COVID-19 Q&A by Practice Area

Show More Practice Areas »

COVID-19 Q&A by State

Show More States »

Lawyers, Answer Questions  & Get Points Log In
COVID-19 Questions & Answers
4 Answers | Asked in Business Law and Insurance Bad Faith for Pennsylvania on
Q: I have a small business that has taken a big financial hit since shutting down due to my state’s stay-at-home order.

I have business interruption insurance, which seemed like the right coverage to apply for in light of what’s going on, but my insurance company denied my claim. I read through my policy, which says nothing about a virus or pandemic being an exclusion. Not sure what I’m paying for if this sort... Read more »

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing answered on Jun 5, 2020

1. Ask for them to put in writing the basis for the denial, and to state the policy section and paragraph. 2. To be sure you have what they have, ask for a copy of a)the entire policy b) the application.

2. If you had an agent that sold you the policy, get them to work on it--sometimes...
Read more »

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Probate and Elder Law for Missouri on
Q: I have financial POA over my grandfather, can I add myself as a beneficiary on his deed?

He has no will. I’ve been living in his hook me caring for him for over a year. In February he was going to add me as beneficiary on his deed. The pandemic closed the courthouse until this week. He is now incapacitated and can not do so. Can I add myself as beneficiary? The financial POA states I... Read more »

David S. Schleiffarth
David S. Schleiffarth answered on Jun 5, 2020

Typically, if a POA grants a power then it is legal to exercise that power, assuming doing so doe not conflict with any limitations or restrictions given in the document. Another important caveat is that said power is being exercised in good faith and in keeping with the principal's interests.... Read more »

2 Answers | Asked in Collections, Traffic Tickets, Car Accidents and Insurance Defense for Oregon on
Q: I was in a fender bender where I rear ended someone, now I’m being sent to collections and they say my license will be

Suspended if I don’t make a Minimum payment if 1000 down and 100 a month. When I got in the accident I had just bought a car the night before from a personal buyer and had not had a chance to put insurance on it in the less the lab 24 hours after having it. I bought the car on 4/20/20 at 7pm, and... Read more »

Virgil Royer
Virgil Royer answered on Jun 5, 2020

First, the collection agency is collecting a debt. They are not the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and have no power to suspend your driving privilege. Second, you mentioned "grace" period. Did your insurance company deny coverage for this accident even though you just bought the car?... Read more »

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning for New York on
Q: Should I sign the waiver of statutory requirements and beneficiary receipt/release?
Sharon M. Siegel
Sharon M. Siegel answered on Jun 5, 2020

I agree that you should consult a lawyer before signing any document (not limited to the one mentioned) which can affect your rights as a beneficiary. Also, I would mention that if you don't sign, you will have a lot of time before any next step due to covid. The Surrogate's Court is... Read more »

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for New York on
Q: Is there a time frame to file a adjustment of status after a marriage?

I just got married and because of covid 19 it affects us financially. I'm thinking of filing my adjustment of status on july once we have enough money

Ify Princess Ikeakanam
Ify Princess Ikeakanam answered on Jun 5, 2020

Good Morning. You can file as soon as you get married provided the marriage is real and not just for immigration benefits. You will have to prove that with supporting documents.

When you say “have enough money” do you mean to pay for the application forms or to pass the public charge...
Read more »

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Pennsylvania on
Q: My husband(we're separated) overdosed and attempted suicide 5 days ago. He's in the hospital on a psychiatric unit for 3

More days. I'm concerned for our children's safety and want to seek full custody. They chose to live with me. He moved out. There's a history of domestic abuse from him which the kids and I are receiving counseling at Victim Services through the YWCA.

Cary B. Hall
Cary B. Hall answered on Jun 4, 2020

Sounds like you have very valid grounds in which to file an emergency petition to modify custody -- if there's even a custody order in place at all (which is unclear from your question). If not, you should certainly seek one. If so, you could file an emergency petition to seek your... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for New York on
Q: I moved into an apartment. Signed a one year lease 2/2020. Since then I have lost my job due to covid closing.

I now am out of money and falling behind on all my debit. Can I get out of my lease?

Elaine Shay
Elaine Shay answered on Jun 3, 2020

Generally, losing your employment or even the Covid crisis wouldnot constitute a legal basis to break your lease. However, that doesn't prevent you from negotiating with your landlord to be released. If you can present the situation in a way that persuades your landlord he/she would be... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Workers' Compensation for Massachusetts on
Q: Need help with work related injury !!!

i broke my middle toe moving some PT lumber by hand, happened the 26th, nothing was done at work, 27th too much pain, smoked recreational marijuana for pain, 28th woke up with toe black, went to work to show them i was going to ER, now they want statement and drug test, 36 hours after, its now 3rd... Read more »

Jeffrey Young
Jeffrey Young answered on Jun 3, 2020

It is not clear from your question if you have already been to an Emergency Room. If not, then you should go. If you have and they want you to see an orthopedic or podiatrist then you should call one and try to make an appointment. It is very difficult to see anyone now with the virus issues. They... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for Ohio on
Q: I have a court ordered agreement with my daughters mother that during summer break from school we alternate weeks.

Due to covid 19 the last day of school was changed to May 21st. If covid 19 had not closed schools the last day would have been June 3rd. The mother is trying to argue that it doesn't matter that the last day was changed and we are still following the schedule as if the last day of school is... Read more »

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap answered on Jun 3, 2020

If the official date of the end of school got changed, for whatever reason it got changed, that is the start of summer break. So you'll just have to work it out with the mother. If she doesn't agree, you could file with the court to have her held in contempt. But courts are currently... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for Tennessee on
Q: Fired During COVID?

I’m in TN, things are opening here but unfortunately for me, daycares are not. For the time being, we are working from home and I also have a 2 and 4 y/o here w/ me so it makes it hard for me to work, it’s actually brung my performance measures down because I have to deal w/ them so much. I... Read more »

Carrie Dyer
Carrie Dyer answered on Jun 3, 2020

You may be entitled to protection under the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act. Under this provision - with some exceptions - employers with less than 500 employees are required to provide job-protected leave for employees who are unable to work or unable to do their work from home... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Texas on
Q: Can EAD clock stops because of covid-19

Can EAD clock stops because of covid-19.

Victoria Ledeneva
Victoria Ledeneva answered on Jun 2, 2020

No. EAD clock does not stop because of covid-19. If you applied for asylum at least 150 days ago and still have not received an initial decision on your asylum application, you can file form I-765 and supporting documents with USCIS to request your Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Tennessee on
Q: Can my boyfriend of 6 years kick me out of house in Tennessee during Coronavirus?

And if so, how long can I drag it out before I have to leave? He cheated on me but owns the house. Also I have no family here and lost my job recently so he's been supporting me financially also

Anthony M. Avery
Anthony M. Avery answered on Jun 2, 2020

He has to file a Detainer Warrant. It must be served or posted on you. After you go to Court, you must be out within 10 days or he will get the Sheriff to physically remove you.

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for New York on
Q: If i sent in my parents paperwork, when is the approximate date would they be able to have travel access to the US?

The paperwork are to petition my parents for a green card.

Hector E. Quiroga
Hector E. Quiroga answered on Jun 2, 2020

Under normal conditions, it can take between 10 months and a year between the filing of the petition and the interview. It is hard to say with the COVID-19 restrictions. They should be able to move forward with everything up until the point of appointment scheduling. Then it is a question of when... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for New York on
Q: Work place closed due to coronavirus pandemic. I was on an unpaid leave when this happened. Am I eligible for UI?

Work place closed due to coronavirus pandemic. I was on an unpaid leave (family related situation, employer agreed that I can come back to work anytime my situation resolved) when this happened. I was going to start working again at the end of March when the statewide (NY) coronavirus lockdown... Read more »

V. Jonas Urba
V. Jonas Urba answered on Jun 2, 2020

Apply honestly for benefits from the date that you were actually available for work. Certify for benefits honestly. Report all earnings whether paid or medical leave or other to the DOL.

If you are denied benefits timely ask for a hearing and testify credibly at the hearing.

Many...
Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Puerto Rico on
Q: How do i find out if my mother had a Will in Puerto Rico

My m9ther passed away in march and im in fl and can not travel (due to Covid)or get a hold of her attorney down there to see if she had a Will. She was with me in Fl when she got sick and passed. I cant get anyone to speak with us until i find this out.

Ramon Olivencia, Esq.
Ramon Olivencia, Esq. answered on Jun 1, 2020

An attorney can place a search at the Registry of Wills of Puerto Rico to find out if your mother left a will on the island. It is highly recommended that it is done via an attorney since he/she will know how to go about through that process while making sure to include all the necessary requisites... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Minnesota on
Q: My ex has not allowed me to see my kids during the stay at home order in MN

Now she says I can only see them Outdoors and 6' away. I have a court order granting me visitation without stipulation other than date/time arrangement. I work from home and have not ventured out during this time. I think I should be allowed to have my kids in my home. Can she mandate this?

Sonja M. Nyberg
Sonja M. Nyberg answered on Jun 1, 2020

No she cannot and by doing so she is in violation of the court order as it applies to your parenting time. I currently know of no judicial officers who are suspending a parent's time with the children, or putting such drastic restrictions upon how and where it occurs, because of the pandemic.... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support for Minnesota on
Q: Can my ex demand I pay childcare when she is the one providing that childcare? Not child support but childcare.

Since Covid, the local daycare has closed down. But my ex demands that I continue to pay for childcare. My divorce decree includes a monthly childcare payment amount based on an estimate. It says it shall not be adjusted according a cost of living increase but should be based on the actual cost of... Read more »

Sonja M. Nyberg
Sonja M. Nyberg answered on Jun 1, 2020

Without reading your current order for child support, it is difficult to give you the best answer. With that said, in order for you to modify the amount you are paying per month for childcare support you will need to file a motion with the Court. The good news, however, is that child care support... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Georgia on
Q: I'm interested in knowing how COVID19 can be used in a habeas corpus motion. For an offender who has completed majority.
David Edward Boyle
David Edward Boyle answered on Jun 1, 2020

I am assuming you are trying to obtain release of a inmate based upon the recent COVID pandemic. Habeas is not the correct vehicle to use. If the person is in custody and you are seeking an early release then the parole board would be the entity you would contact to show the health risks that the... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for California on
Q: Online purchase

I bought a bike online and i returned it after 10 days because the bike had problem in their policy was 10% to 30% penalty of bike’s costs now my question is could they get this penalty?

Daniel Timothy LeBel
Daniel Timothy LeBel answered on May 31, 2020

Dear cyclist,

Unfortunately, we're missing some relevant information to provide an evaluation. If the bike had a problem that could be fixed under warranty, the business should fix it free of charge. If you simply want to return it, it is reasonable that they have a restocking policy...
Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Workers' Compensation for Maryland on
Q: Private Short Term Disability and Worker's Compensation Payments.

Hello,

I contracted COVID-19 from my work as a Nurse. I stayed in bed for a week and then 18 days in the ICU. I am on home O2 Therapy for the present time as I continue to suffer from significant shortness of breath among other issues.

A Worker's compensation case has been... Read more »

Eric Todd Kirk
Eric Todd Kirk answered on May 31, 2020

You'd want to make sure that each of these providers -workers compensation and the two private disability insurers- are aware that you are receiving or have been approved for other benefits, and the amounts. The long-term effects of covid-19 are still under investigation may take years to... Read more »

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.