Legal Guides & Answers

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

Flat vector illustration of one person handing a thick folder to a second person in front of a small courthouse, with a bar floating between them, labeled YOUR FILE, NEW LAWYER, FEE CLAIMS VARY and STATE RULES.

How to Fire Your Lawyer: Fees, File Rights, and Switching Counsel

You can fire your lawyer almost any time. Here's what you actually owe, whether your old firm can keep your file, and how to switch without losing ground.

September 8, 2026 · 13 min read

Flat vector illustration of a seated woman at a desk holding a magnifier over an attorney record card on a large screen labeled LICENSE CHECK. A teal check mark badge and a shield labeled GOOD STANDING sit at the top right, with stacked folders and a pin marker labeled STATE BAR to the side.

How to Check If a Lawyer Is Licensed (and What the Record Won't Tell You)

Check a lawyer's official state record, read license status and discipline history, and learn when direct verification or a paid national search may be needed.

September 4, 2026 · 19 min read

Flat vector illustration of a woman holding an open envelope, facing a tall calendar block whose empty grid holds three differently shaped pins, with a blank wall clock above it, labeled DAY ONE, DEADLINES and 300 DAYS.

How Long Do You Have to Sue Your Employer? Deadlines After You Are Fired

A firing can trigger several legal clocks, while others start with a signature or notice: 7 days, 30 days, 180 or 300, then 90. See which applies.

September 1, 2026 · 15 min read

Flat vector illustration of a calm woman holding an unmarked letter under a sign reading BEFORE YOU PAY. To her right, a low green service counter labeled CREDENTIAL CHECK and FREE IRS ROUTE carries a small shield, and a taller red sales kiosk labeled TAX RELIEF is topped by a megaphone with a blank price tag hanging from it.

Are Tax Relief Companies Legit? What the IRS's Own Numbers Show

Some are. See the IRS's own acceptance data, what the free routes really cost, and the 3-minute credential check to run before you pay anyone.

August 28, 2026 · 16 min read

Flat illustration of a woman and a man standing apart on either side of a tall sealed document, with one unbroken band running behind the document and joining them, a closed service counter behind them, and a blank wall calendar hanging beside the woman.

Filing Taxes After Divorce: What Your Decree Can't Do for You

Your divorce decree doesn't bind the IRS. See what the December 31 rule decides, which tax debt survives it, and the Form 8332 mistake courts still make.

August 25, 2026 · 16 min read

Flat vector illustration of a calm man seated at a kitchen table with an open envelope under his hand. A single path rises from the envelope and forks into two lanes: a smooth ribbon ending at a shield and a stepped ribbon ending at a briefcase. A repaired car stands on a driveway in the window behind him.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Minor Car Accident? Run the Numbers First

Most pages answering this are written by injury firms. Here's the arithmetic they skip: the fee, case costs and medical liens that come out first.

August 18, 2026 · 15 min read