Legal FAQs
Answers to frequently asked legal questions.
By Topic
Abortion
Child Custody & Support
Consumer Protection
Business Practices
- What is the maximum fee for a bounced check?
- Do I have to provide my Social Security number (SSN) to a business?
- Can gift cards expire?
- What does the law say about refunds and returns in Texas?
- How late can telemarketers call?
- Can businesses raise their prices during disasters?
- Can a business charge a fee for using a credit card?
Contracts
Debt & Credit
- Debt collectors keep calling me. What can I do?
- What is the maximum interest rate under Texas law?
- How long can negative information appear on my credit report?
- Can debt collectors call my work or family?
- What is the statute of limitations on debt?
Vehicle Sales
COVID-19
- Can my landlord raise my rent?
- Are there any COVID-19 requirements for people traveling to Texas?
- Can I carry a gun without a license during a disaster?
- How can I report violations of mask orders?
- Can I be required to show proof of a COVID-19 test?
Masks
- Does Texas have an anti-mask law?
- Can I carry a gun while wearing a mask?
- Can a business require me to wear a mask?
- Do I have to wear a mask if I have a disability?
Vaccines
Criminal Offenses
- Where can I find Texas laws on abortion?
- Does Texas have trigger laws related to abortion?
- Is abortion illegal in Texas?
- Do I need a license to carry a handgun in Texas?
- What is the legal age of consent for sex in Texas?
- Can I give a gun to a minor?
- How much time must be served before someone is eligible for parole?
- Can you shoot someone who breaks into your house?
- Can you shoot a person caught having sex with your spouse?
- Is gambling legal in Texas?
- Is picking bluebonnets legal in Texas?
- Do children have to be a certain age before they can be left alone at home?
- Can I legally tape a phone conversation?
Drugs & Alcohol
Emergencies & Disasters
Felony Convictions
- Can a person convicted of a felony vote in Texas?
- Can someone with a felony conviction own a gun?
- Can a person with a felony conviction own a black powder gun?
- Can I own a gun if someone I live with was convicted of a felony?
- How does a former felony conviction affect me?
- How can I get something removed from my criminal record?
- How do I get an occupational driver's license?
Guns
Carry
- Do I need a license to carry a handgun in Texas?
- Can I carry a gun in my car?
- Can an out-of-state visitor carry a gun in Texas?
- Can I carry a gun while wearing a mask?
- Can I carry a gun without a license during a disaster?
Felony Convictions
- Can someone with a felony conviction own a gun?
- Can a person with a felony conviction own a black powder gun?
- Can I own a gun if someone I live with was convicted of a felony?
- How does a former felony conviction affect me?
Sales & Transfers
- Can I give a gun to a minor?
- Do I need to transfer the registration of a firearm?
- How are sales at gun shows regulated in Texas?
- Do I need to report a lost or stolen gun? How do I find the serial number?
- How old do you need to be to buy a gun?
- How can I sell my gun to another person?
Using Firearms
Landlord/Tenant Law
- My landlord sold the property. Can the new owner kick me out or change the lease?
- Do I have three days to cancel a lease?
- Can my landlord enter my rental property without permission?
Eviction
- My landlord gave me an eviction notice. What happens next?
- Can I remove an eviction from my record?
- How do I remove a guest who won't leave?
Rent
- Can I use my security deposit for last month's rent?
- Can my landlord raise my rent?
- Can my landlord make me pay rent online?
Repairs
Legal Assistance & Forms
Legal Research
Marriage & Family
- What is the process for stepparent adoption?
- Do grandparents have a legal right to see their grandchildren?
- How can I modify my child custody or support order?
- Can a minor legally emancipate themselves from their parents?
- Can a marriage ceremony in Texas be conducted remotely?
- Does Texas recognize common law marriages?
- Who can perform a marriage ceremony in Texas?
- Can I file for divorce without an attorney?
- How do I change my name after getting married?
- How do I change my child's name?
- How do I change my name?
- Do children have to be a certain age before they can be left alone at home?
Minors
Money & Debt
- What is the maximum fee for a bounced check?
- Debt collectors keep calling me. What can I do?
- Can gift cards expire?
- How long can negative information appear on my credit report?
- Can debt collectors call my work or family?
- What is the statute of limitations on debt?
- Can a business charge a fee for using a credit card?
- How do I withdraw money from a court registry?
Name Changes
Property
- What are my rights in a homeowners' association (HOA)?
- What is a Lady Bird deed?
- What form do I need to change the name on the deed of my property?
- Can you can use purple paint marks instead of "No Trespassing" signs on your property?
- My neighbor’s tree branches and roots are coming into my yard. What can I do?
Small Claims
- What’s the maximum amount I can sue for in a small claims court?
- Do I need a lawyer for a small claims case?
- Which small claims court should I file my lawsuit in?
- Can I appear remotely at my small claims hearing?
- How do I sue a business in a small claims court?
- Do I have to live in Texas to file a small claims suit there?
- Can I file my small claims case online?
Texas Trivia
Topics
Library Resources
Contact an Attorney
Disclaimer: The State Law Library cannot tell you what a law means for your situation. Please contact an attorney for help determining what the law means for you. If you have questions or need help finding resources, please ask a librarian.