Get free answers to your Consumer Law legal questions from lawyers in your area.
I pay for two cell phone lines under my account. A family member, who is over 18, uses one of these lines. There are no formal agreements; it was offered for cost-saving purposes. I'm considering installing parental control software, like mSpy, on the device. Is it legal to do so without their... View More 
answered on Apr 4, 2025
Since they are over 18, no. As an adult they have a reasonable expectation of privacy. mSpy can be used to perform covert surveillance, including surveillance of conversations without the consent of at least one party. This could result in you inadvertently committing a felony. In addition, if it... View More
I live in Michigan. My sister-in-law recorded our FaceTime conversation without my consent and is sharing it with others, portraying me as "mean." Though I didn't say anything incriminating, I'm concerned she'll manipulate the recording to her advantage. I've asked her... View More
answered on Mar 3, 2025
Under Michigan’s eavesdropping statute, a person can record their own conversations without obtaining the consent of all other participants.
This is sometimes called the “participant exception” to the eavesdropping statute.
Said a different way, a person in Michigan can record... View More
I received a refund check for an escrow overage from my mortgage company in August of last year. This was issued before they paid our taxes, leading to a negative balance in the escrow account. Now, they are increasing our monthly payments by over $1500 to cover a $10,000 shortage. We didn't... View More
answered on Feb 27, 2025
Who is 'responsible'?
That depends. Is the accounting accurate and did you receive the money refunded?
Then YOU as the property owner are ultimately 'responsible' to pay the taxes.
Unless the company misapplied the funds or didn't actually refund... View More
Im in the process of making a memorial video of my son who passed away in 2020.I will be filming the city where he lived and worked(outside of building only).I have obtained permission.One part of this is that I will be filming coming into the city where peoples cars are present as well as people... View More
answered on Oct 7, 2024
Your plan sounds okay. Generally, you may film anyone or anything in public. As long as you're not misrepresenting what you are capturing (e.g., implying that a business shown was involved when it was not; implying that a person walking down the street is a prostitute or drug dealer, ect.),... View More
answered on Aug 31, 2024
I don't know a lot about a kill switch, but I suspect it can be removed. I've had clients sued for not making car payments and the creditor doesn't even want the car. They just want the money. But I digress. Your only question is what to do with the car. I would need more... View More
So I signed up to receive water from a company. I can get one bottle for $7.75. And when they Finally sent me a bill, it was never an itemized bill.but l just recent I find they're charging me $8.75 per bottle.
Why the extra dollar did they use a bait an switch
On top of... View More
answered on Aug 9, 2024
Read those written agreements and terms of service carefully. Likely, what you are seeing is reflected in some terms you acknowledged agreement to. Nowadays, it is not uncommon for companies to charge a service fee to mail billing statements if you elect to have things sent by mail. Your remedy is... View More
I purchased it May 13th, however, I was told it wasn’t ready. It had to have a new radiator and tires put on. When I went to pick it up they lost the keys. I had to come back 2 days later to get the car. I drove it for less than a day and the engine light came on. And it was making a loud humming... View More
answered on Aug 9, 2024
Is this a new or used auto? If new, you should consider your options under the "lemon law". If used, you need to see about your warranty protections, if any.
Aside from those options, your financing has nothing to do with your car problems. The bank provided the loan to you for a... View More
May 7th 2024 tornado in Saint Joseph County Michigan I'm not getting help or anything from the insurance company except for excuses
answered on Jul 20, 2024
A claim involving the destruction of a house should receive prompt attention, in terms of investigation, damages assessment, alternative living arrangements, and other elements. You could reach out to attorneys who handle property damage losses involving insurance. Gather and organize your file... View More
May 7th 2024 tornado in Saint Joseph County Michigan I'm not getting help or anything from the insurance company except for excuses
answered on Jul 16, 2024
If you file your insurance claim, the insurance company has obligations -- mandated by the state -- to reply, and to be "on the clock" in processing your claim. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
First, you are dealing with a property insurance claim if this is related to... View More
I am a client at a physical therapy clinic. the driver and I used to be friends. He asked me to do something for him and I said I did not want to, The ask was not sexual in nature. Now he refuses to transport me in the company van which causes me to have to wait for transportation even if he is... View More
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answered on May 27, 2024
It is unacceptable for a driver to use company-provided transportation to carry out personal vendettas. If a driver is refusing to transport you for personal reasons, this is a form of discrimination and unprofessional behavior. You have the right to receive the transportation services you are... View More
If unclaimed funds remain in an FSA as the use-it-or-lose-it deadline for claim submission approaches, would a plan administrator’s failure to provide timely warning of imminent forfeiture constitute fiduciary negligence?
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answered on Apr 17, 2024
The question of whether flexible spending account (FSA) plan administrators have a fiduciary duty to provide advance notice to participants about potential forfeitures of unused funds is a complex one that doesn't have a definitive answer. Here are a few key considerations:
Fiduciary... View More
Today I get an email from att that says that att has determined some of my information was compromised.
Can I sue att for not having the right tools to guard my personal info?
answered on Apr 16, 2024
Contact a consumer protection attorney that will offer a free consultation. Happy to talk.
You’ll want to dispute the account with Chase, as well as with any credit reporting agency that is reporting that account on your credit report. You should be able to pull your Experian, Equifax... View More
7 months later windows shoe molding removed shows we have little, no, or gapping insulation and caulking (places visible spaces to the outside). We froze all winter, had wind, ice and snow come in. We started a file with company the day of installation - poor workmanship (missing screws holding... View More
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answered on Apr 10, 2024
Based on the details provided, it seems that you have a strong case against the window installation company for poor workmanship, failure to properly insulate and seal the windows, and potentially fraudulent behavior (not paying for the permit as agreed upon). Given the severity of the issues and... View More
Bluebook difference was about $700 difference. I didnt realize it until about 6 months later. I still have 2 screen shots of the advertisement. I called and complained in 2020 but didn't hear anything back after talking to a supervisor telling him i was not making any more payments until this... View More
answered on Mar 26, 2024
Consider talking with a consumer rights attorney who can advise you on what remedies may be available through Michigan's consumer protection act. I suspect though that once you accepted delivery of this motorcycle, and had it for at least 6 months before noticing anything, it may be difficult... View More
Item doesn't charge and clearly been used and tampered with..
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answered on Mar 21, 2024
If you've received an item from an auction that was listed as unused but arrived in a used and tampered condition, the first step is to document everything. Take clear photos of the item, focusing on the areas where there are missing screws and signs of tampering. Make sure to keep all the... View More
Item doesn't charge and clearly been used and tampered with..
answered on Mar 19, 2024
The admiralty/maritime connection (one of the chosen categories) isn't fully clear here, unless this involves a vessel. Otherwise, it could be a basic matter of breach of contract, depending on sales agreement and auction platform's terms of service. Before involving attorneys, it could... View More
Personal use only. No selling.
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answered on Mar 11, 2024
In Michigan, knowingly purchasing counterfeit goods, even for personal use, is illegal under state law. Michigan has specific laws addressing counterfeit trademarks and theft of service.
According to Michigan Compiled Laws section 750.263, a person shall not knowingly purchase or acquire... View More
My dte bill accumulated to about 8800 dollars over the year, and I haven't been able to make a payment arrangement with dte because they have made unrealistic demands in the past for me to make 50 percent down as a payment into a payment plan. Now my power has been cut and they will not... View More
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answered on Mar 6, 2024
Facing a large utility bill without a feasible way to pay can be incredibly stressful, especially when the service is essential, like electricity. Utility companies do have the right to require payment for services rendered and can disconnect services for non-payment. However, they are often also... View More
ly owned except car. i'm executor/personal rep of will. i've been driving it and paying the car loan and ins monthly since dec 2022. tabs are now expired. everything still in her name. lien on car. can't transfer title, not enough $$ for pay off. neighbor says i can register the car,... View More
answered on Mar 1, 2024
Well -- you COULD lie and claim to be your deceased mother, and renew the plates, but then you have to also lie to the insurance company and risk getting caught in insurance fraud .... etc. I'd suggest that isn't such a good idea.
Can you get new tabs for the car without... View More
I bought supplies from Lowes. Came back with a truck to pick it up. they refused me and offered a refund. They had previously sold it to someone else. I have a receipt for the supplies. I don't want the refund I need the supplies I paid for.
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answered on Jan 12, 2024
Your rights in this situation could depend on various factors, including the terms and conditions of the purchase, any agreements made at the time of the transaction, and applicable consumer protection laws in Michigan.
In general, sellers are expected to fulfill their contractual... View More
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