Listing of self-help materials and informational publications.
There are 138 resources
Page 1 of 3
Auto: purchasing, repairs, towing, insurance
Auto Repair
(Separate Website)
Information about your rights in dealing with an auto repair company and what to do if you have a dispute.
By: Washington State Attorney General
Buying a Used Car
(Separate Website)
Information you should read before you purchase a used car.
By: Federal Trade Commission
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Spanish / Español
Buying a Used Vehicle
(Separate Website)
Information you should read before you purchase a used car.
By: Washington State Attorney General
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Spanish / Español
How to Avoid Auto Fraud
(Separate Website)
Get the facts about auto financing and sales.
By: National Association of Consumer Advocates
Mandatory Auto Insurance and Auto Accident Financial Responsibility
This publication answers questions about Washington's mandatory insurance law and explains the laws that apply if you have an accident while driving without insurance.
By: Northwest Justice Project
Other Formats:
PDF File
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Motor Vehicle Lemon Law
(Separate Website)
The Washington State Motor Vehicle "Lemon Law" is designed to help new vehicle owners who have substantial continuing problems with warranty repairs. The law allows the owner to request an arbitration hearing through the Attorney General’s Office.
By: Washington State Attorney General
Read this in:
Russian / Pусский
,
Spanish / Español
Occupational/Restricted Driver License
(Separate Website)
Questions and answers about getting and keeping an occupational or restricted driver license.
By: Department of Licensing
Reporting the Sale or Transfer of Your Car
This publication answers questions about what you can do to protect yourself from being held responsible for the actions of another person after you have sold or transferred your car.
By: Northwest Justice Project
Other Formats:
PDF File
Used Car Purchases: What to do When Your Car Doesn't Work Properly
What can you do if your used car breaks down or needs costly repairs soon after purchase from a car dealer? This publication summarizes some state and federal laws that may help.
By: Northwest Justice Project
Other Formats:
PDF File
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Bankruptcy Basics
(Separate Website)
Provides individuals who may be considering bankruptcy with a basic explanation of the different chapters under which a bankruptcy case may be filed and to answer some of the most commonly asked questions about the bankruptcy process.
By: U.S. Courts
Before You File for Personal Bankruptcy: Info about Credit Counseling & Debtor Education
(Separate Website)
The Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 launched a new era: With limited exceptions people who plan to file for bankruptcy protection must get credit counseling from a government-approved organization within 180 days before they file. They also must complete a debtor education course to have their debts discharged.
By: Federal Trade Commission
Changes in the Bankruptcy Law that Affect Low-Income People
In 2005, Congress passed a federal law that made many changes to existing bankruptcy law. We discuss just a few of those changes here.
By: Northwest Justice Project
Other Formats:
PDF File
Read this in:
Russian / Pусский
,
Spanish / Español
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
(Separate Website)
Description of Chapter 13 bankruptcy advantages, eligibility and how it works.
By: U.S. Courts - Federal Judiciary
Community Debt and Bankruptcy Issues
(Separate Website)
Community debts are those debts that both you and your spouse are responsible for. This fact sheet defines which types of debts are defined as community debts. (PDF file)
By: Legal Voice
Washington Bankrutpcy Law
(Separate Website)
Washington Bankruptcy Law will help explain the federal bankruptcy process and the common surrounding issues as they pertain to Washington residents.
By: www.washington-bankruptcy.com
Your Legal Rights During and After Bankruptcy
(Separate Website)
Important information about issues to consider during and after your bankruptcy filing.
By: National Consumer Law Center
How to Claim Personal Property Exemptions 0220EN - Information and sample forms to be used when claiming that some of your property is exempt (protected) from being taken to pay a debt.
By: Northwest Justice Project
U.S. Bankruptcy Court - Eastern District of Washington
(Separate Website)
Information on the paperwork needed to file in the Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Washington.
By: US Bankruptcy Court
U.S. Bankruptcy Court - Western District of Washington
(Separate Website)
Information on the paperwork needed to file in the Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Washington.
By: US Bankruptcy Court
Avoiding Scams Against Immigrants
(Separate Website)
Whether you're renewing your Green Card, becoming a citizen, or trying to choose the right forms, immigration issues can be complicated - and it's important to do things right. Use the resources on this page to help you spot and avoid scams, and find the right kind of help.
By: Federal Trade Commission
Credit and Debit Card Scams
General information about credit and debit card scams: how to avoid them and what to do if you think you are a victim.
By: Northwest Justice Project
Other Formats:
PDF File
Filing an Online Complaint with the Attorney General's Office
(Separate Website)
The AG's web site provides information on resolving consumer complaints and how to file a complaint in the event your problem cannot be resolved.
By: Washington State Attorney General
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
OnGuardOnline.Gov
(Separate Website)
Provides practical tips from the government and the tech industry to help you be on guard against internet fraud, secure your computer and protect your personal information.
By: Federal Trade Commission
Senior Fraud
(Separate Website)
Consumers lose billions of dollars each year to fraud. People over age 50 are especially vulnerable and account for over half of all victims, according to a study conducted by AARP. People who commit these types of crimes, “con criminals,” often target older people knowing they have spent a lifetime earning their savings. Con criminals go wherever they can to find money to steal. They use everyday tools—the mailbox, the telephone, the Internet—to reach into your pocketbook.
By: Washington State Attorney General
Work at Home Schemes
(Separate Website)
When money's tight, work-at-home opportunities can sound like just the thing to make ends meet. Some even promise a refund if you don't succeed. But the reality is many of these jobs are scams.
By: Federal Trade Commission
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Cancellation Rights
(Separate Website)
When you sign a contract in most cases you cannot change your mind and cancel. So it is always a good idea to take your time and consider your purchases carefully before you sign. However consumers in Washington have the right to cancel in some cases under both state and federal laws. This brochure lists the main types of contracts which can be cancelled. Not all types of cancelable contracts have been included. Therefore it is wise to get legal advice if you have questions about cancelling.
By: Washington State Attorney General
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Spanish / Español
Contractor Information
(Separate Website)
Information about hiring a contractor, reporting unregistered contractors and contractor forms.
By: Department L & I
Mediation: Should I Use It?
(Separate Website)
3226EN - Mediation is an informal way to resolve disputes without going to court. The parties attempt to negotiate a mutually agreeable settlement with the help of a neutral mediator. Mediation can be used in many types of disputes.
By: Legal Voice
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Spanish / Español
What to do If You are not Satisfied with a Construction Contractor's Work and Want to File Suit against the Contractor's Bond
There are number of reasons why you may want to sue a construction contractor. The contractor did not finish the job you hired him to do, for example, or did not do a good job. If the contractor is bankrupt or does not have any other assets, you can sue against the contractor's bond.
By: Northwest Justice Project
Other Formats:
PDF File
Credit Reports
(Separate Website)
Information about others who can obtain your credit report, reviewing your credit file, and correcting an error in your credit file.
By: Washington State Attorney General
Get Answers about National Banks
(Separate Website)
Helpwithmybank.gov helps you find answers to your National Banking questions. Information about your credit, credit cards, bank accounts and insurance is provided.
By: U.S. Department of the Treasury
Your Access to Free Credit Reports
(Separate Website)
General information about credit reporting agencies and what you can do to add or change information contained in your credit report.
By: Federal Trade Commission
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Your Rights: Credit Reporting
(Separate Website)
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires each of the nationwide consumer reporting companies ? Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion ? to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months.
By: Federal Trade Commission
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Spanish / Español
Credit Repair: How to Help Yourself
(Separate Website)
There's no quick fix for creditworthiness. You can improve your credit report legitimately, but it takes time, a conscious effort, and sticking to a personal debt repayment plan. This article explains how.
By: Federal Trade Commission
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Credit Reports
(Separate Website)
Information about others who can obtain your credit report, reviewing your credit file, and correcting an error in your credit file.
By: Washington State Attorney General
Fighting Back Against Identity Theft
(Separate Website)
Identity theft is a serious crime. People whose identities have been stolen can spend months or years - and their hard-earned money - cleaning up the mess thieves have made of their good name and credit record. This site provides information on what to do if your identity has been stolen.
By: Federal Trade Commission
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Get Answers about National Banks
(Separate Website)
Helpwithmybank.gov helps you find answers to your National Banking questions. Information about your credit, credit cards, bank accounts and insurance is provided.
By: U.S. Department of the Treasury
The Truth About Credit Reports and Credit Repair Companies
(Separate Website)
3-fold brochure with information about how to get a copy of your credit report and correcting inaccurate info.
By: National Consumer Law Center
Read this in:
Chinese / 中文
,
Korean / 한국어
,
Russian / Pусский
,
Spanish / Español
,
Vietnamese / Tiếng Việt
Your Access to Free Credit Reports
(Separate Website)
General information about credit reporting agencies and what you can do to add or change information contained in your credit report.
By: Federal Trade Commission
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Your Rights: Credit Reporting
(Separate Website)
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires each of the nationwide consumer reporting companies ? Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion ? to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months.
By: Federal Trade Commission
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Dealing with Debt Collectors - Video
Short video explaining valuable information about how to deal with aggressive debt collectors.
By: Federal Trade Commission
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Debtors' Rights: Dealing with Collection Agencies This publication helps you understand debt collection practices and your rights when dealing with debt collectors. Includes form letters you can use to mail to debt collectors requesting that they stop contacting you.
By: Northwest Justice Project
Read this in:
Chinese / 中文
,
Laotian / ພາສາລາວ
,
Russian / Pусский
,
Somali / Soomaali
,
Spanish / Español
,
Vietnamese / Tiếng Việt
How do I Answer a Lawsuit for Debt Collection
0205EN - This packet helps you represent yourself when you have been served with a lawsuit for debt collection. It should be used with our publication "Debtors' Rights in a Lawsuit".
By: Northwest Justice Project
Other Formats:
PDF File
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
How to Claim Personal Property Exemptions 0220EN - Information and sample forms to be used when claiming that some of your property is exempt (protected) from being taken to pay a debt.
By: Northwest Justice Project
How to Present a Charity Care Defense to a Lawsuit for Hospital Debt Collection 5910EN - This packet is intended to help you when you are being sued for hospital-based medical services which you would not owe if the hospital had correctly determined your eligibility for Charity Care.
By: Northwest Justice Project
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
What to do If Your Check Bounces
Provides options on what you can do if you receive an insufficient funds notice from your bank.
By: Northwest Justice Project
Other Formats:
PDF File
Adobe Acrobat Reader required. (If you are using a screen reader that does not support PDF format, copy the PDF link, and use the Access Adobe online form to convert this file to HMTL text.)
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