Legal Q&A Topics
Browse published legal information questions. Pages are sorted by recent reader activity.
Can a Landlord Shut Off Water During Repairs Without Notice?
In Illinois, a landlord generally should not leave a tenant without essential water service any longer than necessary, even when repairs are being made. Whether a temporary shutoff is allowed usually depends on the facts...
Do I have to divide a lawsuit settlement that was received during the marriage?
In Montana, a lawsuit settlement received during a marriage may be treated as marital property, separate property, or a mix of both, depending on the facts. The key issue is usually not just when the money was received,...
Can I keep the house in an equitable distribution divorce if the mortgage is only in my spouse’s name?
In California, the fact that the mortgage is only in your spouse’s name does not by itself decide who gets the house in a divorce. California is a community property state, so the court usually looks at when the home was...
What happens if my spouse refuses to sell the house after the divorce agreement says we must?
If a Texas divorce agreement says the house must be sold, a spouse who refuses to cooperate may be violating a court order or a settlement term that was made part of the divorce judgment. In general, that means the other...
Can I take a landlord to small claims court for hotel costs when the apartment flooded and was unlivable?
In Oklahoma, you may be able to ask a small claims court to consider hotel costs if your apartment flooded and became unlivable, but the answer usually depends on the lease, the cause of the flooding, notice to the landl...
How do I modify child support in Alabama after losing my job?
If you lose your job in Alabama, you may be able to ask the court to modify your child support order if the loss creates a material change in circumstances. In general, child support does not change automatically just be...
Can I reduce child support if I now have another child to support?
In Maine, having another child may affect child support, but it does not automatically reduce an existing child support order. Courts usually look at the full financial picture and apply the state’s child support rules,...
What are my rights if my landlord refuses to return my deposit after 60 days?
In Florida, your rights after a landlord keeps your security deposit often depend on whether the landlord gave proper written notice and whether any lawful deductions were made. In general, a security deposit is not just...
What are my rights if the at-fault driver died in the accident?
If the at-fault driver died in the crash, you may still have rights to seek compensation for your injuries and other losses. In general, a driver’s death does not automatically erase a claim for a collision caused by tha...
Can I face criminal charges for secretly recording a conversation to protect myself?
In Massachusetts, secretly recording a conversation can create criminal risk depending on the facts, especially if the recording is done without the required consent or in a setting where a person has a reasonable expect...
Can I modify alimony after the divorce if my income drops?
In Maine, a drop in income may be a reason to ask the court to modify alimony, but it does not automatically change the order. In general, the court will look at whether there has been a material change in circumstances...
What are my rights if I got a notice to vacate after domestic violence incidents involving my ex?
If you are in Washington and you received a notice to vacate after domestic violence incidents involving your ex, your rights may depend on several things, including who is on the lease, who lives in the home, whether th...
How do I prove a conversation was private enough for two-party consent rules to apply?
In Washington, whether a conversation was private enough for two-party consent rules to apply usually depends on the facts and the context of the recording. In general, the key question is not just whether the conversati...
Do I have to move out after a 14-day notice if I am applying for emergency rental help?
In New York, receiving a 14-day notice does not usually mean you must move out immediately. In general, a notice is a step in the eviction process, not the same thing as a court order. If you are applying for emergency r...
Do I have to delete a recording if I later learn the other person did not consent?
In California, the answer depends on several facts, including how the recording was made, what was recorded, and whether any consent was actually required in the first place. In general, California is known for having st...