Bankruptcy, Debt & Consumer Protection
Browse published legal information questions related to Bankruptcy, Debt & Consumer Protection.
Can a debt collector contact me on social media about an unpaid balance?
In general, a debt collector may be allowed to use social media to try to contact a person about an unpaid debt, but that contact is usually subject to limits. The collector generally cannot use social media in a way tha...
How do I handle a personal injury claim when the business refuses to give me incident report paperwork?
In Georgia, if a business refuses to give you an incident report after an injury, that can be frustrating, but it does not necessarily stop a personal injury claim. In general, the report is only one piece of evidence. Y...
My neighbor installed a camera that records audio on our shared porch. Is that allowed?
In Maryland, a neighbor’s camera on a shared porch may be allowed in some situations, but audio recording can raise additional privacy concerns. The answer often depends on where the camera is pointed, whether the porch...
Do I have to use my own collision coverage while waiting for the other insurer to accept fault?
In New York, you usually do not have to use your own collision coverage just because the other driver’s insurer has not yet accepted fault. In general, whether you file a collision claim under your own policy is a choice...
What happens if my renter’s insurance refuses to cover theft because there was no forced entry?
If a renters insurance company refuses to cover a theft claim because there was no forced entry, the first thing to check is the policy language. In general, some policies cover theft only if there is evidence of forced...
Is it legal for a tow company to refuse to release my car until I pay in cash?
In Indiana, a tow company may sometimes require payment before releasing a vehicle, but whether it can demand cash specifically depends on the facts, the towing arrangement, and any applicable contract, local rule, or le...
Is it legal for a mechanic to keep my car because I disputed the charges?
In North Carolina, a mechanic may sometimes have a legal right to keep a vehicle if there is an unpaid repair bill or a dispute about charges, but the answer depends heavily on the facts. In general, a shop that performe...
Is it legal for a business to keep uncashed refund checks instead of reporting them to the state?
In Kentucky, a business generally cannot treat uncashed refund checks as if they are simply its own money forever. In many situations, money represented by an uncashed check may be considered unclaimed property, which ca...
Is it legal for the insurer to close my claim because I missed one phone call?
In general, an insurer may not be allowed to close or deny a claim just because you missed one phone call, but the answer depends on the insurance policy, the type of claim, and the facts of the communication history. A...
A furniture delivery crew scratched the hallway walls. The building billed me. Can I pass that to the store?
In New York, you may be able to ask the store or seller to cover the building’s bill if the damage happened during the furniture delivery and the delivery crew was acting for the store. But the answer usually depends on...
How do I lower my student loan payment after my hours were cut in half?
If your hours were cut in half, you may have several general options to reduce your student loan payment, but the best choice depends on the type of loan, your current income, and whether your loans are federal or privat...
What happens if I accidentally captured audio of a private conversation on my dashcam?
If your dashcam accidentally recorded a private conversation in California, the legal consequences can depend on the facts, especially how the recording happened, who was being recorded, and whether anyone had a reasonab...
Can child support be taken from disability benefits?
In general, child support may sometimes be taken from disability benefits, but the answer depends on the type of disability benefit and the facts of the case. In Utah, as in many states, the key issue is often whether th...
Can a mechanic charge diagnostic fees twice for the same issue?
In general, a mechanic may be able to charge more than once for diagnostic work, but whether charging twice for the same issue is reasonable usually depends on the facts, the repair agreement, and what work was actually...
How do I deal with a rental car company charging me for fuel when I returned it full?
If a rental car company charged you for fuel after you believe you returned the car full, the first step is usually to gather proof. That may include the rental agreement, the return receipt, photos or video of the fuel...