All legal guides
Organized by the situation you're in. Every guide is plain English, cites official sources, and tells you when it's time to get a real lawyer.
Renters & Housing
Eviction Notice Basics: What It Means and What Happens NextWhat an eviction notice really means, the three main types landlords use, why only a court can evict you, and how to protect yourself before deadlines pass.
Security Deposit Basics: How to Get Your Deposit BackWhat U.S. renters need to know about security deposits: state return deadlines, legal deductions, demand letters, and small claims court — in plain English.
Security Deposit Demand Letter: Free Template and How to Send ItA free security deposit demand letter template with instructions: what to include, how to send it by certified mail, and what to do if it's ignored.
Tenant Rights Basics: What Every U.S. Renter Should KnowPlain-English guide to U.S. tenant rights: safe housing, privacy, fair housing protections, security deposits, and eviction rules, plus where to get free help.
Court Papers
Court Papers Explained: Every Common Document, PlainlyA plain-English guide to common court papers — summons, complaint, answer, motion, subpoena, notice, and judgment — and what to check when one arrives.
Court Terminology: A Plain-English GlossaryPlain-English definitions of common court terms — plaintiff, motion, discovery, judgment, appeal, and more — so you can read court papers with confidence.
Important Basic Legal Terms Everyone Should KnowPlain-English definitions of everyday legal terms — contract, liability, damages, jurisdiction, statute of limitations, and more — for non-lawyers.
Notice of Hearing Basics: What It Means and What to DoWhat a notice of hearing means, how to read the date, time, and appearance details, why you must show up, and how to prepare — explained in plain English.
Service of Process BasicsService of process is how court papers must legally reach you. Learn why it exists, the common methods used, and what improper service really means.
What Is a Complaint in a Lawsuit?A complaint is the document that starts a civil lawsuit: the parties, the allegations, and what the plaintiff wants. Learn how to read one and respond.
What Is a Summons?A summons is the court's official notice that you are being sued, and it states your response deadline. Learn what it contains and what to do next.
What Is an Answer in a Court Case?An answer is your written response to a lawsuit. Learn how to admit, deny, or claim lack of knowledge, raise defenses, and file and serve it on time.
What to Do After Receiving Court PapersServed with court papers? Learn the first steps: read the summons, find your deadline, respond on time, and get free legal help before a default judgment.
Debt & Credit
Credit Report Basics: Free Reports, Errors, and DisputesHow credit reports work, how to get free weekly reports from all three bureaus, and how to dispute errors under the FCRA — in plain English for consumers.
Debt Collection Basics: What Collectors Can and Cannot DoPlain-English guide to debt collection: what the FDCPA lets collectors do, your right to dispute, scam warning signs, and what to do if you are sued.
Debt Validation Notice: What It Is and Why the 30 Days MatterWhat a debt validation notice is, what it must include, how the 30-day dispute window works, and how to spot fake collectors — explained in plain English.
Work & Wages
Employment Discrimination Deadlines: Your EEOC Filing WindowEEOC deadlines: you generally have 180 days to file a discrimination charge, extended to 300 in many states. How the clock works and where to get help.
Overtime Pay Basics: Who Gets Time and a HalfHow federal overtime pay works: time and a half after 40 hours in a workweek, why salaried workers often still qualify, and how to recover unpaid overtime.
Unpaid Wages Basics: How to Recover Pay You EarnedWhat to do about unpaid wages: your federal minimum wage and overtime rights, records to keep, and how to file a free complaint with the Department of Labor.
Scams & Identity Theft
Fake Legal Services Scams: Fake Lawyers, Notario Fraud, and MoreHow fake lawyers, notario fraud, and phony debt-relief firms operate, the warning signs to watch for, how to verify a real attorney, and where to report.
Identity Theft Basics: First Steps When Someone Uses Your IdentityHow to respond to identity theft: freeze your credit free at all three bureaus, report at IdentityTheft.gov, dispute fraud accounts, and keep records.
Scam Recovery Basics: What to Do After You've Been ScammedWhat to do after being scammed: contact your bank fast, save evidence, report to the FTC and FBI, and spot the recovery scams that target victims twice.
Finding Legal Help
How to Find Legal Help: Free and Low-Cost OptionsWhere to find legal help you can afford: legal aid offices, court self-help centers, bar referral services, law school clinics, and free consultations.
How to Verify a Lawyer Is Licensed (Step by Step)How to verify a lawyer before you pay: search the state bar directory, check license status and discipline history, and spot the red flags of fake lawyers.
Legal Advice vs. Legal Information: What's the Difference?Legal advice vs legal information explained: what each means, who can give which, why the line exists, and how to know when you actually need a lawyer.
Legal Aid Basics: Free Civil Legal Help ExplainedWhat legal aid is, who it helps, what civil problems it covers, and how to apply — a plain-English guide to free legal help when you can't afford a lawyer.