All legal guides by topic

How small claims, deadlines and court procedures work.

• Court Help and Small Claims GuideSmall claims court handles smaller disputes with simpler rules; each state sets a dollar limit.25 guides

Security deposits, evictions and tenant rights.

• Landlord-Tenant Law AdviceLandlords generally cannot evict without a court order, and lockouts or utility shutoffs are usually illegal.30 guides
• Home Buying and Real Estate Legal AdviceReview the purchase contract carefully and calendar every deadline, since contingencies protect your deposit only if used on time.24 guides
• Neighbor and HOA Dispute AdviceDocument problems with dated photos and keep written communication.15 guides

What to do after a crash and how injury claims work.

• Car Accident Legal AdviceGet medical care, call the police and document the scene before anything else.39 guides
• Personal Injury Lawyer GuideA personal injury claim seeks compensation for medical bills, lost income and pain from someone else's negligence or a defective product.37 guides
• Medical Malpractice Lawyer GuideMalpractice requires proving the provider fell below the standard of care and that this caused harm; a bad outcome alone is not enough.19 guides
• Insurance Claim Denial AdviceRead the denial letter and your policy, note the appeal deadline and ask for the claim file.18 guides
• Wrongful Death Lawyer GuideMost states let the estate representative or close family file, and deadlines are often as short as two years.12 guides
• Pedestrian, Bicycle and Scooter Accident AdviceCall 911, get medical care and report the crash so there is an official record.14 guides

Tickets, license consequences and arrests.

• DUI and Traffic Ticket AdviceAfter a DUI arrest you usually face a criminal case and a separate license case, and the license hearing deadline can be as short as a week or two.27 guides
• Criminal Defense Lawyer AdviceYou have the right to remain silent and to ask for a lawyer; use both after an arrest.28 guides

Divorce, wills, trusts and powers of attorney.

• Family Law AdviceDivorce, custody and support rules are set by each state; most states allow no-fault divorce.30 guides
• Immigration Legal AdviceOnly licensed attorneys and accredited representatives of recognized nonprofits can give immigration legal advice; notarios and consultants cannot.18 guides
• Estate Planning GuideMost adults need a will or trust, a durable power of attorney, a health care directive and up-to-date beneficiary designations.28 guides
• Elder Law and Nursing Home AdviceMedicare covers only short-term skilled care, so plan early for long-term costs.16 guides
• Child Custody and Support AdviceCourts decide custody by the child's best interests, and orders are binding until changed by the court.13 guides
• Probate and Inheritance Disputes AdviceProbate validates the will, pays debts and distributes assets, and timelines are often six months to a year or more.13 guides
• Divorce Lawyer and Divorce Process AdviceDivorce rules, waiting periods and property laws vary by state.16 guides
• Restraining Orders and Domestic Violence HelpIn an emergency, call 911; the National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-7233 or thehotline.org.9 guides

Debt collectors, bankruptcy options and identity theft.

• Bankruptcy and Debt AdviceRespond to any debt lawsuit before the deadline, because ignoring it can lead to a default judgment, garnishment or a bank levy.31 guides
• Consumer Protection AdviceStart with a written complaint to the business, then use a chargeback and agency complaints if it fails.28 guides
• Tax Debt and IRS HelpNever ignore an IRS notice; read it, note the deadline and respond in writing if you disagree.16 guides
• Student Loan Legal AdviceFederal loans have more protections than private loans, including income-driven repayment and forgiveness programs.16 guides
• Identity Theft and Fraud HelpFreeze your credit at all three bureaus, which is free and blocks new accounts.10 guides
• Car Buying, Financing and Repossession AdviceCompare out-the-door prices and preapproved financing before visiting the finance office.13 guides

Wills, leases, contracts and other documents: what they do and what to include.

• Legal Documents and Contracts GuideRead every document fully and keep signed copies before relying on it.45 guides

Employment rights, small business, intellectual property, lawyer fees and free legal help.

• Legal Aid and Free Legal HelpCivil legal aid helps with problems like eviction, family safety, benefits, debt and consumer issues; criminal defendants who cannot afford a lawyer ask the court for a public defender.22 guides
• Business Legal AdviceChoose a structure (sole proprietor, partnership, LLC or corporation) with liability and taxes in mind, and keep business and personal money separate.33 guides
• Employment Law AdviceMost employment is at will, but employers cannot fire you for discrimination, retaliation or other illegal reasons.38 guides
• Disability and Workers' Compensation AdviceSSDI is based on work history and SSI on financial need; some people qualify for both.19 guides
• Trademark, Copyright and Brand Protection Guide for Small Businesses and CreatorsSearch for conflicting marks before choosing a name.12 guides
• Workplace Discrimination and Harassment AdviceWrite down incidents with dates, names and witnesses, and save related messages safely.13 guides