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Questions Answered by Lynn Ellen Coleman
2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for North Carolina on
Q: If I am looking to file bankruptcy and I have military disability, and I was getting pay from voc rehab but not anymore

I do not receive the pay anymore just while I was in school. I completed my degree last month.

Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on May 14, 2023

I'm not sure what your question is exactly, but VA disability pay does not count towards the "means test".Congress passed the "Haven Act" a few years ago. I hope this answered your question.

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1 Answer | Asked in Foreclosure for North Carolina on
Q: My 92 year old grandfathers home has been put up for auction due to foreclosure. Can we still prevent this?

My father is POA for my grandfather and has not been keeping up with the mortgage payments. He claims he has been trying to make arrangements with the bank to reinstate the loan but is saying they won’t speak to him even though he has power of attorney. He submitted a letter to the bank stating... View More

Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Apr 21, 2023

Your grandfather will need to file a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy ON OR BEFORE THE MAY 1 or else the house will be sold (unless there is an upset bid). This late in the process, that is the ONLY way. SEE A BANKRUPTCY ATTORNEY ASAP - AS IN NOW!

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for North Carolina on
Q: There's a longer story, but my basic question is how long can a trash service leave their trash can in my yard?

I did not have an account with this company. The previous resident did, it was canceled over a year ago. I have tried putting the container at the road to get it picked up twice before. They have tried to start billing for service that isn't used. They said in an email that they would be... View More

Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Jan 30, 2023

I'm sorry, but more facts are needed. Did you contract with this company, you terminated servicees and they have not picked the container back up? There is no "law" or "rule" addressing this as requiring any specific number of days or weeks. You would need to look at the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for North Carolina on
Q: Statue of limitations for larceny of theft in NC

I’ve read online from some employees of large corporations like Walmart and Target that these companies have a tendency to avoid prosecuting thieves until they have accumulated enough stolen property to constitute a felony. This begs the question of statute of limitations from misdemeanor to... View More

Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Jan 24, 2023

This is a criminal law question, not a consumer law question. As far as a civil lawsuit, the statute of limitation for money owed is 3 years not matter what the amount, and it starts fresh with each incident. Please repost this under Criminal Defense.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Real Estate Law, Business Law and Civil Litigation for North Carolina on
Q: Plumbing/water damage purposely hidden behind a piece of furniture wedged into closet by sellers, missed by inspector, i

Closed July 2021.

Sellers hid major damage, real estate agent was a young kid, making millions in a crazy market and largely uninterested n unresponsive to us small potatoes. He recommended we go with his inspector friend. We trusted all parties at the time. We discovered immediately... View More

Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Sep 29, 2022

Attorneys are not allowed to say "I'll take your case" on this forum. It's not allowed. Start with local attorneys and gradually move further away. I must warn you that you have a duty to mitigate your damages. You have to pay for the repairs yourself, and then sue to get... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy and Family Law for North Carolina on
Q: If I am ordered responsible for 50% of marital debt during a divorce, can I file bankruptcy if debt not in my name?

All debt in my wife’s name and we are divorcing. If I am responsible for 50% of marital debt and she is filing bankruptcy, how do I file for my half of the debt if it’s not in my name?

Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Sep 19, 2022

Your bankruptcy attorney needs to review the court Order and any related property settlement agreement to be certain. However, if this was simply a division of property and not an alimony or "support" order, it would be dischargeable in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy bit not in a CHapter 7... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy and Collections for North Carolina on
Q: I executed a new deed adding my wife in NC last year creating TBE. She is now being sued by Discover. Is the house safe?

The debt is only in her name.

Also,, She gets a paper check and has no bank account. I cash the check for her through my bank. We have very little equity in a jointly owned car. My major concern is the house but I think she is practically, "judgement proof."am I wrong? Thanks

Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Sep 16, 2022

You are correct, however, if Discover gets a judgment against her and she does not pay off or resolve the judgment before you die, the judgment automatically becomes a lien on the house. Judgments are enforceable for 10 years, and are easily renewed for a second 10 year period. Your wife needs to... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for North Carolina on
Q: I was approved for a 5000 loan but I was asked to make 3 upfront payments. Is this a scam or a collateral loan
Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Sep 14, 2022

It sounds like a scam. A typical loan requires NO "up front" payments. Do NOT send any money without receiving, reviewing and signing a complete promissory note or loan agreement that describes how much the payments are, the interest rate, and the total amount to be paid back. This is... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Collections and Bankruptcy for North Carolina on
Q: Is an HSA exempt from collections in NC?
Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Sep 12, 2022

There is no specific exemption for a health savings account under Federal or State law. North Carolina residents must use the $5,000.00 "wild card" exemption to cover HSA balances - assuming that the "wild card" is available. If a debtor uses up their $35,000.00 residential... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Estate Planning and Probate for North Carolina on
Q: Need to cash a check that has my deceased husband and me on it. Bank won’t accept because it is more then$10,000.

The settlement came in my name but went through bankruptcy court to pay both our debts. The rest comes to me. But has both our names on it. Husband had no assets of value. Never opened probate estate I just pay his bills as they came in. Now what do I do

Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Sep 12, 2022

I agree with the other answer but you may also have to open an estate and be appointed as the administrator in order to negotiate the check due to ita large size. The Trustee may refuse to issue it in your name only because theoretically, your husband could have other heirs besides you.

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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Civil Litigation and Small Claims for North Carolina on
Q: Does a vehicle repair shop incur liability if my vehicle is damaged while on the business's property awaiting service?

My RV's catalytic converter was stolen overnight while the RV was parked on the repair shop's property-- which has no fencing or lighting--while awaiting various repairs. The shop replaced the converter and billed me for ALL parts and labor. My auto insurance reimbursed me for the costs... View More

Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Sep 3, 2022

You would have to prove that the shop knew there was a security problem there. As in, it's happened before there very often, but they failed to warn you or take steps to increase security. If no police reports are filed, that would be very difficult to prove. You may be able to search police... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Criminal Law and Collections for North Carolina on
Q: I am a contractor in Hickory/Lenoir area who was on last day completing 2nd remodeling project for homeowner.

On final day they assaulted us verbally and threatened myself, due to repeated material delays and damaged product and illness late winter. We called 911 and 2 Deputies arrived. We removed tools/equipment from that job, leaving only couple last items on job for homeowner to install themselves. Our... View More

Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Aug 26, 2022

If you received a criminal summons, hire a criminal defense attorney ASAP. Your business lawyer should be able to refer you to one in your area. Its a he said she said situation, and if this person who never shows up doesn't show up at the hearing, the criminal attorney should be able to get... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Civil Litigation and Construction Law for North Carolina on
Q: What kind of lawyer can help if a contractor attempts to sue me to get additional payment for work not requested?

A contractor charged an additional $8000 to replace his mistake. I believe such a miscommunication is not my fault, but would be willing to agree to a compromise at 1/2, but not pay the entirety since he did such a poor job with replacement. Its going to cost me an additional $8k to fix his poor... View More

Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Aug 23, 2022

You need an experienced civil litigation and construction attorney. Some debt collection defense attorneys have experience defending these kind of lawsuits. If the contractor placed a lien on your property and is seeking to enforce that lien and sell your property, you need someone familiar with... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Lemon Law for North Carolina on
Q: Does the Lemon law protect used vehicles purchased under Warranty?

7/15/ 21Purchased 2018 Yukon denali XL from a GM dealership for $67,573 & 34,921 miles

6/08 Vehicle started shaking while idle. I received a low oil alert on my phone. Checked oil & it was 75% full.

6/13 Took vehicle to mechanic to have the idle issue looked into. While... View More

Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Aug 23, 2022

The Lemon Law only applies to new vehicles. However, you may have claims against the dealer or manufacturer because of the warranty issues. The Magnuson-Moss Act may apply. If you also purchased a service contract, additional claims may apply. You need to take all of the purchase and warranty... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for North Carolina on
Q: Can I make Walmart pay for the repairs to my car?

On 07/06/22 my check engine light came on on the way to work. After work I went AutoZone to get the code read it said it was an evap leak I then went to Walmart for an oil change after the oil change my cars oil pressure was low they told me it was because they didn’t reset the oil change... View More

Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Jul 28, 2022

You can try, but it is very unlikely Walmart will agree to pay the cost soon enough to get your car repaired - even if they agree. You will have to pay for the repairs yourself and then seek reimburement from them. The reason is because it is not crystal clear that WalMart is responsible. Your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for North Carolina on
Q: How far are towing companies allowed to have your car towed and impounded from the destination it was towed from?
Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Jul 17, 2022

It varies by city and county in North Carolina. Some cities and counties prohibit towing further than 15-25 miles.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for North Carolina on
Q: My car is collateral for a loan I have with one main financial company. Can I voluntarily surrender the car?

Lynn Ellen Coleman has already answered this question for me. Thank you, Lynn. My question now is what are the non bankuptcy options with this?

Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Jun 21, 2022

Unfortunately, it is impossible to answer this question in a public forum like this because a detailed analysis of your financial situation - income, expenses, assets, and debts - will be required. You do not want to expose that kind of personal information on a public forum. I can say in very... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Bankruptcy for North Carolina on
Q: My car is collateral for a loan I have with one main financial company. Can I voluntarily surrender the car?
Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Jun 20, 2022

This will have a negative effect on your credit. You can try to voluntarily surrender the car. OneMain is NOT required to take the car in satisfaction of the loan. They can refuse to come pick up the car or take the car. They also don't have to release the lien on the title if they refuse to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Collections and Landlord - Tenant for North Carolina on
Q: Can I remove a debt collection charge if I can provide proof that I am not responsible for the debt?

I found about $35 non-compliance fee per month charge for not providing a current renters insurance policy to my landlord. They charged me $70 for 2 months despite me having insurance. I discovered that they have a copy of my current policy and so far I only received $35, but will potentially... View More

Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Jun 15, 2022

You are asking a hypothetical question. Typically a property management company would not submit this kind of thing to a credit bureau until after you move out because they would simply take the fee out of your security deposit.

Assuming that the landlord reports a debt of $35 plus late fee...
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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Civil Rights for North Carolina on
Q: Can I sue vivint for soliciting? I have a sign on my front door
Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Jun 14, 2022

How were you damaged by the solicitation? Were you only inconvenienced, or did you suffer severe mental or physical pain and anguish? Unless you were severely affected, it isn't worth suing. You can't sue an out of state company in small claims court, you would have to sue in District... View More

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