Bankruptcy, Debt & Consumer Protection
Browse published legal information questions related to Bankruptcy, Debt & Consumer Protection.
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...
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...
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 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...
Can a Hospital Bill Me Years After the Visit?
Yes, a hospital may sometimes send a bill long after the visit, but whether it can still collect depends on several legal and practical factors. A late bill does not automatically mean the charge is invalid. It may happe...
Can I get reimbursed for hotel stays if my apartment was uninhabitable due to flooding?
In Idaho, you may be able to seek reimbursement for hotel stays if flooding made your apartment uninhabitable, but the answer depends on the facts, your lease, the cause of the flooding, and who may be responsible. In ge...
Can a Car Rental Company Charge Me for Damage I Did Not Cause?
In general, a car rental company may try to charge a customer for damage discovered after a rental vehicle is returned, but that does not automatically mean the customer is legally responsible. Whether the charge is prop...
What happens if a credit card company raises my interest rate to 29% without warning?
If a credit card company raises your interest rate to 29% without warning, the first question is whether the increase was allowed under the card agreement and applicable law. In general, credit card issuers can change in...
Can a Dentist Charge Me More Than the Estimate After Treatment?
In general, a dentist may sometimes charge more than an estimate after treatment, but that depends on what the estimate covered, what you agreed to, and whether the final bill was explained clearly. An estimate is often...