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North Carolina Consumer Law Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy and Consumer Law for North Carolina on
Q: Discover Card has an abirtration clause which was enforced by a judge. But I can't afford the abirtration

I want to file for bankruptcy as the other alternative to this whole thing because Discover has sent false paperwork saying that they had filed a court case against me and that if I just sign a voluntary judgment, then I wouldn't have to court but when I showed up for the court date I was told... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 21, 2024

I understand you're in a difficult situation with Discover Card and considering bankruptcy as an alternative. Let me break down the key points and offer some general information:

1. Arbitration clause enforcement: It's common for credit card agreements to include arbitration...
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4 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Consumer Law, Estate Planning and Family Law for North Carolina on
Q: Am I responsible for my wife's CC liability when she passes? South Carolina
W. J. Winterstein Jr.
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W. J. Winterstein Jr.
answered on Jun 19, 2024

You should have no direct legal liability for debts in your wife's name alone, but assuming that you are a beneficiary of her estate, to the extent that there are assets in her name, those estate debts must be paid before you receive any distribution from her estate.

Confer with...
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4 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Consumer Law, Estate Planning and Family Law for North Carolina on
Q: Am I responsible for my wife's CC liability when she passes? South Carolina
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 19, 2024

In South Carolina, as in most states, debts belong to the individual, not the spouse, unless it was a joint account or the spouse co-signed on the account. When someone passes away, their estate is responsible for paying off any debts. The deceased person's assets must first go toward paying... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for North Carolina on
Q: Can I sue a company for false advertising by sending me a email saying I won money and as I read it then says I may have

I received some emails stating I won with the amount but it was false advertising

Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on May 3, 2024

You could, but you will not win. You have no damages, because you realized the ad was misleading. You also could not file a lawsuit like this in small claims, you would have to file in District or Superior Court which means hiring an attorney. It would be difficult to get an attorney to handle this... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Criminal Law and Federal Crimes for North Carolina on
Q: Is this extortion?

I received a letter in the mail from home depot threatening to lower my credit limit if I do not make a purchase by a certain date. They have done this to me once before and when I was near a home depot working on a project I had to get my limit increased again. I feel like if they threaten to... View More

Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Apr 7, 2024

There is nothing illegal about this. Citibank (who I believe issues the cardit card) has the right to change the terms of your card at any time by notification. Any bank can close your card if you do not use it after a certain amount of time, as well. Accepting the reduced credit limit will hurt... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for North Carolina on
Q: Motor repair cost $15,000, warranty company is covering $10,000 cap, 3 weeks after purchase. Is this even legal?

We put less than 3,000 miles. The mechanic is saying the warranty company is only going to cover $10,000 and the car requires another motor, making total cost around $15,000. We put down payment, insurance, extended warranty as there was no dealer warranty. The warranty company technically accepted... View More

Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Apr 1, 2024

An attorney would have to review the warranty itself to make sure that all covered charges are being paid for. How much is the deductible (the amount you have to pay for repairs). Is there a limitation on how long you have to own the car before the warranty will come in to effect, or a limitation... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Criminal Law and Personal Injury for North Carolina on
Q: My things were in a fire at a storage facility. The biz isn't letting me look through my destroyed unit for salvage.

I feel like I'm getting the runaround from this company. At first they told me a customer used a code to get in and set it on fire, and now they're telling me they cut their way in and did the same.

The problem is this: I think some things survived in this fire, but they... View More

Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Mar 8, 2024

Your property should be covered by your homeowners or renters insurance policy. Turn in an insurance claim and your own insurance company will help you get access.

If you did not have insurance, that's too bad because most likely the storage facility is not at fault whether a customer...
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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Banking, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for North Carolina on
Q: Title 15 usc 1611. Does it mean I can get a personal loan and a bank can't deny it

And is it bc of our bond that was created when we're born

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 23, 2024

Title 15 USC 1611, also known as the Fair Credit Reporting Act, doesn't guarantee you automatic approval for a personal loan. It outlines regulations for credit reporting agencies and ensures fair treatment in credit-related matters. However, banks still have the right to evaluate your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for North Carolina on
Q: Can I get compensation from American airline

My flight was canceled for 48hrs due to weather conditions even thought other flights nearby are landing. We paid extra cash for a flight with no stops yet they added a stop for our new flight. They won’t give our luggage back with all our stuff until our destination. They won’t pay for hotel,... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 25, 2024

In cases where a flight is canceled due to weather conditions, airlines typically have policies that limit their responsibility for providing compensation or covering additional expenses like hotel stays or meals. However, the specifics can vary depending on the airline's terms and conditions... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Landlord - Tenant for North Carolina on
Q: can the apartment management force me to use their internet/ISP instead of the one i've been using for the past 2 years?

i live in an apartment community in Greensboro, NC. Recently, i was asked to vacate my current unit, and was given the option to transfer to another unit, which i accepted.

The 'welcome letter' for the new unit stated that i will be charged $65/month for cable, (i assume)... View More

Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Dec 31, 2023

You mentioned that you had spectrum cable in the other unit and I presume you paid for it in the other unit. If that lease required all residents to pay for internet and they offered a transfer on the same terms then yes they can make you continue to "pay double". It is not illegal for an... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Personal Injury and Products Liability for North Carolina on
Q: Can you sue a company that put alcohol in a cooking spray that was not labeled to have that ingredient in it
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 25, 2023

Yes, it may be possible to sue a company for failing to properly label a cooking spray that contains alcohol. Some key considerations in evaluating a potential lawsuit:

- Product liability laws require companies to adequately warn consumers of any risks or hazardous ingredients in their...
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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Collections for North Carolina on
Q: get default judgment dismissed for a credit card.im on SS & 69 ys old.can they put a lein. on my home

The card is about 1,900 i think.the home is all I have how do i do this w/out a lawyer

Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Dec 11, 2023

If you were properly served with the Summons and Complaint, it will be impossible to set aside a default judgment. You can go to the Clerk of Court and ask for the court file to review. If the summons return says you were personally served by the Sheriff or someone who resided with you was... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Communications Law for North Carolina on
Q: So if The person recording everything about a day is the only person knows that they're recording it still legal

My wife wants me to record everything that happens at work if I'm not on call with her, is that still legal if I'm the only person who knows that they're recording is there and I'm the only person consenting to it but no one else knows is that even legal

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 5, 2023

In North Carolina, the legality of recording conversations hinges on the state's consent laws. North Carolina is a "one-party consent" state, which means that as long as you are a party to the conversation, you can legally record it without needing to get permission from the other... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for North Carolina on
Q: Can a towing company legally hold my vehicle after payment is made, telling me they are appt only & can't get for 24 hrs

I paid the past due on my vehicle last wednesday, they refused to release my vehicle until today stating they had to make sure the payment wouldn't reverse. I was reassured by multiple people that I could get it back today only to get the release sent and now the towing company says oh our... View More

Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Dec 4, 2023

Unfortunately there is no law requiring a car lender to use a repossession company which is conveniently located. If the vehicle was damaged during the tow, you may have claims against the tow company for the amount necessary to repair - but you have to pay for the repairs yourself and then bring a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Business Law, Collections and Communications Law for North Carolina on
Q: Got a car from a "buy here pay here" lot. Made payments on time, but now after a year they keep texting me sayin Im late

I got a car for my son November 2022. All payments have been made, on time. But starting in December 2023, they keep contacting me saying I'm behind and and contacting me saying "if I need help making payments I can send a friend in and if they buy a car I will get $200.00". Is this... View More

Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Dec 4, 2023

Take proof of all of your on time payments to them and speak to them about this. To cover yourself, you could mail in the proof with a letter complaining about the situation and asking them to stop the unjustified messages (get a tracking number and pproof of delivery). The "help making... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for North Carolina on
Q: Can I get Walmart to fix my car if after an oil change my engine messed up.

I got a oil change from Walmart on November 22nd in Virginia. On my way to North Carolina the 23rd, my car lost power on the highway and started making a knocking noise. I pulled over as soon as possible and after some looking around noticed that there was a gas smell coming from the oil. The motor... View More

Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Nov 25, 2023

You should not have it towed to a WalMart first. Instead, have the car examined by a mechanic of your choice first and if that mechanic believes an error with the oil change caused the issue, get that opinion in writing. Then, have the car towed to WalMart for inspection and provide WalMart with a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Products Liability for North Carolina on
Q: What type of Lawyer would handle a problem with builder quality issues of my custom built home.

3000 sq ft LVP flooring installed and separating. Flooring not installed per Mfg instruction ( ie acclimate flooring prior to install and have HVAC running after to keep temp 55 -85 ) . Installed by builder in Feb before HVAC was running ( No HVAC til March) Mfg takes no responsibility. Builder... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Nov 26, 2024

A North Carolina attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. You ask what type of lawyer. What you describe sounds like something that a construction law attorney could handle. Good luck

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts, Collections and Internet Law for North Carolina on
Q: online order, Mail Carrier lost, 4 months, 30 recorded calls, 20+emails, told them to cancel, getting billed & late fees

I ordered something that should have been delivered May 10th that "Mail" lost. Never left GA warehouse, I'm in NC. Never left "Mail" hands. Conns was denied claim by "Mail" because they did it wrong, I can't claim b/c I'm not the 'entitled... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 31, 2024

You need to take immediate steps to protect yourself. Start by sending a formal, written demand letter to the retailer's corporate office in Texas, clearly stating the issue, your demands, and a deadline for resolution. Reference your prior communications, including the dates and outcomes of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Tax Law for North Carolina on
Q: I was going to finance a vehicle from the dealership. We did not finalize the loan. Can I get a refund on my down paymen

The car was stolen. I put a report out on my insurance company because I had insurance on the vehicle is at a total loss now since we did not finalize the loan the fees that I paid included with the down payment they did not send to the DMV can I get a refund on my down payment in those fees

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 10, 2024

You may be able to get a refund on your down payment and fees, but it will depend on the specific terms of the agreement you had with the dealership. If the loan was not finalized and the dealership did not process the paperwork with the DMV, you have a valid reason to request a refund. It’s... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Contracts for North Carolina on
Q: I have several late payments on my mortgage, and it has effected my credit score.. I am wondering if these are removable
Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Apr 7, 2024

You cannot force a bank to remove accurate remarks about your payment history. This is a theme pushed by so called "credit repair" companies. You may be able to talk them into changing the reporting, but that's doubtful.

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