Bankruptcy, Debt & Consumer Protection
Browse published legal information questions related to Bankruptcy, Debt & Consumer Protection.
Do I have to get consent from every person on a conference call before recording it?
In California, the answer is often yes: if you want to record a conference call, it is usually safest to assume you need consent from everyone involved before you hit record. California is generally treated as a “two-par...
What happens if a credit bureau keeps reporting a debt that is not mine after I disputed it twice?
If a credit bureau in Connecticut keeps reporting a debt that is not yours after you disputed it twice, that may suggest the dispute was not resolved the way you expected. In general, consumer reporting agencies are supp...
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...
Is It Legal for a Gym to Require Certified Mail to Cancel a Membership?
In general, a gym may be able to require a particular cancellation method if that requirement is clearly stated in the membership contract and does not violate applicable law. That means a certified mail requirement is n...
What happens if I missed the annual income recertification deadline for my repayment plan?
If you missed the annual income recertification deadline for a repayment plan, the most common result is that your monthly payment may change, your plan may stop being treated as income-based, or you may be moved out of...
Is it legal for a car dealer to run my credit through six lenders after I only approved one application?
In general, a car dealer may have some ability to submit your credit information to more than one lender if you signed paperwork that gave broad permission, if the dealership’s financing process was explained that way, o...
Can I claim lost income if I drive for DoorDash and my car was in the shop for two weeks?
In general, you may be able to claim lost income if another person or company caused the car damage that kept you from driving for DoorDash, but the answer depends on the facts and the available proof. In California, los...
Is it legal for a repair shop to hold my laptop until I pay a diagnostic fee I was never told about?
In Alaska, a repair shop may be able to keep possession of a laptop for unpaid charges in some situations, but the answer usually depends on the facts, the paperwork, and any agreement you made with the shop. If you were...
Can My Ex Keep My Dog After We Broke Up If I Paid the Vet Bills?
In Washington, the answer usually depends on who legally owns the dog, not just who paid the vet bills. Paying for veterinary care can be important evidence, but it does not automatically make someone the owner of the pe...
Mechanic replaced parts I never approved and won’t release the car unless I pay. What now?
If a mechanic replaced parts you did not approve and is refusing to release your car until you pay, the situation may involve a dispute over authorization, repair charges, and possession of your vehicle. In Michigan, the...
Can I Sue a Wedding Photographer Who Lost My Photos?
If a wedding photographer in Texas lost your photos, you may wonder whether you can bring a legal claim. In general, the answer depends on the contract, what the photographer promised, how the photos were lost, and what...
What happens if my loan was forgiven but the balance still shows on my credit report?
If a loan was forgiven, that usually means the lender or servicer has agreed not to collect the remaining balance, at least under the terms of the forgiveness. But a forgiven loan may still appear on your credit report f...
How do I cancel a meal delivery subscription that keeps charging me even after I clicked cancel online?
If a meal delivery subscription keeps charging you after you clicked cancel online, the first step is usually to save proof of the cancellation and check the account terms. In many subscription disputes, the key issue is...
Can an HOA fine me for weeds in a backyard nobody can see?
In Arizona, an HOA may sometimes fine a homeowner for weeds in a backyard even if neighbors or the street cannot easily see the yard. Visibility is often relevant, but it is not always the only thing that matters. The an...
Is it legal for a subscription app to make cancellation available only by phone during business hours?
In general, a subscription app may not be able to require cancellation only by phone during limited business hours if that practice conflicts with applicable consumer protection rules or the terms the company promised at...