Bankruptcy, Debt & Consumer Protection
Browse published legal information questions related to Bankruptcy, Debt & Consumer Protection.
How do I handle a house cleaner who stole jewelry but denies it?
If you suspect a house cleaner took jewelry and denies it, the most important thing is usually to stay calm and document what happened. In Vermont, as in other states, theft allegations can be difficult when there is no...
Is it legal for a towing company to keep my car until I pay cash only?
In Nevada, a towing company may sometimes keep a vehicle until lawful towing and storage charges are paid, but the details matter. Whether a company can insist on cash only depends on the agreement, the type of tow, the...
Is it legal for a towing company to tow my car from my assigned apartment space?
In Tennessee, a towing company may be allowed to tow a car from an apartment space that is assigned to a tenant, but the answer usually depends on the lease, the parking rules, the signage, the apartment community’s towi...
What are my rights if the insurance company wants me to use a specific repair shop?
In general, an insurance company may recommend or prefer a particular repair shop after a claim, but that does not always mean you are required to use it. In Maryland, as in many states, the details usually depend on you...
How do I identify an anonymous account that posted defamatory comments about my business?
In general, identifying an anonymous account that posted harmful comments about a business can be difficult, and the process usually depends on the platform, the available evidence, and the applicable law in North Caroli...
Is it legal to record a customer service call in California if the company says the call may be recorded?
In California, the fact that a company says a call may be recorded does not automatically mean you are free to record the call yourself. California generally has strict rules about recording confidential communications,...
Can I get student loan forgiveness if I work for a 501(c)(3) animal shelter?
In general, working for a 501(c)(3) animal shelter may help you qualify for certain student loan forgiveness or repayment programs, but it does not automatically mean your loans will be forgiven. The main question is usu...
What are my rights if a storage company increases my rent by 40% without notice?
In general, whether a storage company can raise your rent by 40% without notice depends on the rental agreement, the company’s policies, and Oklahoma law. In many self-storage arrangements, the written contract controls...
Do I have to call the police if I discover a hidden camera in an Airbnb rental?
If you discover a hidden camera in an Airbnb rental in New York, you generally are not legally required in every situation to call the police just because you found it. But in many cases, contacting law enforcement may b...
Is it legal for police to question a minor without a parent present after reading Miranda rights?
In general, police may be able to question a minor without a parent present, even after giving Miranda warnings, depending on the circumstances and Indiana law. The fact that a parent is not in the room does not automati...
What are my rights if a former client falsely called me a thief in an online review?
If a former client posted an online review falsely calling you a thief, that statement may raise defamation concerns under general U.S. law and Oklahoma law. In broad terms, a false statement of fact that harms your repu...
What happens if my old employer turned over an uncashed $1,200 paycheck to the state?
If your old employer turned over an uncashed paycheck to the state, that usually means the employer treated the money as abandoned property under state unclaimed property rules. In general, the employer does not keep the...
Is it legal for a contractor to record our payment dispute without warning me?
In Pennsylvania, whether a contractor can record a payment dispute without warning you depends a lot on how the recording was made and what was said. If the contractor recorded a conversation and you were part of that co...
Is it legal for a dealership to change financing terms after I signed the contract?
In general, once you sign a car sale and financing contract, the dealership usually cannot simply change the financing terms on its own. If a contract is fully formed and enforceable, both sides are generally expected to...
Do I have to keep paying a personal loan if the lender closed my online account and will not send statements?
In general, yes: closing your online account or stopping paper statements usually does not cancel a personal loan or end your duty to make payments. The loan contract still may remain in effect, and the balance may conti...