Bankruptcy, Debt & Consumer Protection
Browse published legal information questions related to Bankruptcy, Debt & Consumer Protection.
Do I have to pay a fee to claim money that was escheated to the state treasury in New York?
In New York, you usually do not have to pay a fee just to search for or file a basic claim for unclaimed property that was turned over to the state treasury, often called escheated property. In many situations, the state...
Can a School Charge Me for a Laptop My Child Says Was Stolen?
In general, a school may try to charge a family for a laptop that was issued to a student if the school believes the device was lost, damaged, or not returned as required under school policy. But whether the school can a...
My neighbor installed a camera that records audio on our shared porch. Is that allowed?
In Maryland, a neighbor’s camera on a shared porch may be allowed in some situations, but audio recording can raise additional privacy concerns. The answer often depends on where the camera is pointed, whether the porch...
A moving company is holding my belongings because they say the weight was higher than estimated. What now?
If a moving company in Florida is holding your belongings because it says the shipment weighed more than the estimate, the situation often turns on the contract, the estimate, the final bill, and the mover’s payment rule...
My Airbnb Host Accused Me of Damage I Didn’t Cause — Can They Charge Me?
In Florida, an Airbnb host may try to charge a guest for damage, but whether the charge is valid usually depends on the booking terms, the platform’s policies, the evidence, and the facts of what actually happened. A hos...
How do I dispute a $700 ambulance bill that my insurance says should have been covered?
If your insurance company says an ambulance ride should have been covered but you still received a $700 bill, the first step is usually to identify where the breakdown happened. In many cases, the issue may involve the i...
What are my rights if my spouse refuses to refinance the mortgage after being awarded the house?
In Maryland, if a divorce or property division order awards the house to one spouse, that does not automatically remove the other spouse from the mortgage. In general, the lender is not bound by the divorce decree unless...
What happens if my PSLF application was denied because my job title did not sound public service related?
If your PSLF application was denied because your job title did not sound public service related, that denial usually does not end the inquiry. In general, PSLF eligibility is not based only on how a job title sounds. Wha...
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 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...