Bankruptcy, Debt & Consumer Protection
Browse published legal information questions related to Bankruptcy, Debt & Consumer Protection.
Is it legal for a company to automatically enroll me in a paid plan after a free trial ends?
In general, a company may be allowed to convert a free trial into a paid subscription if the terms were clearly disclosed and you agreed to them. The legal issue is usually not the automatic billing by itself, but whethe...
How do I collect a small claims judgment if the business refuses to pay?
If you have a small claims judgment in Alabama and the business does not pay добровольно, the judgment does not usually collect itself. In general, a judgment gives you a legal right to try to collect, but you may still...
Is it legal for a creditor to threaten to sue me over a 9-year-old credit card debt?
In general, a creditor or debt collector may contact you about an old credit card debt and may even say it is considering a lawsuit. But whether a lawsuit would actually be allowed depends on the facts, including the age...
Do I have to accept the first settlement offer from the insurance company?
In general, no—you usually do not have to accept the first settlement offer from an insurance company. A first offer is often a starting point in negotiations, not the final word. Depending on the facts, it may be lower...
What are my rights if maintenance workers installed a camera in my unit without permission?
In Washington, if maintenance workers installed a camera inside your rental unit without your permission, that may raise serious privacy and landlord-tenant concerns. In general, a tenant has a strong expectation of priv...
What are my rights if a contractor leaves hazardous materials on my property?
If a contractor leaves hazardous materials on your property, you may have several possible rights under Alabama law and general contract, property, and tort principles. In general, you may be able to demand that the cont...
Do I have to make a written demand before penalties start for a late final paycheck in Utah?
In general, Utah final paycheck rules can depend on the reason you left the job, what wages are owed, and whether the employer has already paid or is still delaying payment. A written demand may matter in some wage dispu...
How do I sue a contractor who caused water damage during repairs?
If a contractor caused water damage during repairs in Minnesota, the situation may involve a contract dispute, negligence claim, or both, depending on the facts. In general, a homeowner or property owner usually needs to...
How do I protect myself if my spouse is using our joint credit card after separation?
If your spouse is using a joint credit card after separation, the main issue is that both cardholders may still be responsible for the account balance, depending on the account terms and the facts. In general, separation...
Do I have to include my spouse’s income for income based student loan payments?
In general, whether you must include a spouse’s income for income-based student loan payments depends on the repayment plan, how the loan servicer counts household income, and whether you file taxes jointly or separately...
Can I take a moving company to court for holding my items hostage over extra fees?
In general, a moving company may not be able to keep your belongings indefinitely just because it says you owe more money, but the answer depends on the contract, the shipment type, the facts of the move, and whether sta...
Employer Raised My Hourly Rate by Mistake and Won’t Fix It—Am I Liable?
In New Jersey, an employer may sometimes try to recover wages that were paid by mistake, including an hourly rate that was accidentally set too high. Whether you are legally liable usually depends on the facts, including...
What Should I Do If a Mechanic Fixed the Wrong Problem and the Car Still Will Not Run?
If a mechanic fixed the wrong problem and your car still will not run, the first step is usually to document everything carefully. Keep the repair order, invoices, diagnostic reports, texts, emails, photos, and any notes...
What are my rights if a store in Alabama refuses to refund a defective $700 appliance?
In Alabama, your rights often depend on what the store promised, what the sales paperwork says, and whether the appliance was defective under the terms of the sale. In general, stores may set return and refund policies,...
Can I Sue for Food Poisoning From a Restaurant?
Yes, in some situations a person may be able to bring a legal claim after getting food poisoning from a restaurant, but the answer depends heavily on the facts. In general, a claim may exist if the restaurant served cont...