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1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Landlord - Tenant, Consumer Law and Public Benefits for Maryland on
Q: Seeking help to recover towed car, tow bill over $3000, in Maryland after assault incident.

I am homeless and was sleeping in my car parked at a hotel in Edgewood, Harford County, Maryland. I was assaulted and taken to the hospital, and during that time, my car was towed without my knowledge. The towing bill is now over $3000. I've contacted the police and have a police report... View More

Cedulie Renee Laumann
Cedulie Renee Laumann
answered on Mar 24, 2025

That sounds like a very challenging situation. Unfortunately a tow company often has the legal right to charge per day fees for vehicles they legally tow, even though on a personal level such fees may work a significant financial hardship.

You might consider reaching out to the Maryland...
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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Public Benefits for California on
Q: How to inherit from a trust while maintaining government benefits in CA?

As a beneficiary of a trust, I am currently receiving assistance from government programs (SSDI/SSI, Medicare A & B, CalFresh, and Section 8) in California. I want to understand the best way to collect my inheritance while maintaining my services. The trust includes mentions of government... View More

Julie King
Julie King
answered on Mar 16, 2025

It is difficult for a lawyer to answer questions without having all the facts of a situation, but it sounds like a Special Needs Trust ("SNT") may be the best option for you. The purpose of SNTs is to provide funds to someone receiving government benefits without disqualifying them from... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Health Care Law, Public Benefits and Personal Injury for New York on
Q: How to resolve medical and insurance issues with NYC CARE and Medicaid?

I have NYC CARE and emergency Medicaid based on legal advice. My primary doctor tells me to go to the emergency room for my symptoms, but the emergency room directs me back to the primary doctor. This cycle has been ongoing since 2019, and I'm dealing with a pseudomeningocele that prevents me... View More

Stephen Bilkis
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Stephen Bilkis pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 11, 2025

I’m sorry to hear about the challenging situation you're facing. It sounds like you're dealing with significant medical issues and difficulties navigating the healthcare system. In New York, there are several steps you can take to address the cycle between your primary doctor and the... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents, Workers' Compensation and Public Benefits for South Carolina on
Q: Am I eligible for partial disability after a car accident in SC?

I was in a car wreck in October 2024, in which I was at fault, and I sustained severe injuries including a broken femur, back, ribs, jaw, and a brain bleed. I underwent surgeries for these injuries and have been in rehab for my thigh. Post-accident, I have been advised not to lift more than 25 lbs,... View More

Carole Jean Hayes
Carole Jean Hayes
answered on Mar 10, 2025

You can apply for SSD. It matters not hurt. You cannot use an attorney the first time you apply. If you get turned down, you have 90 days within which to apply for what is called reconsideration. At that point, you can get an attorney. I do wish you the best.

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Estate Planning and Public Benefits for Virginia on
Q: Remove my name from house deed with mortgage in VA

I want to remove my name from the house deed, which is currently owned jointly with my husband. We have a mortgage of about $200,000. I need to remove my name to qualify for medical benefits, and we're considering transferring my share of ownership entirely to my husband. Currently, I am... View More

Ross Cameron Hart
Ross Cameron Hart
answered on Mar 7, 2025

Mr. Sternberg is correct - you need to consult an Elder Law attorney before you do something foolish. To find one, you can go to the Virginia Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (VAELA) website - www.vaela.org - and find several near you. The system indicates that you're in Northern Virginia -... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Estate Planning and Public Benefits for Virginia on
Q: Remove my name from house deed with mortgage in VA

I want to remove my name from the house deed, which is currently owned jointly with my husband. We have a mortgage of about $200,000. I need to remove my name to qualify for medical benefits, and we're considering transferring my share of ownership entirely to my husband. Currently, I am... View More

Richard Sternberg
Richard Sternberg
answered on Mar 7, 2025

Before you do this, I suggest you consult with a Virginia lawyer familiar with Elder Care law. If the medical benefits you need are Medicaid, I do not believe your title in the house counts as part of your assets. If someone is asking you to surrender your half of title in a Falls Church home so... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Collections, Public Benefits and Social Security for Florida on
Q: Can Target's debt collector legally request my medical records in Florida?

I am being contacted by a debt collector for a Target debt, which is not related to any medical expenses, and they have requested my medical records. I have not given any consent for this. I am currently in contact with the debt collector to resolve the issue but cannot afford the payment amount of... View More

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Mar 6, 2025

You asked if they are legally allowed to ask you for medical records. They can ask for anything they feel like - the issue is whether you have to comply. A Target collection agent asking for medical records makes ZERO SENSE, which makes me wonder if someone is trying to scam you - for example,... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Collections, Landlord - Tenant and Public Benefits for Arizona on
Q: Facing eviction due to debt and need legal help

I am a pre-senior and disabled individual facing overwhelming debt, and I am at risk of eviction and homelessness. My payday loans and other bills are out of control, and while I've consolidated my credit card debt with CCCF, I haven't managed to consolidate my payday loans. Last year, I... View More

Diane L. Drain
Diane L. Drain
answered on Mar 6, 2025

Based on your description, it appears you are fighting an uphill battle that you can never win. Consider looking into filing for bankruptcy. But first, please understand that bankruptcy is a very complicated process. It is important that you educate yourself about bankruptcy before jumping into the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Public Benefits and Social Security for Mississippi on
Q: Can I apply for SSI while waiting for SSI disability decision?

I’ve been filing for SSI disability while seeing doctors and undergoing evaluations, including x-rays. I'm looking to receive payments while waiting, yet I haven't received any communication from the SSA about my application status. I'm currently facing challenges like memory... View More

Andrew Charles Burrell
Andrew Charles Burrell
answered on Mar 5, 2025

Typically, you should file for both together. The issue is the SSI is that you do not have enough earned credits to qualify for SSDI. Thus you should call the local social security office and see how many earned credits you have and if you could qualify for said SSDI benefits, If the answer is... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Banking and Public Benefits for Washington on
Q: Can I use funds from a joint account with grandmother's survivor benefits?

I am on a joint bank account with my grandmother, who receives survivor benefits as the primary source of funds in this account. She added me to the account to ensure her needs are fulfilled, and she has explicitly told me that I can use the account for myself if needed. Am I legally allowed to use... View More

Merry A Kogut
Merry A Kogut
answered on Mar 4, 2025

If your grandmother has added you to joint bank account as a co-equal member of the account, you can use funds from the account.

HOWEVER, if it were me, I'd first get something in writing to this effect from my grandmother, witnessed and notarized, to avoid any allegations two years...
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1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law and Public Benefits for Alabama on
Q: Does the SNAP program fall under DEI since it promotes equity and inclusion (of certain income)?
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Mar 2, 2025

Alabama attorneys who work with diversity, equity, and inclusion issues could advise best, but your question remains open for a month. I don't think it's accurate to say that the SNAP program promotes DEI. The purpose is to help families with food expenses. But I think you could say that... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Public Benefits for New Jersey on
Q: Can I title a 55+ community home in mother's name and avoid taxes/claims?

I am 53 years old and looking to purchase a home in a 55+ community for security and financial reasons. Since I am not yet 55, I am considering titling the home in my mother's name. I am concerned about potential issues that could arise if she were to pass away or enter a nursing home, such as... View More

H. Scott Aalsberg
H. Scott Aalsberg
answered on Feb 22, 2025

We are not allowed to give specific legal advise on this website, see the terms of service. That being said it sounds like you need both estate planning a Will and some medicare planning unfortunately a lawyer will charge you for this advise just like a doctor will charge for medical advise its... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Public Benefits and Real Estate Law for New Jersey on
Q: Protection for home title in mother's name due to age restrictions in NJ community.

I am 53 years old and want to purchase a home in New Jersey in a community where you must be at least 55 to live, for security and financial reasons. I intend to buy the home with my funds but title it in my mother's name. We plan to transfer the title to me when I turn 55 and live in the home... View More

Leonard R. Boyer
Leonard R. Boyer pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Feb 22, 2025

That would be a very serious mistake for all the reason you mentioned and more. NEVER ever get another family member or significant other or spouse involved with something you own. In addition a 55+ community will have a home owners associate, which I always tell my clients to avoid like the... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Employment Law and Public Benefits for California on
Q: 401k withdrawal without meeting hardship criteria consequences

I am facing financial hardship due to consuming credit card debt and my credit score is not sufficient to consolidate it. My employer offers only a hardship withdrawal as an option from my 401k, but my situation does not meet their hardship criteria. I am willing to pay the 10% penalty fee. My... View More

Leon Bayer
Leon Bayer
answered on Feb 21, 2025

I have a feeling that your situation probably does meet the hardship criteria, but that maybe you not using the right buzz words when you describe your situation to them. You probably just need some help in writing a better request.

I do think you need advice in-person from a bankruptcy...
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1 Answer | Asked in Health Care Law, Estate Planning, Public Benefits and Real Estate Law for New York on
Q: Medicaid lien concern on grandmother's house with me as beneficiary in NY

I am concerned about Medicaid and asset protection regarding my grandmother's house. My grandmother is sickly and requires more care than I can provide. Her daughter wants to apply for Medicaid and get her on the assisted living waiting list. My grandmother's only major asset is her... View More

Gregory M. Lendino
Gregory M. Lendino
answered on Feb 19, 2025

I completely understand your concern—Medicaid rules can be tricky, and it’s important to plan ahead so you don’t run into issues later. Since your grandmother owns the house and may go on Medicaid for assisted living, there is a real possibility that Medicaid could place a lien on the home to... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation, Public Benefits, Social Security and Probate for Texas on
Q: Options for fraud lawsuit against former daughter-in-law in Texas over aunt's estate and benefits.

I am facing a situation where a woman, formerly my aunt's daughter-in-law, has fraudulently claimed to be her daughter after my aunt passed away in Carrolton, TX, in November 2023. She has allegedly committed numerous fraudulent acts, such as falsely obtaining and altering the death... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Feb 19, 2025

You may or may not have a lawsuit for fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, conversion, etc. Without knowing how each "bad act" caused you legally compensable damages, it is very difficult to ascertain the amount. The JC Penney death benefits ought to have a monetary value attached. If you... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Public Benefits for Florida on
Q: Can landlord refuse payment after 3-day pay or vacate notice in Florida?

I recently received a 3-day pay or vacate order in Florida. My lease agreement specifies a $20 late fee but does not cover other circumstances for late payments. I tried informing my landlord that I would make the payment within the timeframe, but they said it was "too late" and that I... View More

Barry W. Kaufman
Barry W. Kaufman
answered on Feb 18, 2025

Once the 3 day period is up, the LL has no obligation to accept your rent and can proceed with the eviction complaint. You DO NOT want the eviction complaint to be filed, so if the 3 days are up, I recommend that you vacate the property.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Public Benefits for Ohio on
Q: Am I responsible for my adult homeless relative's medical debt in Ohio?

I would like to know if I am legally obligated to cover ongoing medical debts incurred by my adult homeless relative, who has refused to live with their elderly parents who are residents of Ohio and do not have much money. The person in need is not eligible for Medicaid or other health benefits.

Adam Savett
Adam Savett
answered on Feb 14, 2025

The answer, unfortunately, is "it depends."

You described the other person as an adult "relative," but you didn't indicate what your relationship is to that person. Are you their parent, child, grandparent, third cousin? The degree of relationship may matter,...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Land Use & Zoning, Public Benefits and Real Estate Law for Nebraska on
Q: Nebraska cattle trail, easement how to document and liability of damages

Use over 50 years, no access and consent withdrawn.

Julie Fowler
Julie Fowler
answered on Jan 20, 2025

If there is a valid easement, then normal use pursuant to the legal easement may be allowed, even if it does create some normal wear and tear (to some extent). If you want to get rid of a valid easement, you may have to buy the rights, the same as you would other types of real estate interests.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Personal Injury, Health Care Law and Public Benefits for Florida on
Q: How do I tell if my short term disability allows me to work an at home job when I can't physically drive to my job?

I know to look for the "Own Occupation" Claus in my policy, I just don't know if I'm reading this right.

"Definition of Disability

You will be considered disabled if, as a result of physical

disease, injury, pregnancy or mental disorder:... View More

Abraham Solomon Ovadia
Abraham Solomon Ovadia
answered on Jan 17, 2025

Hello. There are several important questions that are needed in order to properly answer this. Question one what is your occupation to? And What paperwork did you submit to your insurance company?

A “greeter” at a Walmart, obviously needs to be in the store in order to greet visitors....
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