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If an operating agency has a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, is it necessary to establish and maintain a board of directors, or can it continue operating without one?
I have been appointed by a judge to complete 30 hours of community service, and the deadline is May 12th. I am unsure about how to submit this information on my court date. Do I need actual documents printed out for submission, or can I create one in Google Docs to be signed off by the organization... View More
I am seeking a pro bono attorney to help me sue a car dealership in Brooklyn, NY. The dealership premeditatedly stole my $20,000 down payment when I handed it over for a vehicle. I have evidence, including a canceled $20,000 cashier's check and another canceled check, that shows how the theft... View More
I am looking to sue the Utica Police Department and the apartment complex where I live due to their handling of an emergency vacate order related to my ex-boyfriend, who was abusive. The emergency vacate order, obtained through family court, clearly states he must vacate immediately. However, the... View More
Several months ago, during a routine medical procedure in New York, a tourniquet was applied to my arm and left on for over 3 to 4 hours. Standard medical protocol, especially for patients on blood thinners like myself, limits the application of a tourniquet to no longer than 2 to 3 minutes. Due to... View More

answered on Mar 14, 2025
I'm sorry this happened to you. In terms of guidance, your best starting point could be to reach out to attorneys to discuss. Based on the quality and detail level of your post, that's something you likely already knew. If a law firm expressed interest in exploring the matter further for... View More
I recently discovered that my lawyer signed a waiver to stop the Speedy Trial time without my knowledge because he believed it was in my best interest. The state had six months to indict me. Is it legal for my lawyer to make such a decision without informing me first?
I live in Buffalo, NY, and am currently divorced but still living with my ex-spouse. I'm in the process of moving out, and we jointly own the property. He has placed cameras both inside and outside the house without my consent and is recording me. I've discussed my concerns with him, but... View More

answered on Mar 14, 2025
It appears you are in the middle of a divorce and still living together.
First, I would request my Judge issue an order that there be no cameras or recording in the home or property.
If the camera's do not go away, you have a Court order you can move to enforce of bring on a... View More
I am inquiring about the cancellation of the registration for the word "newgen" under Serial Number 77871257 and Registration Number 3929667. Could you provide information about the cancellation date or any errors involved, and whether there are options for reinstatement?

answered on Mar 13, 2025
According to the USPTO lookup of this registration number the registration was cancelled on Oct 13th, 2017 due to failure to file an acceptable Section 8 renewal with the USPTO. Due to how long the trademark has been cancelled the mark must be registered again with the USPTO with a new... View More
I am a 16-year-old U.S. citizen currently in another country. My custody was given to my dad around July, but he does not want me to return to the U.S. due to my past behavior and associations with bad influences. I've been in this country for almost a year, and I'm unsure about the... View More

answered on Mar 15, 2025
Since you're a U.S. citizen, you have the right to return to the United States, but there are a few steps you'll need to consider carefully. First, try to determine if your passport is still valid or if your father has possession of it. If you don't have your passport, contacting the... View More
I'm a content creator planning to monetize a Halloween photography fashion-inspired look based on the Beetlejuice character. I intend to post photos and videos in a graveyard on Instagram and TikTok featuring black and white striped clothing and makeup similar to the character but with my own... View More

answered on Mar 15, 2025
Your planned Beetlejuice-inspired content could present some copyright risks, even without using direct movie clips or trademarks. Copyright typically protects specific character portrayals and distinctive elements that audiences clearly associate with the original work. Because you're... View More
I am Ethiopian and currently in the waiting process for my asylum case in the United States and would like to expedite it if possible. Additionally, I need to replace my Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card ASAP because I never received it, even though USCIS shows they sent it. This might... View More

answered on Mar 15, 2025
To expedite your asylum application, you can submit a formal expedite request to USCIS with clear reasons and supporting documents explaining why your situation is urgent, such as financial hardship or humanitarian concerns. Draft a concise letter detailing your circumstances and attach evidence... View More
I plan to visit India for three weeks and will return by April 17th. I currently hold an H1-B visa, which is stamped until May 15th, through my previous employer. I am now employed by a new company and have an I-797 valid until 2027. Will I encounter any issues when re-entering the USA under these... View More

answered on Mar 15, 2025
You should not face any significant issues when re-entering the U.S. with your existing valid H1-B visa stamp and the new employer's approved I-797. Your H1-B visa stamp remains valid until May 15th, and you are allowed to use it to re-enter the country, even though it bears the name of your... View More
I purchased a motorcycle on Memorial Day of 2024, and it was stolen on June 10th while it was in the process of being registered by the dealer. State Farm is claiming they can't process my claim since the bike wasn't registered, despite having full coverage insurance from the day of... View More
I am living in a Mitchell-Lama complex in Brooklyn, NY. I am the successor daughter in my parents' Coop unit, where they moved 30 years ago. Back then, the Coop Bylaws required that 60-70% of the apartment have wall-to-wall carpeting. We're now moving to a larger unit, and the Coop Board... View More
I am going through a messy divorce in New York, where my ex-spouse took our child and made false statements against me in family court, claiming abuse and deprivation of basic rights, which were untrue. I have text messages and social media pictures proving otherwise, but I discovered this evidence... View More

answered on Mar 13, 2025
I understand how difficult and frustrating this situation must be, especially when you feel that false allegations have negatively impacted your custody arrangement. In New York, false abuse claims can significantly affect custody decisions, and it’s important to address any perjury or defamation... View More
In my divorce proceedings, my ex-wife fabricated lies in family court, such as claims of being locked upstairs and deprived of food, despite text messages indicating otherwise. These false claims led to a custody order requiring me to handle all driving responsibilities and a support order that I... View More
How does a judge finalize a divorce without the defendant signing the Affirmation of Defendant in an action for divorce? The defendant was dissatisfied with the stipulation of settlement as he sought legal fees from the plaintiff, but the defendant's attorney ignored this request, and the... View More

answered on Mar 13, 2025
I understand that you have concerns about the finalization of the divorce without the defendant’s affirmation signature, especially regarding the defendant’s dissatisfaction with the settlement and the request for legal fees. In New York, while the process of finalizing a divorce is generally... View More
I was traveling eastbound on Highway 84 in clear conditions at 9:30 pm when a State Trooper was parked on the right shoulder with regular red taillights on, not flashing. He was finishing a prior stop with another motorist. I could not change lanes due to passing traffic and received a ticket for... View More
I entered into a domestic partnership in California, but I now live in New York, and my partner lives in Maryland. It is a mutual decision to terminate the partnership. We've settled all property and assets, and there are no children involved. Can I terminate the California domestic... View More

answered on Mar 13, 2025
I understand that ending a domestic partnership can be a complex process, especially when it involves multiple states. In your case, you are seeking to terminate a California domestic partnership while residing in New York, and your partner lives in Maryland. While the specifics of the process may... View More
I was granted leave to amend my complaint to add additional defendants, who are all part of the same entity but under different names. I served these additional defendants recently and will be e-filing the amended complaint. I haven't received specific instructions or deadlines from the court,... View More

answered on Mar 13, 2025
Under CPLR § 3012(a), service of an answer is to be made within twenty (20) days of service of the pleading to which it responds, in your case the Amended Complaint. https://law.justia.com/codes/new-york/cvp/article-30/3012/
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