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Maryland Consumer Law Questions & Answers
3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy and Consumer Law for Maryland on
Q: I have $45000 in debt, a "debt resolution" lawyer is telling me to enroll on their program. Their fee is $500 per month

I have $45000 in debt, a "debt resolution" lawyer is telling me to enroll on their program. Their fee is $500 per month for 36 months for a total of $18000. He said once the program is completed Ill be debt free. Im very skeptical of how would I be debt free if I am only paying their... View More

Cristina M. Lipan
Cristina M. Lipan
answered on Oct 20, 2022

Once you accumulate a certain amount of money, they will negotiate with your creditors to accept that amount in full resolution of the debt. However, in the meantime, you will be in arrears (not paying), which will affect your credit. Obviously, the debt resolution company keeps a portion of that... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy and Consumer Law for Maryland on
Q: I have $45000 in debt, a "debt resolution" lawyer is telling me to enroll on their program. Their fee is $500 per month

I have $45000 in debt, a "debt resolution" lawyer is telling me to enroll on their program. Their fee is $500 per month for 36 months for a total of $18000. He said once the program is completed Ill be debt free. Im very skeptical of how would I be debt free if I am only paying their... View More

Todd Alan Morth
Todd Alan Morth
answered on Oct 21, 2022

You are right to be skeptical. There is no certainty that your creditors will agree to settle your debts. A 'good settlement' now is typically 50 cents on the dollar, with many creditors requiring an even higher amount. You are only paying enough money to offer your creditors 40 cents... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Products Liability for Maryland on
Q: I ordered food from Uber eats I got a call about a half hour later from the driver saying they just let her know that t

They were outta buns so naturally I cancelled the order yet I was charged a fee of 28.50 and didn’t get food it’s outta my control I don’t feel we should pay for that

Scott Scherr
Scott Scherr
answered on Dec 25, 2023

Contact Uber Eats and tell them what happened. You should ask for a refund. If they deny the refund, dispute the charge on your credit card.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Business Law and Collections for Maryland on
Q: Is this an FDCPA violation?

A lawyer (debt collector) issued subpoenas to my boyfriend, my bank, and my multi-member LLC's registered agent, all of whom are outside of the state the judgment was recorded in. Is that considered informing third parties? Is it an FDCPA violation worth suing over?

Joel Gary Selik
Joel Gary Selik
answered on Oct 3, 2023

If the judgment was domesticated into the State in which the subpoenas were issued, it is proper.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for Maryland on
Q: What are my rights regarding car repair under warranty? Are no spare parts available or a timeline?

My car has failed and is still under warranty (bought new on January 2021, 32 months now, and has 19,900 miles). The dealership and manufacturer cannot find the spare part, and the car is still with the dealership for a week now. They cannot provide a timeline for this spare part and refuse to... View More

Scott Scherr
Scott Scherr
answered on Aug 10, 2023

A warranty is a contract. You will need to review the terms of the warranty. It will state the manufacturer's obligations to you including whether they have to provide a loaner.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Collections for Maryland on
Q: Can they repo your car off a gated garage with no warning or nothing where u live and pay to park
John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on May 31, 2023

Typically, auto finance companies and banks are required to give the borrower notice that their account is past due before repossessing the car pledged as collateral.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Criminal Law and Business Law for Maryland on
Q: Are children allowed to play behind a bar in Maryland?

I’d like to report this man to the liquor board. Under his watch he’s allowed multiple children including his own to walk freely and play behind the bar at a restaurant.

Maurice Mandel II
Maurice Mandel II
answered on May 28, 2023

I suggest that you report him. Could also be child endangerment, you might want to contact CPS. You need to consult an attorney in your local area that practices this kind of law. Thank you for using Justia Ask a Lawyer.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Real Estate Law, Internet Law and Landlord - Tenant for Maryland on
Q: Can I take legal action against HABC.org (Housing Attorney of Baltimore City) for False Advertisement?

I have two rental properties in Baltimore City that I wanted to lease out in October 22'. I came across an article/press release online advertising a $1,500 incentive for new landlord's who signed up with program with HABC (Housing Authority of Baltimore City). I begin working with the... View More

Maurice Mandel II
Maurice Mandel II
answered on May 28, 2023

Take them to small claims court and good luck. You need to consult an attorney in your local area that practices this kind of law. Thank you for using Justia Ask a Lawyer.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Lemon Law for Maryland on
Q: Is it illegal for a private party to lie and sell a car that the air bags are not in the car when he said they are?
Scott Scherr
Scott Scherr
answered on May 25, 2023

You could sue for fraud if he told you that there were airbags in the car and there were not.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Small Claims and Bankruptcy for Maryland on
Q: How can I stop a garnishment (auto loan) that is causing me a hardship and the court is 3 hours away from me.

I've requested contact from the court nothing, explained the distance issue and that I brought the vehicle 20min from my home. What can I do?

Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
answered on Mar 27, 2023

File a challenge to the barn. Hire a lawyer in that town to handle for you. File bankruptcy where you are.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Maryland on
Q: Told at the Bel Air MVA office by mgt. that I had to renew my driver's license with a real ID license. Is this correct

I was told that I have no choice but to obtain a real ID license.

When I asked what legal authority mandates that I get a Real ID license, the manager browsed his computer for approximately ten minutes, then said he would issue me a 45 day temporary license to think about it.

He... View More

Scott Scherr
Scott Scherr
answered on Oct 17, 2022

It is a requirement under federal law:

https://mva.maryland.gov/Pages/realid.aspx

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts and Collections for Maryland on
Q: If a case has been dismissed voluntarily without judgement, how long does the plaintiff have to retry the case in MD?

The case is for credit card debt. Are there any typical reasons they would voluntarily dismiss the case without judgement?

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Sep 20, 2022

If the dismissal is "without prejudice" then they can re-file suit so long as they do so within the original statute of limitations, which is 3 years in Maryland for typical credit card debt. The 3 years begins to run from the date the last payment under the credit card agreement became... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for Maryland on
Q: What recourse do I have….. I purchased a used Nissan Rogue with warranty. The radiator fan needs to be replaced….

Nissan said that part won’t be available for 6 mos. To a year. I am a college student & need a car & can’t afford to lease one , yet still have to make payments on a car I can’t drive

Scott Scherr
Scott Scherr
answered on Aug 11, 2022

You would need to review the terms and conditions of your warranty. It will spell out your rights. You can also ask Nissan or the dealership to give you a loaner vehicle until your car can be repaired.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts and Real Estate Law for Maryland on
Q: Can I hold our lender liable due to their negligence which caused us to lose earnest money deposit and other fees?

We were under contract to purchase our first home. The lender asked for a second extension on the closing date. The Seller was not happy but agreed under the terms that we would forfeit our earnest money deposit if closing did not happen. Our lender assured all parties involved that he only... View More

Thomas C. Valkenet
Thomas C. Valkenet
answered on Jul 11, 2022

Not likely. In Maryland there is a reported case called "Jacques," (my spelling may be off) which describes the standard of care owed by a lender to its prospective borrower. Whomever you consult should pull this line of cases for discussion.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Products Liability and Small Claims for Maryland on
Q: Trying to buy a Service Vehicle: Car got loaned out while I am waiting to finish the purchase. What do I do??

Trying to buy a Service Vehicle: Car got loaned out while I am waiting to finish the purchase.

I went to buy a service vehicle from Annapolis Hyundai. I liked the car decided to continue with the purchase. I signed a printed paper with the cars VIN, price, and other details. No sentences... View More

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Jun 15, 2022

Express your dissatisfaction to the sales manager; ask for a discount for the extra miles and wear and tear on the car; or cancel the purchase if whatever you signed allows you to cancel (it is unclear whether you signed a binding contract to purchase or not). Maybe ask to purchase a different car... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law and Real Estate Law for Maryland on
Q: I lent a sculpture to a friend about ten years ago and it was on her front lawn all that time. She recently sold the

house and left the sculpture for the new owner. Do I have the right to reclaim my sculpture? I live in Montgomery County MD and that is where the sculpture is too.

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Apr 6, 2022

Can you prove it was a loan and not a gift? Is there a claim that you gave up ownership through abandonment of it? Your friend who sold the house in all likelihood did not inform the buyers that the sculpture was not part of the sale and did not convey--in fact, your friend may even have... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Real Estate Law, Civil Litigation and Legal Malpractice for Maryland on
Q: I'm a realtor in MD and a client posted a defamatory google review...can I sue for non-economic damages?
Thomas C. Valkenet
Thomas C. Valkenet
answered on Mar 28, 2022

I am also a MD broker, and we have had this question from many of our clients, over time. The answer is entirely dependent on what the review says, and the circumstance. But it is extremely unlikely that you would ever recover non-economic damages. Have you exhausted your remedies with Google? Have... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law and Collections for Maryland on
Q: Midland funding filed a suit in 2019 and the summons was just issued. I am just now being served a summons.

My dad was given a summons for me today for a debt that is now past Maryland’s 3 year statue of limitations on credit debt collection. However even though the summons was just issued on March 8th, 2022 it states that they filed in July 2019. How am I just being served and is this legal? Does the... View More

Scott Scherr
Scott Scherr
answered on Mar 19, 2022

The statute of limitations is satisfied once the lawsuit is filed. So long as the lawsuit was filed within three years, the statute of limitations was satisfied. In addition, some contracts are under seal in which case the statute of limitations is 12 years.

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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for Maryland on
Q: I'm was only nervous because they have the last 4 of my social security number and told me that I have 2 civil suits

pending against me. If I ask them for proof and they don't give it to me should I just block the number?

Scott Scherr
Scott Scherr
answered on Mar 15, 2022

If you are being sued in Maryland, you can look up your cases on Maryland Judiciary Case Search. All civil lawsuits in state court should appear.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for Maryland on
Q: Hello I'm reaching out to find out if I am being scammed

I received a call from two different companies about a debt that is not mine. How can I find out if I'm dealing with identity theft or a scam?

Scott Scherr
Scott Scherr
answered on Mar 15, 2022

It very well could be a scam. Do not provide any personal information. Tell them to send proof of the debt by regular mail.

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