Bankruptcy, Debt & Consumer Protection
Browse published legal information questions related to Bankruptcy, Debt & Consumer Protection.
How do I get out of a cell phone contract after the company raised my monthly rate by $20?
If your cell phone company raised your monthly rate, the first question is whether your contract or service agreement gives the company the right to change prices. In many consumer contracts, providers include language t...
How do I dispute surprise billing from an out-of-network anesthesiologist?
A surprise bill from an out-of-network anesthesiologist can be upsetting, especially if you went to an in-network hospital or surgery center and reasonably expected the anesthesia services to be covered. In general, the...
Can I sue my landlord if I found a hidden camera inside my bedroom smoke detector?
If you found a hidden camera inside a smoke detector in your bedroom, that can raise very serious privacy and safety concerns. In California, a landlord generally is not allowed to secretly record a tenant in a private a...
What happens if my student loan servicer applied my extra payment to future bills instead of principal?
If your student loan servicer applied your extra payment to future bills instead of principal, the practical effect is usually that you may not reduce your loan balance as quickly as you expected. In many situations, the...
How do I stop a debt collector from contacting me at my workplace?
In general, a debt collector may not keep contacting you at work if they know your employer does not allow it or if you clearly tell the collector to stop contacting you there. If you are in New York, the same general co...
What happens if I paid a contractor in cash and they deny receiving it?
If you paid a contractor in cash and they later deny receiving it, the dispute usually turns on proof. In general, the person claiming payment may need some evidence showing that the money was actually handed over, and t...
Is it legal for a used car dealer to sell me a car with a bad transmission and say it was sold as-is?
In New York, a used car dealer may often sell a vehicle “as-is,” but that label does not automatically excuse every problem with the car. In general, an as-is sale means the dealer is trying to limit warranty obligations...
Can I sue in Alabama if someone used AI to make fake images of me online?
In Alabama, you may have possible civil claims if someone used AI to create and post fake images of you online, but the answer depends heavily on the facts. The legal issue is usually not just that the images were made w...
A contractor used my driveway to access another job and cracked it. Who pays?
In California, the contractor who caused the damage may be responsible for repairing or paying for the damage, depending on the facts. If the driveway was cracked because the contractor or the contractor’s equipment used...
Is it legal for my servicer to report me late while my income driven plan request is processing?
In general, a loan servicer may be able to report a payment as late if your account is actually delinquent under the rules that apply to your loan and servicing arrangement. A pending request for an income-driven repayme...
What are my rights if I signed a waiver without reading it carefully?
In general, signing a waiver does not automatically mean you lose every legal right connected to the situation. In Idaho, as in many states, a signed waiver may be treated as evidence that you agreed to its terms, even i...
What are my rights if I was burned by hot coffee because the lid was not attached correctly?
If you were burned by hot coffee because the lid was not attached correctly, you may have a potential claim under Maryland personal injury or product liability principles, depending on what caused the injury and who may...
How do I handle a credit card company reopening a dispute after I thought the chargeback was final?
If a credit card company reopens a dispute after you believed the chargeback was final, the first step is usually to read every notice carefully and confirm what changed. In general, a payment dispute can be reopened if...
Can prepaid debit card balances be subject to escheatment laws in West Virginia?
In general, yes. Prepaid debit card balances may be subject to escheatment laws if the funds are considered abandoned property under West Virginia law and no valid activity occurs for the applicable period. Whether a par...
How do I handle student loans if I became permanently disabled and cannot work?
If you became permanently disabled and can no longer work, there may be relief options for your student loans, but the right path depends on what kind of loans you have, who services them, and whether the loans are feder...