Legal Guides by Practice Area
Clear answers to common legal questions — what to expect, what it costs, the deadlines that matter, and when to talk to a lawyer. Browse by the area of law you need help with.
14 guides in General Practice
How to Get a Lawyer When You Have No Money
Where to get a lawyer when you can't pay one: legal aid and its 2026 income limits, public defenders, volunteer lawyers, free online answers and lawyers paid only if you win.
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What Is Mediation? How It Works and Whether It Beats Going to Court
Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process where a neutral third party helps you settle a dispute without a judge. This guide explains how it works and when it beats litigation.
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Served With Court Papers? Exactly What to Do (and the Deadline You Can't Miss)
Served with court papers? Read the summons for your response deadline, do not ignore it, and respond in writing or hire a lawyer before the clock runs out to avoid a default judgment.
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Complete GuideHow to Check if a Lawyer Is Licensed (and Has No Discipline)
Look a lawyer up for free on the official state record. Lookup links for all 50 states and D.C., where each one shows public discipline, and what the status words mean.
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Power of Attorney Explained: Types, How They Work, and When You Need One
A power of attorney lets you name someone to act for you on financial or medical matters. This plain-English guide explains durable, medical, financial, and springing POAs and when you need each.
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Questions to Ask a Lawyer at Your First Consultation
The questions that tell you whether to hire a lawyer, what good and worrying answers sound like, and when five states require the fee agreement in writing.
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Debt Collectors Won't Stop Calling? Your Rights Under the FDCPA
The federal FDCPA limits how debt collectors can contact you, lets you demand written validation of a debt, and gives you the right to stop the calls in writing.
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How to Choose a Lawyer: What to Check Before You Hire
Compare lawyers on facts you can verify: state specialist certification, malpractice insurance rules in 10 states, average hourly rates and sales tactics the ethics rules ban.
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My Landlord Won't Return My Security Deposit: What Are My Options?
If your landlord won't return your security deposit, you usually have a clear path: confirm your state's return deadline, send a written demand letter, and file in small claims court if needed. Here is how each step works.
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How to File a Small Claims Case Without a Lawyer: Step-by-Step
A plain-English, step-by-step walkthrough of how to file a small claims case yourself, from confirming the right court to serving the defendant and showing up prepared for your hearing.
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Do I Need a Lawyer? A Practical Checklist Before You Decide
A plain-English checklist to help you decide whether your situation calls for a lawyer, when you can handle it yourself, and what affordable middle-ground options exist.
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How to Write a Demand Letter That Gets a Response
A plain-English guide to writing a demand letter that actually gets answered: what to include, what to leave out, how to send it, and what to do if it's ignored.
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Do I Need a Will? Simple Estate Documents Everyone Should Have
Most adults need a will, even with modest assets, because it names who inherits your property and who raises your minor children. Here are the few core estate documents almost everyone should have and how to decide whether you need a lawyer.
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What Kind of Lawyer Do I Need? A Complete Guide to Legal Triage
Match your legal problem to the right type of lawyer with this plain-English triage guide. Learn which attorney handles which issue, when you can handle a matter yourself, and where to find help.
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