Richard Alderman's archive

Time limit to file lawsuit depends on type of claim

Q. I was hired by a small company to perform consulting services. They paid me for several months and then stopped. They kept saying I would be paid “soon,” and I believed them. Now it looks like they are not going to pay me. Have I waited too long to sue in Justice Court? How long do I have to sue for money I am owed for consulting services?

shadow

Know Your Rights: Your new dog has a ‘warranty’

Q. I purchased a new pedigree puppy. As soon as I got it home, it became very ill. I immediately brought it to the veterinarian, but after two days and $1,000 in expenses, the puppy died. The vet said that the dog was extremely ill the day I bought it. The seller refuses to help pay the vet bills or even give me my money back. What are my legal rights?

shadow

Sue your landlord by serving the management company

Q. I want to sue my landlord. I know his name because he signed the lease but have no other information. The clerk told me I need an address to serve him with the petition if I want to sue. How do I find out where he lives?

shadow

Know Your Rights: Victim of sexual assault may terminate her lease

Q. I was sexually assaulted at my apartment. I am very scared to live there and asked the landlord if I could terminate my lease. He said if I left early, I would be breaking the lease and would continue to owe rent. Do I have the right to leave?

shadow

Know Your Rights: Promise to make a gift not enforceable

Richard Alderman

Q. A few years ago I remarried. I immediately fell in love with my stepchild and wanted to let him know how much I felt like he was my own. I told him when I bought a new car I would give them my old one. That was almost a year ago and I no longer feel I can afford to give him the car. Am I legally obligated to give him the car as promised?

shadow