Bankruptcy, Debt & Consumer Protection
Browse published legal information questions related to Bankruptcy, Debt & Consumer Protection.
What are my rights if my mechanic overcharged me by $800?
If a mechanic overcharged you by $800, you may have several general options depending on what happened, what was agreed to, and what proof you have. In Nebraska, as in other states, the first question is often whether th...
Do I have to tell a repair shop I am recording before discussing a $1,400 bill dispute?
In Florida, whether you must tell the repair shop that you are recording usually depends on how the recording is being made and what kind of communication it is. As a general matter, Florida is commonly described as a st...
Can a Bank Reverse a Chargeback Months Later?
Yes, a bank or card issuer may sometimes reverse a chargeback months later, but it usually depends on the payment network rules, the account agreement, the type of transaction, and the facts of the dispute. A chargeback...
How do I handle a credit card company reopening a dispute after I thought the chargeback was final?
If a credit card company reopens a dispute after you believed the chargeback was final, the first step is usually to read every notice carefully and confirm what changed. In general, a payment dispute can be reopened if...
How do I calculate damages for online defamation against my small business?
For a small business, damages in an online defamation claim are usually about showing the money loss and other harm that may have flowed from the false statement. In general, the starting point is to identify what was sa...
Is it legal for the dog owner to threaten me for reporting the bite?
In general, no one is allowed to threaten, harass, or intimidate you just because you reported a dog bite. If a dog owner is angry about a report to animal control, the police, a landlord, or another authority, that does...
Is It Legal for a Company to Auto-Renew My Contract Without Clear Notice?
In general, whether a company can auto-renew your contract without clear notice depends on the contract terms, the type of agreement, and applicable Wyoming law. Many businesses include automatic renewal language in serv...
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...
How do I handle a solar panel company that promised savings but my electric bill went up?
If a solar company promised that your electric bill would go down but it went up instead, the first step is usually to review exactly what was said, what was written, and how the system is performing. In general, a highe...
Is it legal for Arkansas to intercept my stimulus or tax refund for old support debt?
In general, yes. In Arkansas, the state may be able to intercept a tax refund, and in some situations a stimulus payment, to help collect past-due support debt. That usually means overdue child support, and in some cases...
What are my rights if a moving company lost two boxes with my tax records and family photos?
If a moving company lost two boxes containing tax records and family photos, you may have several general rights under Mississippi law and the terms of the moving contract, but the details depend heavily on the facts. In...
How do I lower my student loan payment after my hours were cut in half?
If your hours were cut in half, you may have several general options to reduce your student loan payment, but the best choice depends on the type of loan, your current income, and whether your loans are federal or privat...
Do I have to pay private student loans if the borrower died and I was only a cosigner?
In general, if you cosigned a private student loan, the lender may still look to you for repayment even after the borrower dies. A cosigner is usually a separate borrower from the lender’s perspective, so the death of th...
Do I have to stop recording if someone says they do not agree to be recorded?
In California, the answer may depend on what kind of recording you are making, where you are making it, and whether the law requires consent from the people being recorded. In general, if a recording law applies, a perso...
Is it legal for a bank to freeze my account before escheating it?
In general, a bank may have legal and contractual reasons to place a hold or freeze on an account before any unclaimed property process, including escheatment, takes place. But a freeze is not the same thing as escheatme...