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Q: Can husband file bankruptcy for brother with POA to save house?
My husband has Power of Attorney (POA) for my brother, who is currently incarcerated in Pennsylvania. My brother is at risk of losing his house due to back taxes, and the house is set to be sold on September 17th. My husband's POA grants him general authority over real property, tangible... View More 
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Vincent Rubino
answered on Jul 31, 2026
answered on Jul 31, 2026
Most bankruptcy courts will permit a POA to be used for someone to file bankruptcy on behalf of another. I primarily practice in the Middle District and Eastern District of PA, where POAs are generally allowed. However, the specific language in the POA must be sufficient to permit a bankruptcy... View More
Q: How to handle a summons for Second-Degree Assault when neither party wanted to press charges during a verbal argument in Maryland?
On July 16, 2026, during a verbal argument with my boyfriend in Maryland, a physical altercation occurred where my boyfriend struck me, and I retaliated by hitting him back. The police arrived on the scene, interviewed us separately, and offered us the option to provide written statements, which we... View More
Scott Scherr
answered on Jul 31, 2026
answered on Jul 31, 2026
Most likely the police filed charges. It will tell you who filed the charges on Maryland Judiciary Case Search where it says "complainant." You should retain counsel or go to the Public Defender. The maximum penalty is 10 years in jail and a fine so it is important for you to be... View More
Q: Does an adjuster have to explain their decision in a Nevada vehicle accident claim with submitted evidence?
I am a claimant in a vehicle accident case in Nevada. The adjuster has decided on a 50/50 split for the fault determination but did not provide any documentation or explanation of the evidence on which they based their decision. I have submitted photos that clearly support my claim. Does the... View More
Tim Akpinar
answered on Aug 12, 2026
answered on Aug 12, 2026
Unfortunately, such denials do not often include a great amount of detail - they are kept general. Still, you could ask them about the basis for their determination. In terms of ignoring relevant and meaningful evidence, refusing to investigate a claim adequately, and similar actions MIGHT present... View More
Q: Missed court date for expired registration and no insurance in Illinois. What should I do next?
I recently missed a court date related to being pulled over for expired registration and no insurance in Illinois. Since then, I have purchased a new car with an updated registration and acquired current insurance as of yesterday. I spoke with a court clerk who mentioned they will likely issue a... View More
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W. Scott Hanken
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answered on Jul 30, 2026
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answered on Jul 30, 2026
Short answer: Illinois changed its process in 2025 so a missed court date no longer automatically triggers an arrest warrant or license suspension — which matches what the clerk told you — but you still want to confirm your case status in writing and show up prepared with your new... View More
Q: Is it legal for me to distribute my tips based on percentages among restaurant staff?
I am a waitress in California, and I've been required to allocate my tips among other restaurant staff based on specific percentages. These include 9% to the bar for alcohol sales, 3% to the busser, 2% to the drink runner, 2% to the host for seating patrons, and 3% to the food runner for food... View More
Maurice Mandel II
answered on Jul 30, 2026
answered on Jul 30, 2026
Interesting wage/tip issues.
First, the only specific limitations are that the employer, including supervisors or managers are not allowed to share in tips.
Next: California courts require mandatory tip distributions to be fair, reasonable, and proportionate to the roles employees... View More
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