty serious offense that my landlord committed. I do think that we can work it out ourselves, but what should I do so that he knows he really fucked up and broke not only my trust but the law as well?

I'll also add that the lease I signed is super simple and only states what my rent and deposit are and that my lease is month to month.

Edit: I'm also curious if there could be ground for sexual harassment since he barged into my bedroom while I was sleeping. I wasn't wearing any clothing (I'm a woman for the sake of context). It made me awfully uncomfortable.

Edit 2: I already apologized to my neighbors and they were really relaxed about it. Like I said this is the first time in the 8 months I've lived there that I caused a noise disturbance. I usually don't have people over like that and I don't plan on doing it again. I'm a pretty quiet person and I live by myself for a reason.

Answer:
 Not knowing the state you are in, I'll tell you my perspective from my state.

During a period of paid occupancy, in your case - a renter of the property, you are entitled to all aspects of privacy a homeowner would. Meaning, your landlord CANNOT barge into the residence uninvited. He owns it, sure, but he essentially passed the ownership on to you temporarily and with stipulations ( rental agreement ) if that makes sense.

Same situation goes for when you rent a hotel room. You are in a period of paid occupancy, essentially, for a shorter period of time, you own that hotel room - they are letting you reside there with stipulations ( rental agreement ) Answer #2: So what do you want to happen? Do you want to break your lease over this?Answer #3: Anything you do will likely result in backlash from your landlord. If you do file a police report on him, he will most likely give you a month's notice and evict you... Why would he do this? Because you're becoming a larger and larger problem for him..


Title: My cheating wife may be pregnant with another man's child.

Question:
I live in Illinois, USA. I have recently started the process of divorcing my wife because she has become a severe alcoholic with no intention of changing, she has been physically abusive, and I have recently found out that she has been sleeping with some guy she met in rehab. We have only had sex once, about 2 months ago, since our son was born over nine months ago and I used a condom, and I even faked the orgasm. If she is pregnant, there is an extremely small chance this child is mine.

1. If she is pregnant with this other man's child, is it possible that I may have to pay child support for a kid that isn't mine?

2. Are there other possible issues that I haven't even thought of that I need to worry about in this situation?

Answer: There's presumption of paternity in Illinois, so you may have to get a DNA/paternity test or else be presumed the father, even if it's not yours.Answer #2: Obviously bring this up with your lawyer. Paternity test. If the guy she cheated with wants to be present, that could help your case. NAL.Answer #3: IANAL but in Illinois because you are married you will be presumed to be the father. At this point even if you divorce you’ll still be presumed to be the father. From what I’ve read it sounds like you must contest parenthood within two years of learning that you might not be the father. Since you are aware pre-birth, I’m unclear if the clock starts now or when the child is born. Either way you should probably contact an attorney ASAP who specializes in contested paternity. Initial consultations are typically free.


Title: Can police officers place a speed trap in a driveway?

Question:
Long time lurker in this sub and a first time poster, have no idea if this is appropriate to post and have no idea which flair to set, so mods please remove if it breaks any rules.

(Also forgive the formatting, on mobile.)

Where I live(PA), it’s normal for police officers to wait by the side of a very specific major road in my area and pull over anyone going over the speed limit.

The locals started figuring out what was going on, and saw that the police would often wait in the same areas in order to catch someone speeding. So most of them decided to drive down a much smaller, and less traveled area in order to avoid the police.

Now I take this less-traveled route to go to work, and now I’m starting to see that the police are kind of “camping out” that area as well in order to catch the people who would try to avoid the major road. But there are no places to pull over on that smaller road, so the police who are setting speed traps resorted to backing their vehicles into peoples driveways.

I can’t imagine that anyone, police officer or not, would be allowed to just pull into any random persons driveway, blocking them in, in order to set a speed trap? It just doesn’t make sense to me. Can a police officer just park their car anywhere? Even if it’s on someone’s property?

Edit: A lot of people seem a bit confused on my opinion of this matter. I am in no way supporting the people who speed through these rural areas, and I 100% believe the police should do jobs to make sure they keep everyone safe. I am not some asshole that is pissed I can’t speed in these areas because of the speed traps. I was simply just curious as to if police can park in someone else’s driveway, as I’ve never seen it done before.

Answer:
 The land owner can tell them not to be on their land. You can do nothing about it and any one that received a speeding ticket has no standing to bring up the issue of police parked in a private driveway. Answer #2: The owners of the homes where the cops park probably called the police about people speeding on their little street in the morning. Answer #3: If the officer is in the car, then there's no "blocking people in" problem because they can just move.

And if the property owner doesn't want them there, (s)he can ask them to not park there anymore.


Title: Director told HR of my medical condition without my consent

Question:
I just want to know if this is legal because it feels wrong.
I was having some performance issues. I got assessed and diagnosed with ADD and told my boss about it in the hopes that the medication will help me improve my performance.
My boss went to HR. She told me it was about reasonable accommodation, but it was only a week ago I told her-- definitely not enough time to see how the meds work or if I even need accommodation.
I'm upset that she shared the info without my consent. Was she in the wrong?

Answer:
 Nope.

She thought you were requesting an accommodation and forwarded to the proper channels. Answer #2: There's nothing preventing an employer from sharing medical information in a case like this in the US at the federal level. I can't think of any states that have anything prohibiting this either


Title: [Minnesota] [Online] Fan Edits and how to deal with Cease and Desist Letters.

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 > I take a whole season of a show and cut it down into something short like 1 or 2 hours.

This seems like a clear-cut case of preparing a derivative work from the originals. This is not fair use, per the legal meaning of the term, and if you do so without permission from whoever holds the rights to the original work, you are almost certainly infringing on their copyright. In the US, your edit is also ineligible for copyright protection as an unauthorized derivative work.

[Stanford](http://fairuse.stanford.edu/overview/fair-use/what-is-fair-use/) has a good primer on fair use. The key elements are:

* Your reuse of the original work is limited in scope, and
* Your reuse is transformative.

Transformative reuse generally falls into one of two categories: parody and critique/education. A fan edit that simply reuses large swaths of the original work to present the same narrative in a shorter time span is neither limited in scope nor transformative in the sense used in copyright analysis.

You shouldn't do this at all without permission from whoever holds the rights to the original work, and the question of whether a cease and desist is "real" or not misses the point.


Title: My sister is evicting my parents.help please.

Question:
Our house is in my sisters name but she only owns 40%, the 60% of the payment is being made by my parents and the rest of my sisters. Bills and utilities are split equally, phones are individual. Most of the bills are in my parents name. She got married and without notice, she informed us that she had an investor purchasing the house. We have no intention of moving out since this house is approved by medical insurance for my mom's dialysis and kidney transplant.My parents are seniors and disabled. Can we fight it?

Edit:thanks for the replies, I was honestly just verifying.. appreciate your time!

Answer:
 >Our house is in my sisters name but she only owns 40%, the 60% of the payment is being made by my parents and the rest of my sisters.

If the house is in your sisters name only then she owns 100%, and any money that other people are contributing would be called rent. It sounds like she has given notice that the house is going to be sold. She has the right to do that, and your parents will end up having to move.Answer #2: What do you mean that the house in your sister's name, but she only owns 40% of it?

Do your parents names appear anywhere on the title or deed?Answer #3: If your sister owns the house, then your parents were paying rent, or at the very least gifting her a large amount of money.  If she wishes to continue down the current path, I'm sure the IRS would love to hear about all that rental income she never put on her taxes.Answer #4: Who is on the deed of the property?


Title: [IL] Can a church which is also a polling place post political signs?

Question: A friend of mine found that a church that is also a polling place has a sign within 100 feet of its door that says "Vote Pro Life".  Given early voting has begun, is this illegal?  If so, what can she do about it?

Answer:
 Probably legal.  For one thing, that rule doesn't matter until it actually functions as a polling place i.e. the day of the election.

For another, the rule is they support or oppose a specific candidate or ballot measure.  A general statement to "vote pro life" if there's no abortion issue on the ballot is probably permissible


Title: Can you do this in any state?

Question: I was watching Bad Grandpa .5, when they did a prank to see if someone would help them bury his wife in the backyard.  If  I wanted to be buried in my own yard, would i be able to do this if it was in my will?   Or at all?  In case it matters, I live in Illinois.

Answer:
 Disposal of a corpse is heavily regulated. I'm sure there is a statute for it in Illinois.

Also http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/burial-cremation-laws-illinois.html#6

And http://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/077/077005000000500r.html

But see this http://realestate.msn.com/rest-at-home-forever-home-burials-are-surprisingly-legal?page=2 (don't know how reliable that is though).


Title: LegalZoom name change?

Question:
I am an adult looking to simply change my last name to my mother's instead of my father's. This is due to uncovering things about my father and things he did to his family members that I find completely and utterly unforgivable. I've found reviews online but all they talk about is the cost. What I want to know is, what is the convenience? Can I take care of the entire process online or will I end up needing to go to court anyway? And how long will the process take?

Thank you.

Edit: I am located in MA.

Answer: Head over to [Massachusetts' site](http://www.mass.gov/courts/selfhelp/name-changes/). Most, if not all, of your questions can be answered there, and they walk you through the process. The required forms are there, as well.


Title: Lowball Pain and Suffering Settlement from accident

Question: Background: Im a 27 year old who works a physical job that I plan on making a career. I was a passenger in my friends vehicle when we got hit head on by a drunk driver. I was diagnosed with a cervical sprain, aka whiplash at the ER I had to start my seasonal job late bc of the pain. I couldnt work out to prepare for my job where being in good shape could mean the difference between life or death. For the last year Ive been receiving treatment at the chiropractors office and went through physical therapy. The pain is way less intense and comes less frequently but still bothers me when i increase physical activity. My chiropractor said thats the just the way my body is now and want to stop treatment. The insurance company mailed me a release from liability and an offer of 2500 for pain and suffering. My medical bills were almost 9000. When I didnt respond they sent another one offering 3000. Ive called 6x since June 2016 and they have never called back. Does anyone have experience with this? Should I just get an attorney? Or will the cost of an attorney not be worth it?

Answer:
 > Should I just get an attorney?

You should have gotten an attorney a year ago. The drunk's insurance company is not on your side. If you want a fair deal out of them you need to make them believe that a fair deal is going to cost them less than a lawsuit.

Have a consultation with a personal injury lawyer and see what he thinks of your case.


Title: Subpoena from Malibu media. What to do?

Question:
Hello Reddit from Maryland.
My family just received a John Doe subpoena from Malibu media and we don't know what to do. There are so many other instances of this but I am still not sure what to do.
They never pirated anything but I have. I have been downloading music, movies, and the occasional porn. For the subpoena there are around 20 movies from over two years. The thing is, I'm still a minor and I don't know what will happen to my parents or how it would affect my parents.
Now let's go through the legal options. Settling for us would be too expensive because a settlement would be around a third to a half of our yearly income if we are charged 9000 like in a comment I saw on another Reddit post. Another option is to try to quash the subpoena but I've heard that it rarely works because they are usually able to dismiss it. This would also be costly for my family and if it just fails, then we would be throwing away money. Next would be to ignore it but that doesn't seem to smart with so much movies listed with a maybe a hundred or two hundred thousand fine for each. If we just ignore it, what are the chances of being hit with a lawsuit, since it looks like such an easy case for them. What is the best way to respond to this?
Thank you to whoever is reading and has tried to help.

Answer: Just because you're poor doesn't mean you can rip off content for free. [Here is a link to the wiki](https://www.reddit.com/wiki/legaladvice/hate) with a blurb about this.


Title: My husband (soon to be ex) is in prison, and through mail emptied our joint account

Question:
Just a little background: 5 years ago my husband was in a car accident that required 11 surgeries in 2 years and was on heavy painkillers for the entire time. Even after the surgeries he continued to have constant pain and was on pain management for another year. The doctors then pulled him off narcotic painkillers and began to lower his dosage to ween him off but he was already very heavily addicted. He did have real pain but kept taking more and more, it was not fun. He entirely changed, he was a great husband and man before the accident.

Then after a while they kept giving him less and less and he kept finding people to buy them from and continued heavy usage. We seen a counselor and tried to do rehab but it didn't work, they say you can't help someone who doesn't want to be helped and all the therapists told me until he hits bottom he can't be helped.

Well his bottom hit hard and quick, he was arrested buying heroin in a school parking lot (it was midnight and no students, this isn't an excuse just an explanation) and was sentenced to 18 months in prison, he already was doing drug court for heroin when he was arrested. I thought prison would help him get clean and see what he's putting me and our son through but it hasn't. I stopped putting money in his account because I found out he was buying drugs in prison. Told him that I will be finding an attorney and divorcing him, I just cannot do this anymore.

We are still technically married and somehow through mail or phone he had transfer done to someone. Cleaning the entire account right before Christmas, and when other bills are coming up he knew about. I'm assuming this is for drugs or something somehow. What can I do in this situation? He was on the account technically and the bank hasn't been helpful leading into Thanksgiving that he managed to ruin because we couldn't buy groceries. They said he was on the account and authorized, what do I even begin to do here?? I'm an idiot for not changing banks but didn't know he could do stuff in prison, and I shouldn't have told him about the divorce but I need to know what to do now
Topic:
Custody Divorce and Family

Answer:
 His name was on the account. There isn't much you can do besides try to get half back during the divorce. But he probably won't have any money to pay it back.Answer #2: Go to the police and file a report for theft; let them know your soon-to-be-ex is incarcerated and where he is, they will most likely contact the prison officials there. Take that report and go to the bank as soon as they open tomorrow and find out who the transfer was to (his family? his lawyer? his dealer?), and if you can, put a hold/fraud alert on the transfer.  Open a new account for yourself while you're there, and make sure any auto-deposits you have go into that account.  If you get the money back, move it out immediately to your new account and close the old one.

Be sure to let your lawyer know about this when you go to divorce.  Chances are the court will not be happy with your husband.


Title: (Las Vegas, NV) Marijuana dispensary allowed reporter to surreptitiously film patients and customers buying marijuana

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 > I intend on filing a HIPAA violation

HIPAA is federal. Marijuana is illegal federally. Even if it wasn't, you were purchasing recreational marijuana. Even if you weren't, the reporter is not bound by HIPAA. So there are at least a few reasons this wasn't an HIPAA violation. Edit: Cleaned up previous edit.

I'd never go back to this dispensary again though. And I'd let them know why. I wouldn't want me buying 40 cases of booze to be shown on Facebook either and I'd boycott the liquor store that let someone put that online.Answer #2: Welcome to the 1st Amendment. The reporter, unless barred from the premises, was allowed to be there. You were in a public location.


Title: [IL] Landlord wants us to cover her daughters water bill in the second apartment (she'll "pay us back") because it lacks its own meter. Options?

Question:
UPDATE: Well I proposed the written agreement for any amount over what we usually pay including the split fee thing via voicemail, she hasn't gotten back to me yet. She lives behind us and I resisted the urge to approach her while she was working in her yard, its too awkward. Apparently her daughter is already moved in to, I didn't realize it but she has been there since yesterday according to my husband. I am so pissed off.
Thank you guys for all of your advice! I'm going to roll with it for now since I don't have any options that are immediately available, and if I need to take her to small claims for this bogusness when all is said and done I am keeping documentation and am prepared.

Sorry wall of text, I am a bit upset.

We are renting an apartment that is an old commercial building that was converted to residential. There are two apartments in the building and a third that was "being renovated" when we first signed our lease. We learned later the third apartment used to be part of this apartment, but they put a wall up. The previously empty apartment has its own electric meter (not sure about gas), but apparently does not have its own water meter.

The landlady is moving her daughter into it, and just texted me that the power company can't put in a water meter for that apartment until the end of April, but her daughter is moving in now.

She said via text message "our only choice is to share the water bill until the meter work is complete. So I will be glad to split the water cost with you, it is only one person (my daughter), I just wanted to explain this to you fully before she moved in".

What are my options? I have not responded to her yet, my knee jerk reaction was to tell her we would need to write up a binding agreement first. But I didn't send that message, just saved it. The power bills are already outrageously high here (no insulation, old gas heater, questionable electricity) We have been around $300 a month for everything keeping the place at 60 degrees this winter, and its the reason we are leaving once our lease is up in June (she has not asked if we are renewing our lease yet, I was going to give her 30 days notice if she doesn't ask)
I really don't want to get burned (we have been having issues with the high bills already), and I am really not okay with this at all. She is making it sound like it is happening regardless. I am also now wondering what other things might be shared with that apartment that we don't know about.

TL;DR: Landlady is wanting us to pay for the water in the second apartment until the meter is installed for them, and she will "split it" with us. Her daughter seems to be moving in within the week or next week. I'm not comfortable with this and wan't to know my options.

Thanks!
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer:
 Well your landlady was upfront with it this puts her in the top 20% of all landlords and ladys nationwide, so I kinda of trust her. I would have her either 1) place bill in her name, you agree to pay her what you your average was last couple of months; 2) keep bill in your name have her agree to pay 1/2 water bill (don't offer 1/3 or w.e, 1/2 is fair); 3) agree to just raise your rent by X amount and water is now included, bill transferred to landlady/daughter.
You can do it simply, not much you can do to stop her (you can't cut off the water or anything). If you want to and are willing to vacate quickly, this may be a good reason to break your lease as it is a substantial change, I advise against that. Answer #2: To take the simple approach..  Can she pay a deposit which you take out a pre-agreed amount on and return the remainder?

Let's say your rent is $1,000 a month. Can you agree that you will pay $600 next month (where you take a $400 deposit) then take out a pre-agreed proportion of the bill and return the remainder?  I'd try to shift the risk back to the other party.

Alternatively, if you can show proof that your bill is $100 a month, then you might be able to agree that daughter is responsible for anything over an agreed amount.


Title: Houston, TX - I'm giving my notice to my employer today. Is it legal for him to ask specifics about my new employer and am I required to give him that information?

Question:
Not sure if this is the right place to post this, so if you think I should post somewhere else please let me know.

I accepted another job offer today and I am giving my 2 week notice this afternoon at my current job. I am afraid that my current employer will insist on knowing specifics about my new job (name of the company, position I was offered, tasks that I will be performing in that position, etc). I would rather not disclose that information but I want to make sure that if the situation arises I can confidently (and politely, of course) refuse to give him that information. Does anyone know if there is any legal claim to him being able to ask for that info?

In addition, my current employer is a marketing agency. One of our clients at this marketing agency is a doctor that treats sleep apnea. My new job is at an online retail company that sells CPAP machines (used to treat sleep apnea symptoms). I will be working with their in-house marketing department. I signed a standard non-compete clause a few months back with my current employer and I want to know if there is any possibility my current employer might be able to say I am in violation of that non-compete by accepting this new job?

Thank you!
Topic:
Business Law

Answer:
 > I can confidently (and politely, of course) refuse to give him that information.

Of course. Also keep in mind that 2 weeks notice is a professional courtesy but is not legally required. Unless you have a contract stipulating to it, then it's contractually required.

> I signed a standard non-compete clause a few months back with my current employer and I want to know if there is any possibility my current employer might be able to say I am in violation of that non-compete by accepting this new job?

Sure, you should run this by an employment attorney. Everything depends on the language of the non-compete. Your current employer could sue you if they feel you've violated it (well, technically, even if they don't).


Title: my friend is going to court about child support.. shes worried.

Question:
this is in MN.. her ex has a violent past and has been denied by her the right to see their daughter. he isnt on the birth certificate but for her to get continued aid with her childcare she needs to go after child support.. its $150 or so dollars a month because he makes so little. she doesnt want him to see her because he has been violent with the child in the room. this is documented on police records..

the problem is she makes too much to get a free lawyer but not enough to afford a lawyer. she is going to represent herself and shes scared of what could happen.

so the question is.. what can she do to assure this will go the smoothest possible way? she has already gathered his police reports and many of them are violent. she is bummed out that this is happening over less than $2,000 a year and shed rather struggle without the extra cash than open herself up to this whole ordeal but then she will lose her child care aid. she does not want the father in her childs life and has documented him saying he will "sign his parental rights away" not sure if that even means anything..

TLDR: girl with a violent baby daddy is being forced to go to court for child support but wants to continue no contact between him and the child.

Answer:
 She needs to understand that child support and visitation are separate.  Visitation is determined by what's best for the child, first, and what the parents want, second.  Child support is a math calculation based on income and how much time the parent has the child.  So she needs to sort that out in her brain, make sure she fills out the forms correctly for court.

There is no way for the father to sign his rights away unless there's  a stepparent ready to adopt, and by the same token, there's no way for her to completely deny access if he wants visitation.  He is going to get some access, even if it's supervised, unless she can prove that even that much poses a danger to the child.

And please don't say baby daddy, we aren't on an MTV reality show.


Title: (US) Implications of employer making threats about legality?

Question:
Hey reddit....

So, I am a high school teacher. Our district has a strict "no-zero" grading policy that makes the minimum grade a 55 rather than a 0, and our principal has instructed us that this extends to instances of cheating as well. Teachers have been asked to change old grades and no longer give 0s for communicating during exams or even refusal to do work. (Which, previously, we had been advised to reward with a 0.)

There are probably legal issues (certainly ethical ones) to this policy, but I am concerned more with the way our leadership communicated this all to us. Without the district's legal counsel present to explain, we were loudly threatened that not following the policy was "illegal," and we would lose our jobs for noncompliance. I and others tried to share that we had questions about the ethical and legal side of the policy, but we were shut down rather fast.

Are there any implications for an employer/boss making threats about the legality of certain employee behavior without a legal expert present? I just felt wrong about what was going on, and I made that clear.

EDIT: In the state of Mississippi

Answer:
 > Our district has a strict "no-zero" grading policy that makes the minimum grade a 55 rather than a 0

This crap is getting ridiculous. Whoever is crafting this new pro-snowflake math needs to be taken out back and shot.


Title: [CA] School bus hit my parked car.

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Report the accident to the police and to your car insurance.

They will deal with everything.Answer #2: You could have been sitting in your car juggling meth pipes while snorting cocaine - the other driver is still going to be at fault for hitting your parked car.

Just wait for the insurance company to call you and get the damages sorted out.


Title: What can I legally do so my house isn't sold to some strangers?

Question:
Hi reddit this is the first time I have ever posted something and I could really use some help on this one.

My parents divorced when I was about 8 years old. Im 18 now and still living in the same home in Miami FL with my sister, my mom and my best friend. Long story short my dad is now forcing my mom to sell this house and right this instant Im spending my saturday morning watching a relator escort families through my house and I get to see them decide wether or not they want to buy my home. I couldn't just tell them to leave or else either I or my mom would be put in jail for 6 months. I go to FIU right now but do eventually plan on leaving to UF if I get accepted but that won't be for another year and a half. So I was just wondering if there is anything that I can LEGALY do to ensure that no one wants to buy this house. Im doing this for my mom and sister. Reddit please help me!

Answer:
 > I can LEGALY do to ensure that no one wants to buy this house.

Nothing legally. The courts have ordered the house sold. That fight is over. Sorry


Title: Student Loan issues

Question:
Hey all! This is a kinda vague question that I just kinda need a yes or no to.

&#x200B;

I won't get into a lot of it but long story short, my dad does not want to co-sign my student loans because my boyfriend lives with me. His condition is that I sign a form so he can monitor my grades. (I know that doesn't seem like a big deal to a lot but its just another thing on the pile of stuff he tries to hold over my head and I'm sick of it).

Basically, I wanna know if there are even any loans out there that I can afford to sign for with No Credit and a full time student who works a serving job.. so not a really reliable source of income. I'm not very knowledgeable about loans and stuff, not even sure if this is the right thread to post this... but worth a shot. If that is hard/ next to impossible, do I just swallow my annoyance and sign the paper so he will co-sign the loans. And I mean CO-SIGN!! I'm the one getting in debt, not him.

Answer: Federal student loans make you co-sign? Also, co-signing means he takes on the debt in the event you don't pay it. Answer #2: I don’t think you understand what co-sign means. He is also responsible for the debt if you do not repay it.


Title: Petty theft advice wanted

Question:
Hello,

A couple of weeks ago my girlfriend was involved with petty theft inside of a Zumiez clothing store. While in the changing room (they were together) her friend stuffed some clothes her bag. My girlfriend was changing at the time so she didn't notice. Loss prevention ended up catching it on camera and they both got arrested. The store owner decided to press charges and now they both have to go to court on March 11th.

What can my girlfriend do? We can't afford a lawyer because I'm a broke college student and she is a senior in high school. She is concerned that she will have to pay an expensive fine or end up with a permanent petty theft record that will follow her into the future and affect potential job opportunities.
Also, we live in Alaska.

Thank you!

Edit: The merchandise totalled to $70 and they are both banned from that mall for a year.

And to add some clarification, my girlfriend's friend put the clothes inside of her own bag, not my girlfriend's purse.

Answer:
 Lawyer here.

Don't talk to police without lawyer present.

They can prove the actus reus  (she left the store with clothes in her bag), but they'll have a hell of a time proving she had the mens rea sufficient to commit a crime.

If she didn't know the clothes were in her bag, she didn't have criminal intent. The whole fight will be about her knowledge.Answer #2: Your girlfriend has the right to an attorney if she can show the court she is indigent (which she likely is).  From there, a plea will be offered.  In my state (GA) it's typically a $1500, diversion (which means a couple of extra hundred bucks and sitting through a "do not steal" class- aka "flogging by powerpoint"), and a year probation.

I don't know if Alaska has a first offender type program.  The best I could find through a quick Google search is she may be able to petition the court for expungement after two years.

Alternatively, she could take it to trial.  But as I said in another comment, the "I didn't know my friend I was bumping rear ends with in the fitting room was stuffing clothes into a bag" defense is a common excuse, and not very believable.

(Not a lawyer, former police and loss prevention)


Title: Grandparents rights (NC)

Question:
I was living with my parents after a divorce for over a year. They decided to give me 60 days to move out. No issue. The next day they locked me out with none of my belongings in the middle of the night along with my 2 young kids. They were violent towards me and my children at that time. I cut them off aside from collecting my belongings (along with police who escorted me) and I was asked never to contact them again. I did not.

Fast forward 3 months to this morning and my father shows up at my house at 7 am (where he should NOT have had the address as I did everything I could for them not to have it). I did not know it was him and answered the door. He immediately tried forcing his way into the house and grabbing at me. I shut the door and deadbolted it while calling the cops. He left before they came out but they told me I could get a restraining order and if he comes back they can arrest him for trespassing.

This afternoon I got a letter from law offices saying that my parents are trying to pursue legal grandparent visitation with my kids. It says they want to try to work it out between us first. Especially in leu of the attack this morning and some other issues I have had, I am wondering if it is possible they could get grandparent visitation? I am pursuing a restraining order anyways. I am so going to a domestic abuse shelter to get help with the PO and everything but I wanted to know how worried I should be to begin with.

Answer:
 Be sure to continue to file police reports.

Do not respond to their communcations until you see a court summons, at which time seek legal counsel.


Title: My university is limiting who can access my res. hall and room. Can they do that?

Question:
Every year my university throws a large campus event involving music, food, and rides. This year, they're cracking down on partying by requiring everyone to wear wristbands designating their living area. For the entirety of that weekend (the event is only on Sunday), no one except people living in that res. hall can be in that area or the general vicinity. Essentially, students are not allowed to be anywhere except their specific dorms, library, or the student center this weekend. This is a public college, can they reasonably enforce it?

Location: California

Answer:
 Can they reasonably enforce it? Yes.

 Will they? Probably not.


Title: Employer saying I can't leave my job

Question:
I recently lost my unionized job, currently my union is fighting for my job back. I have been looking for work elsewhere as there is little hope I will get my old job back.

I was offered a job from a new employer and was ready to sign the contract but in the meeting I disclosed my current situation with my previous employer. The employer then stated that the contract is a legal document and that I could not return to my old job if my union was successful in getting my job back.

I did not sign as the new employer instructed me to contact my union and tell them that I would be taking a new full time position at this other company.

I was shocked at this statement as I thought I could leave any job with a written one or two week notice. However I am being hired under a federal program that takes unemployed people and tries to find them work by paying half their wage for a year.

I am fairly certain the contract is a company contract and not tied to this federal program. This wouldn't be an issue as I'm confident I won't get my old job back but I am waiting on a different job offer from another employer. I don't want to lock into this job for a year and then get a better job offer. Also I do not want to tell my previous union rep I am taking another job because there is talk of severance pay.

So is she correct in stating that I can't take a different job if I sign this contract? I am meeting tomorrow and I will re read the contract but I'm fairly certain I read that if I leave before 3 months, one weeks written notice is needed, after 3 months 2 weeks written notice. Please help me make some sense of this and sorry if this post is difficult to understand.
I'm in Canada

Edit:
Thought I would give an update, it was 5 page contract and I read it thoroughly. It clearly states that, if I leave the company I need to provide one week written notice and after three months 2 weeks written notice. There was nothing about returning any compensation/training  of the sort.

 I think the manager of the company was just trying to strong hold me into staying with the company. After that interview the employer left a bad taste in my mouth and made me acutely aware of their demeanour. I accepted the job by signing the contract and have no concern about leaving under the terms of the contract. I accepted the position as it is a high paying position and I need the money. It will do until I hear back from the other interview, and if that doesn't work out I will continue my job search.

I was just worried about being under a federal program as I cannot find much info on the program online. The contract I signed however is solely a company contract and has no ties to the federal program.

Let this be an example of a bad interview. If you are in doubt of a contract it is your right to get it looked at by a lawyer. Do not sign anything you are unsure of. I was confident in my ability to understand the terms of the contract which is why I signed.I will not delete this post as I think it may help more people in the future which is why I created a throwaway account. Thanks to all who commented.

Answer: There could be such a contract that would be binding , but even contracts don;t allow for slavery there will be penalties (e.g you have to pay 100% of the training grant back , type thing ) Answer #2: Whatever you do don't sign that contract with out taking it to an employment lawyer and having them review and explaining it


Title: Found and sold apparently stolen property, interview w/Loss Prevention tomorrow and I'm scared shitless

Question:
Throwaway for obvious reasons. I'll try and make it very brief.

I work(ed) for a subsidiary of a major corporation in California. About 2 months ago outside while on break I found a bag that had some iPads in it. It was fishy to me, so I waited for about an hour to see if anyone came to get it. When they didn't, I looked on the devices to see if there was any identifying information, and there wasn't. I kept them, and I sold them. 2 months later, my office reports that multiple (several times more than what I found) iPads had been stolen from the office. I about shat my pants, because the realization dawned on me that's where the ones I found probably were connected to. They did a quick investigation, found out I sold some of the missing iPads, and fired me. Now I have an interview with loss prevention tomorrow, and they want an "explanation" as to why I sold a few of their iPads, and I expect they think I took them all. I didn't take a single one. But, I have a feeling I'm on the hook at the very least for finding and then selling stolen property? I guess I just want to know what to expect when I go to the "interview" tomorrow - will I probably be arrested? I plan on being completely forthright. They already know I sold some of them, I just want to tell them the truth about me finding the few, and profess my honest innocence in the theft from the office. I have no record and have never been in any kind of trouble before, and I'm scared shitless. This will probably dramatically alter the course of my life (and marriage, etc.). Did I mention I'm scared shitless? :(

Answer:
 So you found multiple ipads and thought it was OK to sell them? No contacting the police?

I really would not go into this interview without consulting a lawyer. Answer #2: Uh, I would not step into that interview without a lawyer present. You are already fired, so you don't have to worry about losing your job. What you do have to be worried about is that they may end it getting you with a theft charge; hence, the lawyer.

But I got to ask, why did you not think that it was suspicious that there is a random bag with some ipads in it and that you thought you had the right to take it and sell it?


Title: Ontario, Canada - is it legal to buy a boot and place it on cars parking in my parking spot?

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 Absolutely illegal to boot a car in Ontario.

What isn't illegal is to call 311 and ask for Parking Enforcement.   Yes, they have authority to issue tickets on anyone parked on private property illegally, up to the point of towing it out of your spot and letting the asshole having to deal with finding the impound lot, paying the towing fee, the impound fee, and the parking ticket before they get their car back.  Hope they have valid insurance as well: that's also a prerequisite to getting the car back 😆😆😙😙😚😚

Edit: so long as there is some signage that clearly states that your parking spot is off limits to anyone but you, of course.


Title: Landlord switches property management company at last minute to steal deposit

Question:
This is Oregon.

I moved out of a rental. The property management company inspected the place and determined that I'd get about $2k of the $3k deposit back due to some pet damage and unkempt yard. I'm ok with that. They sent me that invoice in an email and said a check would arrive in about 10 days.

Check arrives only it's for $200 and there's a new invoice saying that the owner of the property hired a new property management company and inspected the place again and found all sorts of damages to the walls and paint and is charging way more for everything outlined in the previous invoice.

So now I get in touch with the owner for the first time since I had only dealt with the first property management company for the 2+ years I lived there. I tell her that I want the original amount quoted in the first invoice as the place was inspected and I consider that to be expert testimony to the state of the property and cost to repair any damages.

Owner refuses.

Now it seems my only option is small claims court. Do I have a case here?

I find it highly suspect that the owner hires a new property management company only after the first one gives her the invoice saying she needs to return my $2k.

I, of course, have no pictures of the unit because I am an idiot. My only evidence is the original invoice.

Answer:
 At least you have the original invoice, that will help.

&#x200B;

Don't cash the $200 check. What you need to do is write a concise letter to the landlord refuting each charge on the new invoice. In general, painting is not the tenants responsibility as it is normal that there will be some marks and nail holes from hanging pictures. If they claimed any carpet damage, the carpet would have to be depreciated (i.e. they don't get new carpet at your expense, they get the value of, for example, 6 year old carpet, which might have no value). Obviously, actual damage would be your responsibility. Provide your explanation and say how much you expect to get returned, that you expect it within 30 days, and that if it is not returned you will be suing them in small claims court for double the deposit (as allowed under Oregon law). Send certified copies of the letter to each of the following: landlord, property management 1, property management 2, yourself. Leave the copy you send yourself sealed.

&#x200B;

There's more good info here: [http://oregoncat.org/know-your-rights/how-do-i-defend-my-rights-as-a-tenant/deposits/](http://oregoncat.org/know-your-rights/how-do-i-defend-my-rights-as-a-tenant/deposits/)


Title: Can I go after my ex for exposing me to HIV?

Question:
Hey all,

New here. My ex-boyfriend contracted HIV back in 2015. He called me up one day, said I should get tested, and that he had seen signs months prior. When I found out about this, I (stupidly) paid for his blood work, his first rounds of medical care, and kept him afloat. It ended up being over $2k. I recently found out who he got it from and it was before me, so I traced the timeline and know I didn't do it... also, I came back negative time and time again (I get tested every 3 months, he hadn't been tested in over 5 years when he was discovered positive), Can I legally sue him for the medical expenses I incurred taking care of him?

Answer:
 It seems from your post that your “taking care of him” was a gift that you’re now regretting since you broke up. You can’t sue for money and bills you paid for willingly without an agreement to pay it back because you have buyer’s remorse after a bad breakup. Answer #2: **Take** 1 gift of support to him

**Add** numerous exposures to HIV

**Add** negative tests for self

**Multiply by** lesson learned about monetary gifts to SO's and

**Find** ∞ thanks that you can simply walk away from the whole mess
Answer #3: If you paid to keep him afloat what makes you think he has any way to pay a judgement.  Maybe Judge Judy would be interested but being out of a relationship without getting HIV for 2k seems like a bargain to me.Answer #4: You mightve sued him if you had contracted HIV (and could prove you’d gotten it from him.) But I don’t think you can sue for merely being exposed to HIV in this circumstance. The gifts for his medical treatment are just that... no take-backs allowed for gifts. Even if you did have a case on your ex for negligently infecting you with HIV, the gifts of support and medical care wouldn’t be part of it.

I would count yourself lucky. I would rather not have HIV and no cause of action than HIV and a cause of action.


Title: [San Francisco, California] Boss stole co-worker's car and hid it as a "prank" then pinned the blame on me, will this affect my chances of US citizenship?

Question:
I'm 24, Australian, from Brisbane, working in San Francisco for a tech startup. I've been here for six months now. Boss hired me via LinkedIn, it's not bad here in CA, bit like Brisbane sort of.

On Monday afternoon the boss took my co-worker's car from the car park (some sort of minivan, IIRC, it said Olds on the front) and then hid it round the corner on a side street. I was on a lunch break at the time. The boss was drunk when she did it, she had a can of beer in her hand, this was like, half 1 in the afternoon, IIRC. My car was parked next to the co-workers (it was a beatup old Accord, but it gets me to work and back... just). I think some people saw it.

On Tuesday she called me into her office and accused me of stealing my co-worker's car yesterday lunchtime (yesterday being Monday). I said no, told her that I didn't do it but she pinned the blame on me, told me not to tell anyone it was her, she told me I'm suspended from Friday for 3 weeks.

I've only been at the firm for 6 months now.

Could this incident affect my chances of getting US citizenship, in addition to the Australian citizenship I already have, and British citizenship (my dad's from Sydney, mum's a Londoner)?

Seeking advice here, new to the US and not really understanding your legal system.

Cheers guys. Already feeling stressed over it.

Answer: So, wait, she accused you of doing it and then *admitted* that she did it?Answer #2: It would only affect your chances if it was reported to the police, or your boss/co-worker was otherwise interviewed by Immigration.


Title: [Portland,OR] I was hit by a lady turning with no signal, without looking as I was riding my gas scooter in the bike lane against traffic. She broke my leg with her car and this situation has caused me tremendous emotional and physical trauma. What is my next step?

Question: I have a 23CC scooter that I had just finished fixing up and was totally geared out and everything. The law in Portland states that with a "vehicle" of my type I only need to be wearing a bicycle helmet, probably pads, have a light, reflector tape whatever so I am seen, and to stay in the bike lane, also it can't go over 25mph. I was wearing leggings, cotton pants, two shirts and a sweater, large heavy industrial goth boots that are just basic zip ups but have big gnarly pads that strap to them, also knee pads, and a helmet with reflector tape on the back. I also bought and ziptied a LED halogen headlamp to my scooter for a headlight and to be seen. Keep in mind gas scooters are not quiet. I was riding approximately at 11:45 PM on Division heading east in the bike lane going against traffic. I do this for several reasons. I was taught to do it so that you won't be accidently hit from behind, and so that nobody can roll up and kidnap you. I figured that it would also be easier for cars to see my headlight then my reflector tape. I was going probably 15mph, and there was little to no traffic at this time. The lady was coming at me in the right lane and before I knew it she started to turn in front of me, no signal or anything. I tried to use my brake but I was much to close to stop in time as it had rained earlier for the first time in months. I waited until the roads were dry it was just spare condensation. I tried to turn sharply into where she was turning, which was a closed gas station, assuming that she would see, and hear my scooter by now and come to a stop. But she just kept going and slammed into me so hard that she broke my Fibia and Tibia, in small pieces at the fracture, and tossed me in the air all the way on the other side of her car against the curb. I heard my bone break when she hit me. Apparently she broke off her bumper, front undercarriage spoiler, broke her headlight and turn light. As soon as I landed I just started screaming bloody murder. I screamed for a minute or so before I was surrounded by people, calling police, two ladies were an RN and Paramedic off duty who asked me what my name was and what year it was and where I was and held my head to make sure I didn't have brain damage. I kept telling them my leg was broken. Eventually the paramedics arrived and tried to take off my boot. I didn't want them to cut them, which would have been hard since they are leather, but I told them how to undo them and as soon as they did I felt my leg just bend at the break. It hurt so bad. They got me into the gurney and took me to the hospital. I asked the policeman what she was even doing turning into that gas station it was closed, she told him that she had missed her turn and was still loking where she was supposed to have turned when she decided to turn around in that parking lot. she must have been staring not at the road she would have had plenty of time to see me. I spent 3 days in the hospital being pumped with 0.4-1.0 mg Dilaudid every hour, then eventually Oxycodone, 10, 15, and 20 mg doses. I have BP1, PTSD, Panic, and Anxiety Disorder, so I was FREAKING OUT. I have a phobia of permanent irreversible damage to my body, scars, broken things, I am scared to even try new haircuts sometimes. They tried giving my valium 2.5 MG to calm me down but nothing worked. I woke up that morning of the accident to my house I live at's garage being on fire and almost killing the occupants inside of carbon monoxide poisoning. I woke up the the smoke alarm and the smell of what I thought was the bonfire. Someone it seemed had accidently flicked a cigarette onto a HUGE lovesac/bag we have, and it was completely aflame and the side of the house and one beam are charred and blackened. Then my 2 year anniversary with my BF is today. This is not exactly how I planned on spending it. I am in bed 23 hours a day now, I have external fixators in my leg. It is so heavy and terrifying. The pain pills they give me hardly work. When I was at the hospital it felt like my leg was going to explode it was so swollen. I have never had surgery before and I freak out when other people are at the hospital for even minor things. The temporary anesthesia they gave me when they put on my first stabilizing cast didn't even knock me out. I am a tiny girl, and they had told me the huge 300lb man just got this stuff and was out like a baby. So I was in a perpetual panic attack at the hospital. They are only a level Trauma 2, so they were'nt equipped to deal with my emotions, so I am so terrified of anything even coming close to my foot. I feel on accident trying to use my crutches and I just freaked out. I need to know what are my next steps. i have a cop who did a report and I have a case number.

Answer:
 Don't ride against traffic, it's a terrible idea and your accident proves why. People do not expect a vehicle to be coming toward them in a lane that isn't for oncoming traffic. As for your concerns your scooter should have a rear light so that you aren't hit from behind and stranger kidnappings are so rare they hardly need be addressed.

I believe that in Oregon less that 35cc is considered a "motor assisted scooter" which would mean you are subject to almost all the state laws regarding vehicular travel on the roads including driving the correct way in the lane. [source](http://www.oregonlaws.org/ors/814.510) That would mean you were driving illegally in that lane by driving against traffic, and that likely makes you legally at fault for the accident. That means that not only are unlikely to be successful in suing the other driver for your medical bills but that the other persons insurance will likely come after you for the damage to her car. I would speak with a lawyer, but I think you're about to get a very expensive lesson in learning all of the traffic laws before operating a vehicle on the roadways.

**edit:** spelling. Answer #2: You can contact a personal injury attorney to go after her for money. Keep in mind, you're likely to get your medical bills covered along with a multiplier for pain and suffering, but the attorney will also typically take 33%. They take the case on contingency, so there's little up front cost to you.

Your BPI, PTSD, Panic Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Phobia of Personal Damage, and Phobia of Haircuts as well as the incident at your apartment are largely irrelevant.


Title: Subletter is attempting to kick me out early.

Question:
Hello all!

I’ll try to be as concise and clear as possible:

I started a sublease in March after looking around finding a listing in our university housing group. I contacted the individual and in a short time we worked out an agreement over messenger. I did not sign a sublease agreement (I know, that was stupid) but we had friends in common so I wasn’t too worried.

Fast forward several months and we are now in the last month of his lease. We’ve been having disagreements on the state of the House over the last month.

This all came to a head yesterday when he demanded I leave by the 13th. I refused stating we just paid rent and if he wanted me to leave he could had me leave before the 1st of this month. He claims since I never signed a sublease agreement, and his name is only on the lease I have no tenant rights. I told him while that may be true I do have months of messages including the original message with the listing and the messages of us agreeing to terms. The landlord was also aware there were subleases on the premises and I’ve spoken with him a few times.

He’s also claiming that he doesn’t have to give me back my security deposit because there’s no record we discussed, he’s wrong I have screenshots of us discussing it. He has agreed refund me my half of rent for the month of August if I leave in a week.

So in essence I’m asking what is my legal ground to stand on here? I told him we can go to court and have refused anything less than full reimbursement if I have to leave early. I also have the full argument via text which includes his plan to skimp me out of my security deposit because I “can’t prove it”.

Can he legally kick me out and legally withhold my money? I haven’t talked to the landlord yet.
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer: Chicago is super strict on how an eviction must go. It has to be a 30 days minimum notice (unless you weren’t paying rent, then it’s 5 days), has to contain certain language and must be served a certain way. The notice also has to encompass an entire rental period, so a 30 days notice wouldn’t terminate until the end of September anyway (if I understand right).


Title: [USA - NC] Girlfriend arrested for "Concealing Merchandise," seems legal but unfair, not sure how to proceed.

Question:
I got a phone call at work today from my crying girlfriend saying she had made a mistake and been picked up for shoplifting.

She apparently stopped by the Target across from her work after changing from her sweaty, nasty work uniform into a baggy sweater and pants she keeps in her car. Inside she was looking at t-shirts and put one into her pocket before heading to the frozen food section to get some ice cream when she got aggressively detained by the store manager and corralled by security. Ultimately, they accused her of shoplifting, called the cops, and had her arrested. I picked her up from the detainment center on a $1,000 bond. The actual charge is "Concealment of Merchanise" and the relevant statute seems to be:

§ 14-72.1. Concealment of merchandise in mercantile establishments.

(a)Whoever, without authority, willfully conceals the goods or merchandise of any store, not theretofore purchased by such person, while still upon the premises of such store, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be punished as provided in subsection (e). Such goods or merchandise found concealed upon or about the person and which have not theretofore been purchased by such person shall be prima facie evidence of a willful concealment.

I have no doubt that a normal person would have talked their way out of this, but my girlfriend has a form of schizophrenia and is extremely paranoid about authority figures and reacts very poorly in stressful situations. Her erratic behaviour and somewhat suspicious clothing choices (hoodie in 90 degree weather; she came inside to buy a t-shirt since she forgot a spare) is reasonable enough cause in my mind, and a t-shirt in her pocket seems to fit the legal definition of concealment, so I think she is kinda screwed even though she didn't intend to steal anything.

Is there anything I/she can do to minimize the damage when/before she goes in front of the magistrate on Saturday? I don't want her to get fired for having shoplifting charges against her over a $10 t-shirt that she didn't even walk out the door with.

Answer: I doubt a "normal" person would talk their way out of this given the same circumstances. Get her an attorneyAnswer #2: Your girlfriend's schizophrenia would not have stopped her from simply using a Target shopping bag/basket/buggy rather than putting the shirt in her pocket. She should retain the best lawyer that she can.


Title: (Massachusetts) Toilet now broken for 11 days. Can I refuse to pay for each day and withhold the rest of the month's rent?

Question:
The summarized version:

- Called landlord on the 16th of Feb and told him toilet was overflowing and leaking from the bottom.

- I was told he would see what he could do, but they are snowed in.

- Between then and now, we have had zero correspondence.

- Two days ago, I reported this to the Board of Health, who subsequently came, checked, and said they would be sending a letter and calling my landlord.

- Rent is due tomorrow.

Can I withhold rent, both for the days I have not had a working toilet, and for the rest of the month, until this is fixed? And do I even have to pay for the last 12 days?

Thanks!

Answer:
 Okay. MA does allow you to withhold rent but you can only do so if you have informed the landlord in writing OR the health department has inspected and notified your landlord of the issue. You do have to pay back the withheld rent once the issue is repaired so stick it in an escrow account if you go that route.

Repair and deduct may be a better option for you. IF the health department has inspected and declared it a hazard AND has notified the landlord of this AND the landlord has been give 5 days to begin repairs and 14 days to complete them you can just get it fixed yourself and deduct the cost from your rent. Hopefully he'll fix it well before then. Good luck


Title: (CANADA) found child porn on a friends email going to turn him in

Question: (Canada) My friend left his email logged onto my other friends school computer and forgot to log off. Us being 17 and in high school we decided to do some browsing and came across CP. We want to turn him in but are concerned that we will also face consequences for our snooping. Is there anything we should do to protect ourselves from said consequences?

Answer:
 You might find yourself bring questioned as well. You can get an attorney to advise you on how to proceed, but I can almost guarantee you that they will say to forget it, do nothing, and cut off all contact with your friend and his/her electronic devices.

You are asking for a whole lot of potential grief for basically no gain (other than the juvenile satisfaction of "*sticking it to*" someone who you no longer like). Grow up. Mind your own business.Answer #2: Do you mean a photo of someone his age or someone much younger?


Title: [PA] Is it illegal for an employer to avoid paying overtime by shifting OT hours to a different week?

Question:
Short version:

My fiance is a hair stylist in Pennsylvania working for a company that I believe generates over $500k in yearly revenue and is not exempt from federal overtime requirements. The manager seems to be encouraged by the owner to never pay overtime and, according to my fiance, when they work over 40 hours in a week the excess hours are put on their next pay check, up to 40, seemingly to evade federal overtime requirements.

Is this illegal? Is there some quirk in Pennsylvania law that makes this OK? Are tipped employees exempt? Should we talk to an attorney before we ask her employer for the OT backpay, and what kind of proof should we collect?

Most importantly, can this be used as leverage against the company and settled outside of court? She wants to leave this salon and go to another in the same franchise, but company hiring policy forbids it without her manager's approval because the other salon has a different owner. Would it be illegal to use the threat of litigation to thumb the scale and make the manager change her mind?

Answer:
 > Is it illegal for an employer to avoid paying overtime by shifting OT hours to a different week?

Yes.

[Don't need an attorney or court.](http://www.workplacefairness.org/wage-hour-claim-PA)

> can this be used as leverage against the company

No, that might be construed as extortion, a serious crime. Edit: To be clear, she can say "If you don't pay me the overtime I'm legally owed then I'll have to file a wage complaint with the state to receive it." But not "If you don't do X [something that has nothing to do with the wages owed] then I'll report you to the government."


Title: [Maryland] Trying to break our lease, but the landlord changed the locks. My husband and I are confused about our rights and responsibilities at this point.

Question:
Our auto-renewed lease was set to end at the end of January 2016. We were already prepared to give more than the 90 days required written notice in order to stop the auto-renewal at the end of the lease period in order to move in with my parents to save up money to buy a house. But shit happened mid-June and we were somewhat forced by circumstance to move much sooner than we expected.

We informed both of our landlords by calling and then in writing via e-mail (one is local, the other lives out of state) that we needed to leave much sooner than expected. We said we could expect all of our items moved out by mid-July. We paid rent for the whole month of July on time, cancelled cable service, and set up a stop service notice on the gas and electric to go into effect July 31st.

When everything was moved out and the house thoroughly cleaned, we notified both landlords but only heard back from the local landlord. There was an issue with the key drop off in which we accidentally dropped the keys to the lock on the grill and lawnmower in the backyard along with the house keys. When that was resolved, my husband went by to pick up the grill and lawnmower and discovered that crews were already out at the house to paint the walls, etc. A crewman informed my husband that they had also just changed the locks.

Now the out-of-state landlord, having still not found another renter in spite of advertising on Craigslist, wants us to continue honoring the lease and pay August's rent. But we have turned in our keys and he has changed the locks, so we're a little confused and any efforts to obtain some clarity over this issue have yet to bear any fruit. We were under the impression that we were forfeiting our security deposit and they were getting new tenants ASAP in lieu of us paying off the entire lease.

Please help us understand what our options are and what else we need to consider in this situation. Thanks in advance.

Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer:
 > We were under the impression that we were forfeiting our security deposit and they were getting new tenants ASAP in lieu of paying off the entire lease.

Did they say that?

In general, you're responsible for the rent and any other payments until the place can be re-rented under normal process.  If the landlords didn't specifically promise you that you were done paying rent, they're likely fine to hold you to that.


Title: [CALIFORNIA] Transgender child being harassed and isolated at school and the authorities are ignoring it

Question:
Location: CALIFORNIA. Posting with a throwaway because of the sensitive subject matter.

My daughter is transgender. She started fully dressing and appearing as a woman when school started this year. She is in her senior year of high school. She was originally denied a tryout for the athletic team that she wanted to be on due to being male, but after we spoke to the school and had discussions the policy for transgender students was changed. She was given a place on the team.

However, in order to give my daughter a place another senior student was cut. Her parents and her are upset because they say she will lose scholarship opportunities for college. The team coaches agree. So does the school but says the policy has to be inclusive. The other girls on the team do not accept my daughter and will not interact with her off the field because they blame my daughter for their friends being kicked off the team. Other teams and parents are upset and claim it's not fair because my daughter is a 'boy in drag' who has an advantage because she hasn't started hormone therapy yet. My daughter is athletic and good at the sport but they are making an issue of her biology and it is upsetting. Some want her to play on the boys team but the idea makes my daughter uncomfortable.

The school won't do anything about my daughter being isolated. None of the people on the team or her classmates will acknowledge or interact with her. Her team will include her in play on the field but that's it. Her teachers and the principle say they can't force anyone to talk to her. Her classmates ignore her like she is invisible online and in person. This only started once she was given a place on the team. The advice I'm seeking is how we can get the school to make sure our daughter is no longer excluded. We have no idea where to start. Would we need a lawyer?

Answer:
 > The school won't do anything about my daughter being isolated

They won't and they can't.  Frankly speaking, they can't force anyone to be pleasant to your daughter or to include her in things.  You admit that she is being fully allowed to participate in school functions(she's playing on the team) and that's about all that can be done here.Answer #2: >The school won't do anything about my daughter being isolated

What do you want the school to do about it? They can't force the other kids to be friends with your kid. They can't force them to feel differently about the sitation, either. Far as I can tell, it sounds like the issue amongst the team is that someone else was forced out to include your daughter. That's not exactly fair either, and you can't force anyone to be happy about it.

>My daughter is athletic and good at the sport but they are making an issue of her biology and it is upsetting. Some want her to play on the boys team but the idea makes my daughter uncomfortable.

At the risk of sounding like I have no sympathy for your situation... this is a legitimate concern. In fact, it's still in question in many professional and high level sports. I know it's upsetting but you can't stop them from having these opinions and raising questions on whether or not it's right or fair.Answer #3: This sounds like a teaching moment for you and your daughter about self-directed happiness and socialization. No judge/jury is going to issue an injunction to force anyone at the school to interact with your daughter.


Title: What is the best way to protect myself when the police are called?

Question:
Im using my NSFW account because I dont want the subject matter linked to my SFW account.

Also, in the US.

So, context. I have a lot of BDSM fantasies where I am the top/aggressor in pretty much everything (including some not so nice fetishes) and I have done a bit of research into the subject of BDSM and how it relates to the law. And now Im here asking for clarification. I know that I shouldnt be playing with someone if I feel like they will report me to the police, but what if one of the neighbors overhears us and decides to call? What is the best way to protect myself since I am getting conflicting answers.

One answer is that when the police show up I have to open the doors and let them in and answer their questions because someone could be in active danger and not doing so is inhibiting police operations (or whatever its called, its early for me).

The other answer I have seen is to tell the officers to wait until my lawyer is present which is supposed to be the catch all answer for everything related to the police (aside from "no, you do not have my permission to conduct a search.").

So, what is the best way for me to protect myself if the police do get called through no fault of myself or my partner?

Answer:
 What you HAVE to do legally and what the BEST thing to do are two entirely different things.

You don't have to let the police in without a warrant. If they have a warrant or they have sufficient exigency, they can enter anyway.

But if you are with a willing partner, then the fastest way to get back to playtime is likely to let them in, let them talk to your partner separate from you, see that everyone is on the same page for the encounter, and then they're on their way.

If the police are going to get called for what sounds to neighbors like a violent sexual assault, and then they arrive and you crack the door open only an inch, and tell them "fuck off, come back with a warrant I'm not saying shit" then the odds that they say "well, okay" and just go away are about zero.

They may determine they have exigency and come in anyway. They may not come in but pull you out and detain you while they get a warrant. Your option in either of those cases will be to get a lawyer some hours later and then look at legal action that will unfold over a period of months or years thereafter.


Title: Ex-girlfriend stole my dog, what can I do? (NYC)

Question:
(Throw away account as my ex-gf may know my real one.)

Lived with my now ex-girlfriend for 2 years in NYC. We have two dogs. I financially supported everything to do with the dogs (vet bills, food, toys, dog-walkers twice a day) -- north of $20k over the past 2 years.

We break up last October and she moves out (a block away). Dogs continue to live with me and we have an agreement that she can pick up the dogs on specified nights. We always agree upon pick-up and drop-off times.

Last Sunday, 15-Feb, she was supposed drop the dogs off back at my residence at 11am. Instead, her evil mother shows up out of the blue with just Dog 1 and says "this relationship isn't healthy, 'Ex-GF' is keeping Dog 2."

I tell the mother to get lost. I try to call, text and email Ex-GF. No response whatsoever. Zero contact from her in the past 4 days.

I go to the NYPD that Sunday and file a Pet Larceny complaint. Cops tell me there's not much they can do, but if I spot the dog on the street in public view I can call 911 and cops will hopefully show up in time and attempt to get the dog. They can't enter her apartment without a warrant.

On Monday, I got lawyer friend to send a nasty-gram to her residence stating: we want to resolve things amicably, that I have filed a complaint with the NYPD, that she needs to return the dog immediately.

She hasn't responded.

What's my next move from a legal perspective?

Topic:
Other Civil Matters

Answer: The likely answer is to sue her in small claims court for the return of the dog.Answer #2: Who purchased the dogs?Answer #3: They're *your* dogs. You purchased them and paid for their bills. Get absolutely every document you can to prove this and take her to small claims. Honestly, you were doing something very nice (too nice) by letting her even see the dogs, let alone take the dogs. You did everything you could so far.Answer #4: I would also contact your local SPCA and other shelters.  There's a very real chance if you move to get your dog back it'll end up being surrendered to a shelter.Answer #5: Write a country song about it.


Title: [WA] Bought a sports car while in a severe manic episode

Question:
I live in Washington. I have bipolar disorder and I had a severe manic episode that started around the 20th of June. On June 28th, I bought a 2013 Subaru WRX STI. I love Subaru, but I'm in my early 20s and don't need or want a car of that value. They sold it to me for 31k, after taxes it was ~35k.

 Two days after the car purchase I was admitted to a mental hospital to help me get back on track. While I was in the hospital, my uncle (an attorney in IN) helped draft a letter to send to the dealership. My Mom emailed the dealership the letter on 7/2 or 7/3 when I was in the hospital.  After coming out of the hospital on 7/4, I cleaned up the car and dropped it back to the dealership.

I was hoping they would take the mental health episode into account and have some sympathy, and maybe charge a restocking fee and make me pay for the miles I put on the car (I also was willing to wait until it sold again and pay them any difference in selling price). They took the other route and had their lawyer send an email basically just saying there's no 3 day grace period or anything like that in Washington.

I know I'm definitely knee-deep in shit for this, but does anyone have any suggestions? I'm debating just leaving it there and taking the credit hit from a default. I make pretty good money for my age but I don't want to be stuck with those ridiculous payments. Even just seeing the car gives me anxiety and reminds me of all the bad decisions I made during that manic episode.

Answer:
 > I'm debating just leaving it there and taking the credit hit from a default.

You'll end up with more than just a credit hit.

If you really don't want the car, sell it and pay the difference between what you owe and what you sell it for out of pocket.

Alternatively, just enjoy your new car and move on.Answer #2: If they won't take it back, can you re-sell it and take the difference between your purchase price and selling price as a loss?Answer #3: No one seems to have mentioned it yet - go and get the car and secure it.  At the very least you don't want to be hit with storage fees, or damage, or towing on top of everything else.  You have an asset that you should protect so you don't lose even more value.

You've mentioned a mother, an uncle, and brothers - maybe they can help you secure and sell the vehicle.  I would urge you to not let a 'manic' decision become a 7-year ordeal/financial death spiral.  You may be able to get out of this with a relatively small financial hit, but it will require you to act. Answer #4: Help me out legalteers, isn't there something a person can do with their credit to basically make it so you need someone else to approve major decisions? Answer #5: >(I also was willing to wait until it sold again and pay them any difference in selling price)

Why aren't you willing to sell it yourself and eat the loss?


Title: HOA gone ugly with personal attacks on HOA board. Is this libel when published on a community FB page?

Question:
We have had two members of the community in particular accuse us of "illegal activities" by posting such claims on a public Facebook page. The "illegal activities" that they are referencing are enforcing the HOA's CCRs in line with NC Planned Community Act 47F Section 103-2. Specifically with maintenance on their homes. We have worked extensively with our property management company and a retained counsel to ensure that what we're doing as an HOA board is within the covenants and existing law (as referenced above)

Would this be considered libel as they have no basis in fact?

Answer: It's hard to prove libel. In most states a valid defense against a libel suit is that you have the right to an opinion. Spreading false accusations knowingly would be libel.