Legal Q&A Topics
Browse published legal information questions. Pages are sorted by recent reader activity.
Is it criminal damage to property if I tore down a political sign from someone’s yard?
In Minnesota, tearing down a political sign from someone else’s yard may be treated as a criminal property offense, depending on the facts. The exact charge, if any, can depend on whether the sign was damaged, taken, des...
What are my rights if my coworker left a phone recording under the table during a staff meeting?
If a coworker left a phone recording under the table during a staff meeting in California, your rights may depend on several facts, including where the meeting happened, whether anyone was warned about recording, who was...
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...
I Bought a Used Car “As Is” and the Transmission Failed the Next Day — Any Recourse?
In Michigan, an “as is” used-car sale usually means the buyer accepts the vehicle in its current condition and the seller is generally not promising that the car is mechanically sound. So if the transmission failed the n...
How do I take a dog trainer to court after paying $1,200 and seeing no results?
In general, if you paid a dog trainer and feel you got little or no value, the first question is what the trainer promised and whether those promises were part of a contract, advertisement, or written agreement. A disapp...
How do I get a refund from a concert ticket site that canceled my event but kept the service fees?
If a concert or other live event is canceled, many ticket buyers expect to get their money back. In general, that often means the ticket price is refunded, but the treatment of service fees can vary depending on the tick...
Can a Mechanic Charge Storage Fees Without Warning Me?
In Michigan, a mechanic may sometimes charge storage fees for a vehicle that remains on the shop’s property, but whether those fees are enforceable often depends on the repair agreement, posted policies, any written noti...
Can my landlord increase my security deposit after I already moved in?
In Oregon, a landlord may be able to increase a security deposit after a tenant has moved in, but the answer usually depends on the lease, the type of tenancy, and any written notice requirements. In general, a landlord...
What happens if I bought a used car “as-is” and the transmission failed within a week?
If you bought a used car “as-is” in Delaware and the transmission failed within a week, the first question is usually what the sales documents actually say and whether the seller made any promises that override or limit...
Can a hospital refund check become unclaimed property if I moved and never received it?
Yes, a hospital refund check can sometimes become unclaimed property if it was issued to you but never cashed, deposited, or otherwise claimed, including situations where you moved and did not receive it. In general, unc...
What happens if my spouse claims all household furniture is theirs because they paid for it?
In New Hampshire, a spouse saying they paid for all of the household furniture does not always end the issue. In general, who paid for an item is one factor, but it may not be the only factor that matters. Furniture used...
Do I have to pay the final invoice if a contractor did not follow agreed design plans?
In general, the answer depends on what the contract says, how serious the departure from the agreed design plans was, and whether the contractor substantially completed the job. If a contractor’s work does not match the...
Can a Store Ban Me After I Disputed a Chargeback?
Yes, a store can often ban a customer after a chargeback, but the answer depends on the facts and the type of business involved. In general, private stores have broad discretion to decide who they will serve, unless a ba...
What are my rights if a daycare closed unexpectedly and kept my $800 deposit?
If a daycare in North Dakota closed unexpectedly and kept your $800 deposit, your rights usually depend on the enrollment agreement, any refund policy, and the facts surrounding the closure. In general, a deposit is ofte...
What are my rights if a daycare charged me for a full month after I withdrew my child with two weeks’ notice?
In North Dakota, your rights usually depend first on the daycare agreement you signed and what it says about notice, tuition, refunds, and withdrawal. If the contract requires a full month’s notice, the daycare may be re...