r/legal

I bought a property in Va last year. It’s a weekend house on 10 acres of land. Across the top of the property is an access easement with a road leading to two neighbors property. Sometime in the last few months one of these neighbors parked a derelict truck off the road on my land. It’s been there since.

A few weeks ago I was walking on the road and ran into the neighbor. At the time I did not know whose truck this was. I asked him if he knew anything about it. He admitted it was his.

I want the truck moved off the side of the road. He has a large property and there is no reason to leave it there.

How should I proceed?

Location: Washington Pasco airport. Last night I was picking up a friend from Tri-Cities Airport (PSC) in Pasco, WA. The curb lane (lane 1) was completely blocked by parked cars, some with no drivers, so there was no space for me to pull in. I stopped briefly in lane 2 (the merging lane) behind another car that was already loading a passenger. My friend got in within about 4-5 seconds and I left immediately.

As I was leaving I noticed a police car had rolled up behind me — no lights, no siren, no interaction whatsoever. They did not stop me or approach my window.

My questions:

1. Under Washington state law, can an officer mail a citation to my registered address after the fact for something like this?

Thank you.

LOCATION: Boston,Ma. If business owners can apparently take life insurance policies on each other in certain situations?, Could my employer hypothetically agree to pay me significantly more to work for a designated amount of years if they had a life insurance policy on me?

Hi all. This is a complicated situation. Long story short is that he hates her because they divorced, and he apparently made a contingency plan to take all of his assets and money to sell via a friend to live on in Mexico. He was caught in a traffic stop and taken into police custody for a DUI. He is currently waiting for immigration to take him. My ex step-dad has two trucks that are in my mom’s name because he is here illegally.

However, 2-3 years ago, he threatened to stop paying child support if my mom didn’t give him the title’s to both vehicles. They are still in my mom’s name and both still registered to her. She planned on going to get both vehicles until the situation was figured out, possibly to sell long term, since one was in an impound and they are in her name.

The issue is that his friend went to my step dad’s house and took everything and we don’t know if he actually plans on giving it all back. He took both titles that were signed years ago and never transferred. The cops don’t plan on doing anything about it because he has them. Even when they weren’t told that my mom had signed them, they still didn’t plan on doing anything about it.

His friend plans on putting them in his name tomorrow. Is this legal? He can just take titles that were signed for a specific individual from 2 to 3 years ago and forcibly put them in his name? Can she not just cancel the registration and mark it as stolen? I feel like the cops took the easy route and a lawyer is best, but this is a high stakes situation that needs immediate attention.

Edit: Forgot to mention he also took my brother’s trailer, with a bill of sale in my brother’s name. There is no registration for a trailer of this size. My brother told the cops of two counties this information. The cops of county A, where the trailer is currently stored, refused to do anything. The other county B said they’d take the trailer back if it was in their area.

LOCATION: Ontario, Canada.

I'm a sole proprietor running a small service business, with $2M CGL + E&O insurance. Drafting my own client agreement and have 3 quick questions:

1. Is a liability cap tied to my insurance policy limit generally enforceable in an Ontario service contract? (If I write that clause into my contract, will a court actually respect that cap, or can a client still sue me for more than my insurance limit despite what the contract says?)
2. As a sole prop, should I sign as "[Name], operating as [Business Name]" rather than the business name signing alone?
3. Is a plain-language mutual indemnification clause (client responsible for undisclosed property issues) generally enforceable for a small contract like this, or does it need specific wording?

Not asking for a full review — just sanity-checking these three points. Ontario-specific input appreciated.

Location: Ohio

Hello there. I’m seeking advice about a situation that recently occurred. I was at a sporting event and when I went to stand for the national anthem the person next to me got their hand caught in my folding chair when I stood up.

I didn’t realize anything had happened until after the national anthem was over and saw the person doubled over grabbing their hand. I immediately asked if they were okay and what had happened. What I wrote above is what they told me. They then took off a wrap from their hand where they had stitches from a recent surgery.

I immediately went and got the medics from the aid station and led them back to this person. The medics then took this person with them. After about 30-45 minutes this person came back and I asked how they were feeling. They then showed me that the medics had rewrapped their hand and advised them to go back to the doctor that did the surgery to make sure everything was okay.

I did not talk to this person for the remainder of the event and right before leaving told them that I hope they feel better and to have a safe drive home. This person did not seem thrilled to have me talking to them.

My question is: Could I be liable for this even if their hand was on my side of the seat? Does that even matter? We didn’t exchange any information but I just need some advice as to what to expect so that I don’t let my mind run wild. Thank you in advance!

Location: PA and international (EU)

Hi everyone, I wasn't sure where to post this, as it's essentially family law, but it's bleeding into other areas as well now. I'll try to be brief: I'm hoping someone here may have experience with civilians working on military bases abroad. We are separated, we have a court-ordered interim spousal support until the divorce. It's a financial abuse and coercion/forced deprivation situation. He stopped all support payments 10 months ago to force me to agree to his divorce terms.

I can't access medical care for a chronic, serious condition. I have nothing - I've managed to sell some personal belongings just to keep the lights and phone on and for food, which I ration. I have a lawyer, and there is an open criminal investigation in the host nation. The US government agency he works for, within the base, is aware of the situation and has done nothing. The military branch on the base attempted to help through DAVA, and even donated food last year, but the school he works for blocked outside intervention because they insist it must be handled internally. But they are doing nothing, and have never responded to my lawyer or me.

Now that my husband is aware there is a criminal investigation here, he apparently removed me from his orders and is quickly sending me back to the US in 20 days. However, he refuses to give my lawyer any information regarding my flight info, pack-out, or moving details. I only got the flight info because I managed to get my email to someone at the SATO office and they sent it to me. Due to his threats and arbitrary demands, he is no longer allowed to contact me directly, and has to provide all information through his lawyer. So now, in retaliation for that, he isn't communicating at all.

What, if any, legal safeguards are in place in a situation like this, regarding his employer? Is this even remotely normal? I am completely stuck and don't know what to do.

LOCATION: Indiana my parents are being overprotective and controlling I am 22 I am living at home for the summer between college. In college I am very calm and really am excited abt everything. I have recently been a car accident so my parents have been driving me to work when they feel like it. I was supposed to go on a trip with my bf and his family to Michigan. I have been dating my bf for 6 years and his family treats me as one of their own. His parents think my home is toxic. My bf was going to pick me up this morning and take me but my dad said I would have consequences and I would feel them for decades and that I am not allowed to go. I ubered to my house I stay at during school to get away and have some peace but my dad wants to show up and get me when I would like to be alone. I am 22 and he tells me he will call our family friend who is a police officer to track me down and file a missing person report when I had turned off my location and he told me they would show up and detain me through text messages… I am unsure what to do but I am 22 and I don’t like the situation I am currently in. I have thought about purchasing a flight or lyft to see bf but my parents can see my financials… What if I just go? Should I leave my location here and leave early tomorrow?

LOCATION California, and others

My brother passed away with funds still in our mom’s trust due to a special payment distribution arrangement for him. He’s passed away. His estate is less than what is required for formal probate in the state he passed in. So I have a trust administration issue.

He has three children, each of which will inherit about 20k. One of them was estranged. We hired a PI to find information in him even before the brothers death in anticipation of this. I was able to get in contact with him, but he was very suspicious. He gave me a temporary email address and google phone contact number, but refused an address. He says he’s living in the UK.

He’s been very impatient about this process, it’s been 3 months, since I’ve had to get my brother cremated, buried and monuments made etc. The lawyer took a bit also just to find the right state and kind of matter this is.

Well this beneficiary has been very impatient, I keep telling him that I’m getting the final arrangements made, and that a lawyer will contact him. He demanded the lawyers name, but I was still in the process of retaining him, just making sure he’s the right guy and state. The beneficiary has been lashing out attacking me over this, and finally just sent me a message to never contact him again and then disabled the email and the phone the day before the letters from the lawyer went out.

Has anyone dealt with this before ? This kid is leaving 20k on the table. He said he needs money to get back on his feet but he’s being very irrational.

What can I do next ?

Thoughts ?

Location: inland empire
Join
Collision in north county LA
I got a letter from the sheriff saying I was involved in a hit and run and that witnesses grabbed my license plate...
I was confused because I don't remember hitting anyone, ! don't have record the worst thing I've ever gotten is an HOV violation
They stated in the letter to call the detective with my insurance and a statement
What should I do? I'm so confused so scared I'll get charged as I am a community based therapist and can't get any points or my license suspended because then my career is over...

Location: Netherlands and others

I’m looking for general legal advice about what I should expect under Dutch law. This happened in the Netherlands a few weeks ago.

There is an off-leash dog walking area near where I live. I own an Australian Labradoodle who has never shown aggression toward other dogs. Whenever I see a larger dog approaching, I put him on a leash as a precaution.

There is an older couple (around 60 years old) who regularly walk their Golden Retriever. On multiple previous occasions, their dog has run toward my dog barking and growling while they made little or no attempt to call it back.

My girlfriend and I had previously asked them several times to keep their dog under control because we were concerned it would eventually lead to an incident.

A few weeks ago, I encountered them again. Their dog was approximately 20–30 meters ahead of them and off leash. As soon as I saw it, I leashed my dog and kept him close to my side. I looked at the owners expecting them to recall their dog, but they did not.
Their dog ran directly toward my dog while barking and appeared to lunge at him. I reacted by kicking the dog away to stop it from reaching mine.

The dog came at us again, and I kicked it a second time to keep it away. I shouted at the owners to leash their dog.

At that point, the situation escalated. The owners confronted me, an argument followed, and I punched the male owner once in the face. He fell to the ground.

I want to be honest about that part: I am not proud of it, and it happened purely in the heat of the moment after the situation escalated. I have never been involved in anything like this before and have no criminal record or prior history of violence.

Several nearby residents came outside after hearing the commotion. From what I understand, they mostly witnessed the physical altercation but not the events leading up to it, including the dog running toward mine. One woman helped calm the situation and walked me away.

The couple contacted the police and filed a complaint for assault. About a week later, the police came to my home and informed me that I am considered a suspect in an assault investigation. They told me I would be summoned for questioning at a later date. It has now been about 4–5 weeks, and I have not yet received any summons.

My questions are:

- Is it normal in the Netherlands for several weeks to pass before being called in for questioning?

- Should I consult a lawyer before speaking to the police?

- Can the events leading up to the punch (their dog running at mine, my attempts to avoid the situation, and the fact that I had previously warned them about controlling their dog) be relevant to how the case is viewed?

- Is there anything I should or should not do while waiting to hear from the police?

I fully understand that punching the man escalated the situation, and I’m not trying to excuse my actions. I’m simply trying to understand what the legal process is likely to look like and how I should approach it.

I bought a truck in 2021 had a shop I've done business with for years and years tow it in make repairs due to tire rod breaking folding the tire up under the truck. Was given an estimate which the next day I paid for parts and the tow bill. This was on a Friday, he was supposed to source parts.Repair the vehicle and call me. The following Wednesday i called he was waiting on parts but he should be done with it monday to check back then. I had an emergency come up out-of-state that required my attention for an undetermined amount of time, so I left town. Monday called no answer same thing. Tuesday, on Wednesday somebody answered said that he had passed away Friday night. An didn't know anything further . The shop was opened by the uncle 40 years earlier an had been grooming the guy who passed away to take over which he had a few years prior. So for the next few weeks i called finally talking to the head mechanic who had been there for years and he said he knew nothing about the truck being there to be worked on he had no parts for the repairs or nothing . Said he knew the truck was towed in but nothing more. I told him i bought the truck had not registered it yet due the work needing done and had paid for the parts and tow already. He said the original owners son who lived out of state was in charge of handling the business and put him in charge of day to day operations until something permanent was worked out . I told the guy i was out of state for a undetermined amount of time but wanted the truck fixed and when it was ready to let me know . He said okay buy they were already behind for months and ask if I was sure I wanted to wait i told him I need the truck fixed don't know anyone else to do the work due they have always handled my cars . So He was going to call when ready. So a year goes by I heard nothing I called same guy said he was trying to get the parts ordered and would be starting work soon . 6 months nothing I called and got no answer for a month then I came back to town found the shop had been closed down . Didn't know who to call to get info on my truck few days later back out of state unable to find anything out . Fast forward to Jan 5 of this year I'm back in town for good an while trying to get info on my truck I see it driving down the road . Couldn't get turned around to catch it . But I know it is fixed and someone is driving it. So now I'm trying to find out the best way to proceed. I had just bought the truck but not yet registered due to the repairs it needed the shop picked it up title was in the glove box. So what options do I have on finding and getting my truck back or compensation for the truck ?. I'm located in southern Va

LOCATION: Milwaukee, WI USA.

My husband and I have been running an extremely successful AirBnB (many 5 star reviews) for years. We were recently given notice that a legal action had been initiated against us due to our alleged “violation”? Not exactly sure how to put it, but the notice says “TRHA license required”.

Not only would this cost many hundreds of dollars per annum, but we also have reason to suspect that this is a vindictive attempt by the city to gain access to our home after we recently prevailed against inspectors who tried to extort permit funds for a deck and railing we had specifically been given permission over email to build without a permit.

Additional context: My family and I have been the target of more than 50 SWATTings over the last decade, all committed by the cyberstalkers repeatedly trying to kill us. This has been well documented in national news, and is not up for debate. It. Happened. Repeatedly.

Recently, we were awarded a six figure settlement against the city of Milwaukee for police misconduct related to these SWATTings.

Even more recently, these same stalkers submitted a false complaint to the city regarding our deck alterations, which we had already received permission from the city to conduct without a permit. After explaining the reality of the situation, they dropped the issue and issued a variance.

At the risk of my mother paying for attorneys *again*, are there any other avenues available to us?

Location: California

I was DoorDashing in my mother's vehicle one afternoon, and during my last pickup of the day, I got a message that a police officer showed up to my mother's residence stating that I had hit someone in a parking lot a half hour earlier and ran. My mother gave the police office her insurance information and my phone number to get my side of the story. When I stopped and looked at the vehicle, there was no new damage on the vehicle from that day, as my mother's car is a commuter vehicle and has some scrapes from road damage and a busted taillight that occurred two months prior that we've been working to repair before this incident occurred. I relayed to the officer, over the phone, that I didn't have any new damage on the vehicle, and I didn't hit anyone when I was in control of the vehicle. He still passed on my mother's insurance to person making the claim.

A week later, my mother's insurance received a letter from a lawyer claiming more than $1000 dollars of damage and injuries, but relayed no details of the crash, like type of car or how it happened. The only thing they submitted to the insurance company was a picture of the back of my mom's car that I was driving as I was stopped in the parking lot waiting for someone to cross in front of me before I drove off. Both my mother and myself explained to the insurance investigator what happened and they denied the claim for two reasons: 1) that there was no evidence of a collision on the car and 2) insurance wouldn't cover it because I was actively DoorDashing at the time. (Note: According to my DoorDash records, the day and time of the incident I was in the middle of a three stop delivery, meaning I was an active DoorDasher at the time.)

Since that time, they have tried to make a claim against my personal car insurance policy (same company as my mother's), even though I do not carry personal insurance on the vehicle that I was driving at the time. And yesterday, I received a letter from the DMV stating that I need to fill out a SR1 form for the accident, stating that I could have my license suspended for not having insurance for the accident. I also got a copy of the police report, but it had nothing on there and all comments were redacted. The only thing I learned from the police report was that it was called in as a non-injury accident.

So, this is where I'm at. Any lawyer that I try to contact about the case wants a retainer that I cannot afford. DoorDash needs a ton of information about the incident to submit on a form for their insurance to cover it, and I don't know anything about the incident other than the location and time and what I gleaned from the insurance claim and the police report.

Do I try to contact their attorney to get more information? Are there any legal resources that might be able to help me with this? Should I contact the DMV about this as well and give them my insurance information? And should I tell the DMV I was DoorDashing at the time of the incident and that DoorDash's insurance should be the one to cover it?

I'm at a loss on what to do. Thanks!

Edit to add: car registration detail

Hello r/legal, I'm in need of some advice.

Last week I was driving from Michigan to Illinois to visit my wife. When I was 13 minutes from her home I was pulled over. The officer told me he pulled me over for no front plate. I explained to him that I'm from Michigan, my car is registered in Michigan and we don't require a front plate. He told me "well we do here" I said "sir, I'm confused, I need a front plate to drive in Illinois even when my car has nothing to do with Illinois? How would I even get a front plate? Would we just stop at the border and get it? That doesn't make sense" this was apparently my mistake, obviously. He demanded to know why I was shaky and I told him well I'm a woman being pulled over by 3 men with guns, I'm scared. He yelled in my face (and I'm not exaggerating here. The man yelled) that he was a police officer! As if that somehow made anything better. The car is registered to my grandmother, whom I am a care taker for.

He took my license and ran it. He came back and had me get out of the car. Refused to let me get my shoes on. Cuffed me and told me my license was suspended for having 2 licenses? I informed him I was disabled. I asked for a female officer to pat me down and he told me no. The road was incredibly hot as we were in the middle of a heatwave and my feet were burning and he walked me through glass. He placed me in the back of the car where I sat for over an hour with no ac.

He used his k9 on the car and came back to tell me his dog had alerted. I told him "I am disabled and my medication is in the car. It's all in the appropriate bottles but that would be why you would get an alert" he did not remove my medication and rewalk the car. He just decided to toss my car. Several times he came back to shove a particular medication in my face and demand to know what it was, why I needed it etc (one of them was pepcid and he acted as if this was suspicious.) He looked under my hood, pulled a damaged front quarter panel off, and repeatedly held up my belongings to laugh and make comments with the other officer assisting in destroying my things.

The longer he searched without finding something illegal, the angrier and more hostile be got. Any time someone came back to demand my private medical information I asked if I could please have my cuffs extended or moved to the front because I'm disabled and in pain, as well as sweating buckets being in the car with no ac. I asked if my wife could come move my vehicle and was told no. I asked if my wife could come get a few belongings out and was told no. Even though I'm 300 miles from home and everything I need is in the car. No. No. No.

I was taken to jail and booked. I asked for a mask or hand sanitizer and was told no. I was released and given a ticket for failure to provide insurance, even though he never took the insurance from me. And driving on a suspended license. I was given a warning for driving 69 in a 65, which I believe to be a lie because my cruise control was set at 65. The officer changed his story to him pulling me over for the 4 mph over as opposed to the no front plate since someone told him he was wrong. My car was towed and I was given a court date one month from the day of the arrest and told not to leave town before then.

The next day I called the tow yard to see if I could come get a change of clothes and was told no. I couldn't have anything at all until I paid the $600 total to have my car back.

I called my secretary of state and found out that there was an issue when I paid to renew my license. They charged a $3.50 fee and my bank somehow flagged that as suspicious and didn't let the charge go through. I never received communication about this so I had no clue. But mail is often stolen in my area so this could be why. I was able to pay the $36. Fee and have my license back in good standing.

I am still experiencing physical pain from being held in that position for so long, my body has gone into a flare up and I'm experiencing a lot of anxiety and emotional distress after this incident. Many of my belongings were destroyed during the search of my car.

My questions are, was this a legal stop? Should my ticket for driving on a suspended license be valid since stopping me for no front plate was not a valid reason for a stop? Is a public defender an ok choice or should I be looking for another kind of lawyer who does police misconduct type things on a no fee unless you win type basis? (Disabled/no income)

Thank you for your time and help. It's much appreciated.