Bankruptcy, Debt & Consumer Protection
Browse published legal information questions related to Bankruptcy, Debt & Consumer Protection.
What are my rights if my spouse refuses to refinance the mortgage after being awarded the house?
In Maryland, if a divorce or property division order awards the house to one spouse, that does not automatically remove the other spouse from the mortgage. In general, the lender is not bound by the divorce decree unless...
How do I handle a contractor who didn’t finish my roof before a storm caused damage?
In Kentucky, an unfinished roof job followed by storm damage can create more than one problem at the same time. You may be dealing with a contractor dispute, a property damage insurance claim, and possibly a question abo...
What happens if my insurance company cancels my renters policy because of one late payment?
If your renters insurance company cancels your policy because of one late payment, the main issue is usually whether the policy was actually canceled or simply lapsed for nonpayment. In general, insurers may treat a miss...
A delivery driver hit my mailbox and the company won’t respond. What’s my next move?
If a delivery driver damaged your mailbox in Tennessee and the company is not responding, the situation usually starts as a property-damage claim. In general, the key issue is whether you can show who caused the damage,...
Is it legal for a mechanic to begin crash repairs before I approve the final estimate?
In general, a mechanic or auto body shop should not begin significant crash repairs without some form of customer authorization, but the exact rule can depend on the paperwork you signed, the shop’s policies, the insurer...
My Employer Won’t Let Me Take Meal Breaks but Edits the Schedule to Show Them — What Can I Do?
In California, workers generally have meal-break rights, and employers usually cannot simply show a break on the schedule if the break was not actually provided. If your employer is changing records to make it look like...
What happens if my income driven repayment forgiveness date is listed as 2049?
If your income-driven repayment forgiveness date is listed as 2049, it usually means the loan servicer’s current records show that you may not reach forgiveness until that year under the repayment plan being tracked. In...
How do I dispute a total loss value that is $4,500 below similar cars for sale nearby?
If your car has been declared a total loss in Minnesota and the insurer’s offer seems far below similar vehicles in your area, you can usually dispute the valuation by asking for a detailed breakdown, comparing the insur...
Can I Get My Deposit Back If the Venue Canceled My Event?
In Georgia, whether you can get your deposit back after a venue cancels your event usually depends on the contract, the reason for the cancellation, and what money was paid as a deposit versus a nonrefundable booking fee...
Do I have to pay an early termination fee if the service provider breached the contract first?
In general, a customer may have a legal argument against paying an early termination fee if the service provider breached the contract first. That is because contract law often treats a serious breach by one side as some...
Is it legal for a neighbor to point security cameras directly into my backyard in Alabama?
In Alabama, a neighbor may often use security cameras on their own property, but that does not always mean they can point them wherever they want. Whether a camera aimed at your backyard is lawful usually depends on the...
What happens if a payday lender threatens to sue me over a $400 loan?
If a payday lender threatens to sue you over a $400 loan, it usually means the lender or a debt collector is trying to get payment and may be using the threat of litigation as leverage. That does not automatically mean a...
What happens if a customer leaves a Google review falsely saying my restaurant gave them food poisoning?
If a customer posts a Google review falsely claiming your Texas restaurant caused food poisoning, the review may create serious business and reputational harm. In general, a false statement of fact published to others ca...
Do I have to pay a personal loan if the lender violated the terms of the agreement?
In general, a borrower does not automatically stop owing a personal loan just because the lender may have violated the agreement. Under ordinary contract principles, each side’s duties depend on the loan terms, the natur...
What Should I Do If a Contractor Damaged My Driveway During a Project?
If a contractor damaged your driveway during a project, the first step is usually to document the damage as carefully as possible. Take clear photos and videos, keep copies of the contract, and write down what happened,...