Legal Q&A Topics
Browse published legal information questions. Pages are sorted by recent reader activity.
Used car failed inspection the same week I bought it. Does the seller have to take it back?
In Massachusetts, a used car failing inspection soon after purchase does not automatically mean the seller has to take it back. The answer usually depends on what was promised, whether the seller knew about a problem, wh...
Apartment management lost my rent money order and says I’m late. How do I prove I paid?
If apartment management says your rent is late because it lost your money order, the key issue is usually proof. In general, a tenant may need to show that the rent was actually delivered or cashed, or at least that paym...
What happens if a roommate secretly installed a camera in our shared bathroom?
If a roommate secretly installed a camera in a shared bathroom, that can raise serious legal and safety concerns in Texas. In general, a bathroom is one of the most private places in a home, and secretly recording people...
What are my rights if a neighbor keeps recording my children in the yard and yelling insults?
In Washington, you may have several possible legal concerns if a neighbor repeatedly records your children in your yard and yells insults at you or them. In general, this kind of conduct can raise issues involving harass...
Can a Landlord Charge Me for Replacing Appliances That Were Already Old?
In Wisconsin, a landlord may be able to charge a tenant for appliance damage in some situations, but the answer usually depends on why the appliance needed replacement, what the lease says, and whether the appliance was...
Can I ask for child support arrears to be forgiven if the other parent agrees?
In California, you can ask about child support arrears, but the other parent’s agreement by itself usually may not be enough to make the arrears disappear. Child support is generally treated as the right of the child, no...
What happens if I defaulted on my federal student loans but want to apply for forgiveness later?
If you defaulted on federal student loans, that usually does not mean forgiveness is permanently off the table. In general, some federal loan forgiveness or discharge programs may still be available later, but default ca...
How do I dispute duplicate charges on a medical bill?
Duplicate charges on a medical bill can happen for a few different reasons. A provider might accidentally bill the same service twice, a claim may be processed more than once, or a bill may include charges that overlap i...
What happens if I got a pay-or-quit notice for $1,300 but the ledger includes charges I dispute?
In Texas, a pay-or-quit notice usually means your landlord is demanding payment of an amount they say is overdue and warning that the tenancy may be terminated if the amount is not paid within the notice period. If the l...
Is it legal for a landlord to require renters insurance from one tenant but not others in the same building?
In Wisconsin, a landlord may sometimes require renters insurance as part of a rental agreement, but whether it is legal to require it from one tenant and not others depends on the facts. The most important questions are...
Can a landlord charge a “lease violation fee” before giving any warning?
In Florida, a landlord usually can only charge fees that are allowed by the lease or by another valid agreement between the parties. If a lease says a “lease violation fee” may be charged for certain conduct, the landlor...
What are my rights if the bite happened while I was working as a mail carrier?
If you were bitten by a dog while working as a mail carrier in Kansas, you may have more than one possible path for help, depending on the facts. In general, a work-related dog bite can raise workers’ compensation issues...
Do I have to include screenshots and call logs when I file an antiharassment petition in Washington?
In Washington, you generally do not have to include every possible piece of evidence when you file an anti-harassment petition, but supporting documents often help explain what happened. Screenshots, call logs, texts, em...
What happens if a payday lender threatens to sue me over a $400 loan?
If a payday lender threatens to sue you over a $400 loan, it usually means the lender or a debt collector is trying to get payment and may be using the threat of litigation as leverage. That does not automatically mean a...
What Should I Do If a Car Wash Damaged My Vehicle?
If a car wash damaged your vehicle, the first step is usually to document the damage as clearly as possible. Take photos and videos of the vehicle, the damaged area, the car wash equipment or bay if visible, your receipt...