Legal Q&A Topics
Browse published legal information questions. Pages are sorted by recent reader activity.
Is it legal for a judge to order retroactive child support back to the child’s birth?
In general, a judge may be able to order child support to apply retroactively, but whether support can go all the way back to the child’s birth depends on the law in the jurisdiction and the specific facts of the case. I...
I left a bad review for a local business and now they’re threatening to sue. Should I take it down?
A bad review does not automatically create legal liability, and businesses often cannot sue simply because they dislike criticism. In general, a review is more likely to create legal risk only if it contains a false stat...
Husband Owns the Car and Controls Finances—What Rights Do I Have During Separation?
In Oregon, your rights during a separation usually depend on the overall financial picture, not just whose name is on the car title or who manages the bank accounts. If you are married and living separately, the law gene...
Can I Be Charged for Leaving the Scene After Agreeing With the Other Driver?
In Kentucky, you may still face a charge for leaving the scene of an accident even if you and the other driver verbally agreed at the time. A private agreement between drivers does not always control whether the law cons...
Can my landlord charge me for repainting the unit after normal wear and tear?
In general, a landlord in Wisconsin may not charge a tenant for repainting just because the paint is old, faded, or worn from ordinary living. Normal wear and tear is usually treated differently from damage, and repainti...
What happens if the paying parent quits their job to avoid child support?
In Wisconsin, a parent usually cannot avoid child support just by quitting a job. Courts often look at whether the parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed and may decide support based on earning capacity rather...
Is it legal for a landlord to threaten eviction after I reported harassment by another tenant?
In Washington, a landlord generally should not use eviction threats as punishment for a tenant’s good-faith complaint about harassment or other habitability problems. In many situations, a threat to evict after a tenant...
The moving company broke my TV but their claim form says they owe pennies per pound. Can they do that?
In general, a moving company may try to limit how much it pays for damaged household goods, including a TV, through the contract or claim paperwork. A “pennies per pound” statement usually means the company is relying on...
Do I have to pay for a subscription service that auto-renewed for $299 annually without notice?
In California, whether you have to pay for an auto-renewed subscription usually depends on the contract terms, how the renewal was disclosed, and what notice you received before the charge appeared. A subscription agreem...
How do I dispute a $700 ambulance bill that my insurance says should have been covered?
If your insurance company says an ambulance ride should have been covered but you still received a $700 bill, the first step is usually to identify where the breakdown happened. In many cases, the issue may involve the i...
Do I have to pay for repairs after a mechanic misdiagnosed the problem and replaced the wrong part?
In Florida, whether you have to pay after a mechanic misdiagnoses a problem and replaces the wrong part usually depends on the repair agreement, what you authorized, and whether the shop’s work was reasonable under the c...
How do I respond to an eviction notice for lease violations when there are no photos or proof?
In Massachusetts, a lease-violation eviction notice does not automatically mean you must move out right away. In general, a landlord still has to follow the proper legal process, and the landlord usually bears the burden...
How do I file a personal injury claim against a city for a dangerous sidewalk?
In Iowa, a personal injury claim against a city for a dangerous sidewalk usually involves more than simply reporting the injury and asking for payment. Claims against a city often involve special notice rules, shorter de...
What happens if a business records calls for training but never gives customers notice?
In California, recording customer calls without notice can create serious legal risk. In general, California is a two-party consent state for confidential communications, which means a business usually cannot record a ca...
What happens if I refused a breath test because I wanted to speak to a lawyer first?
In Alaska, refusing a breath test after a DUI arrest can have serious consequences, even if you refused because you wanted to speak to a lawyer first. In general, once law enforcement has lawfully requested a breath test...