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Q: Do I owe money based on a notarized contract from a friend claiming sublease and other costs?
I was living with a friend in Illinois who claimed I was subleasing, and I paid her $575 for August-December last year. She evicted me, citing her mental health. When I contacted the leasing company for our building, they informed me I was never on the lease and owed them nothing. My friend had me... View More 
Rebecca LaRocque
answered on Sep 7, 2026
answered on Sep 7, 2026
Not necessarily. A notarized document is not automatically a valid or enforceable debt, and the fact it was notarized at a USPS store does not make the claimed amount correct.
A notary generally verifies that the signer appeared and acknowledged signing the document; notarization does not... View More
Q: Can I sue my employer in CA for reducing my hours post sick leave?
I work in California and recently called in sick, using my sick pay as per company policy. However, since then, my employer has reduced my working hours. I've attempted to discuss this issue with my boss, but he remains unresponsive. Can I take legal action against my employer for reducing my... View More
Sami Nouri
answered on Sep 8, 2026
answered on Sep 8, 2026
Reducing an employee’s hours because the employee used protected California paid sick leave may constitute retaliation. Timing alone does not prove the reason, however; the employer may claim that scheduling, performance, or business needs caused the reduction.
Preserve schedules from... View More
Q: Can commute time be considered working hours as a remote-coded employee in California?
When I joined my company in California, I was coded as a remote/field location employee. My role involved setting up a supplier facility, which was not operational initially, so I worked remotely most days, visiting the site once or twice a week. I was informed by HR and coworkers that commute to... View More
Michael R Trust
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answered on Sep 5, 2026
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answered on Sep 5, 2026
Hello. If you're now on site, the daily commute is not considered compensable work time (nor mileage reimbursement), unless your employer choses to offer it. It's not legally required. Going back to use PTO is not appropriate; that's your vested time; if the employer changed the... View More
Q: Is using a company fuel card for personal use a crime in New York?
I have a friend in New York who misused a company's fuel card to fill their private vehicle. The company discovered the misuse, but my friend has admitted to their actions. Is this considered a criminal act, and what potential consequences might they face in New York for such an action?
Alvin Leon Spitzer
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answered on Sep 5, 2026
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answered on Sep 5, 2026
The answer to your question depends on whether the card was stolen, whether there was permission to use the card, the amount of the misuse and possibly some other factors. If the misuse met criminal criteria and depending on the amount used, it could be a misdemeanor, which carries a fine and/or... View More
Q: What should a bail bond co-signer do when the bonded person is back in jail?
I'm in Texas and have a question about a bail bond. A friend of a friend signed a bond to get someone out of jail, and now that person is back in custody. The bondsman has been sending messages to the co-signer, asking them to continue paying the bond on behalf of the detained individual.... View More
John Cucci Jr.
answered on Sep 5, 2026
answered on Sep 5, 2026
If the co-signor on a Bond learns that the defendant is back in jail, they can withdraw from any bail/bond obligations. This must be done in writing. An email confirming your exit or release from liability is sufficient.
Be sure you get released from ALL Bonds. Sometimes there is more than... View More
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