Is it possible to take an appointment with a lawyer to get an opinion only, for the time being at least. A neighbour is harassing me about my cats and I would like to know what I can do about it. He said he will cause me trouble. What can I do to prevent trouble as I am very worried, my cats are precious to me. What kind of attorney should I see: municipal affairs or human rights ? My cats stay indoors, still this man wants to punish me for having thought his wife was his daughter (she is much younger than he is) I made a mistake but he does not want to forgive and forget. His father was once the mayor of our municipality and as such I fear he has friends at City Hall. HELP ! This is no joke, it is most serious to me, I would die without my cats. Thank you so much.
2007-10-22 08:52:06 · 7 answers · asked by monicat 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Sure -- many attorneys will do that.
A very few states don't allow attorneys to have limited scope of representation -- meaning they either take the whole case or they don't -- but generally, an attorney can do any part of an issue -- including just research or opinions -- and let you do the rest.
You would not want a civil rights attorney -- because it's not govt action that you are opposing -- same with municpal affairs -- because it's not the city you are opposing.
There are attorneys that deal with neighborhood disputes -- and if you cannot fine one with that specialty -- then go for a general civil remedies attorney -- they can handle the harassment issues.
2007-10-22 10:27:46 · answer #1 · answered by coragryph 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, an attorney can help you to understand the law and the threats that this man can and can not pursue.
How many cats do you have? are cats allowed in the place you live? if you have three or fewer cats and live in a house you own, I doubt the man can do anything at all about it. If you have more than three cats or live in an apartment that doesn't allow cats, then yes, he can report you and possibly cause problems for you.
In that case, you may wish to approach the neighbor to make peace in some way. But please do get some good advice from someone who can discuss this with you in person or on the phone.
2007-10-22 08:58:40 · answer #2 · answered by John M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An attorney will give you advice only...but don't expect it to be free. The whole "free 15 minute consultation" thing really means a case for which they are likely to be retained...not just 15 minutes of free legal advice.
How is he threatening your cats? Do you have too many? Do you let them roam?
2007-10-22 09:09:47 · answer #3 · answered by elysialaw 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
he seems like a psycho... file a restraining order.
I don't believe attorneys will give free advice, however, if you find a low-income office in your area they might be able to help you. I work for such an office and we do give people advice for free.
Try a legal services or legal aid office.
2007-10-22 08:56:57 · answer #4 · answered by angelhaiku 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can certainly talk to a lawyer, and just get some initial advice. If you're in the USA, look up the bar association for your state. Most of them have a free referral service, and can help direct you to a lawyer.
2007-10-22 08:58:23 · answer #5 · answered by J P 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most attorney's will give you a consultation appointment for free. Should you decide to file anything later, I am sure it will probably cost you something.
2007-10-22 08:57:46 · answer #6 · answered by Tammi B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need an LSR or "Limited Scope of Representation" agreement with the attorney, to give ongoing advice.
2007-10-22 09:43:41 · answer #7 · answered by Shell Answer Man 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋