Dear Jackie,

We live on the first floor of an apartment building, and our neighbors directly above us recently installed cameras and a coded door (with a keypad). These neighbors did not have the courtesy to advise us they were installing the cameras, never mind ask if we were okay with it. We feel very uneasy about being "watched" and having our guests be monitored as well. We know it is allowed in private, one-family homes. But, is it legal in California to install such cameras on a multi-family dwelling without the authorization of all residents? What are our rights? -- Sherry from Glendale, Calif.

Hi, Sherry,

My first suggestion is to check with the apartment manager or landlord to find out if your neighbors had permission to install the cameras. You should also take a look at your lease and see if there is any language in there about this. If the landlord didn't give permission, you should ask the landlord to have the cameras removed. If permission was given, then I don't believe you have any say. You could contact the neighbor and ask that the camera be aimed so that your apartment is not in the picture (if that is possible). All of us encounter security cameras many, many times a day, every day. We don't always know that we are being recorded but we are. It is the way of the world these days. In public areas, this is allowed. Your situation involves a common area of a private property. I would be curious to know whether your neighbors received permission or just did it on their own. Start with the landlord and go from there. Who knows, having that camera may benefit you more than you think in terms of keeping you and your family safe.

Dear Jackie,

I separated from my husband about 10 years ago, never got a divorce, and he stayed with the property. The problem is he never paid for property taxes after I left, and I know that we are being sued because of this. I have asked him repeatedly to give me the property, and he always refuses. He owes $14,000 in child support, and I want to know if there is any way I can take the property over the money that he owes. I have asked the child support office here, and they say they cannot help me. Please advise. -- Herlinda from San Juan, Texas

Hi, Herlinda,

You are dealing with apples and oranges. Your husband's back child support is totally separate from the property issue, and the two don't go together. One can't solve the problem of the other. Get a judgment of arrearages on that back child support. You can go through the district attorney's family support division and file a claim for the back support. You have to ask a judge for a judgment for the amount that your husband owes. To obtain title to the property, you will have to file an action in family court for divorce or separation, and litigate the issue of the property. It is possible that once you file, you might be able to work out an agreement regarding the property, but it doesn't sound like he is taking your request seriously. If you can afford an attorney, find an experienced family law attorney and hire him/her to represent you. If you can't afford an attorney, go to the local legal aid office and ask for help. You should also find out if the State Bar of Texas has a pro bono program, and ask for them to appoint an attorney to assist you. Rather than let this continue on, get some help, get this done and cut your ties with this man.

(Jackie Glass is a lawyer and former district court judge from Las Vegas, Nev., who is the new host of CBS's daytime legal affairs program, "Swift Justice With Jackie Glass." Visit www.SwiftJustice.com for more information, local show times and to submit your legal questions to Jackie.)