Bankruptcy, Debt & Consumer Protection
Browse published legal information questions related to Bankruptcy, Debt & Consumer Protection.
What are my rights if a contractor recorded our payment dispute and threatened to use it against me?
In California, a situation like this may raise privacy, harassment, contract, and evidence issues, but the exact rights depend on what was recorded, how it was recorded, where it happened, and what was said or threatened...
My Contractor Used Unlicensed Workers — Can I Cancel the Contract?
In California, the answer often depends on the facts of the job, the contract terms, and what “unlicensed workers” means in your situation. In general, a contractor using workers who do not hold a required license does n...
Can my employer deduct $250 from my last check for a laptop charger I returned late?
In general, an employer in Utah may not automatically take money from your final paycheck just because company property was returned late. Whether a deduction is allowed usually depends on the facts, the employer’s polic...
Is it legal to record a customer service call in California if the company says the call may be recorded?
In California, the fact that a company says a call may be recorded does not automatically mean you are free to record the call yourself. California generally has strict rules about recording confidential communications,...
My neighbor’s tree drops fruit all over my driveway and attracts rats. Any legal remedy?
In California, a neighbor’s tree dropping fruit onto your driveway can sometimes lead to a legal issue, but the answer usually depends on the facts. In general, tree branches, roots, leaves, and fruit that cross a proper...
Is it legal for someone to repeatedly call my phone from blocked numbers after I asked them to stop?
In Washington, repeated calls from blocked numbers after you asked the caller to stop may be unlawful depending on the facts, the caller’s purpose, and whether the conduct rises to harassment, stalking, threats, or anoth...
What happens if someone records a confidential conversation and posts a clip online?
In California, recording a confidential conversation and then posting a clip online can raise serious legal issues, but what happens depends heavily on the facts. The main questions usually are whether the conversation w...
Can an HOA tow my car from my driveway because the registration sticker is expired?
In Florida, an HOA may sometimes be able to have a car towed from a driveway if the vehicle is violating the community’s recorded rules, parking restrictions, or property-use requirements. An expired registration sticker...
Is it legal for a landlord to charge a $150 application fee in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, a landlord may be able to charge an application fee, but whether a $150 fee is legal depends on the facts and on any limits that apply under state or local law. Because no source material was provided for...
What are my rights if I was burned by hot coffee because the lid was not attached correctly?
If you were burned by hot coffee because the lid was not attached correctly, you may have a potential claim under Maryland personal injury or product liability principles, depending on what caused the injury and who may...
Husband Owns the Car and Controls Finances—What Rights Do I Have During Separation?
In Oregon, your rights during a separation usually depend on the overall financial picture, not just whose name is on the car title or who manages the bank accounts. If you are married and living separately, the law gene...
What are my rights if a brokerage account was reported as abandoned even though I still receive statements?
If a brokerage account was reported as abandoned even though you still receive statements, that may raise questions about whether the account was actually inactive or whether the brokerage followed the proper abandonment...
Is it legal for a student loan servicer to change my due date without notice?
In general, a student loan servicer may not be able to change your due date without following the loan contract and any applicable federal or state notice rules. Whether a due date change is allowed often depends on the...
What happens if a contractor used cheaper materials than what was listed in our written agreement?
If a contractor used cheaper materials than what your written agreement called for, the situation is often treated as a possible contract dispute, and sometimes also as a consumer-protection issue, depending on the facts...
Is it legal for a towing company to keep my car until I pay cash only?
In Nevada, a towing company may sometimes keep a vehicle until lawful towing and storage charges are paid, but the details matter. Whether a company can insist on cash only depends on the agreement, the type of tow, the...