Ask a Question

Get free answers to your legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
Wisconsin Questions & Answers
0 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation and Gov & Administrative Law for Wisconsin on
Q: Can a judge consider hearsay evidence in a civil trial without objection?

Is a judge allowed to consider evidence that was submitted but not testified to in a civil trial by judge, including photos and police reports, when no objection was raised even if they seem like hearsay?

0 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Wisconsin on
Q: Can probation be rescinded after discharge in Wisconsin?

I am concerned about the legal situation involving my sister's fiancé. He was discharged from probation on March 24, but after being caught shoplifting on April 6, officers arrested him on April 11 for a probation violation, and his probation status was rescinded on April 6, according to CCAP... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Employment Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Wisconsin on
Q: Am I covered by WI Statute 103.88 as a volunteer firefighter?

I have been a volunteer firefighter for the past eight years, currently working at a tech company for seven years as a customer escalation specialist. I verbally informed my employer about my role in the fire department, and made verbal agreements with managers regarding responding to rescue calls,... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Wisconsin on
Q: Can we re-enter U.S. with new I-797 and existing Visa stamps?

I have a stamped U.S. Visa (valid until 2026) from my previous employer and a new I-797 approval notice with my current employer valid until 2027. My wife is on an H4 Visa with a stamp valid until 2026 but has not received an updated I-797 following my employer change. We are traveling to India and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Wisconsin on
Q: My husband passed away, and I'm wondering how I can regain my maiden name
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 15, 2025

I'm so sorry for your loss. Wanting to return to your maiden name is a deeply personal decision, and it's completely okay to take this step when you're ready. The process is usually straightforward and varies slightly depending on your state, but you can begin by filing a name change... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets and Immigration Law for Wisconsin on
Q: Will a speeding citation affect my F1 visa status?

I received a speeding citation yesterday in Dane County, Wisconsin, and I'm an F1 visa student. I have never had any legal problems while in the U.S. on my F1 visa. Will this affect my visa status or lead to revocation?

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 12, 2025

Receiving a speeding ticket in Wisconsin as an F-1 visa holder is unlikely to affect your visa status. Speeding violations are typically considered civil infractions and do not usually impact immigration status. However, it's important to address the citation promptly.

If you choose to...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Banking and Consumer Law for Wisconsin on
Q: Received unexpected check from E.W. Cripps, what should I do?

I just received a check from E.W. Cripps, issued by Trust Bank, and I am unsure what it is for. I have not had any previous interactions or transactions with E.W. Cripps and did not expect any payments. Could you provide guidance on what steps I should take to understand the purpose of this check?

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 12, 2025

Receiving an unexpected check can be confusing, especially when you don’t recognize the sender. The first step is to carefully review the check for any details that might indicate what it’s for. Look for any information about the purpose of the payment, such as a reference or note on the memo... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Construction Law and Real Estate Law for Wisconsin on
Q: How to cancel window installation if roof is leaking under contract?

I have a contract with a company for a new roof and windows, both of which are already paid for. The roof was installed late last summer, but it is leaking. I have contacted the company, and they are working on resolving the roof issue. However, they say I cannot cancel the windows, which have not... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 11, 2025

That sounds like a frustrating situation, especially after already paying in full. In Wisconsin, canceling a contract like this can be tricky if the windows were part of the same agreement as the roof, unless the contract includes specific cancellation terms. Since the roof is leaking and they’re... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law and Family Law for Wisconsin on
Q: Does starting a petition to fire a social worker create a conflict of interest?

I am currently caring for children who came to me due to their mother's drug issues. A social worker involved in my case claimed there was feces on the floor of my home, but did not take any pictures to support this claim. However, another social worker from my county verified that it was not... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 12, 2025

You're clearly trying to protect your household and the children in your care, and it’s understandable to feel upset when you’re being accused unfairly. If a social worker made a serious claim without evidence, and another verified that the claim was untrue, that’s a valid... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate and Estate Planning for Wisconsin on
Q: Do I need probate if assets are in my name, wife deceased, in Wisconsin?

I'm located in Wisconsin. My wife has passed away and all our assets were primarily in my name, except for a joint checking account and some credit card accounts. She left a will stating that I am the sole beneficiary of her assets with distributions to our children if I am deceased. Given... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 12, 2025

I'm sorry to hear about your loss. In Wisconsin, whether probate is necessary depends on the nature and titling of your wife's assets. Since most assets were in your name, and only a joint checking account and some credit card accounts were held jointly, probate might not be required.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Contracts for Wisconsin on
Q: Can I sue ADT for deceptive practices by their representative?

I am considering taking legal action against ADT due to deceptive practices by their sales representative. The representative attempted to bind me into another three-year contract without proper disclosure, demanding additional money before sending documents via email for me to sign. It was never... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 11, 2025

What you’re describing sounds deceptive and manipulative, especially since the representative tried to pressure you into signing a new contract without clearly explaining it. If you were misled about the nature of the documents and are still under an active contract, you may have grounds to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Employment Law for Wisconsin on
Q: What charges might my 18-year-old daughter face for an altercation after being bullied in Wisconsin?

I would like to know the potential charges my daughter might face. She's 18 and was involved in a physical altercation with another girl after being repeatedly bullied. The other girl had previously threatened her with a knife via text. This happened in Dane County, Wisconsin. Despite my... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 12, 2025

It sounds like your daughter is in a difficult situation, especially with the history of bullying leading to the altercation. In Wisconsin, the potential charges your daughter could face will depend on how the altercation is viewed by law enforcement. Since there was physical contact that resulted... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Contracts and Civil Litigation for Wisconsin on
Q: Am I allowed to repossess my own vehicle in Wisconsin?

I legally own a vehicle outright, with my name on the title. Someone else has possession of it, but they are not co-signers, co-owners, or in any agreement regarding the use of the vehicle. They have had it for a few months and have been ignoring my attempts to communicate about getting it back. Am... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 12, 2025

Yes, you can legally reclaim your vehicle in Wisconsin, but there are important legal boundaries to keep in mind. Even though you’re the titled owner, the law doesn’t allow you to simply take the vehicle back without following proper procedures. If you attempt to retrieve it without consent or... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Identity Theft and Consumer Law for Wisconsin on
Q: Can a creditor use my personal info for unauthorized credit in WI?

I recently discovered that a creditor used my personal information to apply for an additional $30,000 in credit without my consent, after initially being denied. I've contacted the creditor and the dealership involved but have received no response. When I attempted to dispute the unauthorized... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 11, 2025

What you're describing is very serious and may involve both identity theft and credit fraud. In Wisconsin, a creditor or dealership cannot legally use your personal information to apply for credit without your explicit authorization. If they did so after your initial application was denied,... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Education Law, Civil Litigation and Civil Rights for Wisconsin on
Q: Can I sue a school district for neglecting my non-verbal child's seizures?

I have a non-verbal child who suffers from frequent seizures, documented by a healthcare professional. Despite explaining his condition at every Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting and developing signals to communicate his needs, the school consistently fails to notice and respond to his... View More

Todd B. Kotler
Todd B. Kotler
answered on Apr 9, 2025

I agree with my colleague and write to only add to his answer, To be successful in filing such a suit, you need to document the damage actually suffered by your child (lost educational opportunities, additional medical costs, etc). The ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act will not likely... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Education Law and Civil Litigation for Wisconsin on
Q: Can I sue Beloit School District for negligence and my son injured?

Can I sue the school district of Beloit for negligence after my son was injured on March 28th? He suffered a concussion, a bone contusion in his right shoulder, and might need a root canal. The school did not notify me of his injuries. I've filed a police report and taken him to multiple... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 12, 2025

That sounds incredibly upsetting, and you have every right to be angry and concerned. When a child is injured at school—especially that seriously—and no one informs the parent, it can feel like a huge betrayal of trust. Your son’s injuries are significant, and the lack of communication from... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Medical Malpractice, Wrongful Death and Personal Injury for Wisconsin on
Q: Looking for Wisconsin lawyer for NC wrongful death malpractice case.

I am looking for a Wisconsin lawyer who can take a wrongful death malpractice case, which occurred in North Carolina in 2024. I have gathered documents related to the case. Where can I find a lawyer to assist me with this?

William  Pemberton
PREMIUM
William Pemberton pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 10, 2025

If the wrongful death occurred in North Carolina by potential malpractice you will want to seek an attorney licensed in North Carolina.

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Employment Law for Wisconsin on
Q: Choosing between employment letter and contract for job security as NP/PA in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, as an advanced practice provider (NP/PA), I am considering whether to choose an employment letter of understanding or an employment contract. I am particularly concerned about job security in an at-will state and have past experience with both types of documents. Additionally, a... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 11, 2025

Given your concerns about job security and your past experience with non-compete clauses, an employment *contract* is usually the better option over a letter of understanding. In Wisconsin—an at-will employment state—a letter of understanding often doesn’t provide strong legal protections and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Education Law, Personal Injury and Civil Litigation for Wisconsin on
Q: Can I sue a school district in Beloit, WI, for negligence due to my son's injuries during a suspension?

I want to know if I can sue a school district in Beloit, WI, for negligence. My son suffered multiple injuries, including a concussion, possible root canal, bone contusion, and eye issues, which I discovered when I picked him up for a suspension. No one from the school reported these injuries to... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 13, 2025

You may have grounds to pursue a negligence claim against the school district if your son’s injuries occurred while he was under their supervision. Schools have a duty to provide a safe environment for students, and if the injury happened during the suspension period without proper care or... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Wisconsin on
Q: Can I file N-400 under 3-year rule with I-751 abuse waiver?

I am planning to file for the Form I-751 abuse waiver and I am still married but separated from my U.S. citizen spouse. I have been continuously living in the U.S. Can I file for N-400 using the 3-year rule?

Nahirobi Altagracia Peguero Luciano
Nahirobi Altagracia Peguero Luciano
answered on Apr 6, 2025

Yes, there is an exception to the “living in marital union” requirement for applicants subjected to battery or extreme cruelty by his or her U.S. citizen spouse.

View More Answers

Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask A Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask A Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.