Richard Alderman's archive

Stopped payment doesn’t stop debt

Q. I did a small construction job and was paid with a check after I completed the work. I deposited the check in my account, but it was returned because the person who gave me the check stopped payment. I went to his bank and they said it was not their problem. How do I get paid? Why doesn’t his bank owe me the money?

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Dog owner could be liable for car damage

Q. I was playing ball in the front yard with my dog, when she suddenly ran into the street in front of our house. A passing car struck her. Fortunately, my dog was not hurt. The accident, however, did cause some minor damage to the car. Am I responsible for the cost of repairs for the car? The owner expects me to pay.

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Think returns as you shop

Q. I received a gift for the holidays. When I opened it, I discovered I had already bought the same thing for myself. I went to return it and the store pointed to a sign that said, “No returns, exchange only,” and told me I could not return it. There is nothing else I want in that store. Are they right? This doesn’t seem fair.

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