What To Do If

What to Do If You’ve Been Laid Off Being laid off—whether expected or sudden—can be a deeply unsettling experience. Beyond the immediate emotional impact, there are practical concerns: income, health insurance, legal rights, and your professional future. The good news is that you have options—and taking the right steps early can help you recover faster, protect your rights, and regain control over your next chapter. Here’s what to do if you’ve been laid off. 1. Clarify the Terms of the Layoff Before you leave the premises or log off your work account, make sure you fully understand: Why you were laid off Whether it’s a temporary layoff , permanent reduction , or position elimination The effective date of your termination If you’re eligible for rehire Whether others in your department were also let go (this could matter in cases of discrimination) Request this information in writing if it’s not already provided. 2. Request a Separation or Termination Letter ...

What to Do If a Repair Shop Charges for Services You Didn’t Approve Dropping your vehicle off for a quick fix shouldn’t result in a shockingly inflated bill—especially for services you never authorized. Unfortunately, some repair shops move forward with costly work without your clear consent, leaving you with a financial and legal headache. If a repair shop charges you for services you didn’t approve, here’s what to do to protect your wallet—and your legal rights. 1. Ask for an Itemized Invoice Your first step is to request a detailed, itemized bill . This should include: A description of each service performed The cost of each part and labor Any taxes or shop fees The total amount due Compare the invoice to any written estimate or prior agreement. Highlight any discrepancies or charges that were never discussed. 2. Review the Original Estimate or Work Order Most reputable shops provide an estimate before starting work. Check whether: You signed a written est...

What to Do If You’re Refused Medical Treatment Being refused medical care can be frightening and even life-threatening. Whether it's a denial at the ER, a doctor who won’t take your insurance, or a hospital turning you away for administrative reasons, understanding your rights and acting quickly is critical to protecting your health—and your legal standing. Here’s what to do if you're refused medical treatment and how to respond appropriately. 1. Know Your Right to Emergency Care Under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) , most hospitals are legally required to provide: A medical screening exam to anyone who comes to the ER Stabilizing treatment for emergency conditions, regardless of insurance or ability to pay Refusing to treat someone experiencing a true emergency—such as chest pain, labor, or head trauma—is a violation of federal law at facilities that receive Medicare funding (which most hospitals do). 2. Ask for an Explanation—and Docum...

What to Do If You’re Harassed by a Process Server or Debt Collector Receiving a knock at the door from a process server or a call from a debt collector can be intimidating—but when those interactions become aggressive, threatening, or harassing , they may cross the line into illegal territory. You have rights, and there are clear steps you can take to protect yourself from intimidation and abuse. Here’s what to do if a process server or debt collector goes too far. 1. Know the Difference Between a Process Server and a Debt Collector While both can contact you regarding legal or financial matters, their roles are very different: A process server delivers legal documents (like a summons or complaint) and cannot collect money from you. A debt collector is trying to recover a financial obligation and may work for a collection agency or a creditor. Understanding who you're dealing with can help you respond appropriately. 2. Understand What They’re Legally Allowed to D...

What to Do If You Receive Merchandise After Canceling a Subscription You canceled the subscription. You have the email confirmation. But the package still arrived—and worse, the company charged your card. Whether it’s vitamins, cosmetics, collectibles, or digital goods, receiving unwanted merchandise after a cancellation is more than annoying—it could be a violation of consumer protection laws. Here’s how to handle the situation legally, protect your finances, and stop it from happening again. 1. Don’t Open or Use the Merchandise As tempting as it is to keep the item, doing so may complicate your ability to dispute the charge or return the product. If you already opened it, make sure to: Take photos of the packaging and item Keep all shipping materials Refrain from using the item, especially if it’s consumable These steps preserve your right to return the product or challenge the charge. 2. Check Your Cancellation Confirmation Go back to the email or website where ...

What to Do If Your Ex Refuses to Follow a Custody Agreement Few situations are more stressful than dealing with an ex who won’t honor your child custody arrangement. Whether they’re withholding your child, violating visitation terms, or constantly trying to change the schedule, this kind of conflict can take a serious emotional and legal toll. Here’s what to do if your ex refuses to follow a custody agreement—and how to protect your parental rights and your child’s well-being. 1. Stay Calm and Keep Records It’s easy to get emotional when custody violations occur—but anger rarely leads to resolution. Instead: Stay calm and focused on your child’s best interests Avoid retaliating or violating the agreement yourself Start documenting each incident clearly and consistently Keep a custody log noting dates, times, and specific violations (missed exchanges, denied communication, interference, etc.). Include any messages, voicemails, or emails related to custody matters. 2...

What to Do If You’re Denied a Promotion at Work for Unclear Reasons You’ve worked hard, delivered results, and were hoping for that promotion—only to find out it’s been given to someone else. Worse yet, no one will explain why. Being denied a promotion without clear justification can leave you feeling undervalued, confused, and potentially discriminated against. Here’s how to handle a denied promotion professionally and strategically—and what to do if legal issues are involved. 1. Take Time to Process the News It’s normal to feel angry, hurt, or discouraged after being passed over. Allow yourself a moment to process the disappointment before reacting. Avoid: Venting on social media Confronting managers emotionally Gossiping with coworkers A calm, composed approach keeps the door open for resolution and protects your reputation. 2. Request a Private Conversation with Your Manager Ask your supervisor for a one-on-one meeting to understand why you weren’t selected. Fr...

What to Do If You Loaned Someone Money and They Won’t Pay You Back Lending money to friends or family is a generous gesture—but when the borrower doesn’t repay, it can quickly become a source of frustration, stress, and strained relationships. Whether you loaned $200 or $20,000, you have legal options to recover your funds without escalating the situation unnecessarily. Here’s what to do if someone refuses to repay a loan—and how to protect yourself legally and emotionally. 1. Review the Loan Terms Start by reviewing how the loan was made : Was it a verbal agreement? Did you write it down or use a formal contract? Were there any messages, emails, or texts confirming the amount and repayment plan? While written agreements are stronger in court, even informal messages or bank records can help prove the existence of a loan. 2. Revisit Your Communication History Before assuming malice, check your communication with the borrower. Have they: Missed one or more payment...

What to Do If You’re Threatened with a Lawsuit by Someone You Know Getting threatened with a lawsuit is stressful enough—but when the threat comes from someone you know personally, it becomes even more complicated. Whether it’s a former friend, business partner, neighbor, or family member, the emotional strain and legal risk are real. Here’s how to respond calmly, protect yourself legally, and manage the relationship with as little damage as possible. 1. Don’t Panic or React Emotionally When someone you know threatens legal action, it’s tempting to argue, plead, or cut them off. Don’t. Emotional responses may escalate the conflict or be used against you later. Instead: Stay calm and respectful Avoid posting about the situation on social media Do not engage in retaliation or harassment Your focus should be on protecting yourself—not fueling the fire. 2. Ask for Details in Writing A vague threat like “I’ll sue you” is different from a formal notice or actual complai...

What to Do If You Are Falsely Accused of Shoplifting Being falsely accused of shoplifting is not only humiliating—it can have serious legal, emotional, and reputational consequences. Whether it's a misunderstanding, racial profiling, or mistaken identity, you have rights, and how you respond in the moment and afterward can shape the outcome. If you’ve been wrongly accused of shoplifting, here’s what you need to do to protect yourself. 1. Stay Calm and Composed Your instinct may be to get defensive or angry—but staying calm is essential. Escalating the situation can make you appear guilty, even if you're not. Try to: Keep your voice steady Ask clear questions Avoid sudden movements Do not argue or make threats Remaining composed gives you more credibility and can defuse tensions on the spot. 2. Don’t Consent to a Search Without Understanding Your Rights Store employees or security guards may ask to check your bag, pockets, or personal belongings. In most states, the...

What to Do If You Need to Break a Lease Early Life happens—sometimes faster than a lease term can end. Whether it's a new job in another city, an unexpected financial hardship, health issues, or a personal crisis, you may find yourself needing to break your lease before the contract ends. But terminating a lease early can come with legal, financial, and logistical consequences if not handled correctly. Here’s a detailed guide on how to break a lease legally, minimize penalties, and protect your credit and rental record. 1. Review Your Lease Agreement Start by reading your lease carefully . Most leases include: Lease term (e.g., 12 months) Early termination clause (or lack thereof) Required notice period (usually 30–60 days) Financial penalties or forfeited deposits Conditions for subletting or finding a replacement tenant Knowing the exact language of your lease gives you a roadmap for what’s allowed—and what isn’t. 2. Look for an Early Termination Clause Some leas...