Bankruptcy, Debt & Consumer Protection
Browse published legal information questions related to Bankruptcy, Debt & Consumer Protection.
Do I have to get consent before recording a mediation session about a consumer dispute in California?
In California, the safest general answer is usually yes: you should assume you need clear consent before recording a mediation session, especially if the session is confidential or involves private dispute-resolution com...
Can a Dentist Send Me to Collections While Insurance Is Still Processing?
In general, yes, a dentist may be able to send a bill to collections even if your dental insurance claim is still processing, but the answer often depends on the billing agreement, the insurer’s processing timeline, and...
What happens if I co-signed a car loan and the primary borrower stops making payments?
If you co-signed a car loan, you usually became equally responsible for the debt, even if you did not drive the car or receive the loan proceeds. If the primary borrower stops making payments, the lender will often look...
Can I Sue a Travel Agency for Booking the Wrong Dates?
In general, you may have a legal claim if a travel agency books the wrong dates and that mistake causes financial loss or another measurable harm. Whether a claim exists usually depends on what the agency agreed to do, w...
What happens if a business gift card balance is treated as unclaimed property?
In general, if a business gift card balance is treated as unclaimed property, the business may have to turn the unused value over to the state rather than keep it indefinitely. The exact result depends on how Michigan la...
Can a Dentist Charge Me More Than the Estimate After Treatment?
In general, a dentist may sometimes charge more than an estimate after treatment, but that depends on what the estimate covered, what you agreed to, and whether the final bill was explained clearly. An estimate is often...
What happens if the online statement was partly true but included false details?
In general, a statement can still create legal problems even if part of it is true. In Connecticut, as in many states, the legal issue is often not whether every word was false, but whether the overall message was mislea...
What happens if a medical bill went to collections even though I was on a payment plan?
If a medical bill was sent to collections even though you were making payments under a payment plan, it may mean the provider or collection agency believes the account was still past due, the plan was not recorded correc...
How do I report harassment in Washington when the police say it is a civil issue?
In Washington, the fact that police say harassment is a “civil issue” does not necessarily mean you have no options. It usually means the officer believes the conduct may not fit the type of criminal offense police can i...
How do I get a refund from a travel booking site that canceled my reservation but kept the service fee?
In Tennessee, the answer usually depends on the booking site’s terms, how the fee was described, and what the site actually promised when you booked. If the site canceled your reservation, you may have a stronger argumen...
Is it legal for someone to post my mugshot and falsely say I was convicted?
In Kentucky, posting someone’s mugshot and falsely saying they were convicted may raise legal issues, but the answer depends on the facts and the exact words used. In general, false statements that harm a person’s reputa...
Is it legal for a school to withhold my transcript because I owe an old tuition balance?
In general, a school may have some ability to withhold an official transcript if there is an unpaid tuition balance or other outstanding account balance. That said, whether the school can do so depends on the type of sch...
Can I claim lost income if I drive for DoorDash and my car was in the shop for two weeks?
In general, you may be able to claim lost income if another person or company caused the car damage that kept you from driving for DoorDash, but the answer depends on the facts and the available proof. In California, los...
Is it legal for a car dealer to run my credit through six lenders after I only approved one application?
In general, a car dealer may have some ability to submit your credit information to more than one lender if you signed paperwork that gave broad permission, if the dealership’s financing process was explained that way, o...
Is it legal for a storage facility to lock me out after one late payment?
In Idaho, a storage facility may be able to restrict your access after a missed or late payment, but the answer usually depends on the rental agreement and the notice procedures the facility follows. Many storage contrac...