Legal Q&A Topics
Browse published legal information questions. Pages are sorted by recent reader activity.
How do I prove a pattern of harassment if most of it happened through Instagram messages?
If most of the conduct happened through Instagram messages, the messages themselves may be some of the most important evidence of a pattern of harassment. In general, a pattern is usually shown by repeated conduct, not b...
Is it legal for a company to auto-renew my subscription without clear notice?
In general, a company may be allowed to auto-renew a subscription if the terms clearly explain that the subscription will continue unless canceled. But if the renewal terms were not presented clearly, or if the company u...
Can my bank send my checking account to the state as unclaimed property if I have not used it in three years?
In California, a bank account may be treated as unclaimed property if there has been no customer activity for a long period and the bank cannot reach the owner. In general, that means the account has become dormant or in...
What are my rights if a coworker recorded me in a private office without telling me?
If a coworker recorded you in a private office without telling you, you may have privacy concerns, and the facts matter a great deal. In Illinois, workplace recording issues can overlap with privacy rights, employer poli...
Can my apartment charge me for “valet trash” when I never use it?
In Texas, an apartment can often charge a valet trash fee even if you personally do not use the service, if that charge is part of the lease or other rental agreement you accepted. In general, rental agreements can inclu...
What happens if my name is misspelled on the state unclaimed property website?
If your name is misspelled on a state unclaimed property website, it usually does not mean the money or property is not yours. Unclaimed property databases often contain old, incomplete, or inconsistent records, so a spe...
I Scratched a Parked Car and Left a Note—How Do I Protect Myself From a Scam?
If you scratched a parked car and left a note, the most important thing is usually to stay organized and avoid admitting more than you know. In Virginia, the accident may involve property damage and insurance issues, and...
Can a Gym Charge Me After I Tried to Cancel My Membership?
In general, a gym in California may still charge you after you tried to cancel if the cancellation was not completed in the way the membership contract requires, if the gym had a lawful right to bill for a notice period...
How do I update a prenuptial agreement after we buy a house together?
In North Carolina, couples often update a prenuptial agreement after buying a house together by signing a written amendment or a new agreement that clearly addresses the home and any related debts, payments, and ownershi...
Can I file a claim if my neighbor’s dog bit my hand while I was taking out the trash?
In California, a dog bite may lead to a claim even if the dog belonged to a neighbor and the bite happened during an ordinary activity like taking out the trash. California is generally known as a strict-liability dog bi...
Can child support be taken from disability benefits?
In general, child support may sometimes be taken from disability benefits, but the answer depends on the type of disability benefit and the facts of the case. In Utah, as in many states, the key issue is often whether th...
Can I withhold rent if the heat has been out since Friday and the temperature inside is 54 degrees?
In Maine, a loss of heat can be a serious habitability problem, and a cold apartment may trigger tenant remedies. But whether you can withhold rent safely usually depends on the lease, the facts, and what steps you have...
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...
Do I have to report unclaimed property from a small business I closed five years ago?
In general, you may still have reporting duties after closing a small business, including in Oregon, if the business held money or other property that became unclaimed before it shut down or while records were still acti...
My neighbor’s kids keep ringing my doorbell late at night. Is this harassment or just annoying?
In general, repeated late-night doorbell ringing can be more than a nuisance, but whether it counts as harassment depends on the facts. A one-time prank or occasional childish behavior is usually treated differently from...