Legal Q&A Topics
Browse published legal information questions. Pages are sorted by recent reader activity.
What are my rights if my spouse claims the car is separate property because only their name is on the title?
In Illinois, the fact that a car is titled only in one spouse’s name does not always mean the car is automatically separate property in a divorce. In general, Illinois is an equitable distribution state, which means prop...
What happens if my credit card dispute is rejected without investigation?
If a credit card dispute is rejected without investigation, it usually means the card issuer decided not to change the charge or issue a provisional credit based on the information it had at that time. In general, that d...
Do I have to consolidate my federal loans before applying for Public Service Loan Forgiveness?
In general, you do not have to consolidate every federal loan before applying for Public Service Loan Forgiveness, but consolidation can matter a lot depending on the type of federal loans you have. For some borrowers, a...
Is it legal for a tow company to charge $575 to release my car after it was parked overnight at my apartment complex?
In Tennessee, a tow company may be able to charge a substantial amount to release a vehicle, but whether $575 is lawful usually depends on several facts, including where the car was parked, whether the tow was authorized...
What are my rights if I was hit while backing out of a parking space at the same time as another driver?
If you were hit while backing out of a parking space at the same time as another driver, your rights in Maryland usually depend on who had the better right of way, how the vehicles moved, and whether either driver was be...
Do I have to pay storage charges while arguing with insurance about whether my car is totaled?
In general, maybe. In Rhode Island, whether you have to pay storage charges while an insurance company is deciding if your car is totaled usually depends on the insurance policy, who ordered the tow or storage, how long...
My landlord gave me a 3-day notice even though the rent portal rejected my payment. What should I do?
In Arizona, a 3-day notice after a rent payment problem can be confusing, especially if you tried to pay on time and the landlord’s online portal rejected the transaction. In general, the first question is whether your r...
Is it legal for the insurance company to follow my social media after I make an injury claim?
In general, yes—an insurance company or its investigator may be allowed to look at public social media after you make an injury claim. If your profile, posts, photos, comments, or videos are visible to the public, they m...
Do I have to split rental property purchased before marriage but paid from joint funds?
In Rhode Island, the answer is often: maybe, but not automatically. Property bought before marriage is commonly viewed differently from property acquired during marriage, but the way the property was paid for, maintained...
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...
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...