Bankruptcy, Debt & Consumer Protection
Browse published legal information questions related to Bankruptcy, Debt & Consumer Protection.
Is it legal for a bank to freeze my account before escheating it?
In general, a bank may have legal and contractual reasons to place a hold or freeze on an account before any unclaimed property process, including escheatment, takes place. But a freeze is not the same thing as escheatme...
A moving company is holding my belongings because they say the weight was higher than estimated. What now?
If a moving company in Florida is holding your belongings because it says the shipment weighed more than the estimate, the situation often turns on the contract, the estimate, the final bill, and the mover’s payment rule...
Can a debt collector contact me on social media about an unpaid balance?
In general, a debt collector may be allowed to use social media to try to contact a person about an unpaid debt, but that contact is usually subject to limits. The collector generally cannot use social media in a way tha...
Is it legal for a dealership to refuse to return my deposit after I decided not to buy the car?
In Kentucky, a dealership may sometimes be allowed to keep a deposit after a buyer changes their mind, but not always. The answer usually depends on what the deposit was for, what the paperwork said, whether the deal was...
Is it legal for a storage unit company to auction my belongings after one missed payment?
In general, a storage unit company in Idaho cannot simply auction a renter’s belongings immediately after one missed payment. Storage companies usually have to follow the rental agreement and Idaho law, and that often in...
Do I have to use an income-driven repayment plan to get PSLF credit?
In general, no. For federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness, an income-driven repayment plan is often one of the most common ways borrowers make qualifying payments, but it is not necessarily the only way to receive PSLF...
What happens if a finance company reports incorrect late payments?
If a finance company reports late payments that are wrong, the information may hurt your credit report and credit score, even if you did not actually pay late. In general, inaccurate late-payment reporting can affect loa...
What happens if my ex posted false accusations about me during our custody dispute?
If an ex posts false accusations about you during a custody dispute, the consequences can vary a lot depending on what was said, where it was posted, and whether the statements can be shown to be false. In Colorado, publ...
Can a Contractor Put a Lien on My House Over a Disputed Invoice?
In Michigan, a contractor may be able to place a lien on a house if the contractor claims unpaid money for labor, materials, or improvements to the property. A disputed invoice does not automatically prevent a lien. In g...
Is it legal for a business to keep uncashed refund checks instead of reporting them to the state?
In Kentucky, a business generally cannot treat uncashed refund checks as if they are simply its own money forever. In many situations, money represented by an uncashed check may be considered unclaimed property, which ca...
Can I sue if a competitor bought ads linking my name to fraud accusations?
In general, possibly yes, but it depends heavily on what the ads said, how they were presented, who bought them, and what harm you can show. A competitor’s paid ads that connect your name to fraud accusations may raise l...
What are my rights if my parked car was damaged by a snowplow?
If your parked car was damaged by a snowplow in Idaho, you may have rights to seek compensation, but the available options usually depend on who operated the snowplow, where the damage happened, and what kind of insuranc...
What are my rights if my paycheck is being garnished for child support but the amount is wrong?
If your paycheck is being garnished for child support in Illinois and the amount looks wrong, you generally have the right to ask for an accounting and to challenge mistakes in how the withholding is being calculated or...
What happens if someone outside my state posted lies about me online?
If someone outside New Hampshire posted false statements about you online, the situation may still matter in New Hampshire if the harm was felt here. In general, internet posts can create issues in more than one state be...
Do I have to stop recording if the other person says they do not consent?
In Florida, the answer often depends on what kind of recording is happening and where it is taking place. A person saying “I do not consent” does not always end the issue by itself, but it is a strong warning sign that t...