Legal Q&A Topics
Browse published legal information questions. Pages are sorted by recent reader activity.
How do I divide equity in a home when one spouse paid the down payment before marriage?
In New Mexico, the answer usually depends on how the home was titled, when it was purchased, whether marital funds were used after the wedding, and whether the premarital down payment can be traced. A spouse who paid the...
What Are My Rights if My Lease Renewal Is Delayed Until the Last Day?
If your lease renewal is delayed until the last day, your rights in New York usually depend on the type of housing, the wording of your lease, any rent regulation rules, and how your landlord has handled the renewal proc...
My Contractor Used Unlicensed Workers — Can I Cancel the Contract?
In California, the answer often depends on the facts of the job, the contract terms, and what “unlicensed workers” means in your situation. In general, a contractor using workers who do not hold a required license does n...
Is it legal for a landlord to ban guests from staying overnight?
In general, a landlord may be able to limit or regulate overnight guests through the lease, house rules, or occupancy policies, but a complete ban is not always treated the same way in every situation. In North Dakota, t...
Can my employer deduct $250 from my last check for a laptop charger I returned late?
In general, an employer in Utah may not automatically take money from your final paycheck just because company property was returned late. Whether a deduction is allowed usually depends on the facts, the employer’s polic...
Is it legal for police to keep my driver’s license after a DUI arrest?
In Kentucky, police may sometimes take and keep a driver’s license after a DUI arrest, but the answer depends on what happened during the stop, the arrest, and any paperwork the officer issues. In general, officers can s...
Is it legal to record a customer service call in California if the company says the call may be recorded?
In California, the fact that a company says a call may be recorded does not automatically mean you are free to record the call yourself. California generally has strict rules about recording confidential communications,...
My neighbor’s tree drops fruit all over my driveway and attracts rats. Any legal remedy?
In California, a neighbor’s tree dropping fruit onto your driveway can sometimes lead to a legal issue, but the answer usually depends on the facts. In general, tree branches, roots, leaves, and fruit that cross a proper...
How do I get my security deposit back when my landlord stopped responding after I moved out 45 days ago?
If you moved out in California and your landlord has stopped responding for 45 days, that usually raises a concern because landlords generally have to account for the security deposit within a relatively short time after...
Is it legal for someone to repeatedly call my phone from blocked numbers after I asked them to stop?
In Washington, repeated calls from blocked numbers after you asked the caller to stop may be unlawful depending on the facts, the caller’s purpose, and whether the conduct rises to harassment, stalking, threats, or anoth...
What happens if someone records a confidential conversation and posts a clip online?
In California, recording a confidential conversation and then posting a clip online can raise serious legal issues, but what happens depends heavily on the facts. The main questions usually are whether the conversation w...
Can an HOA tow my car from my driveway because the registration sticker is expired?
In Florida, an HOA may sometimes be able to have a car towed from a driveway if the vehicle is violating the community’s recorded rules, parking restrictions, or property-use requirements. An expired registration sticker...
Is it legal for a landlord to charge a $150 application fee in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, a landlord may be able to charge an application fee, but whether a $150 fee is legal depends on the facts and on any limits that apply under state or local law. Because no source material was provided for...
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...
Husband Owns the Car and Controls Finances—What Rights Do I Have During Separation?
In Oregon, your rights during a separation usually depend on the overall financial picture, not just whose name is on the car title or who manages the bank accounts. If you are married and living separately, the law gene...