Bankruptcy, Debt & Consumer Protection
Browse published legal information questions related to Bankruptcy, Debt & Consumer Protection.
What happens if my bank closes my account while a dispute investigation is still pending?
If a bank closes your account while a dispute investigation is still pending, the closure does not necessarily end the investigation. In general, a bank may still review the dispute, gather records, and decide whether an...
I was charged a cleaning fee by Airbnb for stains that were already there. How do I fight it?
If Airbnb charged you a cleaning fee for stains that were already present before your stay, you may be able to dispute the charge by gathering proof and using Airbnb’s dispute process. In general, these disputes often tu...
Do I have to certify my employment every year for PSLF?
In general, annual employment certification for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) is not always legally required, but it is often strongly recommended. Many borrowers use employment certification to help track quali...
Can I sue for defamation if someone posted on Facebook that I stole from my church?
In Alabama, a Facebook post accusing you of stealing from your church may raise a defamation issue if the statement is false, presented as a factual claim, and caused harm. In general, accusations of theft are the kind o...
Can I sue over defamatory comments made during a livestream?
In general, yes, it may be possible to sue over defamatory comments made during a livestream if the statements meet the legal requirements for defamation. But whether a claim exists usually depends on what was said, how...
Is it legal for a tenant to record a private meeting with property management without consent?
In Pennsylvania, whether a tenant may legally record a private meeting with property management without consent usually depends on the facts, especially where the meeting happens and whether the conversation is considere...
Can I record a private phone call with my landlord in California if I am part of the conversation?
In California, the answer is often no unless the other person agrees. California is generally considered a two-party consent state, which means that recording a private phone call usually requires the consent of everyone...
Do I have to pay the full balance if the eviction notice includes months already paid by a charity?
In general, if part of the rent listed in an eviction notice was already paid by a charity, that payment may reduce what is actually owed for those months. An eviction notice or rent ledger that shows charges for months...
Do I have to pay student loans while I am in bankruptcy in Oregon?
In general, filing for bankruptcy does not automatically erase student loan debt. In many cases, student loans are treated differently from credit cards, medical bills, and other unsecured debts. That means you may still...
How do I get a rental car paid for after someone hit my parked car?
If someone hit your parked car in North Carolina, a rental car may be paid for through the other driver’s insurance, your own auto policy, or sometimes another source depending on the facts. In general, the key issue is...
How do I get a refund from an airline that canceled my flight but only offered credit?
If an airline canceled your flight and offered only travel credit, you may be able to ask for a cash refund instead, depending on the ticket terms, the reason for the cancellation, and the governing consumer protection r...
Can I take my roommate to court for damaging shared furniture?
In general, you may be able to bring a court claim against a roommate if they damaged furniture that you own or co-own, but the result usually depends on who owned the item, how the damage happened, and what proof you ha...
What happens if a payday lender threatens to sue me over a $400 loan?
If a payday lender threatens to sue you over a $400 loan, it usually means the lender or a debt collector is trying to get payment and may be using the threat of litigation as leverage. That does not automatically mean a...
What are my rights if my mechanic installed used parts instead of new ones without telling me?
If a mechanic installed used parts instead of new ones without telling you, you may have several potential rights depending on what you were told, what you agreed to, and what documents you signed. In general, a repair s...
Can I Get My Money Back If a Vacation Rental Was Nothing Like the Listing?
Yes, you may be able to get some or all of your money back if a vacation rental was materially different from the listing, but the answer depends on the facts, the booking terms, and what proof you have. In general, a re...