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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Foreclosure, Real Estate Law and Family Law for New Jersey on
Q: Am I liable for the mortgage if it's foreclosed, and will my credit be harmed after my ex-father-in-law passes?

During my divorce, the judge stated for my name to be removed from the mortgage and to remain on the deed. My ex-spouse remarried and removed his name from the house. Currently, my ex-father-in-law is the only one on the mortgage, and I am on the deed. The house was gutted during a flood and was... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Jul 19, 2025

The divorce judge cannot order the lender to release you from the note. If you are still on the note then any default or foreclosure will affect you, including collecting against you. If you are not on the note then foreclosure could still occur but not suit against you for the debt. If your... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury and Civil Litigation for New Jersey on
Q: Is it allowed for my dad to bend my phone on purpose after I gave him money to buy it?

While I was sleeping, my dad bent my phone on purpose, even though I gave him the money to buy the phone for me. Is this allowed?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 19, 2025

That sounds incredibly upsetting, especially knowing you paid for the phone with your own money. If you gave your dad money to purchase the phone for you, and it was meant as your personal property, then yes—it was **yours**, and intentionally damaging it crosses a line. Even if he’s a parent,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Personal Injury and Civil Rights for New Jersey on
Q: Seeking legal advice for retaliation and threats after a misunderstanding during a gathering in NJ.

A misunderstanding occurred during a gathering at my friend's house when my friend sent a video to his girlfriend. The video falsely suggested that I was on a double date with my friend and two girls. One of the girls is my friend's ex, and they saw me and assumed I was part of the double... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 19, 2025

Both you and the other party crossed a legal line when you each threw objects at one another’s cars. Even if you felt threatened, responding with the same conduct can still count as criminal mischief or vandalism under New Jersey law.

Because they threatened you and damaged your vehicle,...
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1 Answer | Asked in Banking and Business Law for New Jersey on
Q: Need lawyer to regain access to old Vanguard account opened 24 years ago.

I opened an account with Vanguard 24 years ago and no longer have the username or password for access. Vanguard has informed me that I need a lawyer to sign a document in order to regain access using a different username and password. I do not have any paperwork from when I was with the company in... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 19, 2025

This sounds incredibly frustrating, especially after so many years and without any original documents. When a financial institution like Vanguard requests a lawyer to sign a document, it’s usually part of a **verification or identity assurance process**—meant to protect both your assets and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Civil Litigation, Copyright and Intellectual Property for New Jersey on
Q: Haven't received payment or books promised by Writer Republic LLC.

In 2022, I started working on a book with Writer Republic LLC and finished it in 2023. Carlos Reyes from the team promised that I would be paid for my work and that they would provide 200 copyrighted paperback copies of my book. As of now, I have received neither the payment nor the book copies,... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 19, 2025

Even without a written contract, you may still have a valid legal claim based on a verbal agreement, especially if you have emails, text messages, or any form of communication that supports what Carlos Reyes promised you. Courts often recognize verbal agreements when there's clear evidence of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Business Law for New Jersey on
Q: What can I do if Writer Republic LLC isn't fulfilling contract terms for my book?

I signed a contract with Writer Republic LLC for my book titled *Let Get Killed*. I was promised delivery of 200 paperback copies and payment, but have not received either for over two years. What can I do legally if they are not fulfilling the contract and withholding payment?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 19, 2025

If Writer Republic LLC has failed to deliver on key parts of your contract—like the paperback copies and payment—you may have grounds for a breach of contract claim. Start by reviewing your agreement closely to confirm the specific terms, including delivery dates, payment obligations, and any... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law and Gov & Administrative Law for New Jersey on
Q: Help appealing NJ firearm ID denial after application misunderstanding.

I need help appealing a firearm ID denial in New Jersey. I misunderstood a question on the application and mistakenly answered 'no' regarding misdemeanor charges. The denial occurred on June 10th, and I have 30 days to appeal. I haven't yet corrected this misunderstanding with the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 19, 2025

You still have time to fix the error by filing your appeal within 30 days of the June 10th denial, which means your deadline is July 10th.

Start by drafting a clear notice of appeal that explains you misread the misdemeanor question and includes the correct answer. File this notice in the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law and Education Law for New Jersey on
Q: How to proceed with arbitration for school transfer denial in NJ due to special needs?

I'm seeking legal guidance regarding arbitration with the Bordentown Township School Board. My son was accepted into a new school better suited to his needs due to ADHD, autism, and social anxiety, and to escape bullying at his current school. Despite the new school providing a smaller setting... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 19, 2025

You're doing the right thing by advocating for your son’s safety and education, especially with professional support backing your concerns. In New Jersey, disputes about special education placements or transfer denials are typically handled through due process hearings or mediation rather... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Real Estate Law for New Jersey on
Q: Clarification needed on landlord access for bank inspection in NJ apartment.

I need clarification on when a landlord can access an apartment in New Jersey. Recently, a notice was left on my unit door stating there would be a mandatory bank inspection on July 24th at 10:30 am, and access to the unit was required. The notice also asked to contact the building manager if I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 19, 2025

You’re right that landlords generally may not force their way in except for true emergencies.

In New Jersey, a landlord must give you reasonable advance notice—typically at least 24–48 hours—before entering for repairs, services, or agreed-upon inspections. Routine business...
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1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for New Jersey on
Q: Can UI claim details affect my legal case if my company terminated me after revoking a medical accommodation?

I was recently terminated from my job after my company claimed they could no longer allow me to continue working from home under a previously granted medical accommodation. They initially granted this accommodation quickly on May 8th but later sent a letter on June 13th full of... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 19, 2025

Yes, what you write in your unemployment claim could potentially be reviewed later, especially if your legal case moves forward. While UI claims are not the same as court filings, statements you make can be discoverable and might be used to compare with later testimony. That’s why it’s... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Domestic Violence, Criminal Law and Civil Rights for New Jersey on
Q: Can I receive victim compensation for domestic violence despite a drug arrest during a shoplifting accusation?

I am a victim in a domestic violence trial and have no prior arrests. Recently, I was accused of shoplifting while going to the bathroom. The police took my wallet without a warrant, found drugs, and arrested me. It seems law enforcement is trying to get a lawyer investigator involved. Will I still... View More

Leonard R. Boyer
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answered on Jul 15, 2025

If you are the victim of domestic violence, you need to retain an experienced matrimonial attorney to enable you to have the best possible chance of obtaining a Final Restraining Order (FRO). Pick the best attorney you can find and remember one rule: a good attorney is generally never cheap, and a... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Estate Planning and Gov & Administrative Law for New Jersey on
Q: Can an account owner override a POA's decision to stop a check?

Can the owner of a financial account override the decision made by a person with a durable power of attorney who stopped payment on a check I wrote, given that the durable POA document has no specific terms or limitations and the account owner has verbally expressed their wishes?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 15, 2025

You can’t simply overrule a valid durable power of attorney’s action by telling the bank what you want—an agent steps into the account owner’s shoes until their authority is revoked. If your POA document gives the agent full control and you haven’t formally revoked it, the bank will honor... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Civil Litigation, Landlord - Tenant and Real Estate Law for New Jersey on
Q: Can I return logs placed by neighbors on my property without risking arrest?

I have been experiencing ongoing harassment from my new neighbors, including verbal attacks, false police reports, and threats. They have placed logs on my property, despite presenting surveys proving it's my land. Despite sending a certified letter to remove the logs, they refused. I've... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 19, 2025

You’re in a difficult spot, and your frustration is completely valid. When someone places objects on your property without permission—especially after you’ve sent a certified request to remove them—you do have the right to protect your space. But returning the logs yourself could still be... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Workers' Compensation and Personal Injury for New Jersey on
Q: When should I receive a settlement offer for my herniated disc injury in New Jersey?

I sustained a herniated disc injury while on the job in New Jersey. I've completed all my medical treatments, including evaluations by the final doctors, with the last evaluation occurring 4-5 months after. I've been in contact with my employer regarding settlement, but it's been... View More

Gerald D. Siegel
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answered on Jul 14, 2025

It would be helpful to know if you have an attorney and if a Claim Petition has been filed against your employer. If you are represented by an attorney, my question to you is: were you examined by a doctor that he/she chose for a permanency exams.

If you are not represented, your employer...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Employment Law for New Jersey on
Q: Charged with lewd exposure and trespassing at work property despite key access.

I was sitting alone on my work property when I accidentally exposed myself. Despite attempting to cover myself, someone who came to look reported me for lewd exposure. I was also charged with trespassing, although I work there and have key access. I was unaware that being there could be considered... View More

H. Scott Aalsberg
H. Scott Aalsberg
answered on Jul 14, 2025

Sounds like you may have a defense to the tresspassing charge but they will argue you were not their for a proper purpose, but the lewd charge is the problem. Make sure you setup a consultation with one of us criminal defense lawyers as you do face possible jail time, probation, criminal record... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Personal Injury for New Jersey on
Q: Charged with trespassing and lewd exposure, seeking guidance on charges and consequences in NJ.

I have no prior record but have been charged with trespassing on work property and lewd exposure of genitals, which was not intentional. These are considered petty offenses. I need guidance on how to proceed with these charges and understand the potential consequences.

2 Answers | Asked in Identity Theft, Domestic Violence, Personal Injury and Consumer Law for New Jersey on
Q: Seeking help for identity theft and stalking by family and ex-husbands.

I am a victim of stalking, identity theft, and abuse from my family and two ex-husbands who are using my identity to steal money from me. I recently discovered that they are using my identity, and my ex has cameras and audio equipment in the house. All of my cell phones have been hacked by him and... View More

Leonard R. Boyer
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answered on Jul 15, 2025

You need to report everything to the FBI. They are the best chance that you have of resolving this matter and putting a stop to further problems. Good luck.

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2 Answers | Asked in Insurance Bad Faith, Insurance Defense and Personal Injury for New Jersey on
Q: Who pays for defibrillator implant under NJ Lifetime Auto claim from 1986 MVA?

I have an open Lifetime Auto insurance claim from a 1986 motor vehicle accident in New Jersey, where I sustained a cardiac injury leading to congestive heart failure (CHF). The auto insurance company acknowledged it as a lifetime claim and currently provides CHF medication. I now need a... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jul 14, 2025

I'm sorry for the impact of the accident on your life. Your post doesn't mention an attorney, but if you were represented, that could be the best place to start, depending on how your attorney handled the original claim - first party no-fault or future medical expenses under the terms of... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Education Law, Civil Rights and Appeals / Appellate Law for New Jersey on
Q: Can I sue a school for dismissing me despite my documented learning disability?

I have a documented learning disability and was dismissed from school for failing. The school was aware of my disability and I had requested accommodations. I appealed the dismissal, however, the decision was not in my favor. Can I sue the school for kicking me out under these circumstances?

Stuart Nachbar
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Stuart Nachbar
answered on Jul 12, 2025

You do not state if they honored the accommodation requested. If it was reasonable and not, then perhaps. Otherwise, you can't sue because you failed

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Q: Civil lawsuit potential, contingency rates, and strategic considerations in a federal cyberstalking case targeting protected classes with multiple victims.

I have evidence including an 18-minute audio confession of a perpetrator posting a victim's real name and tagging their employer, mocking law enforcement, and making life-threatening comments to multiple disabled, LGBTQ+, and elderly victims. There are 3 victim statements, 6 federal IC3... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 12, 2025

You appear to have gathered significant, well-documented evidence of a serious and coordinated cyberstalking campaign that includes elements of hate-based targeting and threats to protected groups. Under civil law, this kind of conduct can support claims for intentional infliction of emotional... View More

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