A lawyer can get your money

Ask the Lawyer
By Stewart J. Berger

Dear Ask the Lawyer:
I worked as a receptionist in a doctor’s office for over 12 years. One day I was falsely accused of something I did not do and was pretty much fired. I tried to collect unemployment and was turned down.
I asked for my profit-sharing money. My former employer sent me paperwork to sign and send back to the accountant, which I did. She claimed it would be several weeks until I received my money.
That was in November 2007. It would only be 80 percent because I was not 59 years old. I agreed.
Every time I call the accountant, she says I’ll receive it next week. Well, week after week goes by and no check.
Now she states that the situation is out of her hands. She said to contact the employer.
When I did, he gave me some story about how the money is wrapped up in a certificate of deposit, and when it rolls over, he will take my money out.
I asked when that would happen, and he said that he was not sure — that sometimes this takes years. He claims that everyone from his office has money rolled up in this CD, and he can’t take my money out.
What can I do?
J.G.

Dear J.G.
You are getting a royal run around. The problem is that you have been too nice to your ex-employer.
If you have money in a profit-sharing plan, you should be able to take that money out when you leave that employment, subject to taxes and penalties.
A letter from a lawyer threatening a lawsuit would probably do the trick.
You obviously can’t settle the case with your ex-employer yourself. It’s time for legal help.
You will win, but you must act aggressively. If that is unsuccessful, then a lawsuit should follow.
I have an awful feeling that your money may have disappeared. I hope this assumption is wrong. ••
Stewart J. Berger is an attorney with offices at 7207 Rising Sun Ave.
Questions and comments may be addressed to Ask The Lawyer, c/o The Northeast Times, 2512 Metropolitan Drive, Trevose, PA 19053