Legal Guides & Answers

Flat illustration of a woman leaning on an apartment window sill holding a letter, with dotted lines linking it to three floating bubbles labeled COURT FILE, SCREENING REPORT and CREDIT REPORT. A small clock sits on the rim of each bubble, and the hands on the three clocks point to different positions.

How Long Does an Eviction Stay on Your Record? Three Records, Three Different Clocks

Screening companies can usually report an eviction case for seven years. Your court file and credit report run on different clocks. Here's how each one works.

October 20, 2026 · 15 min read

A large teal envelope labeled SUMMONS lies open with an ochre sheet labeled ANSWER rising out of it, a dotted line arcing across to the drop slot of a dark navy building labeled COURT, and a woman standing to the right holding a pen.

Being Sued for Credit Card Debt? Respond Before the Deadline and Keep Your Case Alive

Not replying is how these cases are lost. Here is how to respond, which law sets the debt's time limit, and when a fee award may help cover a lawyer.

October 16, 2026 · 16 min read

Seen from behind, a woman in a mustard sweater sits at a wide table holding a document labeled DEED with a small green house printed on it, while a blue card labeled MORTGAGE, a red padlock labeled LIEN and a short stack of gold coins sit apart further along the table, separated from the deed by dotted gaps.

What a Quitclaim Deed Really Transfers, and the Tax Risk of Gifting a Home

A quitclaim deed transfers whatever interest you hold, but it doesn't remove the mortgage or liens. If the transfer is a gift, the recipient usually takes your adjusted basis.

October 13, 2026 · 16 min read

A couple stands at the center of a small crowd of neighbors, friends and a clerk at a counter. A speech bubble reads AGREEMENT, a house reads LIVING TOGETHER, and a sign board reads TOLD OTHERS. The illustration shows the three parts of the Texas common law marriage test.

What Is Common Law Marriage? Where It Still Exists, and Why the Seven Year Rule Is a Myth

Only a handful of states still let a common law marriage begin, and years together are not what makes one. Here is the list, the dates, and the real test.

October 9, 2026 · 15 min read

Flat illustration of a seated man holding one long blank receipt ribbon that curves across the frame, stamped with three discs reading SETUP FEE, HOUSE DEED and TRUSTEE COSTS, beside a side table holding a binder labeled LIVING TRUST.

How Much Does a Living Trust Cost? The Signing Fee Is Only the First Bill

A lawyer-drafted trust package runs about $2,700 and online plans start at $399. Compare deed costs now and administration costs after death.

October 6, 2026 · 15 min read

Flat vector illustration of a three-step staircase rising from left to right, with a calm adult figure climbing to the second step, one hand on a handrail, a small flag on each step, a hearing bench at the top under a large check-mark badge, and a closed envelope on the ground at the foot of the stairs, labeled APPEAL LEVELS, 60 DAYS and HEARING.

Social Security Disability Insurance Application Denied? What Each Appeal Level Is Worth

SSDI application denied? You usually get 60 days after receipt. See what Social Security's numbers say about appeal levels, waits and representative fees.

October 2, 2026 · 13 min read

A calm man walks left to right along a single ground line, carrying a plain document sheet labeled LATE RETURN toward a wide, low receiving cabinet with an open slot across its front, marked FILE IT NOW. Above them a long shelf on two posts holds two small markers labeled PENALTY RELIEF.

What Happens If You File Taxes Late? Two Penalties, and the New Rule That Can Zero Them Out

Filing late costs ten times what paying late costs. A new IRS rule may wipe out both penalties if your filing and payment history qualifies.

September 29, 2026 · 15 min read

Flat vector illustration of a woman standing in the center facing forward and holding a blank sworn form labeled AFFIDAVIT. A tall closed courthouse labeled FULL PROBATE stands to her left and a low open service window labeled SMALL ESTATE stands to her right, with stepping stones leading toward the open window and a pale map panel carrying three pin markers behind her.

Small Estate Affidavit Limits by State: Why the Dollar Figure Won't Tell You If You Qualify

Your state's dollar limit is only half the test. See what counts toward it, how long you have to wait, and why California's number changed in 2025.

September 25, 2026 · 19 min read

Flat vector illustration of a woman standing beside a large blank estate document labeled ESTATE PAYS, next to a balance scale weighing a stack of coins against a closed file, with a US map panel labeled STATE RULE connected by dotted lines to three descending step blocks labeled PROBATE FEE.

How Much Does a Probate Lawyer Cost? What the Percentage Actually Means in Your State

Only some states set a probate lawyer's fee by law. See the actual statutes for 7 states, what the percentage really means, and who pays.

September 22, 2026 · 16 min read

Flat illustration of a renter holding a deposit pouch and gesturing toward a large grid panel with one square marked, beside an open and empty mailbox on a short post.

Landlord Won't Return Your Security Deposit? The Penalty Isn't the Same in Every State

Eight states, eight different remedies. See what a landlord may owe after missing the deadline, plus the tenant deadlines that can affect your claim.

September 18, 2026 · 14 min read

Flat illustration of a homeowner holding a document beside a large calendar with one day marked, a raised barrier arm labeled 38+ days standing open in front of a small house, with the labels SALE DATE and APPLICATION WINDOW.

How to Stop a Foreclosure: The Deadlines That Count Backward From Your Sale Date

Your sale date, not the 120-day rule, sets your deadline. See what federal law requires 37, 45 and 90 days before a foreclosure sale, plus six states' rules.

September 15, 2026 · 16 min read

Flat vector illustration of a woman holding a blank clipboard at a courthouse counter labeled APPLY HERE, with a clerk at the service window and a balance scale on the counter. Behind it, an archway labeled COURT APPOINTED on the left and a desk with a briefcase labeled PRIVATE COUNSEL on the right.

Public Defender vs. Private Attorney: What "Free" Actually Costs in Your State

A public defender is a licensed criminal lawyer - but several states can still bill you for the defense. Compare eligibility, real costs and caseloads.

September 11, 2026 · 14 min read