Legal Q&A Topics
Browse published legal information questions. Pages are sorted by recent reader activity.
Can a gym renew my annual membership automatically without warning me?
In general, a gym may be able to automatically renew an annual membership if the contract clearly says so and the renewal terms are disclosed in a way that is not misleading. In Massachusetts, however, auto-renewal terms...
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...
Can a pet boarding facility charge emergency vet fees without calling me first?
In North Carolina, a pet boarding facility may sometimes charge emergency veterinary fees without calling first, but that usually depends on the boarding agreement, the circumstances of the emergency, and what the facili...
Can a private school keep tuition after they asked my child not to return?
In Florida, a private school may be able to keep some or all of the tuition after asking a child not to return, but the answer usually depends on the enrollment contract, the school’s refund policy, and the facts surroun...
Can a Contractor Demand Full Payment Before Finishing the Job?
In general, a contractor cannot simply demand full payment before finishing the job unless the contract allows it or the parties later agree to a change in payment terms. In Georgia, as in many states, the written contra...
I paid a plumber upfront and he ghosted after opening the wall. What’s the best next step?
If you paid a plumber upfront in Pennsylvania and the plumber stopped responding after opening the wall, the best next step is usually to document everything, try to preserve your evidence, and send a clear written deman...
Can a Car Dealer Sell Me a Vehicle Without a Clean Title?
In general, a dealer should be able to give you clear information about the vehicle’s title status before or at the time of sale. If a title is not “clean,” that can mean the title has a brand, such as salvage, rebuilt,...
Is It Legal for a Company to Auto-Renew My Contract Without Clear Notice?
In general, whether a company can auto-renew your contract without clear notice depends on the contract terms, the type of agreement, and applicable Wyoming law. Many businesses include automatic renewal language in serv...
What Should I Do If a Mechanic Fixed the Wrong Problem and the Car Still Will Not Run?
If a mechanic fixed the wrong problem and your car still will not run, the first step is usually to document everything carefully. Keep the repair order, invoices, diagnostic reports, texts, emails, photos, and any notes...
Can I ask for sole custody if my spouse has a substance abuse problem?
Yes, in Maine, you may ask the court for sole custody if you believe your spouse’s substance abuse makes shared parenting unsafe or not in your child’s best interests. In general, family courts focus on the child’s safet...
Can I Break My Lease Because the Elevator Has Been Broken for Weeks?
In Maryland, a broken elevator may be a serious housing problem, but it does not automatically let a tenant break a lease. In general, the legal question is whether the problem is severe enough to make the rental unit or...
What are my rights if my landlord locks me out without a court order?
In Rhode Island, a landlord generally may not take back possession of a rental unit by changing the locks, removing your belongings, or otherwise forcing you out without following the legal eviction process. A lockout wi...
Can a court divide credit card debt that my spouse ran up without telling me?
In Ohio, a court in a divorce or legal separation case can often divide marital debts, and that may include credit card balances one spouse built up without telling the other spouse. But the answer is usually not as simp...
What happens if my credit card company closed my dispute before I sent all the documents?
If a credit card company closes your dispute before you send all the documents, it usually means the issuer has stopped reviewing the claim for now. That does not always mean you lost forever, but it often means the comp...
What happens if my ex refuses to follow the Alabama custody schedule ordered by the court?
If your ex refuses to follow an Alabama custody schedule ordered by the court, the issue is usually treated as a custody order enforcement problem. In general, court-ordered custody schedules are meant to be followed unl...