Legal Q&A Topics
Browse published legal information questions. Pages are sorted by recent reader activity.
What happens if I damaged property during a fight but did not mean to break anything?
In Minnesota, damaging property during a fight can still create legal problems even if you did not mean to break anything. In general, lack of intent may matter a lot, but it does not automatically prevent civil claims o...
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...
Is it legal for a mechanic to keep my car because I disputed the repair charges?
In Indiana, a mechanic may sometimes be able to keep a vehicle if the shop claims it has a legal right to hold the car for unpaid repair charges. That right is often discussed as a mechanic’s lien or possessory lien, but...
What are my rights if my employer fired me on Friday and said payroll will process it next month?
If you were fired in Utah and your employer says payroll will process your final pay next month, you may still have a right to be paid all wages you already earned. In general, being terminated does not erase wages that...
My HOA Approved My Fence Then Fined Me After It Was Built — Can They Do That?
In Florida, an HOA may be able to fine a homeowner after approving a fence if the association believes the fence still violates a rule, covenant, architectural guideline, or approval condition. An earlier approval does n...
What Are My Rights If a Package Was Stolen From My Apartment Mailroom?
If a package was stolen from an apartment mailroom in Delaware, your rights usually depend on several things: who had control of the mailroom, what your lease says, whether the landlord provided security, and whether the...
Can my landlord evict me because my rent was late while I was waiting on disability benefits?
In New Jersey, a landlord may try to evict a tenant for unpaid rent, even if the tenant was waiting on disability benefits. In general, being behind on rent can give a landlord a basis to start an eviction case, because...
Is it legal to move money out of a joint account before filing for divorce?
In Florida, moving money out of a joint account before filing for divorce is not automatically illegal. In general, a person who is a joint owner of an account may have access to the funds in that account. But that does...
Can I record a conversation if the other person is threatening to sue me?
In California, the answer is often no unless you follow California’s recording-consent rules. California is generally treated as a two-party consent state, which means recording a confidential conversation usually requir...
What are my rights if a defective chair broke under me at a restaurant?
If a chair broke under you at a restaurant in Tennessee, you may have rights if the restaurant, a property owner, a manufacturer, or another responsible party was negligent or if a product defect contributed to the incid...
What are my rights if my spouse transferred $30,000 to a relative right before filing for divorce?
In Washington, a transfer of money to a relative shortly before a divorce filing may raise questions about whether the money was marital property, separate property, or an attempt to move assets out of reach before the c...
What are my rights if my landlord gave me an eviction notice after I reported code violations?
If you are in Maryland and your landlord gave you an eviction notice after you reported code violations, you may have protections against retaliatory eviction. In general, landlords cannot legally punish tenants just for...
Do I have to pay a debt collector who added $300 in fees I don’t recognize?
In general, you may not have to pay fees that you do not recognize unless the collector can show that those charges are actually allowed. A debt collector usually must be able to explain what the $300 is for and why it w...
Can I Stop Paying Rent If Mold Is Making Me Sick?
In Pennsylvania, mold problems can be serious, especially if they may be affecting your health. But in general, a tenant should not assume that mold automatically allows them to stop paying rent. Rent withholding can cre...
Is it legal for a towing company to charge $620 after my car was parked at a shopping center for 45 minutes?
In Nevada, a towing charge that high may be legal in some situations, but it depends heavily on the facts. A parking lot tow is usually governed by a mix of property rules, contract or posted-sign issues, towing company...