The Simple Lawyer Filing a small claims lawsuit without a lawyer? Totally doable, and honestly, it’s often less intimidating than it sounds. You can represent yourself by filing the right paperwork at your local small claims court and prepping your case with solid evidence. It’s a money-saver and lets you take charge of disputes like unpaid debts or … Read more
Changing your name in the U.S. is a legal process that kicks off with filing a petition at your local court. The key step is to submit your request to the court and get an official order that makes your new name legal. This official order lets you update all your important documents—think Social Security … Read more
A lot of folks worry about what happens if they can’t pay medical bills. Here’s the thing: you can’t be arrested or sent to jail just for not paying medical debt. Medical debt on its own isn’t a crime, and no one’s going to throw you in jail just because you owe a hospital. But … Read more
If you get a cease and desist letter, someone’s basically telling you to stop doing something they think violates their rights. The first thing you want to do is read the letter carefully and talk to a lawyer before making any moves. Ignoring the letter or firing off a quick reply without understanding what’s actually … Read more
Defamation happens when someone makes a false statement that harms your reputation. It can be spoken or written, and both kinds can cause real damage. You can sue for defamation if you prove the statement was false, harmful, and shared with others. Not every false statement is defamation. To win a case, you need to … Read more
Missing jury duty can land you in some real legal trouble. If you don’t show up, you could be looking at fines up to $1,000 or, in rare cases, a short stint in jail. Courts aren’t joking around with jury duty—it’s a big deal in making the justice system work. Skip jury duty without a … Read more
Breaking a lease is nerve-wracking, especially if you’re worried about your landlord coming after you in court. The main thing is to actually read your lease agreement and stick to the steps it lays out for ending things early. It’s not glamorous, but it really does save you from headaches and possible lawsuits. Sometimes, there’s … Read more
You can sue for emotional distress in some situations, especially when someone’s actions are intentional or reckless. The law lets you seek damages when emotional harm is real and caused by another person’s wrongful behavior—even if you weren’t physically injured. This opens the door to holding people responsible for harm that isn’t just physical. Whether … Read more
Recording someone without their consent can get complicated, and it really depends on where you are. In places like California, everyone in the conversation has to agree before you hit record. That’s meant to protect people’s privacy and prevent sneaky recordings. If you’re out in public, though, where nobody really expects privacy, you might be … Read more
A landlord can’t just evict you out of the blue without giving you notice. The law says they have to follow certain steps before you’re out the door. You should get a formal notice that explains why you have to leave and how much time you’ve got to respond. Even after you get a notice, … Read more