About John Devendorf, Esq.
John Devendorf is a graduate of UCLA and holds a J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law, where he was a Distinguished Scholar, recipient of the ALI-ABA Scholarship and Leadership Award, and a participant in the Immigrant Workers’ Rights Clinic and special delegation to Haiti.
A licensed attorney for more than a decade, John transitioned to a career as a legal content writer and editor after an externship with the IRS, a judicial clerkship, and practicing at a civil litigation firm in Princeton, New Jersey. John now lives in Portland, Oregon, where he enjoys writing, international travel, and escape rooms.
Articles written by John Devendorf, Esq.
What Is a Reaffirmation Agreement in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
A reaffirmation agreement is a contract you sign after filing for bankruptcy. You agree to continue making payments, keep your home or vehicle, and remain personally liable for the debt. Reaffirmation agreements let you keep the property, but you lose the benefit of having the debt on the secured asset wiped out. It makes sense to sign a reaffirmation agreement for certain types of property under the right circumstances. However, alternatives may let you keep the property without signing a new …
Can a Landlord Evict You for Filing Bankruptcy?
Your landlord can evict you when you file for bankruptcy if they have an eviction judgment before you file. However, if the landlord does not yet have an eviction or unlawful detainer judgment, filing for bankruptcy will pause the eviction proceedings. If you already filed for bankruptcy, the automatic stay generally prevents your landlord from starting or continuing an eviction lawsuit, unless an exception applies or the bankruptcy court grants stay relief. Depending on the case and the …
How Does Bankruptcy Affect Divorce, Alimony, and Child Support?
Bankruptcy affects divorce because it can reduce assets and debts, but it does not discharge family support obligations like alimony and child support. The effect of bankruptcy on divorce depends on whether you file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, whether you file jointly, and whether bankruptcy is filed before, during, or after the divorce. Before filing your bankruptcy petition, make sure you understand how it can impact your divorce and debt relief plan. Contact a local bankruptcy lawyer for legal …
Questions Employers Can't Legally Ask You in a Job Interview
Employers can ask plenty of questions during a job interview, but they cannot ask anything they want. Employment laws restrict questions that may reveal protected information, including your age, religion, disability status, pregnancy, family responsibilities, race, national origin, and other personal details unrelated to your ability to do the job. Many candidates hesitate when faced with an inappropriate interview question because they do not want to jeopardize a job opportunity. However, …
When Do You Need a Notary Public? A Legal Guide
Whether you need a notary public depends on the document you’re signing and the laws that apply. Some legal documents must be notarized to satisfy execution or recording requirements, while others may benefit from notarization even when the law doesn’t require it. Before you put your signature on a document that carries serious legal or financial consequences, contact a civil litigation attorney through the Super Lawyers directory. What Does a Notary Public Actually Do? A notary public …
Can You Sue Parents or Relatives for Childhood Abuse and Trauma?
Legal options are available for those seeking justice for childhood sexual abuse, physical abuse, or severe emotional trauma as an adult. Whether the conduct happened decades ago or criminal charges were filed, you may be able to file a civil lawsuit, with remedies including financial compensation and injunctive relief. If you or a loved one needs to pursue legal action against those who are responsible for childhood abuse and trauma, contact an experienced local personal injury attorney. …
Daycare and School Abuse Liability: Who Is Responsible for Child Injuries?
When a child is injured due to abuse at school or daycare, who can be held legally accountable when a child is harmed while in the care of a daycare or school depends on several factors, including the type of institution, whether harm resulted from negligence or intentional abuse, and the specific laws that apply. Parents rely on school districts and childcare providers to keep children safe when they leave them in their care. When a child is abused or injured, trust is broken, and parents …
Potholes, Debris, Fallen Utility Lines: Who's Liable for Car Damage?
Cities, counties, and municipalities may be liable for car damage caused by dangerous road conditions when applicable law permits a claim and the required elements are met. Utility companies and government contractors may be liable for other car accidents that do not involve another driver. Many drivers are not sure how to handle an accident involving potholes, road debris, or fallen utility lines. A car accident lawyer can help you navigate the process to get compensation for your vehicle …
Who Advocates for the Child in Court? Understanding Child Legal Representation
Children can have legal representation in court, but who speaks for them depends on the type of case and the laws of the jurisdiction where the case is filed. In some situations, a judge appoints an attorney for the child. In others, the court names a guardian ad litem or another advocate to investigate the child's circumstances and recommend what serves the child's best interests. Parents often assume the judge simply hears both sides and decides. But in many cases, another voice enters the …
Can My Employer Legally Share Any Info About Me With Coworkers?
Employers can share some employee information with coworkers, supervisors, and third parties. Generally, employers can share work-related information, including job title, work performance, and work contact information. However, employers cannot share private information, including medical histories, sensitive personal information, and other protected information. Employee privacy rights vary by state and depend on whether employers give notice or get the employee's consent to share …
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