I have an X-ray powder diffractometer, which is the property of my company, installed in a university laboratory. I was verbally offered a job title of self-supported research professor by the chair of the chemistry department, with the expectation of being paid through fees charged to external users for services involving the instrument. However, I have not signed any paperwork, and my appointment status remains unclear. Additionally, a professor with tenure at the university is causing issues regarding the placement of my instrument. What type of contract or use agreement should I request for the use of the diffractometer and for maintenance, and should I be paid by a 1099 form as an independent contractor or through university payroll under the 'self-supported research professor' title?

March 27th, 2024

A company has threatened to sue my software company. I received a letter addressed to a former employee of theirs, claiming he stole their secret. I have not worked with this person, and my product is similar to theirs but developed independently. I am in California. What should I do?

April 7th, 2023

Does the paperwork for a restraining order have to be hand-delivered, not just slipped under a door, in Connecticut? The sheriff slipped some paperwork under the door for my boyfriend from his ex-girlfriend who he hasn't seen or spoken to in a year. She took out a restraining order on him to get him removed from their home. Now she is trying to renew it, and he hasn't had any contact with her. We haven't opened the door because the papers are there, and he doesn't want me to touch them. Should we touch them, and does that count as being served?

August 31st, 2024

What is considered a 'Predatory Loan' in Washington state, and what should my parents do about their predatory loan on my mother's 2000 Buick Century, which they have been paying interest-only on for years, leading to constant harassment and stress? Should they stop making payments, let the car be repossessed, and consider filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

September 20th, 2024

In a joint account shared by Person A, Person B, and Person C (where Person C is the original owner and has Alzheimer's), Person A forges Person B's signature on checks payable to both parties and withdraws funds without Person B's knowledge. Person A also misrepresents the account's status and authority to withdraw funds to Person B. Over a four-year span, Person A commits 36 forgeries and withdraws $80,000, using the money for personal and business purposes, including $55,000 in legal gambling. Person B believes this constitutes a scheme to defraud. Is this criminal fraud or just civil, and at what point does misrepresentation become criminal fraud?

September 9th, 2023