Legal Q&A Topics
Browse published legal information questions. Pages are sorted by recent reader activity.
What are my rights if alimony was supposed to end after five years but deductions keep coming out?
If alimony in Maryland was supposed to end after five years but deductions are still being taken, the first question is whether the obligation truly ended by its own terms or whether a court order, agreement, or payment...
Can I keep the house in an equitable distribution divorce if the mortgage is only in my spouse’s name?
In California, the fact that the mortgage is only in your spouse’s name does not by itself decide who gets the house in a divorce. California is a community property state, so the court usually looks at when the home was...
How do I handle a divorce when one child wants to live with each parent?
When parents divorce and one child wants to live with each parent, the situation often involves both custody and parenting-time decisions. In general, Vermont courts focus on the best interests of each child, which means...
What happens if I defaulted on my federal student loans but want to apply for forgiveness later?
If you defaulted on federal student loans, that usually does not mean forgiveness is permanently off the table. In general, some federal loan forgiveness or discharge programs may still be available later, but default ca...
Is it legal for a landlord to ban guests from staying overnight?
In general, a landlord may be able to limit or regulate overnight guests through the lease, house rules, or occupancy policies, but a complete ban is not always treated the same way in every situation. In North Dakota, t...
My apartment’s fire alarm goes off constantly and management ignores it. Can I break the lease?
In Texas, a constant fire alarm problem may be more than a nuisance if it creates serious safety concerns, interferes with your use of the apartment, or shows that the landlord is not maintaining the property in a livabl...
What happens if a dog bit me while I was lawfully entering a customer’s property for work?
If a dog bit you while you were lawfully entering a customer’s property for work, the incident may be analyzed under several different legal rules in Delaware, depending on the facts. In general, dog bite claims can invo...
What are my rights if an online retailer refuses to refund a returned item worth $300?
If an online retailer refuses to refund a returned item, your rights usually depend on the retailer’s posted return policy, what was promised at checkout, the condition of the item, and whether the retailer actually rece...
Do I have to pay child support if my child lives with me half the time?
In Alabama, having your child live with you about half the time does not automatically mean child support goes away. Child support is usually based on a court’s order and on how the state calculates each parent’s financi...
How do I know whether Miranda applies to roadside DUI questions?
In general, Miranda warnings are required before police ask questions only when a person is in custody and being interrogated. For roadside DUI stops, that means the key question is usually not simply whether an officer...
Can an old money order or cashier’s check be sent to the state as unclaimed property?
In Utah, an old money order or cashier’s check may sometimes be turned over to the state as unclaimed property if it remains unclaimed for long enough and the holder is required to report it under Utah’s unclaimed proper...
What are my rights if my mechanic lost my car keys and wants me to pay for a replacement?
If a mechanic in Nebraska lost your car keys, you may have some rights, but the exact result usually depends on the facts, any repair agreement, and whether the mechanic was responsible for the loss. In general, when a b...
How do I challenge an eviction notice if the landlord used the wrong legal form?
In North Carolina, a landlord usually has to use the correct legal process and paperwork to start an eviction, but the effect of a wrong form depends on the facts. An eviction notice or court filing that uses the wrong f...
Is it defamation if someone shares a false rumor about me in a private Facebook group?
In Arizona, a false rumor shared in a private Facebook group may be defamation if it is presented as a fact, is communicated to other people, and causes harm to your reputation. But not every rude, inaccurate, or gossip-...
What Type of Attorney Handles Defamation Threats Over Social Media Posts?
In general, a defamation issue involving social media posts may be handled by an attorney who practices defamation law, media law, First Amendment-related litigation, or civil litigation. In Kansas, the right type of law...