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Questions Answered by George W. Svoboda
1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Illinois on
Q: My dog was stolen by roommate and given away. They both deny but I seen my dog in the window, police won't help

We had a roommate that took my dog from my home, he gave her to a woman nearby. They both deny this but I seen my dog in the woman's window, police won't help because no one else can verify she's there. The woman doesn't let the dogs outside they use the bathroom inside so I... View More

George W. Svoboda
George W. Svoboda
answered on Sep 17, 2020

Take a picture of the dog in the window of the woman and take it to the police to confirm your story. Try to do this without standing on the woman's property. You could sue to get the dog back, but you will still need proof that the woman has the dog. You will also need to prove that you own... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Education Law for Illinois on
Q: Our school is going to force us to run outside in 99 degree weather in circles with our mask on is this legal

They say it is punishment for not "social distancing enough" and say we have no choice but to run and are going to force us

George W. Svoboda
George W. Svoboda
answered on Aug 25, 2020

It's called Physical Education. It is a recommended course under the federal guidelines.

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Discrimination and Employment Law for Illinois on
Q: If I resign can I still go after my employer for whatnot feel is intemitation?

I was told to resign or they would terminate my employment. If terminated polixe may be involved and they have contacted the states attorney. I ask for what. They said padding time cards and throwing away legal documents.

George W. Svoboda
George W. Svoboda
answered on Aug 25, 2020

Unless there is more to this story, you have no case against your employer, but they may have a case against you. Intimidation by accusing you of a crime is not illegal if it was a true statement and if it was not based on any protected form discrimination, such as race, gender or national origin.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Illinois on
Q: I was taken from England age 2. Kept by some people I dont know. They gave me a false name and citizenship.
George W. Svoboda
George W. Svoboda
answered on Aug 25, 2020

You did not ask a question. You did not state whether this was kidnapping or adoption. Were you harmed? US citizenship can be valuable. It's not clear what your situation is.

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Immigration Law for Illinois on
Q: how can I report it effectively ? to make sure govt. takes an action

soon to be ex-wife .. trapped me into marriage and now we have a kid /// But it has been confirmed that she only married to get a green card ... How could I a US Citizen get some justice here .. she is still on student visa and her sister and brother in law are on employer provided green cards ..... View More

George W. Svoboda
George W. Svoboda
answered on Aug 25, 2020

Follow your attorney's advice. The tip line will work. This can get complicated, and your attorney is looking out for your best interest.

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts for Illinois on
Q: on business contract what is definition you have up to ( 3 days to cancel?) time

does this mean 3 days or 3 work days and til midnight or jus a 8 hour work day

George W. Svoboda
George W. Svoboda
answered on Aug 25, 2020

It is three full business days on certain consumer sales in Illinois. It does not apply to commercial contracts between two businesses. It does not apply to every transaction. Generally it applies to door-to-door sales, buyers clubs and a few other things. You may also have a three day cancellation... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Illinois on
Q: I bought land in Mississippi when my father died. It was done by a simple contract and is paid off but no deed for me

The seller didn't put the deed in my name what can I do....

George W. Svoboda
George W. Svoboda
answered on Aug 18, 2020

You would need to sue in Mississippi to enforce the real estate sales contract and force a closing. If your contract was not in writing, you may have a problem. Contact a Mississippi attorney.

1 Answer | Asked in Libel & Slander for Illinois on
Q: How do I file a sute
George W. Svoboda
George W. Svoboda
answered on Aug 18, 2020

Filing a lawsuit for libel or slander in IL is a serious matter. You should consult an experienced attorney. Libel is difficult to prove and is not normally suitable for a self-represented, small claims case.

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Employment Discrimination for Illinois on
Q: Im pregnant and need help with my job

So i work at a warehouse in Illinois and I was denied light duty from my job (I'm 33 weeks pregnant) because of my work restrictions and was told if i went back to work that dealt with a rate and I did as my doctor said, my productivity will be in the negative and I'll be fired. This is... View More

George W. Svoboda
George W. Svoboda
answered on Aug 18, 2020

This sure sounds like a violation of the provisions of the Illinois Human Rights Act regarding protections for workers who are pregnant. Contact an employment attorney and request a free consultation.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Civil Litigation for Illinois on
Q: Need to know type of lawyer needed

Lent car to a friend to have brakes worked on Friday. Per State police, car was in a hit and run at 4pm Fri. My parents were called at 1030pm, saying car will be towed, if your daughter doesn't call by midnight. (I am visiting from TX.) I returned home after 12mid. Tried to return call, but it... View More

George W. Svoboda
George W. Svoboda
answered on Aug 18, 2020

Start with a criminal attorney in IL who does traffic tickets even though you weren't driving. Stop talking to the police. Once you get your car back, you can worry about getting it fixed and who pays for the damage. Luckily, you have insurance. USAA will probably take it from there.

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Elder Law and Internet Law for Illinois on
Q: Victim of bad theft case from my brother n his wife/lied 2 detective he believed her 2) No questions to my brother

They have sold on ebay auctions etc large sports memorabilia collection other collectibles etc both are on social security disability barely was getting by every month paid 1 house off bought another 1 n paid a lawyer $20,000 to fight me on my own property i reported them to office of the IG

George W. Svoboda
George W. Svoboda
answered on Aug 12, 2020

Did they steal the collectibles from you? Did they use that money to buy the new house? If the police won't pursue the theft, you can't force them. You can sue them for the cost of your stuff. Do they have enough equity in the house to go after? However, they could then file bankruptcy... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Illinois on
Q: Hi, I have a question so me and my girlfriend are both 17 about to be 18 in 7 months And we were thinking of moving in

moving in together right now I live with my parents but I am planning to move out when I turn 18. I already talk to them and they said she can come but her parents say she can’t move out till she’s “20” if she Would come with me can they call the police to force her to come back? Or... View More

George W. Svoboda
George W. Svoboda
answered on Aug 10, 2020

You are both past the age of consent in both Ohio and Illinois. Once you are both 18, you will both be at the age of maturity. At the age of maturity, you are both adults and your girlfriend's parents cannot have the "police to force her to come back". The exception would be if your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Support and Civil Litigation for Illinois on
Q: I am legally separated. My husband's ex-wife wants me to contribute to their child's college tuition.

My husband and I have been legally separated for 9 months, we do not have children together. He has a child from a previous marriage and the mother of the child wants me to contribute to paying for the child's post-secondary education.

Can the mother make\request the court to do that?... View More

George W. Svoboda
George W. Svoboda
answered on Aug 10, 2020

You state that you can't afford an attorney, but you are being asked to contribute to a college fund. You are going to need to pay somebody. It's probably less expensive in the long run to hire the attorney. Seek out a free consultation and ask for a cost estimate.

1 Answer | Asked in Small Claims for Illinois on
Q: I was never issued a debit card from unemployment but the unemployment site says that I have been issued 3payments.

What can I do? I call weekly and keep getting the same answer of someone will call me back or they'll send an email.

George W. Svoboda
George W. Svoboda
answered on Aug 10, 2020

If you have an open claim, check the payment method on the unemployment site. You may have direct deposit setup. You can change that. If you had direct deposit setup for a prior claim, the unemployment department (IDES) still may have that on file even if you no longer have that account. You may... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury for Illinois on
Q: I was shopping and upon exiting the store the door greeter grab my child by the arm while he was in a cart. Can I sue?

My child was in a cart and she did not have permission to touch my child. As many people as she sees all day and touching all the carts everyone touches I feel she put my child at risk for infection of covid-19 aren't there social distancing laws in place?!

George W. Svoboda
George W. Svoboda
answered on Aug 10, 2020

Maybe, but what would your damages be? Also, what affirmative defense might the greeter have? You are only providing half of the facts. Did your child grab an item that wasn't paid for? Was your child in danger and about to fall? It's not clear why the greeter touched your child.

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights for Illinois on
Q: My friends wife wants to kick him out of his house and make him pay bills
George W. Svoboda
George W. Svoboda
answered on Aug 10, 2020

She cannot legally evict him while they are married. She would need a restraining order and would need just cause for that. He needs to pay his share of the bills in any case while married.

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Illinois on
Q: Can I file a emergency clemency when my case is being reopened due to police torture?
George W. Svoboda
George W. Svoboda
answered on Aug 10, 2020

Maybe, but you really don't provide enough information to give you any real answer. In your situation, you should consult with a criminal defense attorney in confidence.

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2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Illinois on
Q: What if my wife refuses to pay for my debt?

I have judgments against me totaling around $60,000 for credit card debt, plus another $40K in unsecured debt that has not been brought to court. All of this debt is in my name only. I am self-employed, but currently struggling/out of work. I would like to file a chapter 7, but my wife's... View More

George W. Svoboda
George W. Svoboda
answered on Aug 10, 2020

You don't need to file chapter 7 together. Each can file independently and one can choose not to file.

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law for Illinois on
Q: Is it allowed to hire a prior guardian ad litem as my attorney if they broke off to a new firm?
George W. Svoboda
George W. Svoboda
answered on Aug 10, 2020

The conflict of interest that Mr. Ahlberg states arises from the duty of the guardian ad litem to be independent and objective. He /she would no longer be independent if he were hired by one of the parties and would thereby breach his duty.

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1 Answer | Asked in Uncategorized for Illinois on
Q: I am about to start junior year of high-school and want to prepare for a career in law. (Illinois)

From what I've heard, most lawyers major in something kind of related to law and then minor in pre-law. Right now, I want to major in Historybeith a minor in pre-law. If there is a pre-law major program I would love that. Question 1: What prerequisites are there to studying pre-law or History?... View More

George W. Svoboda
George W. Svoboda
answered on Aug 5, 2020

In almost all colleges and universities, pre-law is not a major nor is it a minor. Some schools offer what is called a "concentration" in pre-law, but you would still need to choose a major. You are not required to have a minor in most schools. Some schools have scholar's programs in... View More

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