Legal Q&A Topics
Browse published legal information questions. Pages are sorted by recent reader activity.
Can prepaid debit card balances be subject to escheatment laws in West Virginia?
In general, yes. Prepaid debit card balances may be subject to escheatment laws if the funds are considered abandoned property under West Virginia law and no valid activity occurs for the applicable period. Whether a par...
Do I have to appear in court for an uncontested divorce in Alabama?
In Alabama, you may not always have to appear in court for an uncontested divorce, but it depends on the court, the paperwork, and the facts of your case. In many uncontested divorces, spouses agree on the major issues a...
Is it legal for a landlord to refuse to renew my lease without explanation?
In Wisconsin, a landlord can often choose not to renew a lease when the lease term ends, and the landlord usually does not have to give a reason. In general, a fixed-term lease ends on its own if it is not renewed, so th...
Do I have to pay my medical bills upfront while waiting for a personal injury settlement?
In general, you may still be responsible for medical bills while a personal injury claim is pending, even if you expect a settlement later. A claim against the person or company you say caused the injury does not usually...
How do I ask a judge to exclude a recording made without two-party consent?
In Washington, asking a judge to exclude a recording usually means asking the court to keep it out of evidence because it may have been obtained illegally or in violation of state privacy rules. In general, this is done...
What happens if I miss the hearing for my antiharassment protection order?
If you miss the hearing for your anti-harassment protection order in Washington, the court may still go forward without you. In general, that means the judge can hear from the other side and make a decision based on the...
Can a landlord charge me for pest treatment when the whole building has mice?
In Illinois, a landlord may not always be able to charge a tenant for pest treatment just because mice are present in the building. In general, the answer depends on the lease, the source of the infestation, and whether...
Do I have to pay rent if construction blocks access to my apartment?
If construction blocks access to your apartment, the rent question often depends on how serious the obstruction is, how long it lasts, and what it does to your use of the unit. In general, a tenant is still expected to p...
What happens if my student loan servicer applied my extra payment to future bills instead of principal?
If your student loan servicer applied your extra payment to future bills instead of principal, the practical effect is usually that you may not reduce your loan balance as quickly as you expected. In many situations, the...
Is it legal for a hotel to deny responsibility after I fell on a wet lobby floor with no warning sign?
In Arizona, a hotel may be able to deny responsibility, but that does not automatically mean it is legally correct. In general, a hotel’s responsibility after a slip and fall depends on the facts, including why the floor...
What are my rights if my car insurance lapsed for one day and I had an accident that same night?
If your car insurance lapsed for one day and you had an accident that same night, your rights can depend on several things, including what kind of coverage you had, whether the policy was actually canceled or only unpaid...
What are my rights if someone falsely accused my teenager of a crime on Snapchat?
If someone falsely accused your teenager of a crime on Snapchat, you may have several possible concerns, depending on what was posted, who saw it, and whether it caused harm. In general, false statements that accuse a pe...
What happens if someone says they are recording after the conversation already started?
In California, whether a recording can be made after a conversation already started often depends on the facts, the setting, and whether the law requires consent before recording. In general, if a person announces that t...
What are my rights if the harassment started after a small claims dispute with a contractor?
If harassment started after a small claims dispute with a contractor in Washington, you may have several legal protections depending on what the other person is doing and how serious the conduct is. In general, people ha...
Does Living With Cats Mean I Accepted Responsibility for Pet Damage?
In general, simply living with cats does not automatically mean you accepted legal responsibility for any pet damage. In New Jersey, as in many places, responsibility usually depends on facts such as who owned the cat, w...