Bankruptcy, Debt & Consumer Protection
Browse published legal information questions related to Bankruptcy, Debt & Consumer Protection.
How do I fight an eviction notice based on unpaid rent that was covered by rental assistance?
In New Mexico, a tenant who receives an eviction notice for unpaid rent may be able to challenge the eviction if the rent was actually covered by rental assistance. In general, the key issue is whether the landlord has p...
Do I have to pay storage charges while arguing with insurance about whether my car is totaled?
In general, maybe. In Rhode Island, whether you have to pay storage charges while an insurance company is deciding if your car is totaled usually depends on the insurance policy, who ordered the tow or storage, how long...
How do I handle a warranty company that keeps delaying repairs for months?
If a warranty company keeps delaying repairs for months, the first step is usually to document everything carefully. Keep copies of the warranty, repair requests, inspection notes, emails, text messages, call logs, and a...
I bought a mattress online and the return window ended before it fully expanded. Any rights?
In California, you may have some options, but the answer usually depends on the seller’s return policy, the product listing, and whether the mattress was defective or not as described. A mattress that arrives compressed...
Can my landlord give me a 3-day eviction notice for being $450 behind on rent?
In California, a landlord can often give a 3-day notice to pay rent or quit if rent is unpaid, even if the amount owed is $450. The key issue is usually not the size of the balance by itself, but whether the notice is le...
My Ex Used My Credit Card After We Split — Is It Theft or a Civil Dispute?
In North Carolina, an ex using your credit card after a breakup can sometimes raise both criminal and civil issues, but it does not automatically mean theft. The answer usually depends on whether your ex was authorized t...
Can a Hospital Bill Me Years After the Visit?
Yes, a hospital may sometimes send a bill long after the visit, but whether it can still collect depends on several legal and practical factors. A late bill does not automatically mean the charge is invalid. It may happe...
Can California Businesses Add a 3.99% Card Fee at Checkout Without Advertising It?
In general, California businesses may be able to add a card-related fee at checkout, but whether they can do so without advertising it first depends on several legal and practical factors. The main issues usually involve...
A neighbor keeps using my trash bins and I’m getting overage fees. Any recourse?
If a neighbor is repeatedly using your trash bins and you are being charged extra fees, there may be practical and legal options, but the best response usually depends on the facts, the type of housing, and local Oregon...
Can a car dealership cancel my financing two weeks after I drove the car home?
In Louisiana, a car dealership may sometimes tell a buyer that financing did not go through and that a different contract, lender approval, or vehicle return is needed. But whether that is allowed depends on the paperwor...
Is it legal for an insurer to send payment directly to the lienholder after totaling my car?
In general, yes. If your car is financed or leased, the lienholder usually has a legal interest in the vehicle and the insurance proceeds tied to it. After a total loss, an insurer often may send some or all of the payme...
How do I handle a subscription that keeps charging after I canceled through email?
If a subscription keeps charging after you canceled by email, the first step is usually to save proof of the cancellation and the later charges. That may include your cancellation email, the company’s reply, bank stateme...
Is it legal for the insurance company to subtract old dents from my repair payment?
In general, an insurance company may try to reduce a repair payment if part of the damage was pre-existing, unrelated to the current claim, or not covered by the policy. In Nevada, as in many states, the key question is...
What are my rights if my mechanic found hidden frame damage after the insurer already paid the claim?
If a mechanic discovers hidden frame damage after an insurance company has already paid for a repair claim, you may still have options, but the details usually depend on the policy language, the claim record, the repair...
Do I have to use my own collision coverage while waiting for the other insurer to accept fault?
In New York, you usually do not have to use your own collision coverage just because the other driver’s insurer has not yet accepted fault. In general, whether you file a collision claim under your own policy is a choice...