Bankruptcy, Debt & Consumer Protection
Browse published legal information questions related to Bankruptcy, Debt & Consumer Protection.
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...
Can I Sue a Mechanic Who Kept My Car for Months and Still Didn’t Fix It?
In Florida, a mechanic who keeps your car for a long time and still does not repair it may create a legal dispute, but the answer depends heavily on the facts. The key questions are usually what the mechanic promised, wh...
Can a gym renew my annual membership automatically without warning me?
In general, a gym may be able to automatically renew an annual membership if the contract clearly says so and the renewal terms are disclosed in a way that is not misleading. In Massachusetts, however, auto-renewal terms...
What are my rights if an influencer falsely blamed me for selling counterfeit products?
If an influencer falsely blamed you for selling counterfeit products, you may have several possible legal concerns, depending on what was said, where it was said, and whether others believed it. In general, a false publi...
What happens if a business gift card balance is treated as unclaimed property?
In general, if a business gift card balance is treated as unclaimed property, the business may have to turn the unused value over to the state rather than keep it indefinitely. The exact result depends on how Michigan la...
How do I deal with a car rental company billing me $1,300 for scratches I did not cause?
If a rental car company bills you for scratches you believe you did not cause, the first step is usually to gather the rental agreement, pickup and return photos, and any emails or texts about the car’s condition. In gen...
Do I have to pay for a hotel stay if they gave my reserved room away when I arrived at midnight?
In general, if you had a confirmed hotel reservation and the hotel gave your room away when you arrived, you may have grounds to dispute the charge or ask for a refund, but the answer depends on the facts and the reserva...
A contractor demolished the wrong wall in my house. Do I call insurance or sue them?
If a contractor demolished the wrong wall in your Texas home, the next step is often to think about both insurance and a claim against the contractor, not just one or the other. In many situations, homeowners first notif...
I paid for a wedding makeup trial and the artist canceled the wedding booking. Should the trial be refunded?
In general, the answer depends on what the parties agreed to, what the trial fee was meant to cover, and why the wedding booking was canceled. A makeup trial is often treated as a separate service from the wedding-day bo...
I bought a puppy from a breeder and the vet found major health issues. What rights do I have?
If you bought a puppy from a breeder in New York and a veterinarian later found major health problems, you may have several possible consumer and contract-related rights depending on the facts. In general, the key questi...
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...
Do I have to pay for damage in a rental car if I bought the company’s collision waiver?
In general, buying a rental car company’s collision waiver may reduce or eliminate your responsibility for certain damage to the rental vehicle, but it does not always mean you owe nothing in every situation. The exact a...
Is it legal for a subscription app to make cancellation available only by phone during business hours?
In general, a subscription app may not be able to require cancellation only by phone during limited business hours if that practice conflicts with applicable consumer protection rules or the terms the company promised at...
Is it legal for a mechanic to charge $1,100 more than the estimate without calling me first?
In Indiana, a mechanic may sometimes charge more than the original estimate, but that does not automatically mean any overage is allowed without notice. Whether the charge is lawful often depends on what the estimate sai...
How do I recover money from a cleaning service that never showed up?
If a cleaning service in Idaho never showed up, the first practical step is usually to contact the company and ask for a refund in writing. Keep your message calm, short, and specific. Include the date of the scheduled s...