Bankruptcy, Debt & Consumer Protection
Browse published legal information questions related to Bankruptcy, Debt & Consumer Protection.
Do I have to accept a replacement item instead of a refund from an online seller?
In general, whether you have to accept a replacement item instead of a refund depends on the seller’s return policy, the payment method, the contract terms, and the facts of the sale. In Arizona, as in many states, the a...
What happens if a repair shop refuses to release my car until I pay for work I never approved?
In Massachusetts, a repair shop’s right to keep your car usually depends on the facts, the paperwork, and what kind of charges are being claimed. If you never approved the work, that may matter a lot, but it does not aut...
Do I Have to Pay HOA Fines If I Never Got the Violation Notice?
In general, whether you have to pay an HOA fine after not receiving the violation notice depends on the HOA’s governing documents, how notice was supposed to be delivered, and whether the association can show it followed...
Do I have to pay for a broken appliance if it stopped working due to age?
In general, whether you have to pay for a broken appliance that stopped working due to age depends on what the appliance was, who owned it, and what agreement controlled the situation. In Indiana, as in many states, the...
Can I Sue an Online Course Company That Promised a Job but Delivered Nothing?
If an online course company in Ohio promised that you would get a job, placement help, or a specific career result and then delivered little or nothing, you may have legal options under general consumer protection, contr...
What happens if an AI image I used in an ad looks almost identical to another artist’s work?
If an AI-generated image used in an advertisement looks almost identical to another artist’s work, the situation may raise copyright, trademark, false advertising, unfair competition, or contract issues, depending on the...
Can I sue if someone edited screenshots to make it look like I admitted to a crime?
In Virginia, edited screenshots that falsely make it look like you admitted to a crime may sometimes support a civil claim, but the exact legal theory depends on the facts. In general, the law looks at what was published...
What Are My Rights If a Pawn Shop Lost My Item?
If a pawn shop lost your item in Nebraska, you may have rights based on your pawn contract, store policies, and general state consumer or property law principles. In many situations, the central issue is whether the pawn...
I Bought a Used Car “As Is” and the Transmission Failed the Next Day — Any Recourse?
In Michigan, an “as is” used-car sale usually means the buyer accepts the vehicle in its current condition and the seller is generally not promising that the car is mechanically sound. So if the transmission failed the n...
My Roommate’s Cat Ruined My Mattress — Can I Make Them Pay for a Replacement?
In Texas, a roommate may sometimes be responsible if their pet damaged your mattress, but the answer usually depends on the facts. The key questions are who owned the mattress, who caused the damage, whether the roommate...
How do I dispute a collection account that was opened under my name fraudulently?
If a collection account was opened in your name without your permission, the first step is usually to treat it as a possible identity theft or credit reporting problem and gather as much documentation as you can. In gene...
Is it legal for a mechanic to keep my car because I disputed the repair charges?
In Indiana, a mechanic may sometimes be able to keep a vehicle if the shop claims it has a legal right to hold the car for unpaid repair charges. That right is often discussed as a mechanic’s lien or possessory lien, but...
Can I sue a grocery store if a shopping cart collapsed and injured my foot?
In general, you may be able to bring a claim against a grocery store if a shopping cart collapsed and caused a foot injury, but the outcome usually depends on the facts and the available evidence. In Virginia, these situ...
How do I get a subpoena for records from a social media platform?
In general, getting records from a social media platform usually involves a subpoena, but the exact process depends on the type of records you want, the platform’s policies, and the court rules that apply in your New Mex...
What happens if my student loans were transferred and my payment history disappeared?
If your student loans were transferred to a new servicer and your payment history disappeared, that can be confusing, but it does not necessarily mean the payments were lost or that the transfer was improper. In general,...