Bankruptcy, Debt & Consumer Protection
Browse published legal information questions related to Bankruptcy, Debt & Consumer Protection.
Do I have to pay a debt buyer if they cannot show the original contract or account statements?
In general, a debt buyer may still try to collect a debt even if it does not have the original contract or detailed account statements in hand. Whether you actually owe the debt, and whether the debt buyer can enforce it...
Can a Repair Shop Sell My Car If I Do Not Pay the Invoice?
In Alaska, a repair shop may sometimes have a legal right to keep a vehicle until a repair bill is paid, and in some situations it may be able to pursue the vehicle through a lien or other collection process. Whether a s...
How do I dispute an auto repair bill when the shop replaced parts I never authorized?
If an auto repair shop in Florida replaced parts you never authorized, you may have a basis to dispute the bill, but the best response depends on what you approved, what the shop documented, and whether the parts were tr...
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 happens if a contractor overbilled me by $2,000 and won’t correct it?
If a contractor overbilled you by $2,000 and refuses to correct the bill, the main issue is usually whether you can show the charge was actually wrong and that you raised the problem clearly. In general, a billing disput...
How do I claim unclaimed property for a relative who died without a will?
In Iowa, unclaimed property belonging to a person who died without a will is usually claimed through the rules that apply to the person’s estate and to the state’s unclaimed property process. In general, that means you m...
What happens if I recorded a roommate admitting they stole money but did not ask for consent first?
In California, recording a conversation without asking for consent first can raise serious legal issues, even if the other person appears to confess to theft. California is generally a two-party consent state for confide...
How do I handle online defamation that is hurting my job search?
Online defamation can be especially damaging during a job search because employers may review search results, social media, review sites, or other online content before deciding whether to interview or hire someone. If f...
Can I return a car if I find out it was previously used as a rental but not disclosed?
In Colorado, you may have options if a car was sold to you without disclosure of important information, including a prior rental history. But whether you can return the car depends on the facts, the paperwork, the seller...
What happens if a collection agency sues me but serves papers at my old address?
If a collection agency files a lawsuit against you but serves the papers at an old address, that can create serious notice and service-of-process issues. In general, a lawsuit must be served in a way that gives the defen...
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...