Civil defendant
Read the complaint, calendar the deadline to respond (usually 20-30 days), decide whether to answer pro se or hire counsel, and never ignore the summons. Read the guide →
Statute of limitations
Most personal-injury claims have 2-3 years; most contract claims 4-6; many tort claims 2; some criminal restitution and child sexual abuse have no limit. The clock usually starts at the date of injury or discovery. Read the guide →
Tenant defense
Landlords must follow a specific legal process: written notice, court filing, hearing, and a sheriff's writ. You have defenses at every step. Self-help eviction (changing the locks, shutting off utilities) is illegal in every state. Read the guide →
Consumer debt defense
Read the complaint and check the math, demand the original creditor chain (often the debt buyer cannot produce it), file an Answer before the deadline, raise statute-of-limitations and standing defenses, and negotiate from the courthouse steps if needed. Read the guide →
Personal safety
Get to safety, call 911 if it's an emergency or 1-800-799-7233 (National Domestic Violence Hotline) for confidential support, document what you can, and file for a protective order at your local courthouse - hearings are typically same-day or next-day. Read the guide →
These guides are informational only and are not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on any of them.
