Legal Q&A Topics
Browse published legal information questions. Pages are sorted by recent reader activity.
Can my landlord charge me for damages I reported before moving in?
In general, a landlord should not charge a tenant for damage that was already there before the tenant moved in, if the tenant can show the damage existed at move-in and was properly reported. In Alaska, as in many states...
How do I recover money from a lawn care company that charged me for services I never received?
If a lawn care company charged you for services you did not receive, the situation may involve a billing dispute, breach of contract, or another consumer problem, depending on the facts. In general, your first step is us...
How do I get out of a cell phone contract after the company raised my monthly rate by $20?
If your cell phone company raised your monthly rate, the first question is whether your contract or service agreement gives the company the right to change prices. In many consumer contracts, providers include language t...
How do I dispute a credit card charge for a $750 appliance repair that did not fix the problem?
If you paid $750 for an appliance repair with a credit card and the repair did not fix the problem, you may be able to dispute the charge through your card issuer. In general, a card dispute is different from complaining...
What happens if my ex agreed by text to lower child support but later demanded the full amount?
In Alaska, a text message agreement to lower child support may be important evidence, but it usually does not automatically replace a court child support order. In general, child support is treated as a court-controlled...
What happens if a dealership adds hidden fees not listed in the advertised price?
In general, if a dealership advertises one price and then adds fees that were not clearly disclosed, a consumer may have questions about whether the advertising or sales practices were misleading. In South Carolina, as i...
How do I protect a comic book that uses AI backgrounds but human-drawn characters?
In general, the part of your comic book that a human author created may be eligible for copyright protection, while purely AI-generated material may be treated differently. If your characters, dialogue, panel layout, sto...
What are my rights if a debt collector threatens to arrest me over an unpaid payday loan?
If a debt collector threatens to arrest you over an unpaid payday loan, that is usually a serious red flag. In general, private debt collectors do not have the power to have you arrested just because you owe a debt. A th...
Can My Employer Fire Me for Missing Work After a Car Accident?
In Tennessee, an employer may be able to fire an employee for missing work after a car accident, especially if the employee is an at-will worker and the absence is not protected by a contract, policy, or specific law. In...
What happens if my ex moved to another state and stopped paying court ordered support?
If your ex moved to another state and stopped paying court-ordered support, the support order usually does not disappear just because the other parent crossed state lines. In general, a Michigan support order may still b...
How do I handle a home warranty company that keeps sending contractors but never fixes my AC?
If a home warranty company keeps sending contractors but your air conditioner still is not fixed, the first step is usually to document everything carefully. Keep copies of your warranty contract, repair requests, contra...
Can a Landlord Refuse to Renew My Lease Because I Complained About Repairs?
In general, a landlord may sometimes decide not to renew a lease when it ends. But if the nonrenewal is tied to your complaint about repairs, the landlord’s decision may raise legal concerns, depending on the facts and o...
How do I protect a video game with AI-generated textures and human-written code?
In general, a video game can involve multiple kinds of intellectual property at the same time, including the source code, visual art, music, sound effects, characters, story, and overall game design elements. If your gam...
Can an internet company send me to collections for equipment I returned with a tracking number?
In general, an internet company may still try to send an account balance to collections even if you returned the equipment, if the company’s records do not show the return, if the return was processed incorrectly, or if...
Is it legal for a student loan servicer to change my due date without notice?
In general, a student loan servicer may not be able to change your due date without following the loan contract and any applicable federal or state notice rules. Whether a due date change is allowed often depends on the...