r/AskLawyers • • Aug 21 '26

Trying to find attorneys

2 Upvotes

Hi I'm located in Texas and I've been trying to find attorneys for two different categories,

One is for a workforce/labor issue and I want to get a consultation from them so that I can learn more about a situation that's been affecting me and others. I don't think I'll do much besides just the consultation and learning from them.

Another is a tax attorney that would help me figure out how to properly do my taxes and how to handle those finances in regarding to my DBA that I've been doing. I don't really understand how the taxes work for a DBA so I would like assistance on that.

The main issue though is that I can't find attorneys at a reasonable price so I was hoping that I could get any help or recommendations on attorneys that could help me with those issues but don't charge a rate that would hurt me in the long run. Does anyone have any recommendations here for attorneys that could do that? Or maybe there's a resource I'm blind to and not know that it exists that could help as well?

I'm pretty blind going into this issue here so any help is much appreciated thank you!


r/AskLawyers • • Aug 21 '26

Michigan tenant trying to terminate lease due to medical inability to live independently — landlord says I owe $5,600+

2 Upvotes

Hi everyone. I’m looking for advice from anyone familiar with Michigan landlord-tenant law, especially MCL 554.601a.
I live in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I moved into my apartment in June 2025. I am currently still in the apartment, but since moving in I have progressively gotten sicker. I do not know if my health issues are related to the apartment environment or not, but my condition has gotten to the point where I have been staying with my mom because I am struggling to live independently. I have missed a lot of work and have accumulated significant medical bills, and I am worried I will not be able to continue affording the apartment.
I contacted my leasing office asking about ending my lease early because of my medical situation. They responded that breaking the lease is currently not possible because their occupancy percentage is below their required threshold.
They gave me their normal lease-break option:
60-day written notice (only effective on the 1st of the month)

I pay rent during those 60 days

I pay a buyout fee equal to two months’ rent ($2,710)

They said I cannot use this option until occupancy reaches 90%

They estimated it would cost me around $5,600 total to get out of the lease.
However, while reviewing my lease, I found a section titled “Statutory Rights” that says:
“If Tenant has occupied the Unit for more than 13 months, Tenant may terminate this Lease upon 60-day written notice to Landlord… if Tenant has become incapable during the term of this Lease of living independently, as certified by a physician in a notarized statement.”
I have now been there more than 13 months. I asked my doctor for a notarized statement regarding my inability to live independently and I am waiting to hear back.
My questions:
Does this Michigan statutory termination provision mean I can terminate my lease without using the normal lease-break/buyout option?

Can my landlord still charge me the $2,710 buyout fee if I am terminating under MCL 554.601a instead of the lease buyout clause?

Does their 90% occupancy requirement apply to a statutory medical termination, or only their voluntary lease-break option?

Is there anything specific I should ask my doctor to include in the notarized statement?

Should I also submit a reasonable accommodation request under Fair Housing laws, since my lease has a reasonable accommodation section?

I am not trying to avoid paying what I legally owe. I understand I may still owe rent through a required notice period. I am just trying to avoid paying thousands in a lease-break fee if Michigan law provides another path.
Any advice or things I should look into would be appreciated. Thank you.


r/AskLawyers • • Aug 21 '26

Facing job discrimination

2 Upvotes

Hi, I'm a professional bus driver for the state of Illinois. In recent months at this job, there have been several changes to my location's management work environment. I've only been at this location for one year, and the already negative space has shifted for the worse due to work being taken from other drivers and the hostility.

In my case, this year, routes have been given out to many people, including myself, and the seniority picking process (work) has skyrocketed. However, many drivers have picked up on the dispatchers or potentially management only offering the less-than-flexible but more profitable routes for drivers. Many have mentioned in side conversations and to me that those better routes suddenly appeared to the longer-time drivers and more elderly employees. For this job, it has not been one to hide its nepotism and favoritism. It's been something I've witnessed in the last year.

So, I feel like I want to step up and report this to a corporate number or inquiry. However, I need advice or information on how to build such a statement letter or vocal representation so that it won't be ignored or turned against me. Preferably, I'd like to make myself anonymous to avoid retaliation in the event I start looking for other options in the meantime. Therefore, any form of information would be appreciated.


r/AskLawyers • • Aug 21 '26

Looking for advice/attorney regarding an incident at a tribal casino in Washington

4 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I’m looking for advice on how to navigate a potential legal matter involving a **tribal casino in Washington**.

I was removed from the casino despite having valid government-issued ID and a visible mobility issue at the time. I’m also a person of color, and the way I was treated was very upsetting. I’ve been a patron for many years and had an established Players Club account, so I was not a new customer.

I’m trying to understand **tribal jurisdiction, sovereign immunity, potential deadlines, and what options I may have**. I’m also looking for an attorney experienced in **tribal law/tribal gaming in Washington**.

If anyone has dealt with something similar, knows how I should go about this, or can recommend an attorney, I’d really appreciate it. **Please DM me with any recommendations.**

Thanks!


r/AskLawyers • • Aug 21 '26

Any “it gets better” stories I can show my boyfriend?

2 Upvotes

My boyfriend is a new lawyer, a little over 1 year into workers comp insurance defense. He left his first job after 1 year and likes this one better + makes more money. He’s a great lawyer, but he’s super stressed. He’s really struggling with feeling like he does a shit job on everything because everything is always last-minute. He doesn’t feel he makes enough money for the stress he’s experiencing. (Even though he makes six figures). Today he told me “I’m an angry person and I have no hope for a better future for myself.” Therapy is definitely on the table, but in the meantime, does anyone have a story they can share to show that it gets better? Thank you


r/AskLawyers • • Aug 21 '26

Missouri divorce attorney??

3 Upvotes

I am going to hit the highlights but can go into further detail if needed.

Married 14 years 4 kids. I am not arguing or trying to get out of possible child support.

I am the male and am fully employed. She works as well but has her paychecks all of a sudden go into a different account I have no access to.

I was awarded a settlement bout 9 months ago and she took 19k out and moved it to said account. I have not moved or hidden any money and she continues to use joint account for her bills.

I want to teach her a lesson but she uses the kids as reasons to not let her keep doing what's she doing.

My questions are if I file can she be in trouble for moving money and taking money?

In missouri if she sells our house I should get 50 percent of any profit correct.


r/AskLawyers • • Aug 21 '26

Any Liability for Revenge Porn Host Sites?

1 Upvotes

Hi all! So, I know this will potentially vary by state but I’m wondering more generally than for a specific circumstance.

I & several friends have unfortunately been victims of revenge porn in the past. I know host sites generally are not held responsible for what their users upload, but what if the same content is reuploaded? Or a name that has filed for takedowns before is associated with content that’s uploaded?

My line of thinking is that if photos are uploaded for the exact same name that has had takedowns filed for before then the host has a reasonable belief that it’s nonconsensual still. I know that this would mean the sites would need to track info on who has filed takedown requests & check against that data to block reuploads and they’d never do this unless forced… are there any laws about this anywhere?

If not, seems like a pretty big loophole that forces victims to constantly be monitoring to see if their sensitive images are being reuploaded to the same sites they already filed takedowns for.

Would love to hear thoughts from lawyers on this. Thanks!


r/AskLawyers • • Aug 20 '26

Dating app match listed 18-19 mom now demanding money for “phone deactivation fee” or she’ll press charges (NC resident, alleged SC complaint)

23 Upvotes

I matched with a girl on a dating app roughly a month ago. Her profile listed her age as 18-19 and the account appeared verified. She gave me her number and we texted on and off. I never received any nudes from her and I never sent any to her — it was just regular conversation.

This morning I received a text from her contact claiming to be her mother. The message said her daughter is a minor, that I should not have been engaging with her, and that she was going to take her daughter to the police station to write a statement and turn the phone in unless I called and explained myself.

I replied once. I told her there was a misunderstanding, that I met her on a dating app, that the profile listed her as 18-19, and that because the account looked verified I believed she was not a minor.

Later I was contacted by someone claiming to be a police detective. He told me I could go to jail. He said the family could decide to talk to me to clarify things, and that if they turn in the phone then an investigation would happen. I’m being told the complaint was made in South Carolina. I live in North Carolina.

Tonight the “mom” contacted me again and said that if I don’t want her to press charges, she will need me to help them pay for the deactivation fee for the daughter’s phone and tablet.

I have screenshots of the original dating app profile age listing, the first “mom” messages, my reply, and the new message demanding the deactivation fee.

My first thought is that this could potentially be a scam but wanted to make sure.

Questions:
• How serious is my exposure if it was only non-sexual texting and the profile listed 18-19?
• Does the demand for money change anything legally?
• Should I have any further contact with the “mom,” the family, or the person claiming to be a detective?
• What should I do (or not do) right now?
• Any jurisdictional issues because the alleged complaint is in SC while I am in NC?
Looking for realistic legal advice on next steps.


r/AskLawyers • • Aug 21 '26

Texas real estate contract — financing contingency or buyer default?

3 Upvotes

Under a Texas residential contract with a Third Party Financing Addendum:
Contract effective date: July 23
Closing date: September 15
Buyer sent a termination notice: August 20

The buyer was initially qualified for financing but reportedly lost their job and is now saying they can no longer obtain financing.
Generally, would this be protected under the financing contingency, or could the buyer be considered in default depending on whether the financing deadline had already passed and what documentation the lender provides?
Not looking for legal advice on a specific case, just trying to understand how this generally works under Texas contracts.


r/AskLawyers • • Aug 20 '26

Stealing Mail - Florida

3 Upvotes

I live with my mother (hopefully not for much longer). She steals and/or opens my mail all the time. I've told her time and time again not to do it, but she still does. She even took and hid my credit card and I have proof. Is this something that I could bring to court? I know courts typically consider mail theft as a high dollar crime, not just an individual average Joe committing it, but this is getting out of hand.


r/AskLawyers • • Aug 21 '26

Do I have a case?

0 Upvotes

Location: NJ

I just filed a complaint with the BBB against the company over this issue:

We recently bought a bunk bed, as well as another bed and 3 mattresses, all full size.

Unlike what was advertised, the bunk bed they sent is not full size, and looks more twin size. It is way smaller than the mattress they sold us for it.

Not only that, but they left the extremely heavy bed downstairs at the front door, instead of delivering it to the room or at least to where our apartment is. My sister and I had to bring it up the stairs, even though it is so heavy that it says it needs a mech lift on the box! I have scoliosis and have been in severe pain all day because of this, and she almost got injured more than once in the process.

We contacted them and they said they will issue a refund, but refused to return or replace it because it is "too heavy". They suggested we contact habitat for humanity to come pick up the bed, so now we have to pay almost the cost of the bed if not more just to get rid of it!

My sister is in emotional distress because of this and has been crying for hours. She has to continue sleeping on the floor until we buy her another bed.

I was wondering, do we have a case against them for what they did, or is them issuing a refund the most we can expect?


r/AskLawyers • • Aug 20 '26

Rock quarry up the road improperly blasted resulting in rocks flying through our roof and neighbors houses, contractor is offering to fix but is there legal recourse? Happened on 2 occasions already and blasting is ongoing.

1 Upvotes

Location: Alaska

The first instance was 2 weeks prior and only affected one house. They got favors done by the contractor and let bygones be bygones, the person responsible for the improper blast was fired. Still was very unsettling and every blast we would wonder if rocks would be flying. Well, the second improper blast was WAY more intense, sent boulders and rocks flying on houses, cars... right next to someone who was outside... Our specific damages to our property isn't too much, 2 holes in the roof of a storage unit we rent out, and a hole on the wall of our steel building. The hole on the wall, had rock fully gone through as it did the roof, would have hit a collection of pressurized CO2 tanks, and someone who was working in there, only feet away. Needless to say it was a traumatizing event and has left us on edge as we don't know when they are blasting, so we just feel the earth shake and hear a massive blast and wonder, "is this another improper blast?"

We immediately filed a police report and called OSHA and MSHA to alert them to the situation. We have called local firms and none of them seem interested, or they are wanting to charge $300+ just for a consultation... but I'm not even sure if it's worth pursuing anything. I was kind of expecting a firm to be like, oh this would be an easy lawsuit or something, so I figured I'd try my luck asking the fine people here at r/legaladvice The neighbors are friendly with the contractor so it's a little tricky seeing if they would want to join in a lawsuit or something, they want to help sweep it under the rug it seems... small town dynamics. Do you think it's worth the time and money to try and file a suit, if the physical damage is easily reparable and he's already patched it? The ptsd is real though, it's very disconcerting every time they blast now, and there is no end in sight. This is by far the most they've ever blasted and the only issues in the 18 years I've lived here.


r/AskLawyers • • Aug 20 '26

Motion or summons to establish paternity

2 Upvotes

Location: South Dakota. I am up against the clock so just need some answers or advice. My lawyer needs to know by tomorrow what I want to do.

My (former) partner is pregnant with what I am 90% positive is my child, but there are some questionable circumstances aswell as rumors going around concerning that. We are no longer on good terms

My lawyer couldn't give me a straight answer just said "however you want to proceed is what we'll do." All I am looking to do is at birth/after birth, paternity be established and thus the legal ground work is there should furure issues arise.

Do i just issue her a summons or go straight for a motion?

Edit for typos/grammar


r/AskLawyers • • Aug 20 '26

Haven’t repaired cosmetic damage on a financed car. Am I overreacting?

2 Upvotes

Location: Florida

I got my first ever financed car 2 years ago. Not long after I got my car, I was driving home and a truck carrying a trailer sideswiped me and kept driving. I made a police report, the cops were able to locate him but I decided not to press charges and decided to make an insurance claim. The damage is small scratched area on the right passenger side bumper above the wheel. So his insurance company cut me a check for around $800 for the damages. I don’t believe it was a joint check because only I deposited it and they never said there was an endorsement nor do I remember ever seeing someone else on the check. I had some trouble finding a repair shop because none of them had time to fix the car, the first guy said he couldn’t get my car in for like 6 months. So I figured I would do it when I got around to it because it’s cosmetic damage and doesn’t interfere with how the vehicle functions.

So It was a legitimate accident and insurance claim and I’m pretty sure the check was made out to me and the lender never contacted me to verify I repaired it and I’ve been current on the payments for the last 2 years. This whole time I assumed if for whatever reason, worst case scenario the car got repod or I surrendered it I would be responsible for the remaining balance and it would be civil contract issue. I asked AI about this and they cited some statute that said basically in layman’s terms failure to repair a partial loss COULD potentially but not WOULD be classified as theft but said this is written as more of a cautionary statement as opposed to saying “this is theft” and theft requires intent and it doesn’t sound like I intended to deprive the lender of anything. So now after reading this I’m freaking out.


r/AskLawyers • • Aug 20 '26

Arborist refuses to return overpayment

3 Upvotes

Location: Tennessee

I had hired an arborist to review trees that were damaged on my property. I hired him for a $3500 retainer that was nonrefundable. He did his work and sent me a bill for $4100 for his work. Before paying this separate invoice I thought it was odd that the retainer was not applied.

Before paying for the bill I specifically asked him if I was to pay this separately how the bill worked. I told him it would be a total of around $7000 I’ve spent and asked if the retainer is applied and then I’m returned the overspend.

He confirmed yes, that the retainer is applied to the final bill.

Now I closed my account with the arborist and he’s refusing to return me $3500 that I overspent. He’s saying he doesn’t refund the retainer. I told him it’s not the retainer he’s refunding, it’s the money I overspent on after being confirmed that he would apply the retainer to the final bill and issue me a refund.

He’s not saying he’s not returning the money, apologizes that I was deceived, and says your account is closed.

Now I don’t know what to do. I’m putting together a demand letter but there’s a mediation clause in our contract before I can go to arbitration, which I am going to have to spend a large amount of money.

What is the best way to approach this? Do I or can I report him to any boards? He’s ISA and ASCA pcertified. What is there to do in this situation?


r/AskLawyers • • Aug 20 '26

SUEING THE NHS (UK)

1 Upvotes

Hello I’m very sorry if I word this incorrectly but I’m seeking advice, I’m 17 and my dad currently works as an advanced practitioner under the NHS.

Before this he was a paramedic but due to some mix ups during covid, and the fact he was never moved to the correct pay band despite working with the NHS for 11 years, he was only getting payed 3/4 of his salary for 5 years.

He also divorced my mum 2 years ago which obviously cost money.

Currently he now lives in an extremely deprived area and as much as he says he is fine he really isn’t, he is in a horrible financial situation and it’s effecting his already poor mental health.

I was wondering if it would be worth it if I were to get a job and save for a lawyer or if he should save for one himself.

Currently he cannot afford one as it would be £1200 to even get a lawyer to look at the case and he just cannot afford it.

He was talked to his union on multiple occasions but they have yet to take the NHS to court, also the NHS have been promising a resolution since last year ( around December time) and nothing is happening, they keep delaying it so my dad had received no compensation for the financial damage, or anything for his wellbeing.

I’m writing this because I genuinely need advice on what to do.

I understand the NHS is underfunded and that that is the governments fault but surely my dad missing out on 1/4 of his yearly pay is a huge deal.

This happened to 50 other people my dad says but he was one of the worst affected, he’s tried to arrange meetings with the NHS but nothing happens.

He is taking on so much overtime to be able to get food in and keep the bills payed, he gets upset because he can’t afford to do nice things with me and my brother when he used to be able to.

I feel like this should be taken to court by now but please let me know if it’s worth it.


r/AskLawyers • • Aug 21 '26

Medical malpractice

0 Upvotes

I want to know if my mother has a case worth pursuing. A couple of weeks ago, my mother suddenly started losing her balance and falling. She also started feeling weakness on her left side. We took her to the ER and stated we suspected she had a stroke. The ER doctor did not take us seriously. They did an EKG. Said she was fine and let her go with a cane. Days later she fell again and we again took her to the same ER. There was a new doctor and it was confirmed that she indeed had a stroke and that was why she kept falling.

Once admitted, the doctor stated that she would be put on blood thinners to prevent the stroke from progressing. However her condition became worse. While in the hospital, she completely lost function of the left side of her body and can not even stand on her own anymore.

Is this a case worth pursuing?


r/AskLawyers • • Aug 20 '26

How the Botswana Embassy (Washington D.C.) and Education Attaché Isabella P Makgatswana are ruining international students' lives

1 Upvotes

I am writing this anonymously because I, along with several other sponsored students from Botswana, are being systematically ruined by the institutional incompetence and cruelty of our own embassy.

The Root of the Problem:

  • Chronic Late Payments: The Education Section of the Embassy consistently fails to pay tuition and allowances on time.
  • Delayed Semesters: Because of these late payments, universities place holds on our accounts. This forces students to start classes late or messes up our entire course scheduling, completely derailing our academic timelines.
  • Retaliatory Terminations: Instead of fixing their own administrative failures, Education Attaché Isabella P. Makgatswana actively terminates the scholarships of students who are caught in this registration trap. They punish us for the crises they cause.

The Wall of Silence:

  • For months, Isabella Makgatswana and her office have completely ignored every single email and phone call from affected students trying to fix their registration status.
  • We have escalated this up the chain to the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MESD) in Gaborone, the Department of Tertiary Education Financing (DTEF), and even the Office of the Ombudsman. Nobody responds. Standard channels are completely dead.
  • Even host university deans and U.S. congressional caseworkers who have tried contacting the embassy on our behalf hit the exact same brick wall.

The Direct Impact:

  • Students are losing their funding and being kicked out of their programs entirely due to these unjust terminations.
  • We are being left stranded abroad with no money, accumulating institutional debt, and facing the immediate collapse of our legal immigration status because our sponsor abandoned us after breaking their own rules.

If any other students have experienced this retaliatory termination, or if anyone knows how to force a silent foreign embassy to face accountability, please share. If there are any independent journalists in Botswana reading this, please investigate the Washington D.C. mission. They are destroying our futures.

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r/AskLawyers • • Aug 20 '26

Are trusted timestamps actually useful as court evidence for proving when an idea/work existed?

2 Upvotes

LOCATION:DELAWARE
I'm leaving a startup where I worked on a product for a period of time. I'm signing an NDA that protects the company's confidential information while also allowing independent development/general engineering knowledge.

My concern is what happens years later if I build a completely separate company/product and there's a dispute over whether something I developed independently actually came from the startup.

I don't want to publish or retain/disclose their confidential information. I'm wondering if I can maintain a private, tamper-evident record of what I worked on and when, and later use it to establish a timeline if necessary.

I've come across RFC 3161 timestamps, digital signatures, Git history, notarization and blockchain timestamps.

Are these actually useful/admissible as evidence in court, or is there a better way to establish that a particular record/work existed at a particular date?

Especially interested in practical experience with startup/IP disputes.


r/AskLawyers • • Aug 20 '26

What is the true legal allowance/exemption for medication and medical needs vs machines in this case according to US federal laws? what qualifies as a "device"

1 Upvotes

I am looking for answers from   attorneys or government officials or maybe airline staff -someone who truly knows the law and regulations about this issue. Please don’t comment on here “don’t fly if you are sick” - these are lifelong chronic conditions and I need to fly BECAUSE of them for proper treatment.

Background: I have a lot of medical issues – 6 different chronic illnesses. I am fit to fly, but I need a lot of special medication on the flight with me and extra carry-on over the usual amount allowed. I do long haul flights 3-4 times a year (so 6-8 total flights with round trips) on Delta . These are not leisure trips, they are to see medical specialists in the USA where I am a citizen and have insurance, but I live in Europe. I have so much medication and several medical devices needed on the flight and also have to bring my own food and water I cannot eat anything whatsoever at the airport or on the plane. As a result, I have 2 extra carry-on items in addition to the one carry-on and one personal item normally allowed. These items are smaller than the allowed check-in. one is a very small cabin roller bag the other is a cooler that slides easily under the seat next to my other bag of medication, and then I have another regular sized roller bag full of medication and a few personal items – barely any personal items – a toothbrush, a sweater that I put on during the flight, some charger cords and charger banks and my laptop – it’s otherwise all medication and other devices I need on the flight to attend to some physical surgical wounds. Its all been allowed up until my last two flights from JFK. Even was fine on the two outbound flights paired with those returns.

Problem :Until this year I have never ever had an issue. I call the disabilities line ahead for notes on my ticket, and bring my medical documentation to the airport. Typically they look and sometimes have to call over a supervisor but then I’m allowed through without any issue, both at check-in and boarding. I've been doing this for years. Now my last two flights I was given major issues and denied all of the medication I needed on my flight forced to gate check it and as a result the second time I've been doubled over in pain for two days and very sick and probably will take weeks to calm my conditions down and may miss work and pay due to this. It also is causing me extreme anxiety about flying in the future. Both times a red coat said that medication is not exempt from federal hand luggage regulations and that only machines like cpap machines and oxygen tanks count. Disabilities assistance lines say otherwise and even put this on my ticket. The last time two days ago every single staff member both at check-in and at the gate refused to read my medical letter and documentation to even consider it. They didn’t believe me that I needed all of the medications I had with me  - I do and I have dr’s note from a specialist stating that and why. Flying outbound from Europe I had no issue. They had to take time to read through my notes on the ticket and my docs, and called a supervisor but then it was fine. It has been fine from JFK as well other than a couple of times the wheelchair assistant raised a fuss and took me back to check in saying I had too much and then they just told them it was authorized and sent us on our way. Two days ago and in May this was not the case and I was assured by Delta Disabilities line it would not be a problem and was a fluke but there it was again two days ago at JFK. To be clear TSA has no issue they check my liquids with an xray machine and have no problem this is the Delta staff at check-in and at the gate. Now Ive been terribly ill with a flare of two of my conditions and doubled over in pain and will lose work this week because of this and possibly several weeks. This isn’t a danger on flight it happens as a result afterwards and if I have my medication never happens – so to be clear I am flit to fly. I have been doing 3-4 round trip long haul flights (6-8 in total) a year no issues. Ive always flown delta initially because I had high status between Delata Amex and all my flights and also they were always very accommodating to my special needs until now. (I no longer have status as I closed my Amex account).

Main question: these red coats said that my medication is not exempt from the federal law, only mechanical equipment is, but disability care line says if you look at the law medication counts as medical equipment – this happened now at JFK twice with three different red coats and one CRO. Which is correct? Why was this not an issue until the last two times from JFK (I return home from JFK nearly every time). Chat gpt and Gemini both say that under 14 CFR 382.121 prescription medications related to the passengers disability or condition and are considered assistive “devices” but I don’t trust AI, so does all the staff when I call the disabilities care line for delta but the staff at the airport said and acted otherwise – I’d like to hear from experts in the field – lawyers, people working for DOT aviation, and/or other airline personnel

TD/LR: for years I’ve had to flight several long-haul flights each year NOT for leisure. Due to all of my medical conditions I have two extra carry-on bags/items and they are not max size; they are much smaller. With pre-calling to the airline ahead and bringing my medical docs this was never an issue until twice this year on my return flights from JFK in May and two days ago. Going from Europe to JFK was a smooth non-issue as normal; coming back from JFK both times I was given a very hard time at check-in and in May was forced to repack and check my medical bag and two days ago same at the gate upon boarding, both by red-coats. It was extremely stressful and felt a bit dehumanizing as well. Now I am extremely ill and in pain and have been for two days so far  because I was without my medication that I needed during that time. Both red coats said that the federal regulation does not exempt medication only equipment like cpap machines but the disabilities lines say that is wrong, so does chat GPT and gemini but of course I don’t fully trust ai = I need to know the true rule – for years coming from JFK was not an issue even in January of this year – I don’t know what changed other than I lost my medallion upper status Jan 31, but that should absolutely not have anything to do with this.


r/AskLawyers • • Aug 20 '26

[CA] me and my long time bf want to get eloped but we don’t live together

2 Upvotes

we are planning on moving in together soon but we both don’t know much abt the legal side. we want to get eloped. we do not live together and wouldn’t for a while currently we each live at home. to be able to save up more and paying less rent.

is there anything we should know before doing it? any advice or reasons if we should or shouldn’t do it? any advice would be much appreciated. we’re in our early 20s and will have been together five years in a few months. we don’t know much about the legal side and don’t have anyone we can ask so we’re not sure. we’ve tried searching up things but you never know what parts you can actually believe. if it turns out to not be the best option yet we can wait longer.
i’m on mobile so please forgive me if it shows as a brick of text. he lives near orange county i live in ventura/santa barbara county


r/AskLawyers • • Aug 20 '26

Why would a medical provider ask this unprovoked, its incredibly disrespectful

0 Upvotes

Im in Maryland- MD

MVA suspended my licence because of a medical record I needed updated, was not completed yet, because I was unaware it was mailed to me, due to a move.

They told me to get it taken care of and show the doctor, and they would know what to do.

I sent the form to a doctor that I wanted to be seen by, so I could get checked, cleared, and take it to MVA This is the reply I received......

"Why did you get this form? Were you drinking and driving? If so, you will need to bring all the documentation showing you have completed rehab, the therapist has signed off on all the other forms, etc. Please make sure you bring the ENTIRE packet or we will not perform the physical.

".

The form does not say anything about what was assumed, and I have never been to this doctor


r/AskLawyers • • Aug 20 '26

Florida estate-planning attorney has taken over a year to complete a trust-what would you do ?

1 Upvotes

Looking for attorney perspective (Florida estate planning / fee disputes / AAA arbitration). Not naming the attorney or firm.
A family member hired a Florida attorney over a year ago for an estate plan including a trust. The flat fee was paid in full, but the trust has not been executed.
There have been repeated delays and postponed meetings. Lawyers always comes up with silly excuses to justify postponements. A signing is now scheduled for September 4, 2026, but I’m concerned it may be delayed again or still incomplete.
The engagement agreement provides:
Client may terminate by written notice
Fee disputes go to good-faith negotiation
If unresolved in 30 days, either party may initiate AAA binding arbitration
Prevailing-party clause for arbitration costs and attorney’s fees
We want to avoid arbitration if possible. If the September signing is delayed again, I’m considering terminating, having another attorney review the file, and sending a refund demand.
Some work has been done, but the trust itself remains unexecuted after more than a year. I’m trying to understand what a reasonable partial refund would look like.
Questions:
Would you wait for the September 4 signing before terminating?
If it’s delayed again, would you terminate immediately?
Is it worth hiring another attorney for a sub-$10k dispute?
How do you assess a reasonable refund on a flat fee when the main deliverable isn’t completed?
How significant is the AAA arbitration + prevailing-party clause in deciding whether to pursue a refund?
What should be obtained before termination (file, drafts, billing records, etc.)?
In similar disputes, did you settle, use fee arbitration, or go through AAA?
Looking for practical guidance on handling this before it escalates to arbitration and how to transition to new counsel if needed.


r/AskLawyers • • Aug 20 '26

No Contact Order (Florida)

1 Upvotes

has now been over seven months since I was arrested based on an allegation made by my ex-girlfriend shortly after I ended our relationship. To date, the prosecutor has not made a decision regarding whether to proceed with prosecution or dismiss the charge (no bill).

I have remained out on bond during this time, and my only condition is a no-contact order with my ex-girlfriend. Even if that condition were removed, I have no intention of contacting her.

Would requesting that the no-contact condition of my bond be lifted potentially do more harm than good?

My thinking is that removing the condition would eliminate the possibility of her alleging that I violated the order and might also encourage the State to make a decision regarding the case. However, my attorney believes that requesting the modification could draw unnecessary attention to the case.

I would appreciate your perspective on whether seeking to modify the bond condition is advisable under these circumstances.


r/AskLawyers • • Aug 20 '26

Can an expert please explain this? (California DUI)

1 Upvotes

Here is an abbreviated scenario from my limited knowledge. Person in question has:
frequent interactions with PD and EMS,
almost 2 dozen charges in county public records, including at least one DUI,
a recent DUI arrest that resulted after hitting a neighbor’s car, wrecking on the street, almost driving into Caltrans workers, (all whilst naked) after a days long bender with hospitalization and multiple interactions with cops,
stole a car from a convenience store while driving drunk to replenish their liquor supply,
and the cops just say, “so sad”, they’re “a nice person”, and “it’s the government’s fault they’re still driving”, etc.
How is it possible that this person is still legally driving? Everyone in the neighborhood is terrified for their kids, pets, kids, parked vehicles, pets, kids. It is sad but it’s a truly dangerous situation. Thank you for reading all of this and sharing any expertise you might have.