Legal Q&A Topics
Browse published legal information questions. Pages are sorted by recent reader activity.
Do I have to divide property bought after separation but before the divorce is final?
In Alabama, property bought after spouses separate but before the divorce is final may or may not be divided between them. The answer usually depends on how the property was acquired, what money was used to buy it, and h...
Is it legal for the other driver’s insurer to delay payment for six weeks while they investigate?
In Nevada, a six-week delay by the other driver’s insurer is not automatically illegal. In general, an insurer may take time to investigate a claim before deciding whether to accept liability and issue payment. The key i...
How do I claim an old utility deposit that shows up as unclaimed property?
In North Carolina, an old utility deposit that appears on an unclaimed property list usually means the utility company reported money it could not return to you after your account ended. In general, the state holds that...
Do I have to pay taxes when I recover money that was escheated years ago?
In general, recovering money that was previously escheated does not automatically mean you owe tax on the recovery. The tax treatment usually depends on what the money originally was, whether you already paid tax on it,...
What are my rights if a contractor leaves hazardous materials on my property?
If a contractor leaves hazardous materials on your property, you may have several possible rights under Alabama law and general contract, property, and tort principles. In general, you may be able to demand that the cont...
Is it legal for a tow company to refuse to release my car until I pay in cash?
In Indiana, a tow company may sometimes require payment before releasing a vehicle, but whether it can demand cash specifically depends on the facts, the towing arrangement, and any applicable contract, local rule, or le...
How do I identify an anonymous account that posted defamatory comments about my business?
In general, identifying an anonymous account that posted harmful comments about a business can be difficult, and the process usually depends on the platform, the available evidence, and the applicable law in North Caroli...
What are my rights if alimony was supposed to end after five years but deductions keep coming out?
If alimony in Maryland was supposed to end after five years but deductions are still being taken, the first question is whether the obligation truly ended by its own terms or whether a court order, agreement, or payment...
How do I dispute a hospital bill that includes duplicate charges?
If your hospital bill appears to include duplicate charges, the first step is usually to compare the itemized bill with your records and any explanation of benefits from your insurer. Duplicate charges can sometimes happ...
What happens if my ex refuses to report child support payments I made directly by Venmo?
In New Hampshire, the answer usually depends on what your support order says and whether the Venmo payments were actually meant to count as child support. If the court order requires payments through a state disbursement...
What happens if officers questioned me in jail about a different case without Miranda warnings?
If officers questioned you in jail about a different case without giving Miranda warnings, the main issue is usually whether the conversation counted as a custodial interrogation and whether your statements may be used i...
My Landlord Changed the Locks After I Fell Behind on Rent — What Should I Do?
If you are in Nevada and your landlord changed the locks after you fell behind on rent, that may be an unlawful lockout depending on the facts. In general, a landlord usually cannot use self-help to remove a tenant witho...
What are my rights if I was bitten by a dog at a public park?
If you were bitten by a dog at a public park in Washington, you may have legal rights under state law and possibly under other legal theories depending on the facts. In general, a dog bite can lead to an insurance claim,...
Should I Try to Settle Credit Card Debt for a Parent With No Money or Assets?
In general, the answer depends less on whether you want to help and more on whether you are actually responsible for the debt. If the account is only in your parent’s name, you usually are not personally liable just beca...
Can I Be Charged for Leaving the Scene After Agreeing With the Other Driver?
In Kentucky, you may still face a charge for leaving the scene of an accident even if you and the other driver verbally agreed at the time. A private agreement between drivers does not always control whether the law cons...