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Read 38 public legal questions from California consumers, with answers from bar-verified California attorneys. Filter by practice area, search by keyword, or post your own situation — anonymously, free of charge.
38 questions · California
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Can A Real Estate Agent In California Hold My Deposit?
I’m purchasing my first home in San Diego, CA. My agent mentioned that they would hold my earnest money deposit of $5,000 until closing. I'm unsure if this is standard practice or if I should be concerned about this arrangement. Is it legal for the agent to ho
Asked by Alex ClientRead the answerWhat Are The Steps To Obtain A Work Permit In California?
I recently moved to Los Angeles, California, from Mexico on a student visa. Now, I’d like to know how I can apply for a work permit. What documents do I need, and how long will it take to get approved? Can I work while my application is being processed?
Asked by Alex ClientRead the answerWhat should I do after a car accident in Los Angeles?
Last week, I got into a car accident in Los Angeles when another driver ran a red light and hit my vehicle. I have medical bills and car repair costs totaling over $3,000. I’ve been in touch with my insurance, but they’ve been unhelpful. What steps should I ta
Asked by Alex ClientRead the answerWhat Are The Steps To Dissolve My Corporation In California?
My partnership decided to dissolve our corporation in California due to lack of business. We filed all taxes but didn't know about the formal steps to dissolve it legally. We still have some outstanding contracts and assets. What documents do I need to file an
Asked by Alex ClientRead the answerWhat can I do if a company won't honor its warranty in California?
I bought a new refrigerator from a store in Los Angeles, California, which came with a two-year warranty. When it broke down after just six months, the company refused to fix it, claiming I misused it. I've even documented my usage. What steps can I take to ma
Asked by Alex ClientRead the answerHow Can I Get An Apostille For My Birth Certificate In California?
I need to get an apostille for my birth certificate to use in Italy for a job offer. I live in San Diego, California, and I'm not sure how to go about this or what fees are involved. Can anyone share their experience or provide a step-by-step guide?
Asked by Alex ClientRead the answerWhat should I do if my employer fired me over social media posts in California?
I was recently terminated from my job at a marketing firm in Los Angeles for posting about my political views on my personal Facebook page. I feel like this was unfair and possibly illegal. I did not violate any company policies, and I’m wondering if I have a
Asked by Alex ClientRead the answerWhat To Do If My California Landlord Won't Return My Security Deposit?
I lived in an apartment in Los Angeles, CA, from January to July 2023, and I expected to get my $1,200 security deposit back. My landlord is now saying they need to take out cleaning fees, but I left the place in good condition. Is there a time limit for retur
Asked by Alex ClientRead the answerCan I Mediate A Child Custody Dispute In California If We Agree?
I live in Los Angeles, CA, and my ex-partner and I have agreed to some terms regarding child custody after our separation in June 2023. We think mediation could help finalize our arrangements without going to court. However, I'm unsure how to initiate this pro
Asked by Alex ClientRead the answerWhat are the steps to appeal a DUI conviction in California?
I was convicted of a DUI in Los Angeles last month, and I really believe the breathalyzer results were inaccurate. I have some new evidence that could potentially exonerate me. I want to know the steps I need to take to file an appeal in California. What docum
Asked by Alex ClientRead the answerIs there a way to settle tax debt for less in California?
I'm currently in debt to the IRS for about $25,000 from previous years, and I live in Los Angeles. I heard that there might be options to settle for less if I can't pay the full amount. Can anyone guide me on how to negotiate this with the IRS?
Asked by Alex ClientRead the answerWhat Happens To My House When I File Bankruptcy In California?
I live in Los Angeles, California, and I'm about to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. My home is currently worth around $600,000, but I owe $400,000 on the mortgage. I’m worried about losing my house during this process. Will I be able to keep it?
Asked by Alex ClientRead the answerWhat are my rights under the CCPA in California?
As a resident of San Francisco, California, I’m concerned about how companies collect and use my personal data, especially after hearing about the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). I want to know what rights I have regarding my information and how to exe
Asked by Alex ClientRead the answerWhat can I do if a police officer used excessive force in California?
In Los Angeles, CA, I was recently arrested, and the police officer used excessive force during the encounter. I have visible bruises and witnesses who saw everything. I believe my civil rights were violated. Can I file a complaint or a civil lawsuit against t
Asked by Alex ClientRead the answerCan I Sue For Emotional Distress After Being Harassed At Work In California?
I’ve been experiencing severe harassment from my supervisor over the past six months at my job in Los Angeles. It’s affecting my mental health, and I finally decided to quit. I want to know my options. Can I sue for emotional distress due to workplace harassme
Asked by Alex ClientRead the answerWhat Should I Do After A Boat Collision In California?
I was involved in a boat collision in San Diego Bay last month, and the other vessel was at fault. My boat sustained significant damage, and I received minor injuries. I filed a police report, but I’m unsure how to proceed with a claim against the other party.
Asked by Alex ClientRead the answerHow To Report Illegal Dumping In California?
Living in Los Angeles, CA, I’ve seen a lot of illegal dumping happening behind my apartment complex. I want to report it, but I’m unsure if I can do it anonymously or what the process is. What steps should I take to ensure it gets reported properly?
Asked by Alex ClientRead the answerWhat Are My Rights If Gas Prices Are Misrepresented In California?
I recently bought gas in Los Angeles, California, and the price at the pump was significantly higher than advertised. I feel like I've been misled, and I'm considering taking action. What legal rights do I have if a gas station misrepresents prices?
Asked by Alex ClientRead the answerWhat are my rights during a military deployment in California?
I'm currently serving in the Navy and got deployed to San Diego. I recently learned that my landlord is trying to evict me while I’m away. I heard there are laws protecting service members during deployment. What are my rights, and how can I protect my rental
Asked by Alex ClientRead the answerIs There A Way To Challenge A Pesticide Ban In California?
In California, my farm relies heavily on a specific pesticide that the state just banned. This is going to severely impact my crops and income. I’ve heard there might be ways to challenge this decision. What legal avenues do I have to contest this pesticide ba
Asked by Alex ClientRead the answer