Bankruptcy, Debt & Consumer Protection
Browse published legal information questions related to Bankruptcy, Debt & Consumer Protection.
What are my rights if I signed a waiver without reading it carefully?
In general, signing a waiver does not automatically mean you lose every legal right connected to the situation. In Idaho, as in many states, a signed waiver may be treated as evidence that you agreed to its terms, even i...
Is it legal for a state to keep interest earned on money after it is escheated?
In general, the answer depends on the law that governs the unclaimed property and on what happened to the money while the state held it. Escheat or unclaimed property laws usually let the state take custody of abandoned...
Can a Cell Phone Company Charge an Early Termination Fee After Service Outages?
In general, a cell phone company may still try to charge an early termination fee after service outages, but that does not automatically mean the fee is valid in every situation. The answer often depends on the service a...
My Dentist Billed Me for Work I Never Approved — Can I Dispute It?
Yes, in general, you may be able to dispute a dental bill in Pennsylvania if you were charged for treatment you did not approve, did not receive, or did not understand would be performed. Whether a dispute succeeds often...
Can I sue for defamation if someone posted on Facebook that I stole from my church?
In Alabama, a Facebook post accusing you of stealing from your church may raise a defamation issue if the statement is false, presented as a factual claim, and caused harm. In general, accusations of theft are the kind o...
How do I get a rental car paid for after someone hit my parked car?
If someone hit your parked car in North Carolina, a rental car may be paid for through the other driver’s insurance, your own auto policy, or sometimes another source depending on the facts. In general, the key issue is...
Do I have to pay my deductible when the accident was completely the other driver’s fault?
In New York, the answer is often: maybe at first, but not necessarily in the end. If you use your own auto insurance coverage to repair your car, your policy may require you to pay the deductible up front before the insu...
My Dog Was Injured at a Groomer — Can I Recover Vet Bills?
If your dog was injured at a groomer in North Carolina, you may be able to seek reimbursement for veterinary bills, but the answer usually depends on the facts, the evidence, and the legal theory involved. In general, pe...
How do I dispute surprise billing from an out-of-network anesthesiologist?
A surprise bill from an out-of-network anesthesiologist can be upsetting, especially if you went to an in-network hospital or surgery center and reasonably expected the anesthesia services to be covered. In general, the...
My Package Was Delivered to the Wrong Address and the Seller Refuses a Refund — Who Is Responsible?
In general, responsibility can depend on who controlled the shipment, what the seller promised, and whether the package was actually lost or misdelivered by the carrier. In New Jersey, as in many states, the answer often...
Do I Have to Pay for a Subscription I Forgot to Cancel After a Free Trial?
In general, you may still owe the subscription charge if you signed up for a free trial that clearly said it would convert to a paid subscription unless you canceled in time. A free trial is usually not the same as a per...
Is it legal for a landlord in Alabama to keep my security deposit for normal carpet wear?
In general, a landlord in Alabama usually should not keep a security deposit just because carpet shows normal wear from ordinary use. Security deposits are commonly used to cover unpaid rent, lease violations, or damage...
Do I have to make student loan payments after applying for closed school discharge?
In general, applying for a closed school discharge does not always stop student loan billing right away. Whether payments are still due usually depends on the type of loan, the lender or servicer’s rules, and whether the...
Can I sue a towing company for charging $650 after my car was parked for 20 minutes?
In Alabama, a towing charge this high may feel unreasonable, but whether you have a legal claim usually depends on the facts. The key issues are often whether the lot or property had clear tow warnings, whether the car w...
Can a Debt Collector Contact My Parents About My Credit Card Debt?
In general, a debt collector may be allowed to contact your parents in limited situations, but usually not to discuss your debt in a way that pressures them or treats them as if they owe the money. In Missouri, federal d...