Legal Topics

Personal Injury Case Timeline

What to expect at each stage of a typical personal injury case.

Medical Malpractice FAQ

A look at what you must prove to win a medical malpractice case, common treatment errors, when you can sue a hospital for malpractice, and more.

Traffic Accidents FAQ

After a car accident, get answers to common questions about fault, insurance coverage, the settlement process, and much more.

Settling Your Personal Injury Claim FAQ

If you are injured in an accident, here are the first steps to take.

Who's at Fault for an Accident FAQ

When you're making an injury claim after an accident, proving who is responsible is crucial, but it can be a challenge.

Filing a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: Basic Steps

When filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, your case should move forward predictably. Here's a summary of what's involved in a typical Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

Are You Eligible for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?

For many debtors, Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a good option. But not everyone is eligible for Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

Should I File for Bankruptcy FAQ

Deciding if bankruptcy is right for you? Here are answers to your most common questions.

Bankruptcy and Your Credit FAQ

Here are some essential questions to ask yourself.

Dealing With Police During Traffic Stops: What to Do If You Are Pulled Over

When a police officer begins to pull you over, what you do and say during a traffic stop can have a huge effect.

Unemployment Benefits: What If You Quit?

If you quit a job without good cause, you may not qualify for unemployment benefits.

Meal and Rest Breaks: Your Rights as an Employee

Many employers provide employees with a rest or lunch break, whether paid or unpaid. This common practice is not required everywhere, however: The federal wage and hour law, called the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), doesn't require employers to provide meal or rest breaks.

Wrongful Termination: Was Your Firing Illegal?

If you've been fired from your job, do you have grounds to challenge the termination?

Suing for Harassment or Discrimination

Before you can file a harassment or discrimination lawsuit against your employer, you have to bring your complaint to a state or federal agency.

When Must Employers Pay Overtime?

Are your employees entitled to overtime pay? Learn the rules here.

When Can I Apply for U.S. Citizenship?

The "five years of permanent residence" rule and more guidance on the naturalization process.

Grounds of Deportability: When Legal U.S. Residents Can Be Removed

Whether on a nonimmigrant visa or green card, committing certain acts or crimes can make a person deportable from the U.S.

Difference Between U.S. Green Card and U.S. Citizenship

While both green card holders and citizens can stay in the U.S. indefinitely, there are some major reasons to get U.S. citizenship.

How Long Must I Be Married to a U.S. Citizen to Get U.S. Citizenship by Marriage?

What needs to happen between when you get married to a U.S. citizen and when you yourself can apply to naturalize?

What's the Easiest Way to Get a U.S. Green Card?

There are many paths to a U.S. green card, with varying requirements and wait times.

Alimony: What Do I Need to Know Before Divorce?

Learn about how alimony works, and what to expect before filing for divorce.

The Different Types of Child Custody

Learn about the differences between legal and physical custody, how sole custody and joint or shared custody works, and what goes into parenting plans.

Prenuptial Agreements: Who Needs It and How Do I Make One?

What you need to know if you're considering a prenuptial, or premarital agreement.

Which States Recognize Common Law Marriage?

Judges will consider many different aspects of your relationship when deciding whether you have a common law marriage. Learn how these informal marriages work, where and when they're legal, and how to prove or disprove that you're in a common law marriage.

What Is Estate Planning?

Use your estate plan to leave important instructions about your property, children, and health care.

Five Myths About Wills and Probate

Most of don't know a lot about the law of wills, trusts, or probate--after all, they're topics none of us really want to deal with.

Making a Will: Are Lawyers Optional?

Most people don't need a lawyer to make their will. Here's why.

How Much Will a Lawyer Charge to Write Your Will?

You may pay an estate planning attorney by the hour or by the task.

What a Will Won't Do

Many kinds of property—perhaps some of the most valuable things you own—don't necessarily pass through your will. Here are some things you shouldn't expect to accomplish in your will.

Making a Living Trust: Can You Do It Yourself?

Many people don't need a lawyer to create a living trust.

Breaking a Lease and Leaving Early

Find out what landlords can (and can’t) do when tenants leave before the end of their lease.

How Evictions Work: What Renters Need to Know

Landlords can't just lock you out, even if you are behind on rent. They must get a court judgment first.

Mold in Rentals: Landlord Liability, Responsibility, and Prevention

Learn about mold in rental units: Your landlord's liability for mold problems, how to get rid of mold, and how to prevent mold in the first place.

The Basics of Rent-To-Own Agreements

Rent-to-own agreements often sound like a good idea for tenants who might struggle to buy a home in the traditional way. But both landlords and tenants should be aware of the pros and cons of rent-to-own deals before they sign any agreement.

Late Rent Fees

The basics of late rent fees, including limits on how much landlords can charge.

Top Personal Tax Deductions

Here are the top personal deductions for individuals.

How to Claim Child Tax Credits

If you have children you support, there are two different tax credits you should know about.