Legal Q&A Topics
Browse published legal information questions. Pages are sorted by recent reader activity.
Can I sue a contractor for unfinished kitchen work if we only had text messages and payment receipts?
In general, yes, a contractor dispute can sometimes be pursued even if the agreement was mostly handled by text messages and payment receipts. In Montana, as in many states, the lack of a formal written contract does not...
Do I have to move out by the date written on a notice taped to my apartment door?
In New York, a notice taped to your apartment door does not automatically mean you have to move out by that date. In general, a landlord or other party usually must follow the proper legal process before a tenant can be...
Is it legal for a debt collector to keep calling my workplace after I told them to stop?
In general, a debt collector may not keep calling your workplace if you have clearly told them that you are not allowed to receive those calls there, or that your employer does not allow them. Workplace calls can become...
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...
How do I challenge a prenuptial agreement during divorce?
In Minnesota, a prenuptial agreement may sometimes be challenged during divorce, but the outcome usually depends on the facts and the specific legal standards that apply. In general, courts look at whether the agreement...
Can I Break My Lease in Oklahoma Due to Unsafe Structural Conditions in My Apartment?
In Oklahoma, a tenant may sometimes be able to end a lease early if the apartment has serious unsafe structural conditions, but the answer depends heavily on the facts and on what the lease says. Not every repair problem...
What are my rights if my renters insurance claim is denied for water damage from a burst pipe?
If your renters insurance claim is denied for water damage from a burst pipe, you usually have the right to ask the insurer for a clear explanation of the denial and a copy of the policy language it relied on. In general...
Is it legal for a state to keep interest earned on money after it is escheated?
In general, the answer depends on the law that governs the unclaimed property and on what happened to the money while the state held it. Escheat or unclaimed property laws usually let the state take custody of abandoned...
Can I get extra time if my eviction notice says I must leave in 72 hours and I have kids?
In New Jersey, having children usually does not automatically stop an eviction or create a guaranteed extension of time to move. In general, the amount of time you may have depends on what stage the eviction is in, what...
How do I prove my injury claim if there were no witnesses when I fell?
If no one saw you fall, you may still be able to support an injury claim with other evidence. In general, a claim does not depend on witness testimony alone. People often prove a fall by using medical records, photos, in...
Can a Landlord Make Me Pay for Replacing the Entire Carpet?
In general, a landlord may try to charge a tenant for carpet replacement if the carpet was damaged beyond ordinary wear and tear during the tenancy. But a landlord usually cannot require a tenant to pay for a brand-new c...
What happens if the notice says nonpayment but I have a rent abatement agreement?
In Connecticut, a notice that says “nonpayment” does not automatically end the inquiry if you also have a rent abatement agreement. In general, the landlord’s ability to claim rent is owed may depend on what the abatemen...
How do I handle divorce when we have frozen embryos from fertility treatment?
When a couple divorces and has frozen embryos from fertility treatment, the legal questions can be different from the usual property or custody issues. In general, courts look first for any signed agreement about what sh...
What happens if my deceased spouse’s unclaimed property is listed without a beneficiary?
If a deceased spouse’s unclaimed property is listed without a beneficiary, the property usually does not simply disappear. In general, the holder or state unclaimed property program may require proof of who has the legal...
How do I dispute a phone company charging me for services I never activated?
If a phone company charged you for a service you believe you never activated, the first step is usually to gather your bills, account records, and any messages or screenshots that show what was charged and when. In gener...