Bankruptcy, Debt & Consumer Protection
Browse published legal information questions related to Bankruptcy, Debt & Consumer Protection.
Can my statement be used in court if I was never told I could remain silent?
In general, a statement can sometimes be used in court even if you were never told that you could remain silent. The answer often depends on who asked the questions, where the statement was made, and whether the setting...
Do I have to delete a recording if I later learn the other person did not consent?
In California, the answer depends on several facts, including how the recording was made, what was recorded, and whether any consent was actually required in the first place. In general, California is known for having st...
How do I handle a notice to quit for alleged drug activity by a guest I barely know?
If you receive a notice to quit in Minnesota that says a guest you barely know was involved in drug activity, take it seriously right away. A notice to quit is often the first step in a landlord’s effort to end a tenancy...
Can I Get My Money Back If a Vacation Rental Was Nothing Like the Listing?
Yes, you may be able to get some or all of your money back if a vacation rental was materially different from the listing, but the answer depends on the facts, the booking terms, and what proof you have. In general, a re...
Is it legal for a car dealer to add a warranty to my loan paperwork without explaining it?
In Texas, a dealer generally should not slip a warranty into your financing paperwork as though it were a routine term if you were not told about it. Whether it is lawful depends on what the paperwork says, what was disc...
Bought a car from a small dealer in Georgia and now the temp tag is expired with no title in sight. What are my options?
If you bought a car from a small dealer in Georgia and the temporary tag has expired while the title still has not arrived, that can be frustrating and stressful. In general, the situation may involve both vehicle title...
What are my rights if a debt collector recorded me after I said I did not agree to be recorded?
In Illinois, a debt collector recording you after you said you did not agree to be recorded may raise privacy and consumer-protection concerns. Whether the recording was lawful can depend on the facts, including who was...
How do I get my money back from a mechanic who replaced parts that did not fix the problem?
If a mechanic replaced parts but the original problem is still not fixed, there may be several general steps to consider. In Oklahoma, the first issue is usually whether the repair shop promised a specific result, made a...
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...
What happens if I paid a contractor in cash and they deny receiving it?
If you paid a contractor in cash and they later deny receiving it, the dispute usually turns on proof. In general, the person claiming payment may need some evidence showing that the money was actually handed over, and t...
Do I have to pay student loans if I never finished the program?
In general, yes—if you signed a student loan agreement, you usually still have to repay the loan even if you never finished the program. The basic rule is that the obligation to repay often comes from the loan contract i...
A repair shop wiped my laptop during a battery replacement. Can I claim lost files?
If a repair shop wiped your laptop during a battery replacement, you may have a possible claim for the lost files and any related losses, but the outcome usually depends on the facts. In Washington, the most important is...
What are my rights if a retailer refuses a refund for a defective $600 appliance?
If you bought a defective $600 appliance in Alabama and the retailer refuses a refund, you may still have consumer rights, but the exact options depend on the warranty, return policy, and the facts of the sale. In genera...
Landlord says the cracked window is my fault because I “must have slammed it.” How do I fight the charge?
In Ohio, a landlord usually cannot simply assume you caused a cracked window just because the damage was discovered while you were living there. In general, the landlord must have some factual basis for blaming you, and...
Is it legal for a mechanic to keep my car because I disputed the repair charges?
In Indiana, a mechanic may sometimes be able to keep a vehicle if the shop claims it has a legal right to hold the car for unpaid repair charges. That right is often discussed as a mechanic’s lien or possessory lien, but...