Legal Q&A Topics
Browse published legal information questions. Pages are sorted by recent reader activity.
How do I trace separate property that was mixed with marital funds?
In general, tracing separate property means showing that an asset or money started as nonmarital property and can still be identified after it was mixed with marital funds. In Iowa, property division questions in divorce...
Can I sue a contractor without a written contract?
In general, yes, it may be possible to bring a claim against a contractor even if there is no written contract. In Montana, as in many states, some agreements can be formed orally or by conduct, depending on the facts. A...
What happens if a medical bill went to collections even though I was on a payment plan?
If a medical bill was sent to collections even though you were making payments under a payment plan, it may mean the provider or collection agency believes the account was still past due, the plan was not recorded correc...
What are my rights if my spouse gave away marital property to relatives before filing?
If you are in Oklahoma and your spouse gave away marital property to relatives before filing for divorce, you may have rights under the state’s general property-division rules. In many divorce cases, a court can look at...
Can I recover lost tips if I am a server and missed shifts because of an injury?
In general, a server who misses shifts because of an injury may be able to seek compensation for lost earnings, and that can sometimes include tips if the tips were a regular part of the person’s income and can be shown...
How do I get my deposit back from a landlord who claims excessive cleaning costs?
If a landlord in Indiana says they kept part or all of your deposit for excessive cleaning, the first step is usually to ask for a clear, written explanation of the charges and any supporting documentation. In general, y...
What happens if I was partly at fault because I was looking at my phone when I fell?
If you were looking at your phone when you fell, that fact may affect a claim for injuries, but it does not automatically end the claim. In Colorado, fault is often compared between the injured person and other responsib...
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...
How do I respond if my landlord gives me a notice for unauthorized occupants but it is just my babysitter?
If you are in Vermont and your landlord says your babysitter is an “unauthorized occupant,” the first step is usually to read the notice carefully and compare it to your lease. In general, landlords often use terms like...
Do I have to record or file a prenup with the court before marriage?
In general, a prenup does not have to be filed with the court before a marriage takes place. A premarital agreement is usually a private contract between two people who plan to marry. The fact that it is signed before th...
Is it legal for a landlord to blame me for falling down stairs that had poor lighting?
In general, a landlord in Arkansas may try to blame a tenant or visitor for a fall on stairs, including a claim that the person was not watching where they were going or was using the stairs carelessly. But that does not...
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...
How do I dispute a credit card charge for a $750 appliance repair that did not fix the problem?
If you paid $750 for an appliance repair with a credit card and the repair did not fix the problem, you may be able to dispute the charge through your card issuer. In general, a card dispute is different from complaining...
Is it legal to record a customer service call if the company’s automated message says calls may be recorded?
In Illinois, the answer is usually not as simple as “yes” or “no.” An automated message that says calls may be recorded does not automatically mean that you may record the call yourself. It often means the company is tel...
What are my rights if my landlord refuses to fix a broken air conditioner during a heatwave?
In New York, a tenant’s rights if a landlord refuses to fix a broken air conditioner during a heatwave usually depend on the lease, the building conditions, and whether the apartment is otherwise livable. In general, New...