Bankruptcy, Debt & Consumer Protection
Browse published legal information questions related to Bankruptcy, Debt & Consumer Protection.
Do I have to prove my identity to recover funds listed under my maiden name?
In general, yes, you may have to prove your identity if you are trying to recover money or property that is listed under your maiden name. In Pennsylvania, as in many states, the holder of the funds usually needs enough...
What happens if my loan servicer says my $0 income driven payments do not count?
If your loan servicer says your $0 income-driven repayment payments do not count, it usually means the servicer believes those months do not meet the requirements for a particular program, forgiveness track, or payment c...
Can I Dispute a Credit Card Charge for a Service That Was Never Completed?
In general, you may be able to dispute a credit card charge if you paid for a service that was not completed, not provided, or was materially different from what was promised. In a New York case, the basic question is of...
How do I handle a private investigator who recorded my conversation through an open window?
In general, a private investigator recording a conversation through an open window can raise several legal issues, but the answer depends heavily on the facts and on Washington law. The most important questions are usual...
What are my rights if my retirement plan account was transferred to the state as abandoned?
In Maryland, if a retirement plan account is treated as abandoned and transferred to the state, you usually do not lose ownership of the money simply because it was turned over. In general, the state holds abandoned prop...
What happens if a finance company reports incorrect late payments?
If a finance company reports late payments that are wrong, the information may hurt your credit report and credit score, even if you did not actually pay late. In general, inaccurate late-payment reporting can affect loa...
Is it legal for a dealership to refuse to return my deposit after I decided not to buy the car?
In Kentucky, a dealership may sometimes be allowed to keep a deposit after a buyer changes their mind, but not always. The answer usually depends on what the deposit was for, what the paperwork said, whether the deal was...
Is it legal for a business to claim I assumed the risk because the floor was obviously wet?
In Nevada, a business may try to argue that a customer assumed the risk if the danger was open and obvious, including a wet floor that seemed easy to notice. But that does not automatically end the issue. Whether the arg...
Is it legal for a storage unit company to auction my belongings after one missed payment?
In general, a storage unit company in Idaho cannot simply auction a renter’s belongings immediately after one missed payment. Storage companies usually have to follow the rental agreement and Idaho law, and that often in...
What happens if someone outside my state posted lies about me online?
If someone outside New Hampshire posted false statements about you online, the situation may still matter in New Hampshire if the harm was felt here. In general, internet posts can create issues in more than one state be...
Can a Contractor Put a Lien on My House Over a Disputed Invoice?
In Michigan, a contractor may be able to place a lien on a house if the contractor claims unpaid money for labor, materials, or improvements to the property. A disputed invoice does not automatically prevent a lien. In g...
What Should I Do If a Car Wash Damaged My Vehicle?
If a car wash damaged your vehicle, the first step is usually to document the damage as clearly as possible. Take photos and videos of the vehicle, the damaged area, the car wash equipment or bay if visible, your receipt...
Do I have to pay a dentist for a crown that fell off after 10 days?
In general, you may still owe a dentist for treatment even if a crown falls off after 10 days, but the answer depends on the facts, the dental office’s policies, and what was agreed to before treatment. In New Jersey, as...
What happens if the person harassing me says their messages are just free speech?
In general, saying “it’s free speech” does not automatically make harassment lawful. Under U.S. law, people have strong speech protections, but those protections are not unlimited. Communications that cross into threats,...
How do I dispute a phone company charging me for services I never activated?
If a phone company charged you for a service you believe you never activated, the first step is usually to gather your bills, account records, and any messages or screenshots that show what was charged and when. In gener...