Legal Q&A Topics
Browse published legal information questions. Pages are sorted by recent reader activity.
What are my rights if my landlord locks me out without a court order?
In Rhode Island, a landlord generally may not take back possession of a rental unit by changing the locks, removing your belongings, or otherwise forcing you out without following the legal eviction process. A lockout wi...
Is it legal for an insurer to close my personal injury claim because I missed one phone call?
In general, an insurer may not be able to close a Nevada personal injury claim just because you missed one phone call. Whether a claim can be closed usually depends on the policy language, the insurer’s claim-handling pr...
Can I return a used car if the dealer advertised it as accident-free but the body shop found frame damage?
In general, a used car advertised as accident-free but later found to have frame damage may raise serious consumer-protection issues. In Illinois, the answer often depends on what the dealer said, what the sales document...
Do I have to show the dog was dangerous before the bite happened?
In South Carolina, the answer usually depends on the legal theory being used and the facts of the incident. In many dog bite claims, a person does not necessarily have to prove the dog had a long history of aggression be...
What are my rights if the officer said I failed field sobriety tests but I felt completely sober?
If you are in Illinois and an officer said you failed field sobriety tests even though you felt sober, you generally still have rights. A field sobriety test result is not the same thing as proof beyond all doubt that so...
Can a Business Charge My Card Again After I Disputed the First Charge?
In general, a business may try to charge your card again after you dispute the first charge, but whether it is allowed depends on the facts, the payment method, the business’s policies, and any agreement you made. A seco...
How do I report someone for secretly recording confidential conversations?
In Washington, secretly recording a conversation can raise serious privacy and criminal-law concerns, but whether it is unlawful depends on the facts. The most important first step is to understand what kind of conversat...
Can I record a repair technician inside my home if I tell them my camera records audio?
In California, recording a repair technician inside your home can raise privacy and consent issues, especially if the recording includes audio. Whether it is allowed often depends on what is being recorded, whether the t...
Can I Still Receive an Inheritance if My Name Has Changed?
In general, a name change does not by itself stop you from receiving an inheritance. If you are the person named in a will, trust, beneficiary designation, or intestacy paperwork, the estate or financial institution usua...
What are my rights if a store in Alabama refuses to refund a defective $700 appliance?
In Alabama, your rights often depend on what the store promised, what the sales paperwork says, and whether the appliance was defective under the terms of the sale. In general, stores may set return and refund policies,...
What happens if child support was ordered in one state but we both moved away?
When child support was ordered in one state and both parents later move away, the original order usually does not disappear just because everyone has relocated. In general, a child support order remains valid until it is...
Can a Cell Phone Company Charge an Early Termination Fee After Service Outages?
In general, a cell phone company may still try to charge an early termination fee after service outages, but that does not automatically mean the fee is valid in every situation. The answer often depends on the service a...
Is it legal for a student loan servicer to change my due date without notice?
In general, a student loan servicer may not be able to change your due date without following the loan contract and any applicable federal or state notice rules. Whether a due date change is allowed often depends on the...
What happens if I refused a breath test because I wanted to speak to a lawyer first?
In Alaska, refusing a breath test after a DUI arrest can have serious consequences, even if you refused because you wanted to speak to a lawyer first. In general, once law enforcement has lawfully requested a breath test...
What are my rights if the driver who hit me had no insurance and I only have liability coverage?
If you were hit by a driver who had no insurance and you only carry liability coverage, your options are usually more limited than if you had collision or uninsured motorist coverage. In general, liability coverage pays...