Legal Q&A Topics
Browse published legal information questions. Pages are sorted by recent reader activity.
How do I file a claim if I was bitten by a dog at an Airbnb?
If you were bitten by a dog at an Airbnb in Iowa, the claim process usually starts with reporting the injury, getting medical care, and identifying who may be responsible. In many situations, a claim may involve more tha...
Is it legal for a property manager to serve an eviction notice instead of the owner?
In general, yes, a property manager may be able to serve an eviction notice instead of the owner if the manager is authorized to act for the landlord or property owner. In many rental situations, the property manager ser...
What are my rights if my landlord is trying to raise rent two months into a one-year lease?
In Washington, a landlord usually cannot change the rent in the middle of a fixed-term lease just because time has passed. If you signed a one-year lease at a set rent, that rent generally stays in place for the full lea...
Can I withhold rent if my landlord refuses to fix a broken stove for weeks?
In Illinois, the answer is often not a simple yes or no. A broken stove can be an important habitability issue, but whether you may withhold rent depends on the lease, the seriousness of the problem, whether the landlord...
What happens if my spouse filed for divorce in another state before I filed locally?
If your spouse filed for divorce in another state before you filed in Michigan, the other state may be able to handle the divorce first if that court has jurisdiction and the case is properly served and moving forward. I...
What happens if officers questioned me in jail about a different case without Miranda warnings?
If officers questioned you in jail about a different case without giving Miranda warnings, the main issue is usually whether the conversation counted as a custodial interrogation and whether your statements may be used i...
What happens if my landlord gave me a 5-day notice but the lease says I get 10 days?
In Colorado, the answer usually depends on what kind of notice the landlord gave, what the lease says, and whether the lease term is allowed under Colorado law. In general, a lease can add tenant protections, but it cann...
Is it legal for the other driver’s insurer to ask for my entire medical history?
In general, the other driver’s insurer may ask for medical records if you are making a personal injury claim, but that does not necessarily mean they are entitled to your entire medical history. The request is usually li...
What happens if the other driver’s insurance says my car had pre-existing damage?
If the other driver’s insurance says your car already had pre-existing damage, it usually means the insurer is questioning how much of the damage was caused by the crash. In a property damage claim, the insurer generally...
Landlord says my emotional support animal letter is “from the internet” and denied it. What should I do?
If you are in New Jersey and your landlord says your emotional support animal, or ESA, letter is “from the internet” and refuses to accept it, the main issue is usually whether the landlord had a lawful basis to question...
What happens if my spouse will not sign the divorce papers after being served?
In Texas, a spouse usually does not have to sign divorce papers for the divorce to move forward. If your spouse was properly served and simply refuses to sign, that refusal may slow things down, but it does not necessari...
Can I record a phone call with my landlord if I tell them at the beginning and they keep talking?
In California, the answer is usually no unless the legal recording rules are satisfied. California is generally considered a two-party consent state, which means you often need the other person’s consent before recording...
How do I prove a pattern of harassment if most of it happened through Instagram messages?
If most of the conduct happened through Instagram messages, the messages themselves may be some of the most important evidence of a pattern of harassment. In general, a pattern is usually shown by repeated conduct, not b...
What happens if I overpaid child support for a year because the order was never updated?
In Colorado, if you paid more child support than the current order required because the order was never updated, the overpayment issue usually turns on what the existing order said, whether a later change should have bee...
How do I handle a car accident settlement when Medicare or health insurance paid some bills?
In general, when Medicare or a health insurer has paid some of your crash-related medical bills, those payments may affect how your car accident settlement is handled. The basic issue is that another payer may have a rig...