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  Learn about the law and your legal rights in North Carolina. Find self-help resources to resolve your legal problems without a lawyer.
There are 139 resources
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Banking Services
  Self-Help
 
   "Money Matters" Website of the Federal Trade Commission (Separate Website)
The FTC created this website to help you tackle some money issues head-on. It contains valuable information and tips regarding a wide variety of scams, credit cards, money management, dealing with debt, your home, and jobs.
By: Federal Trade Commission

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   66 Ways to Save Money (Separate Website)
This web site lists many ways to save money in transportation, utilities, housing, banking and other needs.
By: Federal Trade Commission

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   Cashing Checks and Opening Bank Accounts This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. (Separate Website)
Cashing Checks and Opening Bank Accounts: How to Save Money and Avoid Theft
By: National Consumer Law Center

    Read this in: Chinese / 中文 , Korean / 한국어 , Russian / Pусский , Spanish / Español , Vietnamese / Tiếng Việt
  
   
   Protecting Yourself from Overdraft and Bounced-Check Fees (Separate Website)
This website explains the best ways to avoid overdraft and bounced-check fees
By: The Federal Reserve Board

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   Shopping for Money Wire Transfer Services This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. (Separate Website)
Shopping for Money Wire Transfer Services - Five Steps You Can Take to Avoid Fraud & Save Money (printable trifold brochure)
By: National Consumer Law Center

    Read this in: Chinese / 中文 , Korean / 한국어 , Russian / Pусский , Spanish / Español , Vietnamese / Tiếng Việt
  
   
   5 Tips for Protecting Your Checking Account (Separate Website)
No one wants to be a victim of fraud or identity theft. The Federal Reserve has outlined some ways you as a consumer can prevent that from happening.
By: Federal Reserve

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   Choosing a Credit Card (Separate Website)
There are several things to consider when choosing the right credit card: fees, charges, interest rates, and benefits can vary among credit card issuers.
By: Federal Trade Commission

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   Go Direct! (Separate Website)
By March 1, 2013, everyone getting federal benefits by paper check will need to switch to electronic payments - direct deposit to a bank or credit union account or to the Direct Express® Debit MasterCard® card.
By: U.S. Dept. of Treasury
  
   
   What You Should Know about Your Checks (Separate Website)
An informative resource on checks.
By: The Federal Reserve Board

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
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  Answers to Common Questions
 
   Tips on Dealing With Financial Matters (Separate Website)
This guide published by Legal Aid of North Carolina offers important tips on dealing with Financial Matters, such as tips on handling financial matters, tips on signing important papers, and tips on dealing with Welfare and other agencies.
By: Legal Aid of North Carolina
 
  
   
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  NC Statutes and Court Procedures
 
   North Carolina Statutes (Separate Website)
The North Carolina General Assembly is offering access to the Statutes on the Internet as a service to the public. These statutes are the general laws that govern North Carolina's legal system.
By: North Carolina General Assembly
  
   
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Bankruptcy
  Self-Help
 
   The Pros and Cons of Declaring Bankruptcy (Separate Website)
There's no question that deciding whether to declare bankruptcy is very difficult. It affects your future credit, your reputation and your self-image. It can also improve your short-term quality of life considerably, as the calls and letters stop. Here is a list of pros and cons to consider as you decide whether Chapter 7 bankruptcy is the best option for you.
By: Find Law
  
   
   Bankruptcy: Filing Without a Lawyer (Separate Website)
The Bankruptcy Court receives numerous calls from persons asking for information about filing bankruptcy cases without an attorney. This pamphlet answers some of the most frequently asked questions.
By: U.S. Bankrupcty Court
  
   
   Filing for Bankruptcy This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. (Separate Website)
This printable brochure includes basic information about filing for bankruptcy and how it affects your future.
By: North Carolina Bar Association
  
   
   The Automatic Stay (Separate Website)
Part of a website devoted to bankruptcy laws and practice.
By: The Moran Law Group
  
   
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  Answers to Common Questions
 
   Answers to Common Bankruptcy Questions This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. (Separate Website)

By: National Consumer Law Center
  
   
   Does My Spouse Have to File Bankruptcy With Me? (Separate Website)
Excerpt from a website devoted to bankruptcy laws and practices.
By: The Moran Law Group
  
   
   How is my spouse affected if I file bankruptcy alone? (Separate Website)
This site will help debtors and creditors understand how bankruptcy proceedings work.
By: The Moran Law Group
  
   
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  NC Statutes and Court Procedures
 
   North Carolina Statutes (Separate Website)
The North Carolina General Assembly is offering access to the Statutes on the Internet as a service to the public. These statutes are the general laws that govern North Carolina's legal system.
By: North Carolina General Assembly
  
   
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Buying a New or Used Car
   Auto Repair (Separate Website)
Tips on finding a reputable repair shop, and the ins and outs of the North Carolina Motor Vehicle Repair Act by the NCDOJ.
By: North Carolina Department of Justice
  
   
   Automobile Information (Separate Website)
Info for veterans as well as the general population on buying a car, negotiating a price, lemon laws, and much more.
  
   
   Automobiles - FTC Web Site for Consumers (Separate Website)
This web site contains information about buying a new car, buying a used car, leasing a car, renting a car and fuel costs and expenses. The web site also contains information for businesses that sell or lease vehicles.
By: Federal Trade Commission

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   Car Loans: Understanding Vehicle Financing (Separate Website)
The FTC outlines some federal laws, state laws, the documents you might need, and other general information for those in the market for another vehicle.
By: Federal Trade Commission

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   FuelEconomy.gov (Separate Website)
This web site helps you (1) find and compare cars based on fuel efficiency, (2) get gas mileage tips, (3) examine gasoline prices, (4) learn about fuel economy ratings (4) learn why fuel economy is important, and (5) learn about new hybrid, electric and alternative energy vehicles.
By: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   Keys to Vehicle Leasing: A Consumer Guide (Separate Website)
Under the federal Consumer Leasing Act, you, the consumer, have a right to information about the costs and terms of a vehicle lease. This information will help you compare lease offers and negotiate a lease that best fits your needs, budget, and driving patterns. This quick consumer guide is for a closed-end lease, the most common type of vehicle lease.
By: The Federal Reserve Board

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   Tips on Dealing With Financial Matters (Separate Website)
This guide published by Legal Aid of North Carolina offers important tips on dealing with Financial Matters, such as tips on handling financial matters, tips on signing important papers, and tips on dealing with Welfare and other agencies.
By: Legal Aid of North Carolina
 
  
   
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Car Repairs
   66 Ways to Save Money (Separate Website)
This web site lists many ways to save money in transportation, utilities, housing, banking and other needs.
By: Federal Trade Commission

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   Auto Repair (Separate Website)
Tips on finding a reputable repair shop, and the ins and outs of the North Carolina Motor Vehicle Repair Act by the NCDOJ.
By: North Carolina Department of Justice
  
   
   North Carolina Statutes (Separate Website)
The North Carolina General Assembly is offering access to the Statutes on the Internet as a service to the public. These statutes are the general laws that govern North Carolina's legal system.
By: North Carolina General Assembly
  
   
   Taking the Scare Out of Auto Repair (Separate Website)
The best way to avoid auto repair rip-offs is to be prepared. Knowing how your vehicle works and how to identify common car problems is a good beginning. It's also important to know how to select a good technician, the kinds of questions to ask, and your consumer rights.
By: Federal Trade Commission
  
   
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Contract and Warranty Problems
  Self-Help
 
   66 Ways to Save Money (Separate Website)
This web site lists many ways to save money in transportation, utilities, housing, banking and other needs.
By: Federal Trade Commission

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   Car Loans: Understanding Vehicle Financing (Separate Website)
The FTC outlines some federal laws, state laws, the documents you might need, and other general information for those in the market for another vehicle.
By: Federal Trade Commission

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   Your Social Security Number and Card (Separate Website)
A Social Security number is important because you need it to get a job, collect Social Security benefits and receive some other government benefits. Many other companies you do business with, such as banks and credit companies, also ask for your number.
By: Social Security Administration

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   Buying On Time This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. (Separate Website)
This brochure explains your rights and responsibilities when you purchase an item and are paying with credit. It also discusses the importance of paying your bills on time.
By: North Carolina Bar Association
  
   
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  Answers to Common Questions
 
   Advance-fee Loan Scams (Separate Website)
Advance-fee loan sharks are preying on unwary consumers, taking their money for the promise of a loan or credit, and leaving them in hot water. Learn how to spot these scams and who to call to report them.
By: Federal Trade Commission

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   Landlords and Tenants This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. (Separate Website)
This printable brochure offers a basic overview of landlord-tenant law in North Carolina, which explains your rights and responsibilities as a landlord, and also your rights and responsibilities as a tenant.
By: North Carolina Bar Association

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   The Cooling-Off Rule: When and How to Cancel a Sale (Separate Website)
The Federal Trade Commission's (FTC's) Cooling-Off Rule gives you three days to cancel purchases of $25 or more, if bought from somewhere other than the sellers place of business.
By: Federal Trade Commission
  
   
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  NC Statutes and Court Procedures
 
   North Carolina Statutes (Separate Website)
The North Carolina General Assembly is offering access to the Statutes on the Internet as a service to the public. These statutes are the general laws that govern North Carolina's legal system.
By: North Carolina General Assembly
  
   
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  Legal Information
 
   Tips on Dealing With Financial Matters (Separate Website)
This guide published by Legal Aid of North Carolina offers important tips on dealing with Financial Matters, such as tips on handling financial matters, tips on signing important papers, and tips on dealing with Welfare and other agencies.
By: Legal Aid of North Carolina
 
  
   
   Consumer and Contract Matters (Separate Website)
Issues like identity theft, credit card information, repairing your credit are covered; info that we all need in this economy.
  
   
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Credit and Credit Reports
  Self-Help
 
   "Money Matters" Website of the Federal Trade Commission (Separate Website)
The FTC created this website to help you tackle some money issues head-on. It contains valuable information and tips regarding a wide variety of scams, credit cards, money management, dealing with debt, your home, and jobs.
By: Federal Trade Commission

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   Buying On Time This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. (Separate Website)
This brochure explains your rights and responsibilities when you purchase an item and are paying with credit. It also discusses the importance of paying your bills on time.
By: North Carolina Bar Association
  
   
   Credit - An FTC Consumer Law Web Site (Separate Website)
This web site contains documents that deal with credit issues, credit scams, privacy issues, identity theft, electronic banking and credit cards. The documents may be viewed and printed from the screen or printed in PDF format.
By: Federal Trade Commission

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   Credit, Debit, and ATM Cards: What to do if they're lost or stolen (Separate Website)
The Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA) and the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA) offer procedures for you to use if your cards are lost or stolen.
By: Federal Trade Commission

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   The Truth About Credit Reports and Credit Repair Companies This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. (Separate Website)
Beware of credit repair companies. There are many things you can do on your own for free to "fix" your credit or to rebuild your credit.
By: National Consumer Law Center

    Read this in: Chinese / 中文 , Korean / 한국어 , Russian / Pусский , Spanish / Español , Vietnamese / Tiếng Việt
  
   
   Choosing a Credit Card (Separate Website)
There are several things to consider when choosing the right credit card: fees, charges, interest rates, and benefits can vary among credit card issuers.
By: Federal Trade Commission

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
back to top      
 
  NC Statutes and Court Procedures
 
   North Carolina Statutes (Separate Website)
The North Carolina General Assembly is offering access to the Statutes on the Internet as a service to the public. These statutes are the general laws that govern North Carolina's legal system.
By: North Carolina General Assembly
  
   
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  Legal Information
 
   Consumer Privacy Issues (Separate Website)
Advances in computer technology have made it possible for detailed information about people to be compiled and shared more easily and cheaply than ever. That's good for society as a whole and individual consumers. For example, it is easier for law enforcement to track down criminals, for banks to prevent fraud, and for consumers to learn about new products and services, allowing them to make better-informed purchasing decisions. At the same time, as personal information becomes more accessible, each of us - companies, associations, government agencies, and consumers - must take precautions to protect against the misuse of that information. The Federal Trade Commission is educating consumers and businesses about the importance of personal information privacy. Read more about our efforts, what we've learned, and what you can do to protect the privacy of your personal information.
By: Federal Trade Commission

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   Credit and Your Consumer Rights (Separate Website)
A good credit rating is very important. Businesses inspect your credit history when they evaluate your applications for credit, insurance, employment, and even leases. They can use it when they choose to give or deny you credit or insurance, provided you receive fair and equal treatment. Sometimes, things happen that can cause credit problems: a temporary loss of income, an illness, even a computer error. Solving credit problems may take time and patience, but it doesn?t have to be an ordeal.
By: Federal Trade Commission

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   Right to Access Free Credit Reports (Separate Website)
AnnualCreditReport.com is the ONLY authorized source for the free annual credit report that's yours by law. The Fair Credit Reporting Act guarantees you access to your credit report for free from each of the three nationwide credit reporting companies: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion every 12 months. The Federal Trade Commission has received complaints from consumers who thought they were ordering their free annual credit report, and yet couldn't get it without paying fees or buying other services. TV ads, email offers, or online search results may tout "free" credit reports, but there is only one authorized source for a truly free credit report.
By: Federal Trade Commission

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
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