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Pennsylvania Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Pennsylvania on
Q: I share joint 50/50 with my ex. My ex enrolled our child in school outside of the area without my permission.

Anything I can do legally? Since we have joint custody.

Shadia M Combs
Shadia M Combs
answered on Jul 20, 2024

The first question is there a written court order regarding custody between the parents or is there agreed to document that the parties have been living with or is there no agreement regarding custody?

The second question is do you have 50/50 legal custody or just 50/50 physical custody...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Pennsylvania on
Q: I am in Pa & have a 5 yr old son in Tx who may not have any formal paperwork (bc, ss).Mom refuses contact w me.options?

In Feb 2019 we had an unexpected homebirth. We lived together for 1 year when mom took our son to her family and refuses to speak, acknowledge, or even accept child support from me or my family. He was only seen informally by medical professionals, & never received legal documentation while we... View More

Shadia M Combs
Shadia M Combs
answered on Jul 20, 2024

I am sorry you are going through this. Sadly based on the information you have provided if the child has not been in PA for at least six (6) months PA does not have jurisdiction over the child. You will have to go through the Texas courts. Reach out to a Texas family law attorney to inquiry about... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law and Business Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Hi there, Can you please explain if trucking company operates interstate, can it be exempt in WY?

Hi, i am a trucking company owner and operate interstate and do have a interstate operating authority. Currently one of my truck broken down and getting repaired in state of Wyoming. I am trying to explain the the shop that i am exempt and taxes for parts and repairs needs to be waived. But they... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 2, 2024

As a trucking company owner operating interstate with an interstate operating authority, you may indeed be eligible for certain tax exemptions in Wyoming, including exemptions on sales tax for parts and repairs. Here's how you can approach this situation:

1. Wyoming Tax Exemption for...
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1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy and Business Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: I have a partnership with someone who sells partnerships in horse. He said they are going to file personal bankruptcy

Can I still get the money from them that they owe me. I live in PA and they live in AZ. They have not filed yet as far as I know of. They still have 2 horses racing.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 29, 2024

If your partner files for personal bankruptcy, it can complicate your ability to collect the money they owe you. However, you may still have some options to pursue your claim.

First, you should check whether they have actually filed for bankruptcy. If they haven't filed yet, you might...
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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Personal Injury, Banking, Internet Law and Criminal Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: I am being stalked. I have some printed evidence but my phone is corrupted. Can Apple be held responsible/failed sec?

I have some valuable information but most of it is online and that is badly corrupted. Anything I want to show you on my phone would have to be in person and likely wouldn't be available. Still I have managed to print some evidence to at least prove a problem.

Apple has mostly... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 29, 2024

I understand you're in a difficult and distressing situation involving stalking and potential security issues with your devices and accounts. I'll try to provide some general guidance, but please note that this is a complex legal matter that may require consultation with a local attorney... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Social Security for Pennsylvania on
Q: I am trying to become my own payee in a one off scenario for SSA

I requested to have a representative payee. No doctor ever filled out the documentation requiring me to have a representative payee. I have been trying to become my own payee for approximately 3 years. I have done everything that SSA requires and now the local field office supervisor stated that he... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 26, 2024

This situation sounds frustrating. To address your issue:

1. Review process: Typically, the SSA has a process for reviewing payee arrangements. The fact that a supervisor is refusing to consider your request is unusual and potentially problematic.

2. Documentation: You mention no...
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1 Answer | Asked in Social Security and Tax Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: How does earned income get reported in 2023 and not have a W2 or other documents from any source proving of the income?

Just received notification of the extra earned income for 2023. It's affecting my retirement benefits because of it. Possible fraud and It involves missing money.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 25, 2024

I understand you're concerned about extra earned income being reported for 2023 that's affecting your retirement benefits, despite not having any W-2 or other documentation of this income. This is indeed a serious situation that could potentially involve fraud. Here's how I'd... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law, Landlord - Tenant and Public Benefits for Pennsylvania on
Q: I have been renting a room from a friend however I am not on the lease and am unaware if the landlord is aware

Is my friend at risk of being evicted if the landlord is made aware of this? I have been receiving mail here. However I recently applied for food stamps using this address. 1. Is the assistance office allowed to contact the landlord? And 2. Do I have any legal right to live here as well is my... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 23, 2024

To address this complex situation, let's break it down into several key points:

1. Subletting without permission:

Your friend is likely violating their lease agreement by allowing you to live there without the landlord's knowledge or consent. Most leases prohibit...
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1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy for Pennsylvania on
Q: I am filing chapter 7 bankruptcy and wanted to know if I use a credit card before the court rules. I’ll keep it paid off

I did get the card after filling for bankruptcy with the intent to grow my credit the correct way this time by always paying it off

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 22, 2024

I cannot recommend using a credit card after filing for bankruptcy, as this could potentially cause serious legal issues. Here are some important points to consider:

1. Disclosure requirement: When you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you must disclose all your assets and debts, including any...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Civil Rights for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can my 17 year old daughter move out of her abusive mother's house to live with us? She doesn't want to live with her.

Her mother is abusive, does drugs, smokes, and drinks. She doesn't want to live with the abuse anymore and wants to live with us. Her mom won't consent to her moving out. We live in ND, she's in PA.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 21, 2024

This is a complex situation involving family law, child custody, and potentially child welfare issues across state lines. Here's an overview of key points to consider:

1. Age of majority: In Pennsylvania, the age of majority is 18. At 17, your daughter is still legally a minor....
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Probate for Pennsylvania on
Q: I was served yesterday, a Reissue of the writ of summons / Civil, dated 6/10/2024.

Original praecipe for summons was attached, Dated Nov 7, 2023. So far no complaint has been filed. Should I file a praecipe and rule to file? I feel this is harassment from my deceased father's estranged wife. My father passed away 3 years ago, and the will has gone through probate, and... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 21, 2024

Based on the information provided, here's my analysis and advice:

1. Timeline:

- Original praecipe for summons: November 7, 2023

- Reissue of writ of summons: June 10, 2024 (served on June 20, 2024)

- No complaint filed yet

2. Legal situation:

-...
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1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: How to change last name

So I recently got married, and on the marriage certificate it has my wife's maiden name, she wants to change it to my last name, (with her maiden name becoming her middle name) how to go about this?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 20, 2024

To change your wife's last name after marriage in Pennsylvania, you can follow these general steps:

1. Start with the Social Security Administration:

- Complete Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card)

- Provide proof of identity and the marriage certificate...
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2 Answers | Asked in Military Law and Employment Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Is it fair to fire a disabled veteran for having to many VA appointments, er trips that are documented

Seems unfair to me that I've had an issue come up with my health with a know issue, I'm a 70% disabled vet and going to a few VA appointments that I've told my boss was informed about in as much of advance that I knew minus the er trips

Brandon L Newberry
Brandon L Newberry
answered on Jun 20, 2024

No, your employer cannot legally fire you, a disabled veteran, solely for having too many VA appointments or trips to the ER, especially if you have provided as much advance notice as possible. You are protected under several federal laws:

Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment...
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1 Answer | Asked in Libel & Slander for Pennsylvania on
Q: If a YouTuber said untrue things defamatory I live in pa and he lives in MN where do I have to file

I have proof on youtube and discord

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jun 20, 2024

As a matter of personal jurisdiction, you can definitely sue him in Minnesota where he lives but you can also sue where your compensatory damages occurred. Now, in most defamation cases, the compensatory damages occur in the state where the plaintiff (i.e. you) lives. But that is not always the... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and International Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: I have been contacted by a group in France saying I am under investigation, how can i find out if scam or not

They contacted me via Whattsapp and email. they claim to be tied to interpole and french gov. They ask for larger payments for fines, and various fees, all money on bitcoin. emails are GMail ??, Bank letter from bank not signed? They do send official ??? documents which look official.

They... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jun 18, 2024

If people from a government agency contact someone to disclose the nature of their business, they usually provide contact information to verify their identity and office from which they work (unless it is an undercover investigation, in which case the subject would have no clue that they're... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and International Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: I have been contacted by a group in France saying I am under investigation, how can i find out if scam or not

They contacted me via Whattsapp and email. they claim to be tied to interpole and french gov. They ask for larger payments for fines, and various fees, all money on bitcoin. emails are GMail ??, Bank letter from bank not signed? They do send official ??? documents which look official.

They... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 19, 2024

Based on the details provided, this situation has many hallmarks of a common scam. Here are some key red flags:

1. Unsolicited contact: Legitimate law enforcement agencies or government entities typically do not initiate contact via WhatsApp or email, especially for serious legal matters....
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1 Answer | Asked in Environmental for Pennsylvania on
Q: Property adjoins a military base. Runoff and groundwater from explosives tainted drinking (well) water. What recourse?

Explosives have been used since World War II - property is directly downstream from impact area

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 15, 2024

If your property's well water has been contaminated by runoff and groundwater from a nearby military base, you have several potential recourses. First, consider contacting the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to report the contamination. They can investigate the issue and determine if... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Collections for Pennsylvania on
Q: what should I do to get the full amount he owed to me, including the accrued interest?

Since October 2021, an individual has been indebted to me for $30,000, with a 10% monthly interest fee agreed upon by both parties. He failed to make any further payments after the first 2 months. Despite my numerous attempts to remind him of this obligation, he has not taken the necessary steps to... View More

W. J. Winterstein Jr.
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W. J. Winterstein Jr.
answered on Jun 14, 2024

With some statutory exceptions (e.g., Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law (“UTPCPL”). In simple terms, the law gives people who buy goods or services for personal, family, or household purposes a way to privately sue businesses for illegal behavior and even for... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Insurance Bad Faith for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can insurance company deny claim if the claim isn't reported within the time contraints that were in the contract?

A tree fell on my house in April. It didn't look like a like a lot of damage. However 2 weeks later there is significant down pour and water is coming in through the roof. It is past the 14 days the incident actually happened, but because it didn't rain, you didn't know there was... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jun 14, 2024

A Pennsylvania attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. Yes, they can deny for not being placed on notice of the claim in a prompt manner. However you raise some valid points of your own, being the policy jacket and not being aware of the water incursion until the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Is interest due on over payments in an upset sale? That is taxes due were $15,000 but county collected $185,000.

County has held the overpayment for 28 months.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 13, 2024

In Pennsylvania, if the county collected an overpayment during an upset sale, they are typically required to refund the excess amount. However, the law does not always mandate that interest be paid on such overpayments.

The Pennsylvania statutes regarding tax sales and overpayments do not...
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