Bankruptcy, Debt & Consumer Protection
Browse published legal information questions related to Bankruptcy, Debt & Consumer Protection.
Is it legal for someone to repeatedly call my phone from blocked numbers after I asked them to stop?
In Washington, repeated calls from blocked numbers after you asked the caller to stop may be unlawful depending on the facts, the caller’s purpose, and whether the conduct rises to harassment, stalking, threats, or anoth...
What happens if several small damage incidents are added together over six months?
In Minnesota, several small damage incidents may sometimes be considered together, but not automatically. Whether they are “added together” usually depends on the legal claim, the facts, and how the incidents are connect...
What are my rights if my borrower defense claim has been pending for three years?
If your borrower defense claim has been pending for three years, you may understandably be frustrated, but the specific rights available to you usually depend on the status of the application, the federal student loan pr...
What are my rights if a neighbor used a device to listen to my conversation inside my apartment?
If a neighbor used a device to listen to a private conversation inside your apartment, you may have legal rights under California law. In general, people have a strong expectation of privacy in their homes, and secretly...
Can I File a Police Report if My Neighbor Is Wearing My Stolen Sweater?
Yes, you usually can file a police report if you reasonably believe your sweater was stolen and you have information suggesting your neighbor may be in possession of it. In Texas, a police report is generally a way to re...
How do I cancel a subscription that requires certified mail notice to terminate?
If a subscription contract says you must give notice by certified mail to cancel, the safest general approach is to follow those instructions exactly. In Utah, as in other states, the terms of the agreement often matter...
Do I have to pay a cancellation fee for a gym that closed permanently?
In general, if a gym permanently closes, a cancellation fee may no longer be enforceable because the gym may no longer be able to provide the services the contract promised. But the answer depends on the contract terms,...
What are my rights if a contractor damaged my neighbor's fence while working on my driveway?
If a contractor damaged your neighbor’s fence while working on your driveway, the situation usually turns on who caused the damage, what the contract says, and whether the contractor acted carelessly. In Alabama, the nei...
Do I have to get consent from every person on a conference call before recording it?
In California, the answer is often yes: if you want to record a conference call, it is usually safest to assume you need consent from everyone involved before you hit record. California is generally treated as a “two-par...
I left a bad review for a local business and now they’re threatening to sue. Should I take it down?
A bad review does not automatically create legal liability, and businesses often cannot sue simply because they dislike criticism. In general, a review is more likely to create legal risk only if it contains a false stat...
What are my rights if my college closed before I finished my degree and I still owe $18,000?
If your college closed before you finished your degree, you may have several possible rights and options, but they depend heavily on the facts. In Illinois, the first question is usually what kind of money you still owe:...
Is it legal for the insurance company to total my car even though I want it repaired?
In general, yes. In Florida, an insurance company may be allowed to declare a vehicle a total loss even if you would prefer to have it repaired, depending on the policy, the damage, the car’s value, and the insurer’s est...
How do I get out of a cell phone contract after the company raised my monthly rate by $20?
If your cell phone company raised your monthly rate, the first question is whether your contract or service agreement gives the company the right to change prices. In many consumer contracts, providers include language t...
Do I have to pay student loans if I was the victim of identity theft?
In general, if a student loan was taken out in your name because of identity theft, you may not be responsible for repaying that debt. But the answer often depends on who actually signed the loan documents, whether the l...
What happens if I settled my property damage claim but later found more damage?
If you already settled a property damage claim and later discover additional damage, the settlement may still control the situation. In general, a settlement is meant to resolve the claim based on the facts known at the...