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.
How To Get a Quick Divorce
In many ways, getting married is faster than getting divorced. In some states, you can show up to the courthouse and get married with a quick ceremony and pay the filing fees. However, a legal divorce takes longer. If you and your spouse can agree on the terms of the divorce, you can get a simplified legal separation that takes between a few weeks and a few months. However, requirements for a divorce depend on your local court. To find out how to get a quick divorce in your state, talk to a …
What To Do If Your Spouse Hides Assets During Divorce
Married couples should have trust in their partner, including trust involving financial matters. Most married couples combine their marital assets during their marriage. When one spouse handles most of the finances, they may try to hide assets in a divorce case. Hidden assets will mean you don't get a fair division of property in a divorce. Your spouse can face criminal charges for financial fraud during a divorce. If you suspect your spouse is hiding money, investments, or real estate, talk to …
How To Handle Social Media During a Divorce
During a complex divorce process, you may want to relieve stress online by sharing your story or looking for advice. Social media activity can help you stay connected with friends and family members. However, your ex-spouse can use your posting to hurt your divorce case. Limit your social media activity during a divorce to protect your reputation. If you have concerns about social media posts, talk to a divorce attorney for legal advice. Legal Implications of Social Media During Divorce Many …
What Happens to Pets in a Divorce?
A viable claim for pet custody exists in divorce court when a spouse proves that the animal was their separate personal property and not a marital asset, typically with evidence like veterinary bills or adoption records. Rulings award pet custody to the primary caregiver or create a visitation schedule through a settlement agreement or mediation agreement. When children have an emotional bond with a pet, courts weigh the companion animal's well-being similarly to a child's best interests. …
Can I Sue My Local or State Government?
In most cases involving personal injury or property damage, a person or business is at fault, and the injured party can sue them for compensation. But what if the liable party isn’t a person or business but a government entity? Can you sue your state or local government? The short answer is yes; the full answer is more complicated. Historically, thanks to the legal doctrine of sovereign immunity, citizens could not sue the government unless the government consented to it. Now, states …
Can I Legally Opt-Out or Refuse To Pay Union Dues?
Employees can opt out of union membership at any time. Employees can also, in many circumstances, legally opt out of paying union dues or pay a reduced amount. Key determining factors are whether you live in a right-to-work state and the reason why you don’t want to pay dues. After decades of declining union membership, the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ latest report shows that about 14 million workers in the United States are union members. Many unions strive to improve members’ working …
Can Your Boss Legally Cut Hours Without Notice?
Because of at-will employment, employers can fire you or give you reduced hours for any or no reason at all, as long as the reason doesn't violate specific laws. For example, employers can't break an employment contract with you. They can't cut your pay in retaliation or for discriminatory reasons. Employers also can't reduce your pay below the minimum wage. And they can't retroactively cut wages you've already earned. That's wage theft. Despite the serious financial stress resulting from an …
Is It Legal To Install Cameras in the Workplace for Surveillance?
Generally, it's legal for your employer to use video cameras in the workplace. No federal or state law absolutely prohibits the practice, and there are many reasons why cameras can be beneficial, such as monitoring the security of employees and customers. However, there are important limits on where employers can install surveillance cameras and the purposes for which employers can use them. In some cases, an employee's expectation of privacy outweighs an employer's interest in surveillance. If …
How Can My Biometric Data Be Used in the Workplace?
Biometric data is personal data based on a person's biological and behavioral characteristics. Generally, biometric data can identify an individual using distinguishing features such as voice, facial, and hand and finger recognition. Some employers require biometric data to grant workers access to restricted areas or sensitive data. Employers may use employee fingerprints or face scans to use a laptop or for timekeeping. Many employees don't like the idea of giving their employer their …
Was My Baby’s Injury Medical Negligence?
When a child suffers a serious birth injury, parents want to know what went wrong. If your child's birth injuries were due to negligence on the part of a doctor or other medical professional, you can hold them liable and get financial compensation through a medical malpractice claim. Birth injury lawsuits are special types of medical malpractice cases. For more information about your legal options, talk to an experienced birth injury lawyer. What Are Birth Injuries? In a birth injury case, a …
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