Legal Q&A Topics
Browse published legal information questions. Pages are sorted by recent reader activity.
What happens if my wages are garnished for an old credit card debt I do not recognize?
If your wages are being garnished for an old credit card debt you do not recognize, it usually means a creditor or debt buyer says it got a judgment against you and is now using that judgment to collect. In Alabama, a wa...
Is it legal for a debt collector to call me before 8 a.m. repeatedly?
In general, debt collectors are not supposed to call at a time they know is inconvenient, and calls before 8 a.m. are often treated as potentially improper under consumer-debt collection rules. If the calls are happening...
Can child support be taken from disability benefits?
In general, child support may sometimes be taken from disability benefits, but the answer depends on the type of disability benefit and the facts of the case. In Utah, as in many states, the key issue is often whether th...
Can an HOA fine me for weeds in a backyard nobody can see?
In Arizona, an HOA may sometimes fine a homeowner for weeds in a backyard even if neighbors or the street cannot easily see the yard. Visibility is often relevant, but it is not always the only thing that matters. The an...
Can frequent flyer miles and credit card points be divided in divorce?
In a Missouri divorce, frequent flyer miles and credit card points may sometimes be treated as marital property, but the answer often depends on how the rewards were earned, whose name the account is in, the terms of the...
Can a Landlord Charge Me for Repainting After Only One Year?
In general, a landlord may try to charge a tenant for repainting after one year if the paint damage goes beyond ordinary wear and tear. But if the repainting is just to freshen up the unit because of normal use, the cost...
What are my rights if my private student loan interest rate increased without clear notice?
If your private student loan interest rate increased without clear notice, you may have rights under your loan contract, general consumer-protection principles, and any notice rules that apply to your lender or servicer....
My employer schedules me for “volunteer” events with clients. Do they have to pay me?
In general, if your employer schedules you for an event with clients and expects you to attend, that time may be treated as work time rather than true volunteer time. The label “volunteer” does not always control. What m...
Is it legal for child support to be taken out of workers’ compensation checks in Kentucky?
In Kentucky, child support can sometimes be taken from workers’ compensation benefits. In general, workers’ compensation is intended to replace wages after a work-related injury, and child support enforcement rules may a...
Can a Contractor Put a Lien on My House Over a Disputed Invoice?
In Michigan, a contractor may be able to place a lien on a house if the contractor claims unpaid money for labor, materials, or improvements to the property. A disputed invoice does not automatically prevent a lien. In g...
Do I Have a Small Claims Case if My Boss Destroyed My Personal Property at Work?
If your boss destroyed your personal property at work, you may have a small claims issue in Montana, but the answer usually depends on the facts. In general, a small claims case is about trying to recover the value of pr...
Is it legal for a landlord to refuse to renew my lease because I complained about noise?
In New York, a landlord may sometimes decide not to renew a lease for reasons that are not illegal, even if a tenant previously complained about noise. But the answer can depend heavily on the type of housing, the reason...
My Neighbor’s Tree Fell on My Fence During a Storm — Who Pays?
In North Carolina, who pays for a fence damaged by a neighbor’s tree during a storm usually depends on why the tree fell and whether anyone was negligent. In general, if a healthy tree falls because of strong winds, rain...
How do I protect a video game with AI-generated textures and human-written code?
In general, a video game can involve multiple kinds of intellectual property at the same time, including the source code, visual art, music, sound effects, characters, story, and overall game design elements. If your gam...
A neighbor’s basketball hoop is partly in the street and damaged my car. Who do I contact?
If a neighbor’s basketball hoop was partly in the street and damaged your car in North Carolina, the first contact is often the neighbor or the homeowner who controls the property where the hoop sits. In many situations,...