Legal Help for All Areas of Your Life
From real attorneys and legal professionals
Dan Ray, Attorney
Legal Editor
University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Law
"Injured by someone's bad driving? You need straight answers from lawyers who've 'been there, done that' and who know how the system really works."
David Goguen, J.D.
Legal Editor
University of San Francisco School of Law
"Most personal injury cases come down to understanding the settlement process and sticking it out for a fair result."
Aaron Hotfelder, J.D.
Legal Editor
University of Missouri School of Law
"Employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses are usually entitled to financial benefits and medical care under state workers' compensation laws."
John McCurley, Attorney
Legal Editor
University of San Francisco School of Law
"Sooner or later, most drivers will have to deal with a traffic ticket or a more serious violation like a DUI. Learning about the law and how the court system works is a good first step in choosing the best course of action."
Rebecca Pirius, Attorney
Legal Editor
Mitchell Hamline School of Law
"The criminal system is complex for defendants, loved ones, and victims. A little knowledge can go a long way to understanding and protecting your rights."
E.A. Gjelten
Legal Editor
"Divorce can be stressful and expensive. But it helps when you know what to expect—and how to make the process quicker and cheaper."
Bethany K. Laurence, Attorney
Senior Legal Editor
UC Law San Francisco
"People who can no longer work and need disability benefits to survive deserve access to clear, accurate, and up-to-date information written by lawyers, not by AI or random people on the internet."
Jeff Burtka, Attorney
Legal Editor
George Mason University Law School
"Whether you're making an estate plan or dealing with probate for a deceased loved one, understanding the law can ease the stress and emotions of making decisions—and it might save you money."
Ilona Bray, J.D.
Legal Editor
University of Washington School of Law
"Much of what the average person believes about U.S. immigration law is wrong. Having plain-English guidance can be key to protecting one's rights."
Cara O'Neill, Attorney
Legal Editor
University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law
"Receiving a debt discharge brings a profound sense of relief and truly changes lives for the better."
Amy Loftsgordon, Attorney
Legal Editor
University of Denver Sturm College of Law
"Whether you're negotiating credit card debt or resolving a mortgage delinquency, the path to financial recovery requires knowledge, persistence, and a strategy."
Amanda Hayes, Attorney
University of North Carolina School of Law
"You have an idea for a business but now you need a plan. Get practical guidance on checking off the legal requirements for your business, so you can focus on the dream."
Jeff Burtka, Attorney
Legal Editor
George Mason University Law School
"Understanding driving laws and knowing your rights can help you navigate a traffic citation."
Our mission is to make the law more accessible and easier to understand so you can navigate your legal situation with confidence.
Where to Start...
If You've Been in a Car Accident
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Car Accident Injury Claim BasicsIf you've been injured in a car accident, start here to learn more about your claim options.
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What Is No-Fault Car Insurance and How Does It Work?If you live in a "no-fault" car insurance state, you'll likely make a claim with your own insurance company after a car accident.
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Making an Uninsured/ Underinsured Motorist ClaimYour uninsured motorist coverage and underinsured motorist coverage can be crucial if the at-fault driver has no (or not enough) car insurance.
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Injury Claims Involving Public TransportationIf you're hurt in an accident caused by a bus, train, subway, or other public transit system, how do you make a claim for your injuries?
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Settling Your Car Accident CaseMost car accident cases will settle out of court. Here's how it usually works.
Dan Ray, Attorney
Legal Editor
University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Law
"Injured by someone's bad driving? You need straight answers from lawyers who've 'been there, done that' and who know how the system really works."
If You've Been Injured
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The Basics of Personal Injury LawStart here to get a sense of what "personal injury" means, and the key elements of these kinds of cases.
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Determining Fault in a Personal Injury CaseFault for the accident is a key issue in most personal injury claims. Here's how to prove your case.
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How Much Compensation Can You Get for an Injury?Use this step-by-step method to estimate a range of values for your personal injury claim.
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Should You Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?Many people handle simple injury claims on their own, but serious cases often benefit from a lawyer's experience and expertise.
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How a Personal Injury Case Is SettledUnderstand how (and why) most personal injury cases settle out of court, usually well before trial.
David Goguen, J.D.
Legal Editor
University of San Francisco School of Law
"Most personal injury cases come down to understanding the settlement process and sticking it out for a fair result."
If You've Been Injured on the Job
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Difference Between a Personal Injury and Workers' Compensation ClaimThe main differences between a workers' comp claim and a lawsuit are the fault requirements and types of compensation available.
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Eligibility for Workers' Compensation After a Job-Related AccidentThe law generally allows employees who are injured on the job to recover some amount of lost wages and other benefits, regardless of fault.
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Workers' Comp Claim Time Limits: Filing Deadlines and ExceptionsIf you miss your state's filing deadline, you probably won't be eligible for workers' comp benefits—but there are a few exceptions.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Workers' CompensationInjured workers have a right to benefits under the workers' compensation system. Learn the basics here.
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Injury Liability for Workplace AccidentsIf you suffer an injury at work, you'll most likely turn to a workers' compensation insurer to recoup your losses.
Aaron Hotfelder, J.D.
Legal Editor
University of Missouri School of Law
"Employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses are usually entitled to financial benefits and medical care under state workers' compensation laws."
If You've Had a DUI
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Drunk Driving (DUI) Laws and PenaltiesLearn how driving under the influence is defined and the penalties for a DUI conviction.
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Driving Under the Influence of MarijuanaHow DUI laws apply to driving while “high” on marijuana and the penalties for a conviction.
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Probable Cause for a DUI ArrestExplaining the evidence required for an officer to make a traffic stop and arrest someone for drunk driving.
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Will I go to Jail for a DUI Conviction?Many factors can affect how much (if any) time someone will actually spend behind bars for a DUI.
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What Makes a DUI a Felony?The circumstances when a DUI can be a felony and the possible penalties.
John McCurley, Attorney
Legal Editor
University of San Francisco School of Law
"Sooner or later, most drivers will have to deal with a traffic ticket or a more serious violation like a DUI. Learning about the law and how the court system works is a good first step in choosing the best course of action."
If You've Been Charged With a Crime
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What Is Criminal Law?Learn the basics of criminal law and the rules that go with it.
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What Is a Misdemeanor?What to expect when facing misdemeanor charges.
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What Is a Felony?Learn what makes a crime a felony and its possible punishments.
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How Does a Criminal Case Go Through the Justice System?Here are the steps in a criminal case—from arrest and charging to resolution.
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Bail: How to Get Out of JailBail is cash, property, or a bond paid to the court in exchange for getting out jail while the case is pending.
Rebecca Pirius, Attorney
Legal Editor
Mitchell Hamline School of Law
"The criminal system is complex for defendants, loved ones, and victims. A little knowledge can go a long way to understanding and protecting your rights."
If You're Facing Divorce
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What Happens in a Divorce?The divorce process varies depending on the couple’s situation. Here's an overview of the basic divorce process.
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Legal Requirements for DivorceThere are a few legal requirements which must be met to file for a divorce in most states.
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What Is Divorce Mediation?Settling divorce issues through mediation is a better option for many people. Learn how mediation works, how much it costs, and how to get started.
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How Is Child Support Determined?Learn about how courts calculate child support using a variety of factors.
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Spousal Support (Alimony)What happens if your obligations to your spouse continue after the marriage.
E.A. Gjelten
Legal Editor
"Divorce can be stressful and expensive. But it helps when you know what to expect—and how to make the process quicker and cheaper."
If You Need Disability Benefits
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Calculating Your Social Security Disability PaymentYour monthly disability payment is based on your average lifetime earnings before you became disabled.
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Disability Benefits for the Self-EmployedSelf-employed people who have paid Social Security taxes for enough years are just as eligible for SSDI benefits as if they were employed by a company.
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What Do I Need From My Doctor to File for Disability Benefits?The right medical records and statement from your doctor will go a long way in getting approved for disability benefits.
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The Social Security Blue Book: Listing of ImpairmentsThe Blue Book covers both physical and mental impairments, and it discusses many serious diseases that can be disabling.
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Should You Hire a Disability Lawyer?Here's a primer on when to hire a disability lawyer or advocate, and how they can help you win your Social Security case.
Bethany K. Laurence, Attorney
Senior Legal Editor
UC Law San Francisco
"People who can no longer work and need disability benefits to survive deserve access to clear, accurate, and up-to-date information written by lawyers, not by AI or random people on the internet."
If You're Planning Your Estate
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Why You Need a WillMost people should consider having the most basic estate planning document: a simple will.
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What Is a Living Will?A "living will" is a legal document that lets people state their wishes for end-of-life medical care.
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What Is a Living Trust?Revocable living trusts, created to avoid the expense and delay of probate, are the most common kind of trust.
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Will Probate Be Necessary?Not all estates have to go through probate. The types of assets and the total value of the estate are key.
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Steps in the Probate ProcessProbate is the court-supervised process of gathering the deceased person's assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing what's left.
Jeff Burtka, Attorney
Legal Editor
George Mason University Law School
"Whether you're making an estate plan or dealing with probate for a deceased loved one, understanding the law can ease the stress and emotions of making decisions—and it might save you money."
If You're an Immigrant
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How Much Will It Cost to Get a U.S. Green Card?The fees depend on factors like what type of green card you're applying for and whether you're applying within the United States.
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Who Is Eligible for a Family-Based Green Card?Uniting citizens and lawful permanent residents with their overseas family members is an important goal of U.S. immigration law.
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Best Types of Jobs to Get an Employment-Based Green CardThe employment-based process can take significantly less time and be smoother than family-based immigration.
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Is It Harder to Get a U.S. Visa Coming From Certain Countries?Consular officers apply their knowledge of your country and culture to determine whether you are likely to respect the visa.
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Types of U.S. Work Visas (Immigrant and Nonimmigrant)Learn about permanent and temporary U.S. work visa options.
Ilona Bray, J.D.
Legal Editor
University of Washington School of Law
"Much of what the average person believes about U.S. immigration law is wrong. Having plain-English guidance can be key to protecting one's rights."
If You're Considering Bankruptcy
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What Does Bankruptcy Do?Bankruptcy can stop debt collectors, foreclosure, eviction, and repossession, and wipe out most debts.
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How to File for Chapter 7 BankruptcyLearn how to complete the forms you'll need to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
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Chapter 7 vs. 13 BankruptcyIf you're considering bankruptcy, you must decide between different chapters. Here are the highlights.
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How to Protect Your Home in BankruptcyLearn whether you qualify to keep your home in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
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Retirement Accounts and BankruptcyWithdrawing money from your retirements accounts before bankruptcy is almost never a good idea. Here's why.
Cara O'Neill, Attorney
Legal Editor
University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law
"Receiving a debt discharge brings a profound sense of relief and truly changes lives for the better."
If You're Facing Foreclosure
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How Does Foreclosure Work?Get an overview of how mortgages work, steps in a foreclosure, and what happens after a foreclosure.
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How Does a Foreclosure Sale Work?A home in the final stage of foreclosure is sold to a new owner at a sheriff's sale or trustee’s sale.
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Anti-Deficiency LawsAn "anti-deficiency law" protects the borrower from having to pay the bank for its loss after a foreclosure sale.
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The Right of RedemptionFind out whether your state allows homeowners to redeem the property (buy it back) after foreclosure.
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What Is Judicial Foreclosure?Learn how judicial foreclosures work, the steps involved, and more.
Amy Loftsgordon, Attorney
Legal Editor
University of Denver Sturm College of Law
"Whether you're negotiating credit card debt or resolving a mortgage delinquency, the path to financial recovery requires knowledge, persistence, and a strategy."
If You're Forming a Business
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Advantages and Disadvantages of LLCsA summary of the main advantages and disadvantages of forming a limited liability company.
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Corporations Compared to Sole Proprietorships and PartnershipsAn overview of the pros and cons of corporations.
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Differences Between a Sole Proprietorship and a PartnershipA sole proprietorship has one owner, while a partnership has two or more owners.
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Guide to Pass-Through EntitiesSole-proprietorships, LLCs, S corporations, and partnerships are “pass-through” entities, meaning they don't pay tax at the company level.
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What's the Best Business Structure for an Independent Contractor?Sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLCs, and corporations are all business structures that independent contractors should explore when starting their business.
Amanda Hayes, Attorney
University of North Carolina School of Law
"You have an idea for a business but now you need a plan. Get practical guidance on checking off the legal requirements for your business, so you can focus on the dream."
If You Got a Traffic Ticket
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Speeding Tickets and Their PenaltiesUnderstand different types of speeding violations and the consequences of being caught driving over the speed limit.
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Failure to Stop at a Stop SignAn explanation of tickets for running a stop sign, including options for fighting your citation.
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Traffic Tickets for Running a Red LightWhen and how you're required to stop at a traffic signal and the possible penalties for red light violations.
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What to Do If You Can't Pay a Speeding TicketHow to manage expensive traffic citation fines and fees through reductions, payment plans, and other alternatives.
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Can a Speeding Ticket Be a Misdemeanor or Felony?Aggravating circumstances that can turn a speeding ticket to a criminal offense.
Jeff Burtka, Attorney
Legal Editor
George Mason University Law School
"Understanding driving laws and knowing your rights can help you navigate a traffic citation."
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