Legal Q&A Topics
Browse published legal information questions. Pages are sorted by recent reader activity.
Do I have to serve the respondent myself in a Washington harassment protection order case?
In Washington, you usually do not have to serve the respondent yourself in a harassment protection order case. In general, service is the process of giving the other party formal notice of the case and the hearing, and i...
What happens if a stock image site removes my AI-generated image for copyright concerns?
If a stock image site removes your AI-generated image for copyright concerns, the most immediate effect is usually that the image is no longer available for licensing, download, or sale on that platform. In general, the...
Is it legal for a subscription service to keep billing after I removed my payment method?
In general, a subscription service may not be allowed to keep charging you forever just because your old payment method is still on file. But removing a card, bank account, or other payment method does not always automat...
How do I protect myself if my spouse is using our joint credit card after separation?
If your spouse is using a joint credit card after separation, the main issue is that both cardholders may still be responsible for the account balance, depending on the account terms and the facts. In general, separation...
How do I change alimony after I lost my job and my severance runs out next month?
In Georgia, a recent job loss and the end of severance pay may be reasons to ask the court to modify alimony, but they do not automatically change the obligation. In general, a court may look for a material change in you...
How do I handle a pet sitter who lost my dog during a walk?
If a pet sitter lost your dog during a walk, the first priority is usually to search, notify local shelters and animal control, and preserve all communication with the sitter. In Hawaii, as in many states, the exact lega...
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...
Can a contractor file a lien if I already paid them in full but they claim additional costs?
In general, a contractor may try to file a lien even if you believe you already paid in full, but whether the lien is valid depends on the facts, the contract, and Delaware law. A lien usually is tied to unpaid amounts f...
Do I have to prove the dog owner was negligent to recover damages in Mississippi?
In Mississippi, whether you must prove a dog owner was negligent to recover damages depends on the legal theory you are using and the facts of the incident. In general, some dog-bite and dog-attack claims may be based on...
Can I bring a claim if I tripped on a broken sidewalk outside a store and needed stitches?
In Virginia, a broken-sidewalk trip-and-fall may sometimes lead to a claim, but the legal analysis usually depends on who owned, controlled, or was responsible for maintaining the sidewalk and whether that person or busi...
Do I have to get consent if the conversation happened on speakerphone with other people nearby?
In California, the answer may depend on whether the conversation was being recorded or otherwise intercepted, and on whether the people involved had a reasonable expectation of privacy. Speakerphone use by itself does no...
Can I withhold rent if my landlord fails to fix a broken heater during winter?
In Maine, a broken heater during winter can be a serious habitability problem, but whether you can withhold rent depends on the facts and the lease terms. In general, tenants are expected to keep paying rent unless the l...
Do I have to split a personal injury settlement in divorce?
In Oregon, a personal injury settlement may or may not be split in divorce, depending on what the settlement is meant to replace and how the money is characterized under Oregon property rules. In general, divorce courts...
What happens if a dog bit me at a dog park where signs say dogs are off leash?
If a dog bites you at a dog park where dogs are allowed off leash, the fact that the park is off leash does not automatically mean there is no legal responsibility. In general, dog bite liability depends on the facts, in...
Can I Sue a Restaurant After Getting Sick From Undercooked Food?
If you got sick after eating undercooked food at a restaurant in Texas, you may wonder whether you can bring a claim against the business. In general, a restaurant does have a duty to serve food that is reasonably safe f...