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Q: Can IRS seize life insurance payout due to federal lien?
I am a resident of California and currently owe back federal taxes. Recently, the IRS issued a federal lien against me in June 2026. I am about to receive a life insurance check as an inheritance. There is no probate involved since the check will come directly to me, and I haven't received a... View More 
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David S. Greenberg
answered on Oct 25, 2026
answered on Oct 25, 2026
It's important to distinguish between a lien and a levy.
• Lien: A legal claim that secures the government's interest in your property. It does not immediately seize your property.
• Levy: The actual legal seizure and sale of your property by the IRS to satisfy the... View More
Q: How to get immediate financial aid in CA when pregnant and homeless?
I am pregnant and currently homeless in the Claremont area, fleeing a domestic violence situation. In 2017, I had a CalWORKs case, and recently I was told that because of my time limit stopping, I won't receive assistance until my baby is born. Despite reaching out for emergency assistance, I... View More
Martin Louis Winfield Jr
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answered on Oct 25, 2026
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answered on Oct 25, 2026
You should request a written eligibility decision and emergency-housing review now, rather than rely on an oral statement that nothing is available until delivery. Pregnancy itself does not require waiting until birth: Los Angeles County's current CalWORKs policy permits an otherwise eligible... View More
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Criminal Law, Legal Malpractice, Civil Rights and Appeals / Appellate Law
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Q: How can I contest my misdemeanor plea in California?
In California, I was facing misdemeanor charges for hit and run and a 10851. After being represented by my original public defender for over two years, a new lawyer took over and failed to handle my case correctly. The new public defender did not review any police reports or evidence and allowed... View More
Martin Louis Winfield Jr
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answered on Oct 25, 2026
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answered on Oct 25, 2026
The immediate priority is to determine the dates of your plea, sentencing, and any probation order. Those dates control which remedies remain available. Ask for the plea form, plea-hearing transcript, sentencing minutes, police reports, and your defense file. Identify specifically what evidence... View More
Q: Can I sue for medical malpractice due to a punctured lung during a procedure?
I am considering suing for medical malpractice after a procedure during which my lung was punctured. This occurred between May 18th and May 25th, 2026. I have the discharge instructions from the hospital. Since the incident, my asthma has worsened significantly, making it difficult for me to walk... View More
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Emery Brett Ledger
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answered on Oct 25, 2026
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answered on Oct 25, 2026
Possibly, but a punctured lung by itself does not prove malpractice. For many procedures (central lines, nerve blocks, thoracentesis, lung or breast biopsies, some shoulder and chest work) a collapsed lung is a recognized complication that can happen even when the doctor does everything right.... View More
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Medical Malpractice, Civil Litigation, Contracts and Personal Injury
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California
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Q: Can I take legal action for misrepresentation in my breast reduction surgery?
I had a breast reduction and lift surgery in California, for which I paid approximately $11,000 out-of-pocket, primarily aimed at achieving a significant reduction in size to a B cup. I clearly communicated this goal to my surgeon and reiterated it during preoperative markings. The surgeon assured... View More
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Emery Brett Ledger
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answered on Oct 25, 2026
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answered on Oct 25, 2026
The pathology report will probably tell you more than the follow-up visit did. When breast tissue is removed in a reduction, it goes to pathology and gets weighed, usually in grams per side. That number, compared with your preoperative photos, the markings, and what the consent form says was... View More
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