Legal Q&A

Legal Q&A Topics

Browse published legal information questions. Pages are sorted by recent reader activity.

IA - Iowa

Is it legal for a landlord to charge for overnight guests?

In general, a landlord may be able to charge for overnight guests only if the rental agreement clearly allows it or if the guest’s presence changes the nature of the tenancy in some way the lease addresses. The exact ans...

CO - Colorado

What happens if I missed two alimony payments because my bank account was frozen?

If you missed two alimony payments because your bank account was frozen, a Colorado court may still treat the missed payments as support arrears unless the order was changed or the obligation was otherwise lawfully satis...

LA - Louisiana

What happens if the landlord gave me two eviction notices with different deadlines?

If a landlord gives you two eviction notices with different deadlines, it usually means there is confusion, a change in the landlord’s position, or a possible problem with how the notices were prepared or served. In gene...

VA - Virginia

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...

HI - Hawaii

What are my rights if a hotel overcharges me for minibar items I did not use?

If a hotel in Hawaii charges you for minibar items you did not use, you may have the right to dispute the charge and ask the hotel to correct the bill. In general, hotels should bill guests accurately for items actually...

NY - New York

I sent money to the wrong person on a payment app and they won’t send it back. Can I sue?

In general, yes, it may be possible to sue someone who keeps money that was sent by mistake through a payment app. But whether a lawsuit makes sense depends on several facts, including how the transfer happened, whether...

MI - Michigan

What happens if an eviction notice has the wrong apartment number on it?

In Michigan, an eviction notice with the wrong apartment number may matter, but the effect usually depends on whether the notice still clearly identified the intended tenant and rental unit. A small clerical error does n...

WA - Washington

What are my rights if my ex spends child support money on things I do not agree with?

In general, child support is paid to help cover a child’s needs, not to match one parent’s personal spending preferences. If your ex spends the money on things you do not agree with, that does not automatically mean they...

MA - Massachusetts

Can I Sue My Roommate for Leaving Unpaid Rent?

In general, a roommate dispute over unpaid rent is a contract and shared-housing issue, not a criminal matter. In Massachusetts, whether you may be able to bring a civil claim usually depends on how the housing arrangeme...

WI - Wisconsin

What happens if I accidentally overpaid my rent by $600 and the landlord won’t refund it?

If you accidentally overpaid your rent by $600 in Wisconsin and the landlord will not refund it, the issue is usually treated as a payment dispute between a tenant and a landlord. In general, if a tenant pays more than w...

RI - Rhode Island

Do I have to pay court costs mentioned in an eviction notice that has not been filed yet?

In general, not necessarily. If an eviction notice has not yet been filed in court, the amount listed for “court costs” is often part of a demand from the landlord, not yet a court-ordered charge. Whether you must pay it...

UT - Utah

Is it legal for my employer to pay my final wages by direct deposit after firing me?

In general, an employer may be able to pay final wages by direct deposit after firing an employee, but the answer depends on Utah wage-payment rules, the terms of the direct-deposit arrangement, and the employer’s usual...

AL - Alabama

Do I have to appear in court for an uncontested divorce in Alabama?

In Alabama, you may not always have to appear in court for an uncontested divorce, but it depends on the court, the paperwork, and the facts of your case. In many uncontested divorces, spouses agree on the major issues a...

AZ - Arizona

Do I have to accept a replacement item instead of a refund from an online seller?

In general, whether you have to accept a replacement item instead of a refund depends on the seller’s return policy, the payment method, the contract terms, and the facts of the sale. In Arizona, as in many states, the a...

KS - Kansas

What are my rights if I was arrested for DUI after using legal cannabis?

If you were arrested for DUI after using legal cannabis in Kansas, you still have important rights. In general, an arrest does not mean you are automatically guilty. Police and prosecutors usually still must prove that y...

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