Legal Q&A Topics
Browse published legal information questions. Pages are sorted by recent reader activity.
How do I handle a crash where the other driver was texting but the police report does not mention it?
In general, a police report is only one piece of evidence after a crash. If the report does not mention texting, that does not necessarily mean the issue cannot be raised later. In New Mexico, as in many states, fault an...
Do I have to pay a personal injury lawyer upfront to start my claim?
In general, you do not have to pay a personal injury lawyer upfront to start a claim, because many personal injury lawyers use contingency fee arrangements. Under that kind of fee setup, the lawyer usually gets paid only...
Do I have to show physical injury to get protection under RCW harassment laws?
In general, no. Under Washington harassment laws, physical injury is often not the key issue. What usually matters is whether the conduct meets the legal definition of harassment and whether the facts show a real basis f...
How do I know whether Miranda applies to roadside DUI questions?
In general, Miranda warnings are required before police ask questions only when a person is in custody and being interrogated. For roadside DUI stops, that means the key question is usually not simply whether an officer...
Do I have to pay rent if my apartment ceiling collapsed and I cannot use the bedroom?
In Alabama, a ceiling collapse that makes a bedroom unusable may affect whether full rent is still owed, but the answer usually depends on the facts, the lease terms, and the landlord’s response. In general, if part of a...
Do I have to make student loan payments after applying for closed school discharge?
In general, applying for a closed school discharge does not always stop student loan billing right away. Whether payments are still due usually depends on the type of loan, the lender or servicer’s rules, and whether the...
Can a pet boarding facility charge emergency vet fees without calling me first?
In North Carolina, a pet boarding facility may sometimes charge emergency veterinary fees without calling first, but that usually depends on the boarding agreement, the circumstances of the emergency, and what the facili...
Can my employer wait until the next payday to give me my final paycheck after firing me in Utah?
In general, a Utah employer may not be able to wait until the next regular payday to give a final paycheck after firing an employee, but the exact rule depends on the facts and on Utah wage-payment law. Final pay timing...
How do I handle a notice to quit when I am in a month-to-month rental?
If you are in a month-to-month rental in Iowa and receive a notice to quit, the first step is usually to read it carefully and identify what it is asking you to do. In general, a notice to quit is a written notice that t...
Can a landlord send an old security deposit to the state if they cannot find my forwarding address?
In Ohio, a landlord usually does not simply “send” an old security deposit to the state just because they cannot find a tenant’s forwarding address. In general, the question turns on Ohio landlord-tenant law, what notice...
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...
A repair shop wiped my laptop during a battery replacement. Can I claim lost files?
If a repair shop wiped your laptop during a battery replacement, you may have a possible claim for the lost files and any related losses, but the outcome usually depends on the facts. In Washington, the most important is...
Do I have to accept a settlement that only pays medical bills but nothing for pain?
In general, no one can force you to accept a settlement offer just because it covers your medical bills. A settlement is usually voluntary, which means both sides have to agree to the terms. If an offer only pays medical...
What happens if my security camera captures audio of guests talking in my living room?
In California, the fact that a security camera captures audio in a living room can raise privacy and consent issues, especially if guests did not know they were being recorded. In general, California is known for strict...
What are my rights if my student loan balance increased while I was in an approved deferment?
If your student loan balance increased while you were in an approved deferment, the first question is usually whether the increase was expected under the loan terms. In many student loan programs, some interest may keep...