Bankruptcy, Debt & Consumer Protection
Browse published legal information questions related to Bankruptcy, Debt & Consumer Protection.
Is it legal to record a conversation in a coffee shop where other people could hear us?
In Pennsylvania, whether it is legal to record a conversation in a coffee shop usually depends on several factors, including whether you are a participant in the conversation, whether the people being recorded know about...
Can a Company Charge Me Again After a Refund Was Issued?
In general, a company may sometimes try to charge you again after a refund was issued, but whether it is allowed depends on the facts, the payment method, the company’s policies, and what happened with the original trans...
What happens if a dealership adds fees after I agreed on a price?
In general, if a dealership adds fees after you thought you had agreed on a price, the result depends on what was actually agreed to, what was written down, and whether you had already signed a final contract. In South C...
How do I stop a debt collector from adding interest to an already disputed debt?
In general, a debt collector may not simply add interest whenever it wants, but whether interest can continue to grow depends on the original agreement, the type of debt, the creditor’s rights, and the applicable law. If...
Do I have to prove the statement was fact and not opinion?
In many defamation disputes, yes — the distinction between a statement of fact and a statement of opinion can matter a great deal. In general, a false statement of fact is more likely to support a defamation claim than a...
My bank reopened a closed account and charged overdraft fees. Is that allowed?
In general, a bank should not simply reopen a truly closed account and start charging new overdraft fees without some legal or contractual basis. But whether the bank’s actions are allowed often depends on the account ag...
What are my rights if my student loan payment was auto drafted twice in one month?
If your student loan payment was auto drafted twice in one month, you may have rights to review the payment records, ask for an explanation, and request a correction if the extra draft was a mistake. In general, the firs...
What Can I Do If a Delivery Company Damaged My Property?
If a delivery company damaged your property, you may have options to ask for repair or replacement costs, submit a claim, or seek other remedies depending on the facts. In general, the most important first step is to doc...
What are my rights if my mechanic installed used parts instead of new ones without telling me?
If a mechanic installed used parts instead of new ones without telling you, you may have several potential rights depending on what you were told, what you agreed to, and what documents you signed. In general, a repair s...
Is It Legal for a Gym to Require Certified Mail to Cancel a Membership?
In general, a gym may be able to require a particular cancellation method if that requirement is clearly stated in the membership contract and does not violate applicable law. That means a certified mail requirement is n...
Can I take a roommate to court for leaving early and not paying their share of rent?
In Indiana, you may be able to take a roommate to court if they agreed to pay part of the rent and then left early without paying what they owed. In general, these disputes are handled as contract or debt claims, and the...
Is a No-Refund Policy Enforceable If the Business Canceled the Appointment?
In general, a business’s no-refund policy may be harder to rely on if the business itself canceled the appointment and did not provide the service that was paid for. That said, the answer often depends on the wording of...
Can an HOA fine me for weeds in a backyard nobody can see?
In Arizona, an HOA may sometimes fine a homeowner for weeds in a backyard even if neighbors or the street cannot easily see the yard. Visibility is often relevant, but it is not always the only thing that matters. The an...
How do I get compensation for undisclosed defects in a rental property?
In California, a tenant who discovers undisclosed defects in a rental property may have several possible ways to seek compensation, but the available options usually depend on the facts, the lease terms, and whether the...
What are my rights if my car insurance denies coverage due to a technicality in the policy?
If your car insurance company in Michigan denies coverage because of a policy technicality, you generally still have rights. A denial letter does not always mean the insurer’s decision is final or correct. In many situat...