Situation Guides

My former roommate moved out and still owes me rent

Gather the lease, payment record, and move-out timeline before a written demand or small claims.

My landlord charged cleaning fees after I moved out

Organize move-out photos, itemized deductions, and your timeline before deciding the next step.

My roommate changed the locks or took my belongings

Organize proof you live there and a lockout timeline before a demand to restore access or small claims.

I loaned money to a friend or family member, and they stopped responding

Gather transfer records, messages, and repayment promises before sending a written request.

A client ghosted me after I sent the invoice

Organize the engagement record, deliverables, invoice, and follow-up communications before escalating.

The repair shop charged me, but my car still isn't fixed

Document the repair timeline, invoices, and remaining problem before escalating.

I think the mechanic recommended unnecessary repairs

Preserve the original estimate, the work authorized, and any second-opinion records before a CLRA-style demand.

The dealership refused to honor a warranty repair

Organize the warranty document, every repair-attempt record, and any independent diagnosis before invoking Song-Beverly.

A transmission rebuild failed shortly after the work

Document the estimate, invoice, rebuild warranty, and second-opinion diagnosis before demanding warranty repair or refund.

A shop charged me for repairs I never authorized

Pull your signed authorization, invoice, and work order before a written request or BAR complaint.

A dealership sold me a car with undisclosed damage

Gather your purchase contract, the listing, and an independent inspection before invoking the disclosure rules.

My neighbor damaged my fence, car, or property

Photograph the damage, get repair estimates, and preserve any communications.

A customer filed a chargeback after I completed the work

Organize your proof of delivery, contract, and customer messages before responding.

A contractor took my deposit and never started the work

Pull the signed contract, deposit record, and missed-start communications before a demand or small claims.

A buyer filed a false chargeback against my online store

Organize the order, shipping/delivery confirmation, and buyer communications before responding to the platform.

A moving company damaged my belongings and won't pay

Organize your bill of lading, inventory, and damage photos before accepting any 60-cents-per-pound offer.

A mover is holding my belongings for extra charges

Pull your written estimate and bill of lading before demanding release under the CPUC hostage-load rules.

A wedding or event vendor took my money and didn't show

Gather your contract, deposit receipts, and no-show proof before a refund demand or small claims.

A med spa took my money but won't deliver the package

Gather your agreement, payment records, and visit history before a refund request or chargeback.

A med spa kept charging me after I cancelled

Pull your written cancellation and card statements before invoking California's auto-renewal rules.

A salon charged me for a service I never received

Organize your receipt, booking record, and card statement before a refund request.

A salon added charges I never approved

Gather your quote, itemized receipt, and messages before disputing the unauthorized upcharges.

A dental office billed me for a procedure that wasn't done

Pull your itemized bill, insurance EOB, and treatment notes before a billing-correction request.

My orthodontist charged extra beyond the agreed plan

Organize your signed treatment plan and payment record before holding them to the agreed price.

I was bitten by a dog in California

Organize medical records, photos, and the owner's details, then connect with a California attorney — the clock is generally two years.

I was injured in a California car accident

Document your injuries, treatment, and the scene, then connect with a California attorney before the two-year deadline.

I slipped and fell in a store

Capture the hazard, incident report, and medical care, then connect with a California attorney for review.

I was injured by a dangerous condition at my rental

Organize the condition, your repair requests, and medical records before an attorney reviews your matter.

I was injured by broken gym equipment

Document the equipment, your waiver, and your injuries — a waiver doesn't cover gross negligence in California.

A personal trainer's instruction injured me

Organize your training agreement, the session, and medical records before an attorney reviews your matter.

A med-spa laser or device burned my skin

Treated as a medical injury on a short clock — organize independent records and photos, then connect with a California attorney.

I had a complication after plastic surgery

Gather your operative report, records, and photos, then connect with a California attorney before the malpractice deadline.

I had an adverse reaction to Botox or filler

Document the product, who injected it, and your independent care, then connect with a California attorney.

A filler caused a vascular event or serious asymmetry

Organize your emergency and medical records and photos, then connect with a California attorney promptly.

A salon chemical service burned my scalp or skin

Capture photos, medical care, and the appointment record, then connect with a California attorney for review.

A color or perm caused hair loss or a burn

Document the service, photos over time, and any medical care, then connect with a California attorney.

A dental procedure caused nerve damage

Organize your dental records, imaging, and specialist notes, then connect with a California attorney before the deadline.

The dentist treated or extracted the wrong tooth

Gather your treatment plan, records, and imaging, then connect with a California attorney for review.

Orthodontic treatment caused root resorption or TMJ harm

Organize your orthodontic records and imaging over time, then connect with a California attorney for review.

Clear aligners (Invisalign) harmed my teeth or bite

Document the treatment, supervision, and harm, then connect with a California attorney for review.

I'm facing discrimination or harassment at work

Build a dated timeline and gather messages and HR records, then connect with a California attorney for review.

I'm preparing for a divorce consultation

Organize your finances, timeline, and questions so your first California family-law consultation is productive.