How can I legally change my last name in Texas without it being due to marriage or divorce? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:04 PM - 5 answers

What is the name of the technology that produces powder (that verifies authenticity, I suppose) when you bend a drivers license or other ID card? [more inside]
posted by JakeWalker at 5:48 PM - 8 answers

Recently some controversial legislation was passed by my county board. The opposition is using the time it was passed - early in the morning, after hours of public testimony - as a point of criticism. I am at a loss to understand why this is a talking point. Can you help me understand it? [more inside]
posted by yomimono at 11:16 AM - 11 answers

Will the USPS redeliver mail that has already been delivered? [more inside]
posted by kleenkat at 9:53 AM - 7 answers

Is a site based outside of the US, that allows US under-13s to join, required to comply with COPPA? [more inside]
posted by lwb at 7:55 AM - 5 answers

What copyright/licensing concerns should I have about pro bono SAT prep tutoring? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:50 AM - 7 answers

Eviction UK - what does a 're-entry' hearing involve? Please help! [more inside]
posted by Flitcraft at 6:37 PM - 7 answers

I am confused as to the use of the word "allegedly" and why it is used outside of a strictly legal sense (in the media for example)? For instance, with this most recent shooting in Texas, there are obviously dozens of eye witnesses, only one suspect under consideration, no one is going to argue in court that someone else did it, so why on the news are the anchors still saying Mr. Hasan "allegedly" shot these people? It just seems weird... [more inside]
posted by the foreground at 8:32 AM - 36 answers

Under what circumstances (if any) can a child in the UK be legally allowed to play a video game which, under the legally enforceable games ratings system, they are not old enough to buy? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:26 AM - 2 answers

A friend of a friend wants to get custody of his kids but has no money to hire an attorney. [more inside]
posted by 3dd at 7:23 AM - 11 answers

Visafilter: I've been hitting a brick wall with the Japanese consulate regarding same-sex partners and dependent-visa eligibility. Any Mefites have experience with this sort of thing? [more inside]
posted by azuresunday at 8:19 PM - 8 answers

what are the possible repercussions of breaking a joint lease? [more inside]
posted by fogonlittlecatfeet at 5:10 PM - 9 answers

If a person smoked pot in early July 2009, what is the likelihood of that person getting a secret security clearance for summer 2010 federal government internships? Is there anything that person can do now to maximize chance of getting a clearance? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:44 PM - 15 answers

Chap 13 filter: Asking for a friend. Some months ago he tried (unsuccessfully) to get a lower interest rate. I do not have any more details as he is very embarrassed to discuss. Should he file Chapter 13 to save his house? [more inside]
posted by shaarog at 11:47 AM - 10 answers

How do I help my little brother get out of the Marines? My little brother (well, not so little anymore) recently graduated from Marines' boot camp and is now in infantry training (I think, I'm woefully ignorant of military terminology). He recently expressed to me online that he's basically had enough with the Marines and wants to go home. Is there any way he can do that simply and legally? Would he have to get a dishonorable discharge. Seriously, I know nothing about the military having come from a long line of cowards. Can he just leave or is there some special process? Is there some kind of hotline or something he can call to be counseled on this stuff? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:40 AM - 29 answers

Can anyone point me to the origins/history of the © symbol? I've read that the symbol was first called for in U.S. Copyright Law in the 19th Century - but where does the symbol come from? [more inside]
posted by cinemafiend at 3:25 PM - 13 answers

Corporate policy and bumper stickers. I've been asked to remove a sticker in order to qualify for a job. [more inside]
posted by odinsdream at 1:46 PM - 78 answers

I've been working with a Finnish singer who hopes to come to the U.S. next spring. Ideally, we'd like to play some shows in the U.S., but it looks like obtaining a visa may be very challenging... [more inside]
posted by malocchio at 10:41 AM - 7 answers

Last year I got most of my income for working from home in the state of Virginia. I did work for a company that is not owned by me and was located in another town in Virginia. I got a 1099 as an individual from the company for the work that I did. This work was all conducted by phone and email, no one came to my home. I recently got a letter in the mail from the City of Winchester, VA saying that I did not register as a business in the city and that I needed to pay back licensing fees. I know you're not my lawyer, but do I have to do this?
posted by jefeweiss at 7:31 AM - 13 answers

The legalization of same-sex marriage is very important to me. What can I do to help? [more inside]
posted by Mrs. Pterodactyl at 4:46 AM - 19 answers