Legal Q&A Topics
Browse published legal information questions. Pages are sorted by recent reader activity.
What happens if I use AI to create a sequel to a copyrighted novel?
Using AI to create a sequel to a copyrighted novel can raise copyright concerns, especially if the new work is closely based on the protected characters, plot, setting, or expression of the original book. In general, cop...
Can a court divide a family business started before marriage but grown during marriage?
In Maine, a court may be able to consider a family business in a divorce even if one spouse started it before the marriage, especially if the business grew during the marriage. But that does not automatically mean the en...
How do I cancel a subscription that requires certified mail notice to terminate?
If a subscription contract says you must give notice by certified mail to cancel, the safest general approach is to follow those instructions exactly. In Utah, as in other states, the terms of the agreement often matter...
Can My Employer Keep My Last Paycheck Until I Return Equipment?
In general, an employer usually cannot simply refuse to pay a final paycheck because a worker has not yet returned company property. That said, the exact rule can depend on the reason for the deduction or withholding, wh...
Can I get child support if the other parent lives in Canada?
In general, yes, child support may still be possible even if the other parent lives in Canada. The fact that a parent is in another country does not automatically end the obligation to support a child. For Wyoming famili...
Is it legal for a repair shop to hold my laptop until I pay a diagnostic fee I was never told about?
In Alaska, a repair shop may be able to keep possession of a laptop for unpaid charges in some situations, but the answer usually depends on the facts, the paperwork, and any agreement you made with the shop. If you were...
Do I have to prove the person intended to scare me to get an antiharassment order?
In Washington, you generally do not need to prove that the other person specifically wanted to scare you in order to seek an antiharassment order. In many harassment cases, the focus is often on what the person said or d...
Can a prenuptial agreement protect me from my fiancé’s credit card debt?
In general, a prenuptial agreement may help set expectations about debts before marriage, but it does not automatically stop a creditor from trying to collect a debt that already exists or was incurred in ways the law tr...
Can I be evicted for letting my sister stay with me for three weeks?
In Maine, whether a landlord can evict you for letting your sister stay for three weeks usually depends on your lease, house rules, and the facts of the situation. A short visit by a family member is often treated differ...
Do I have to notify guests that my home security camera records inside the living room?
In Oregon, whether you need to notify guests about an indoor security camera in a living room depends on the facts, especially where the camera is located, what it records, and whether anyone has a reasonable expectation...
What happens if the financial disclosure attached to the prenup was incomplete?
In Louisiana, an incomplete financial disclosure attached to a prenuptial agreement may create a problem for the agreement’s enforceability. In general, prenuptial agreements depend on voluntary signing, fair dealing, an...
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 cancellation fee for a gym that closed permanently?
In general, if a gym permanently closes, a cancellation fee may no longer be enforceable because the gym may no longer be able to provide the services the contract promised. But the answer depends on the contract terms,...
Can Someone Go to Jail for Blackmailing a Minor With Nude Photos?
Yes, in Illinois, blackmailing a minor with nude photos can potentially lead to jail or prison, depending on what happened and what charges the government files. In general, threatening to expose, share, or use intimate...
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...