Legal Q&A Topics
Browse published legal information questions. Pages are sorted by recent reader activity.
What are my rights if my landlord shows my apartment without notifying me?
In Connecticut, a landlord usually does not have unlimited access to a rental unit. In general, tenants have a right to privacy and the right to use and enjoy the apartment without unnecessary interference. That means a...
Can I File a Police Report if My Neighbor Is Wearing My Stolen Sweater?
Yes, you usually can file a police report if you reasonably believe your sweater was stolen and you have information suggesting your neighbor may be in possession of it. In Texas, a police report is generally a way to re...
A repair shop wiped my laptop during a battery replacement. Can I claim lost files?
If a repair shop wiped your laptop during a battery replacement, you may have a possible claim for the lost files and any related losses, but the outcome usually depends on the facts. In Washington, the most important is...
Is it legal for a rental car company to charge hidden fees after return?
In general, a rental car company may charge fees after you return the vehicle if the charges were disclosed in the rental agreement, pricing terms, or other contract documents you accepted. The key issue is usually not w...
Is it legal for a prenup to decide child custody or child support before children are born?
In Nevada, a prenuptial agreement generally can address many financial issues between future spouses, but it usually cannot permanently decide child custody or child support for children who are not yet born. Courts usua...
What happens if my landlord removes amenities like the gym or pool mid-lease?
If your landlord removes amenities like a gym or pool during your lease, the legal effect usually depends on what your lease says, what was promised when you rented, and how important those amenities were to the rental d...
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...
In Missouri, can a landlord charge every tenant for a plumbing repair after one clogged pipe?
In Missouri, the answer usually depends on what caused the clog, what the lease says, and how the building is set up. A landlord may sometimes pass repair costs to tenants if the lease clearly allows it and the clog was...
Do I have to divide my 401(k) if my spouse stayed home with the kids for 12 years?
In Pennsylvania, a 401(k) may be considered marital property to the extent it was earned or grew during the marriage, even if one spouse stayed home to care for the children. That means a stay-at-home parent is often tre...
How do I get my $1,200 deposit back from a contractor who never started the job?
If a contractor took a $1,200 deposit and never started the job, you may be able to ask for the money back through a demand letter, direct negotiation, a payment dispute, or a small-claims type court process, depending o...
Do I have to accept a settlement that only pays medical bills but nothing for pain?
In general, no one can force you to accept a settlement offer just because it covers your medical bills. A settlement is usually voluntary, which means both sides have to agree to the terms. If an offer only pays medical...
How do I handle divorce when we own a small business together?
If you and your spouse own a small business together, divorce often adds an extra layer of financial and legal complexity. In general, the business may be treated as part of the marital property division, but the exact r...
Do I have to get consent from everyone before recording a family Zoom call about an inheritance dispute?
In Pennsylvania, the answer is often “it depends,” and the safest approach is usually to get consent before recording any family Zoom call. Video and audio recordings can raise privacy, wiretap, and trust issues, especia...
Can I get temporary spousal support if I quit work to care for our children?
In West Virginia, you may be able to ask for temporary spousal support if you quit work to care for your children, but the answer depends on the facts of your case and the court’s view of both spouses’ finances and needs...
Can my landlord charge me for repainting after normal wear and tear?
In Wisconsin, a landlord generally cannot charge a tenant for ordinary wear and tear that happens from normal living. Repainting that is needed only because the walls have aged, faded, or show minor scuffs from regular u...