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Questions Answered by N'kia (NLN)
1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for North Carolina on
Q: Can 1099 employers be held to a noncompete clause?

Earlier this year I signed a contract containing a non-compete as a 1099 worker. The job is not working out due to not receiving adequate referrals from the company to financially sustain my responsibilities and livelihood. I am seeking employment elsewhere and am trying to figure out if it’s... View More

N'kia (NLN)
N'kia (NLN)
answered on Oct 8, 2024

You have identified at least 2 important issues. First, you may or may not have been properly classified. Second, your non-compete may or may not be enforceable. To some degree, the second might depend on the first. Many non-competes are not enforceable in North Carolina because they are not... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for North Carolina on
Q: Is it legal to terminate someone without providing a reason? Employee was never counseled positive or negative?
N'kia (NLN)
N'kia (NLN)
answered on Dec 15, 2023

North Carolina is an "at-will" state. This means that, generally, either an employer or an employee can terminate an employment relationship at any time and for any reason (so long as the reason does not violate the agreement between the parties and is not otherwise unlawful). It also... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for North Carolina on
Q: Is it a hipaa violation for my employer to post my excused doctors note for everyone to see?
N'kia (NLN)
N'kia (NLN)
answered on Dec 5, 2023

HIPAA applies to certain "covered" entities. Covered entities typically operate in the medical field or support other entities that operate in the medical field. But unless an employer is a covered entity, HIPAA doesn't apply. Also, when a covered entity violates HIPAA, it... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for North Carolina on
Q: Can I send a request for unpaid hours even after I quit?

I was told that orientation and training would be paid. The system didn't accept me and the assistant manager said they'd put in my hours manually. They never did, and I haven't been paid. I am quitting because of another job opportunity and would like to know if I can put in a... View More

N'kia (NLN)
N'kia (NLN)
answered on Nov 12, 2023

You can send a written request for payment for unpaid hours, even after you have resigned from your employment. Your request might include information about the amount of money you believe you are owed, how you calculated this amount, how long you have been owed this money, and previous... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for North Carolina on
Q: I want to know if my non compete which is part of my employement contract in NC is nulled.

They are changing our commission for the worse and I will lose 1/2 of my earning potential. In addition, now our national team is claiming local account causeing loss of income as well Can they enforce a 2 year non compete when they have changed my employment completely.

N'kia (NLN)
N'kia (NLN)
answered on Nov 12, 2023

It would be rather difficult for an attorney to answer your question. In North Carolina, the enforceability of a non-compete agreement is more case-specific than most other types of contracts. For example, in the employment context, enforceability of a non-compete agreement can depend on factors... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for North Carolina on
Q: Can I sue my former apartment management company if they have headquarters in other states, and not mine? I live in NC.

There is black mold in my apartment that has not been remediated. The management company has been fired. Can I sue them in small claims court in the county where my apartment is located? They were the management company at the time. They have headquarters in other states, not NC.

N'kia (NLN)
N'kia (NLN)
answered on Nov 12, 2023

First, I am sorry to hear about your mold issue and hope you are watching the situation carefully.

In North Carolina, a tenant can USUALLY sue in the county where the property is located.

However, mold cases can be somewhat complicated. So, there are numerous other things to...
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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for North Carolina on
Q: Is it legal to back date a separation in NC to divorce prior to one year apart?
N'kia (NLN)
N'kia (NLN)
answered on Oct 19, 2023

Intentionally making false statement of facts to a court is unlawful. In North Carolina, to be eligible for a divorce, spouses must have been separated for at least one year (with the intent to remain separate and apart). To be valid, a divorce complaint cannot be filed before the spouses are... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for North Carolina on
Q: Is a landlord responsible to pay for relocation fees (such as a hotel) unexpectedly?

Our microwave, air fryer, stove, and oven doesn’t get hot, the fridge isn’t working, oven beeps and says bad power line when we turn a singular light on. The lights flicker bad, or don’t come on etc. This is because of unkept maintenance, it’s an old apartment complex… and I’m assuming... View More

N'kia (NLN)
N'kia (NLN)
answered on Oct 19, 2023

In North Carolina, a residential landlord must keep the premises in a fit and habitable condition. A landlord who fails to do so could be liable to its tenant for "rent abatement" and/or expenses (such as costs of alternative living arrangements). A landlord who charges rent for property... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for North Carolina on
Q: Inquiry Regarding the Legality of Remote Work from a Different State

I'm currently working in Texas state

My current employer has offered me the opportunity to work remotely. Given the nature of my work, which primarily involves digital tasks and virtual meetings, there seems to be no immediate need for me to be physically present at our company's... View More

N'kia (NLN)
N'kia (NLN)
answered on Oct 9, 2023

Changing terms and conditions of employment can potentially affect an employee's H1B status. With some changes, the employee might no longer be eligible for H1B status. However, other things might just require an update (like a new Labor Condition Application).

To obtain legal advice...
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3 Answers | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for Alaska on
Q: Can I sue for Trademark Infringement?

An Architectural Firm named Architects Alaska is using my Trademark for their E-mail Address. This is against a settlement made in 2002 where I agreed to dissolve my new business "Architects@Alaska.com" and agreed that my E-mail address was banned from use by either architectural firm.... View More

N'kia (NLN)
N'kia (NLN)
answered on Oct 9, 2023

To be able to advise you on the best course of action, an attorney would need to review the settlement agreement and gather more information. So, you should consider scheduling a consultation.

You posted your inquiry in the Q&A forum. However, to connect with an attorney to assist you,...
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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Landlord - Tenant for North Carolina on
Q: What laws cover a Landlord signing a lease in bad faith knowing there are hidden problems with the property?

I have signed a one year lease (now about 8 months in ) and there is a documented reoccurring leak from my upstairs neighbor's bath tub waste water line into my kitchen. There is record of this same leak from last 2 tenants. They keep putting fresh drywall over without fixing the leak.

N'kia (NLN)
N'kia (NLN)
answered on Oct 9, 2023

North Carolina law requires that residential rental property be safe and "habitable." There is no law requiring that property be perfect. Also, a landlord's failure to disclose past repairs doesn't automatically equate to "bad faith." But if you believe your landlord... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury for North Carolina on
Q: What if the average amount you can get for slip and fall at Walmart in NC Has proof all damage was caused by the fall

Also I had to get a total knee replacement due to the fall

N'kia (NLN)
N'kia (NLN)
answered on Oct 9, 2023

That information isn't generally available to the public, in part because so many cases are handled through CONFIDENTIAL settlement.

Also, in a personal injury case, a plaintiff has the burden of proving what they are entitled to recover. The end result of a case is based on the facts...
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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for North Carolina on
Q: If I gave the appropriate notice for vacating my apartment, can I be charged a reletting fee?

I was living in an apartment in Raleigh, month to month, and the apartment required 60 day notice for vacating the apartment. I gave them this notice, but after I left, I was charged $1000 for a reletting fee. Can they do that even though I gave then the appropriate notice?

N'kia (NLN)
N'kia (NLN)
answered on Aug 31, 2023

Generally, a month-to-month tenant isn't responsible for paying a "reletting" fee if they give proper notice of termination. The purpose of giving advance notice, literally, is to give the landlord time to find a new tenant.

However, "60 days" can be interpreted...
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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for North Carolina on
Q: Can a NC landlord gie me a 30 day notice to move due to renovations?

Hi, my landlord gave me and another tenant a 30 day notice to move. We were not behind on rent or did anything to have any problems. He has not asked anyone else in the building to move but us. I am currently invading on my daughters space, because I was not able to find a place. I don't... View More

N'kia (NLN)
N'kia (NLN)
answered on Aug 9, 2023

In North Carolina, a residential rental relationship may be "month-to-month." Generally, that means that either party can terminate the tenancy with at least 30 days' notice. Although a landlord must have a reason for an eviction, this wouldn't be considered an eviction. It... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for North Carolina on
Q: can a judge tell you that if you dont have an attorney set by such and such date that you have to represent yourself?
N'kia (NLN)
N'kia (NLN)
answered on Jul 21, 2023

North Carolina judges often say this to defendants who have previously delayed proceedings based on the fact that they haven't yet hired an attorney to represent them. This is really just a way of saying that the trial is scheduled to move forward on the next court date, regardless of whether... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property on
Q: If I add 2 letters to a trademark is this a different trademark,thanks
N'kia (NLN)
N'kia (NLN)
answered on Jul 13, 2023

It depends on several factors. For example: Would you be using the proposed trademark for different goods/services than the current user? Would you be using it in completely different geographical areas than the current user? Would the change be sufficient to prevent consumers from thinking that... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Collections for North Carolina on
Q: My house is protected by tenants by the entirety. I have a civil judgement against only me from a creditor.

Can I sell the house without paying the judgement? Do most creditors renew judgement liens after 10 years?

N'kia (NLN)
N'kia (NLN)
answered on Jun 14, 2023

Generally, selling real property owned by tenants by the entirety converts the proceeds of the sale to the personal property of the respective tenants. As separate personal property, the proceeds are then subject to collections.

There is no real way to anticipate whether or not a creditor...
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1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law for North Carolina on
Q: Is it true, If an individual makes less than $600 a year that the individual does not need to sign a W9?
N'kia (NLN)
N'kia (NLN)
answered on Jun 7, 2023

That's not exactly accurate. Generally, whether or not someone is required to complete a Form W9 is related to how much they are paid (or supposed to be paid) by a specific source of reportable income. Unless an exception applies, someone who receives reportable income from multiple sources... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Tax Law for North Carolina on
Q: Business agrees to hire a local police department for off-duty services. The business is asked to sign a contract from

the PD about the pay rate and duties required. Contact signed, &work has been completed, but now business will not pay officers until w9 is filed. This was not in the contact &the pay for each officer would be under $600.

N'kia (NLN)
N'kia (NLN)
answered on Jun 7, 2023

Depending on such factors as the amount of pay a contractor receives, requiring the contractor to sign a W9 may be required by tax law. The party paying the contractor doesn't necessarily need to spell this out in the contract or disclose it ahead of time, because it isn't a term that the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for North Carolina on
Q: My Landlord is selling the house I rent, is he allowed to let people just walk through the house without 24hr notice?

They have a key to get in the house on the sign but don’t give us a 24hr notice and enter our home without our approval. Is that allowed? And can they evict us with a lease?

N'kia (NLN)
N'kia (NLN)
answered on Jun 1, 2023

If a residential lease agreement says the landlord must provide at least 24 hours' notice, then the landlord must abide by this requirement. If the agreement doesn't say how much notice is required, the parties should expressly agree to a reasonable time frame. 24 hours is considered... View More

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