When we moved into a house managed by a real estate company, there were some items left behind, such as a deer head, a mop bucket, and toilet paper holders. We had a verbal agreement with the previous owner that we could keep or discard these items. After moving out, the new landlord is withholding our security deposit, claiming we stole these items. Is it legal for the landlord to withhold the security deposit for these items, and should disputes over missing items be handled through the judicial system rather than by keeping the deposit?

March 6th, 2023

I own a piece of land in Northern AZ that I purchased in 2005 for $130k, with $85k left on a variable-rate mortgage. The land is now worth about $30k, and I live in SC, struggling to make payments on both the land and my house. I haven't been able to refinance or sell due to market conditions. What are my options?

January 26th, 2024

I made a business loan of $50,000 to another LLC for home renovations and was not repaid. The borrower disappeared, and I have a signed contract with a property in NC as security for the loan. I also found papers indicating the borrower has a rent-to-own agreement with someone in Florida. What are my options to recover the loan, and do I need to put a lien on the property?

August 13th, 2023

Someone has an embarrassing video of me and is blackmailing me for money. They are in Mali and have threatened to send the video to my family and on Facebook. I have already sent them money, but they keep asking for more. What should I do?

March 21st, 2023

In New York Supreme Court Civil proceedings, if a Summons with Notice is filed but not served, and then a complaint is filed with amended defendants and served without an amended Complaint being filed, what would be the procedure?

November 4th, 2024