John Devendorf, Esq.
Latest Articles
Can You Legally Change Your Age or Birthday?
If the date of birth on your birth certificate is incorrect, you may be able to legally change your birth date. However, you may not be able to change your age or birth date without evidence that your birth certificate date is wrong. Using a different age or birth date… Read More
Loan Modification and Foreclosures
If you owe more on your property than your property is worth, it is considered “upside down” or “underwater.” Millions of Americans found themselves underwater on their homes around 2007 to 2010. Subprime mortgages were offered to prospective homeowners who would not have otherwise qualified. Furthermore, the housing bubble had… Read More
Juvenile Dependency
When parents, guardians, or other family members cannot provide for a child’s basic needs, the government may step in. If the parents are abusive or neglectful toward their child, a juvenile dependency hearing will determine if the child should be temporarily or permanently removed from the family home. Unfortunately for parents, the… Read More
Stepparent Adoption
Stepparent adoption is the most common type of adoption in the United States. When a stepparent adopts their spouse’s child, they become the child’s legal parent, with the same responsibilities as the birth parents. After the adoption process is complete, the noncustodial parent is no longer the child’s legal parent. Read More
How Long Can You Go to Jail for Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence involves assault or battery against a family member, romantic partner, or anyone living in your household. Domestic violence is a serious criminal offense that can result in jail time, fines, and restricted access to your own home and children. It is important to take accusations of domestic assault… Read More
What Is Adjudication?
Adjudication is the term for the final decision in a disputed case. In criminal law, a “stay of adjudication” is a type of deferred judgment, which may allow someone to avoid jail time and keep their public record clear. In bankruptcy, adjudication is the final decree between the debtor and creditors. Adjudication in unemployment… Read More
What Is Eminent Domain?
Eminent domain involves the government taking private property for a public purpose. The federal, state, or local government generally can take private property as long as they fairly compensate the property owner. If the property owners disagree with the taking or amount of fair compensation, they may challenge the property… Read More
How Long Can You Go to Jail for Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence involves assault or battery against a family member, romantic partner, or anyone living in your household. Domestic violence is a serious criminal offense that can result in jail time, fines, and restricted access to your own home and children. It is important to take accusations of domestic assault seriously to prevent permanent… Read More
5 minute readJuvenile Delinquency
Our criminal justice system does not treat children the same as adults, and for good reason. Minors are more prone to peer pressure from those around them. Their brains are not fully developed intellectually or emotionally, making them less able to fully appreciate the consequences of their actions. Young people… Read More
Larceny
Larceny is a legal term for theft that involves taking property without the owner’s consent. Larceny was an offense under common law and can be referred to as “theft” or “larceny,” depending on the state. In general, larceny is the theft of personal property, including money, cars, clothing, jewelry, or computers. Read More