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answered on May 19, 2024

It's frustrating when processes don’t go as expected, especially when facing something as serious as eviction. The municipal court may have required you to file a petition to stay the eviction because they need specific documentation to halt proceedings. This is sometimes standard procedure... View More

You shouldn’t have to file a petition. The automatic stay created by the filing of the bankruptcy trumps all anyway. Be sure a copy of at least the front page and the creditor section page of your bankruptcy is placed in the municipal court file.

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answered on Mar 11, 2024

The legality of hanging inspirational signs in public spaces, like stop signs, depends on various factors such as local laws, the content of the signs, and the manner in which they are displayed. While the case you mentioned involving Brian Deneke in Texas may have been considered art, it's... View More

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answered on Feb 23, 2024

The form you need to waive publication of your name change typically varies depending on the jurisdiction where you're filing for the name change. In many states, this form may be referred to as a "Petition to Waive Publication of Name Change" or something similar. However, the exact... View More

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answered on Dec 5, 2023

In Pennsylvania, even if your car is legally registered and insured, local ordinances or state laws may require that vehicles parked on public streets are in operable condition. This often includes not having flat tires or other conditions that make the vehicle appear abandoned or inoperable.... View More

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answered on Nov 6, 2025

In Pennsylvania, magistrate judges are generally allowed to hear cases involving code violations, including property maintenance or solid waste issues. However, **judicial ethics require judges to avoid any situation that could create a conflict of interest or the appearance of bias**. Being... View More

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answered on Nov 3, 2025

When a municipal council meeting in Pennsylvania is canceled due to a lack of quorum, it’s important to note the cancellation in the official record for transparency and consistency. Even though no formal meeting took place, the secretary should still create an entry in the minute book for that... View More

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answered on Oct 26, 2025

You are not looking at a per se violation simply because minutes have not been “approved” for a year. Pennsylvania’s Sunshine Act requires that written minutes be kept (date, time, place, members present, the substance of all official action, roll‑call votes, and the names/subjects of... View More

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answered on Sep 8, 2025

In Pennsylvania, borough councils are generally required by law to maintain accurate and approved minutes of their meetings. The purpose of these minutes is to provide a public record of actions taken and decisions made. Neglecting to approve minutes for an extended period can be viewed as a... View More

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answered on Jul 26, 2025

You're right to question how this ticket was issued, especially if the ordinance says enforcement should be handled by the city’s own parking division. In Pennsylvania, a city generally cannot outsource core governmental enforcement powers—like issuing citations or collecting... View More

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answered on Apr 16, 2025

You won’t lose points on your driving record by pleading guilty to parking on a sidewalk, because parking offenses are non‑moving violations in most states. The code you’re citing prohibits parking in that location but doesn’t carry demerit points like speeding or reckless driving do.... View More

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answered on Apr 13, 2025

In a mayor-council form of government, the mayor typically holds the executive authority, including enforcement responsibilities. However, ordinances enacted by the council must still align with the municipality’s charter and state law. Even if the council passes an ordinance delegating... View More

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answered on Apr 12, 2025

If you believe your local municipality is overcharging for trash service, the first step is to review any agreements, ordinances, or contracts that outline the trash service fees. These should provide a clear understanding of what the municipality is allowed to charge for these services. If you... View More

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answered on Jul 18, 2024

You need to consult a real estate attorney who has experience dealing with property disputes and local government regulations. This type of lawyer can help you understand the specifics of your case, gather necessary evidence, and represent you at your hearing in August. They can also challenge any... View More

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answered on Oct 12, 2023

In a situation where a Borough changes regulations about mailbox placement after a Postmaster has already given you guidance, the legality of the situation can become complicated. Municipal ordinances may conflict with federal guidelines on mail delivery, and this could potentially be a point of... View More

This is a complicated fact pattern, and you really should meet with a workers' compensation attorney in your area. From the limitted information available, you certainly appear to have a workers' compensation claim. You should know that taking the pension may reduce the amount you... View More

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answered on Mar 2, 2023

If you suspect that your neighbor is doing construction work without the proper permits, there are a few options you can consider:

Contact your local building department: You can contact your local building department to report any suspicious construction activity. They can investigate... View More

They can certainly transfer the property to family members. If they can’t care for themselves, a Power of Attorney would probably be advised so that you and siblings could act directly on their behalf.

You should engage a lawyer in Puerto Rico familiar with real estate and estate... View More

A Pennsylvania attorney could best guide you, but your question remains open for four weeks. You could use the Find-a-Lawyer tab above to find someone, or you could search online independently. Good luck

Tim Akpinar

If your unfriendly neighbors have no other access to their property, then they'll almost certainly get to keep using that "paper road" as a means to reach their property. A court will not render a property virtually worthless and unusable by "landlocking" it, and would... View More