Real Stories. Real Answers.

Mapping real-world scenarios to California and New York law.

My employer never pays overtime. I work 10 hours a day. Is this legal?

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Alex worked at a tech company for 3 years, always staying past 7pm. He learned CA requires daily overtime — his employer owed him nearly $40,000.

No. California Labor Code §510 requires 1.5x pay for hours over 8 in a single day. File with DLSE to recover back wages.

Can I be fired while on maternity leave?

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Sarah was told her position was 'restructured' while on FMLA leave in NY.

Generally no. Retaliation for protected leave is illegal under FMLA and state laws.

My landlord has not returned my security deposit after 40 days.

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Lisa left her apartment spotless. Six weeks later — no deposit, no itemization.

CA landlords must return deposits within 21 days. Claim up to 3x if they fail.

I was laid off on H-1B. How long can I stay in the US?

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James thought he had to leave the US the day he was fired.

You have a 60-day grace period to find a new employer or change status.

How is child support calculated in California?

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California uses a statewide formula based on both parents' incomes and time spent with the child.

What is the statute of limitations for a car accident in NY?

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In New York, you generally have 3 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.

Are "non-compete" agreements valid in California?

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No. California has a strong public policy against non-compete agreements. They are generally void and unenforceable.

Can my landlord enter my apartment without notice?

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No. Except for emergencies, California landlords must give 24 hours written notice to enter for repairs or inspections.

What is the "Public Charge" rule?

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Under current rules, using health, nutrition, or housing programs does not make you a "public charge" for green card applications.