Know your rights, where to get help and ways to help yourself
There are 126 resources
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Bankruptcy
Know Your Rights
Bankruptcy - Frequently Asked Questions
This answers many commonly asked questions about bankruptcy. There are also links to forms and instructions, a link to a list of fees and also information on finding credit counselors.
By: Colorado Legal Services
Bankruptcy Clinic
(Separate Website)
Volunteer attorneys from the Denver Bar Association present personal bankruptcy clinics for pro se (do-it-yourself) litigants.
By: Denver Bar Association
Colorado Collection Agency Board
(Separate Website)
Provides consumers with information about their rights and restricts the ways collection agencies can attempt to collect debts.
By: Colorado Attorney General's Office
Avoiding Bankruptcy
(Separate Website)
Have your finances reached the point at which bankruptcy feels like the only way out? Filing for bankruptcy can take a heavy emotional and financial toll, so it is worthwhile to first explore ways to avoid the necessity of taking this action. Depending on your own circumstances, there may be ways to avoid bankruptcy, even if your current outlook is bleak. The sooner you address a financial setback, the better able you will be to cope with it
By: AARP (American Association of Retired Persons)
Tips to Prevent Becoming a Victim of Mortgage Fraud
(Separate Website)
General tips about mortgage fraud, mortgage debt elimination schemes, foreclosure fraud schemes and predatory lending schemes.
By: Federal Bureau of Investigation
Consumer Rights in bankruptcy, debt, and garnishment issues This packet has information regarding consumer rights for different types of debt, collection agencies, and bankruptcy. It explains garnishment laws and has a list of organizations that may be able to help you file a complaint against creditors.
By: Colorado Legal Services
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Information for Debtors without Counsel - US Bankruptcy Courty - District of Colorado
(Separate Website)
The information is provided for the benefit of debtors seeking general information about the bankruptcy court or about the bankruptcy process who are not represented by an attorney.
By: United States Bankruptcy Court - District of Colorado
Office of Dispute Resolution
(Separate Website)
If you have a legal dispute, the Office of Dispute Resolution (ODR) may be able to help. This link will take you to their homepage. The ODR exists to establish and make available dispute resolution programs and services within the Colorado Judicial Branch.
By: Colorado Judicial Branch
State Median Family Income by Family Size
(Separate Website)
This table provides median family income data reproduced in a format designed for ease of use in completing Bankruptcy Forms B22A and B22C.
By: U.S. Department of Justice
Other Formats:
XLS File
Talk with a Lawyer on Law Line 9
An advice line providing brief direction on legal problems.
By: Channel 9 News in Denver, Colorado
What is a Contempt Citation?
When someone files a contempt citation against you, it means they are asking the Judge to punish you because they believe you have violated a court order.
By: Colorado Legal Services
Filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau
(Separate Website)
How to file a complaint if you have a problem with a business. Includes lists the local BBB offices.
By: Better Business Bureau
Complete and Print Out Small Claims Forms Online
(Separate Website)
This is available for individuals who need to complete the court forms necessary to file a Small Claims action in Colorado.
By: Colorado Legal Services
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Protect Yourself as a Consumer
(Separate Website)
Consumer information on topics such as abusive lending, credit issues, privacy, seniors' issues and much more.
By: Federal Trade Commission
Colorado's Motor Vehicle Repair Act
(Separate Website)
When getting your car repaired, you have rights under the Colorado Motor Vehicle Repair Act.
By: Colorado District Attorney
Appropriate Dispute Resolution
(Separate Website)
This information will help you learn about the many options you have when you are involved in a dispute.
By: Colorado Bar Association
Office of Dispute Resolution
(Separate Website)
If you have a legal dispute, the Office of Dispute Resolution (ODR) may be able to help. This link will take you to their homepage. The ODR exists to establish and make available dispute resolution programs and services within the Colorado Judicial Branch.
By: Colorado Judicial Branch
Talk with a Lawyer on Law Line 9
An advice line providing brief direction on legal problems.
By: Channel 9 News in Denver, Colorado
What is a Contempt Citation?
When someone files a contempt citation against you, it means they are asking the Judge to punish you because they believe you have violated a court order.
By: Colorado Legal Services
Consumer Credit in Colorado
(Separate Website)
A Colorado law which regulates how much you can be charged for credit, restricts what can happen to you if you pay late and defines what information must be provided to you before you commit to any credit transaction. The law is the Uniform Consumer Credit Code and this resource highlights that law.
By: Department of Law, State of Colorado
Obtain your Free Credit Report
A new federal law provides for access to free reports for individuals in all states through annualcreditreport.com.
You can obtain your credit report three times annually once from each of the 3 major credit bureaus.
By: annualcreditreport.com
Other Formats:
Separate Website
Credit File Security Freeze Any US Citizen can put a security freeze on their credit reports. A freeze means your file can't be shared with potential creditors which can help prevent identity theft. If your files are frozen, even someone who has your name and Social Security number will not be able to get credit in your name.
By: Office of Denver District Attorney and CASE Partnership
Read this in:
Russian / Pусский
,
Spanish / Español
Protect Yourself as a Consumer
(Separate Website)
Consumer information on topics such as abusive lending, credit issues, privacy, seniors' issues and much more.
By: Federal Trade Commission
Filing Consumer Complaints
(Separate Website)
A list of website links to help you locate useful information and to show you how to file a complaint.
Click 'Consumer Complaint' under "Quick Find" in right hand column.
By: Federal Trade Commission
Appropriate Dispute Resolution
(Separate Website)
This information will help you learn about the many options you have when you are involved in a dispute.
By: Colorado Bar Association
Credit vs. Debit: Which should you use?
(Separate Website)
Credit cards and debit cards allow you to pay for things using two very different financial tools, learn more about functions of both.
By: National Consumer Law Center
Office of Dispute Resolution
(Separate Website)
If you have a legal dispute, the Office of Dispute Resolution (ODR) may be able to help. This link will take you to their homepage. The ODR exists to establish and make available dispute resolution programs and services within the Colorado Judicial Branch.
By: Colorado Judicial Branch
Talk with a Lawyer on Law Line 9
An advice line providing brief direction on legal problems.
By: Channel 9 News in Denver, Colorado
What to do When you Can't Pay Debts
(Separate Website)
This resource describes consumer rights and what creditors are not allowed to do when collecting a debt. Additional topics include, the inability to pay your bills or work out a payment plan, the court process, protecting your assets and help getting your bills under control.
By: Colorado Department of Law
Repossession Time Line and FAQs Instructions to follow if you are late in payments, including what your creditor(s) has a right to do. This resource has frequently asked questions addressing the repossession of a vehicle and other general information about debts.
By: Colorado Legal Services
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Colorado Collection Agency Board
(Separate Website)
Provides consumers with information about their rights and restricts the ways collection agencies can attempt to collect debts.
By: Colorado Attorney General's Office
Complete and Print Out Small Claims Forms Online
(Separate Website)
This is available for individuals who need to complete the court forms necessary to file a Small Claims action in Colorado.
By: Colorado Legal Services
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Appropriate Dispute Resolution
(Separate Website)
This information will help you learn about the many options you have when you are involved in a dispute.
By: Colorado Bar Association
Talk with a Lawyer on Law Line 9
An advice line providing brief direction on legal problems.
By: Channel 9 News in Denver, Colorado
Consumer Rights in bankruptcy, debt, and garnishment issues This packet has information regarding consumer rights for different types of debt, collection agencies, and bankruptcy. It explains garnishment laws and has a list of organizations that may be able to help you file a complaint against creditors.
By: Colorado Legal Services
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Medicare Telephone Scams To protect yourself against Medicare scams, remember that no one can ask you for personal information during marketing activities. If you have a question or concern regarding Medicare, call 1-877-7SAFERX (1-877-772-3379.) Open this document for more information.
By: Office of Denver District Attorney and CASE Partnership
Read this in:
Russian / Pусский
Office of Dispute Resolution
(Separate Website)
If you have a legal dispute, the Office of Dispute Resolution (ODR) may be able to help. This link will take you to their homepage. The ODR exists to establish and make available dispute resolution programs and services within the Colorado Judicial Branch.
By: Colorado Judicial Branch
What Income is Protected from Garnishment?
(Separate Website)
When someone is suing you, or threatening to sue you, you need to know if your income can be taken to pay any judgment that might be entered against you. Certain types of income are protected from garnishment, meaning a creditor cannot not take specific income or limited amounts of income.
By: Colorado Legal Services
Credit vs. Debit: Which should you use?
(Separate Website)
Credit cards and debit cards allow you to pay for things using two very different financial tools, learn more about functions of both.
By: National Consumer Law Center
Income-Based Repayment
(Separate Website)
Income-Based Repayment (IBR) is a new payment option for federal student loans. Starting July 2009, it will help borrowers keep their loan payments affordable with payment caps based on their income and family size.
By: IBR repayment
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
(Separate Website)
Public Service Loan Forgiveness is a new program for federal student loan borrowers who work in a wide range of "public service" jobs, including jobs in government and nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations.
Answers about Student Loans
(Separate Website)
This site has information about student loans, including how to apply, what types of loans are available, and information about repaying your loan.
By: U.S. Department of Education
Being a Co-signer has its Advantages and Risks
If you are thinking about co-signing on a loan, make sure you are aware of both the advantages and disadvantages.
By: Colorado Legal Services
Complete and Print Out Small Claims Forms Online
(Separate Website)
This is available for individuals who need to complete the court forms necessary to file a Small Claims action in Colorado.
By: Colorado Legal Services
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Appropriate Dispute Resolution
(Separate Website)
This information will help you learn about the many options you have when you are involved in a dispute.
By: Colorado Bar Association
Colorado Collection Agency Board
(Separate Website)
Provides consumers with information about their rights and restricts the ways collection agencies can attempt to collect debts.
By: Colorado Attorney General's Office
Consumer Credit in Colorado
(Separate Website)
A Colorado law which regulates how much you can be charged for credit, restricts what can happen to you if you pay late and defines what information must be provided to you before you commit to any credit transaction. The law is the Uniform Consumer Credit Code and this resource highlights that law.
By: Department of Law, State of Colorado
Consumer Rights in bankruptcy, debt, and garnishment issues This packet has information regarding consumer rights for different types of debt, collection agencies, and bankruptcy. It explains garnishment laws and has a list of organizations that may be able to help you file a complaint against creditors.
By: Colorado Legal Services
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Getting Facts Before Borrowing Against Your Home Guidelines to getting a fair deal on a new or refinanced home loan.
By: Colorado Responsible Lending Task Force
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
How to Avoid Mortgage Fraud
(Separate Website)
Fraud alert providing consumers with valuable advice on how to avoid getting scammed in the real estate market.
By: Denver DA's Office
Office of Dispute Resolution
(Separate Website)
If you have a legal dispute, the Office of Dispute Resolution (ODR) may be able to help. This link will take you to their homepage. The ODR exists to establish and make available dispute resolution programs and services within the Colorado Judicial Branch.
By: Colorado Judicial Branch
Payday Loans = Very Costly Cash
(Separate Website)
"I just need enough cash to tide me over until payday."
"GET CASH UNTIL PAYDAY! . . . $100 OR MORE . . . FAST."
The ads are on the radio, television, the Internet, even in the mail. They refer to payday loans - which come at a very high price.
By: Federal Trade Commission
Protect Yourself as a Consumer
(Separate Website)
Consumer information on topics such as abusive lending, credit issues, privacy, seniors' issues and much more.
By: Federal Trade Commission
Protecting Older Coloradans from Financial Exploitation
(Separate Website)
This program provides information to and coordinates efforts by law enforcement offices, adult protection and mental health agencies and organizations assisting older Americans as well as efforts undertaken by older Americans themselves.
By: AARP ElderWatch (w/ CO Attorney General)
What you Should Know about Writing Checks
A new law allows many individual checks to be processed electronically as soon as a consumer writes one, meaning they can clear within minutes. This resource informs you of your rights.
By: Colorado Legal Services
Consumer Credit in Colorado
(Separate Website)
A Colorado law which regulates how much you can be charged for credit, restricts what can happen to you if you pay late and defines what information must be provided to you before you commit to any credit transaction. The law is the Uniform Consumer Credit Code and this resource highlights that law.
By: Department of Law, State of Colorado
Office of Dispute Resolution
(Separate Website)
If you have a legal dispute, the Office of Dispute Resolution (ODR) may be able to help. This link will take you to their homepage. The ODR exists to establish and make available dispute resolution programs and services within the Colorado Judicial Branch.
By: Colorado Judicial Branch
Consumer Protection Information for Seniors
(Separate Website)
The purpose of this resource is to help Seniors learn the red flags of fraud; recognize
when someone is trying to victimize them; learn when to say "no" and close the door
or hang up the phone; know how to report fraud to the appropriate agencies; and empower the consumer. (Chapter 11 of The Senior Law Handbook is a project of the Colorado Bar Association's Elder Law and Trust and Estate Section.)
By: Colorado Bar Association - Senior Law Handbook
Credit File Security Freeze Any US Citizen can put a security freeze on their credit reports. A freeze means your file can't be shared with potential creditors which can help prevent identity theft. If your files are frozen, even someone who has your name and Social Security number will not be able to get credit in your name.
By: Office of Denver District Attorney and CASE Partnership
Read this in:
Russian / Pусский
,
Spanish / Español
Fighting Back Against Identity Theft
(Separate Website)
This website is a one-stop national resource to learn about the crime of identity theft. It provides detailed information to help you deter, detect, and defend against identity theft.
By: Federal Trade Commission
Identity Theft and Children
(Separate Website)
Child Identity Theft occurs when a child's identity is used by another person for the imposter's personal gain. This resource explores the potential impact this crime will have on a child's life from the moment of discovery and into the future.
By: Identity Theft Resource Center
Identity Theft and the Deceased
(Separate Website)
Fact sheet with prevention and victim tips.
By: Identity Theft Resource Center
Identity Theft Handbook This useful resource has a test to determine an individuals' risk to ID theft, how to reduce that risk and what to do if you become a victim of identity theft.
By: Denver District Attorneys' Office - CASE Project
Identity Theft Resource Center
(Separate Website)
This nonprofit organization is dedicated to the understanding and prevention of ID theft.
By: Identity Theft Resource Center
If Your Social Security Number is Stolen Thieves can use your SSN to obtain credit and employment - What should you do if you're a victim? Act quickly and assertively, and keep records/copies of all contacts and reports.
By: Denver DA's Office and CASE Partnership
Read this in:
Russian / Pусский
,
Spanish / Español
Obtain your Free Credit Report
A new federal law provides for access to free reports for individuals in all states through annualcreditreport.com.
You can obtain your credit report three times annually once from each of the 3 major credit bureaus.
By: annualcreditreport.com
Other Formats:
Separate Website
Office of Dispute Resolution
(Separate Website)
If you have a legal dispute, the Office of Dispute Resolution (ODR) may be able to help. This link will take you to their homepage. The ODR exists to establish and make available dispute resolution programs and services within the Colorado Judicial Branch.
By: Colorado Judicial Branch
OnGuard Online: Computer security and twarting identity thieves
(Separate Website)
This website provides valuable information regarding all aspects of online safety and securing your computer from identity thieves.
By: OnGuard Online
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Power Against Fraud Handbook Test your fraud IQ. Learn about the warning signs of all types of fraud and preventative measures to reduce your risk.
By: CASE Partnership - Judicial District Attorney's Office
Reducing Mail Identity Theft Mail theft is a prevalent way that thieves steal info for identity theft crimes.
By: The Office of Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey
Victims Initiative for Counseling, Advocacy and Restoration of the Southwest
(Separate Website)
Nonprofit organization providing direct legal assistance to victims of identity theft and financial fraud.
By: VICARS
When do you have to give your Social Security Number?
(Separate Website)
You do not have to give your social security number to any merchant who asks you for it. Please read this resource to learn what to do when you are asked for your social security number .
By: Privacy Rights Clearinghouse
Auto Industry Enforcement Group
(Separate Website)
The purpose of the administration is to serve and protect consumers while fostering a clean and healthy industry.
By: Colorado Department of Revenue
Be a Better Buyer - Newsletter from the Better Business Bureau
(Separate Website)
The BBB knows your money is valuable to you. It is their mission to promote an ethical marketplace in order to prevent consumers and businesses from running into bad deals.
By: Denver/Boulder Better Business Bureau
Car Buying Tips
(Separate Website)
This website will help you think through your car purchase decision and will provide an understanding of what your obligations and rights are as a car owner.
By: Colorado Auto Industry Division
Colorado No-Call List
(Separate Website)
Add or remove your residential telephone or fax numbers to the Official No-Call List. By adding your telephone or fax number(s), telemarketers will not be able to call you.
By: ColoradoNoCall.com
Colorado's Motor Vehicle Repair Act
(Separate Website)
When getting your car repaired, you have rights under the Colorado Motor Vehicle Repair Act.
By: Colorado District Attorney
Complete and Print Out Small Claims Forms Online
(Separate Website)
This is available for individuals who need to complete the court forms necessary to file a Small Claims action in Colorado.
By: Colorado Legal Services
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Consumer Credit in Colorado
(Separate Website)
A Colorado law which regulates how much you can be charged for credit, restricts what can happen to you if you pay late and defines what information must be provided to you before you commit to any credit transaction. The law is the Uniform Consumer Credit Code and this resource highlights that law.
By: Department of Law, State of Colorado
Consumer Protection Information for Seniors
(Separate Website)
The purpose of this resource is to help Seniors learn the red flags of fraud; recognize
when someone is trying to victimize them; learn when to say "no" and close the door
or hang up the phone; know how to report fraud to the appropriate agencies; and empower the consumer. (Chapter 11 of The Senior Law Handbook is a project of the Colorado Bar Association's Elder Law and Trust and Estate Section.)
By: Colorado Bar Association - Senior Law Handbook
Free Legal Information from LawLine9
(Separate Website)
This program is designed to provide information on options, legal information and suggestions where the individual may go for legal assistance. They are designed to aid understanding of legal issues and not designed to provide specific legal advice for individual circumstances.
By: Denver Bar Association
How to Complain about Your Bank
This handout is focused on individual banking issues with checking accounts, personal loans, and mortgages, generally in relatively small amounts. Some of this information may be helpful in getting started on resolution of more complicated disputes over larger sums with institutions that don't offer retail financial services, but it concentrates on the average citizen's everyday banking matters.
How to seal a court record The court can seal police contact records, arrest records, indictments, summons and complaint, court files, or any other record held by a criminal justice agency about the incident, click the title to learn more.
By: Colorado Legal Services
Information on the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act
(Separate Website)
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from thousands of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Read on to learn about the regulation the CPSC enforces.
By: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Insurance and Your Rights
(Separate Website)
Assists consumers with insurance issues, and regulates the insurance industry in Colorado.
By: Colorado Division of Insurance
Know Your Rights
(Separate Website)
If government agents question you, it is important to understand your rights. You should be careful in the way you speak when approached by the police, FBI or DHS. If you give answers, they can be used against you in a criminal, immigration, or civil case.
By: American Civil Liberties Union
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Know Your Rights! What to do if questioned by Police, FBI, Customs Agents or Immigration Officers.
(Separate Website)
This resource addresses an individual's rights depending on age, situation, location and citizenship status, read the pamphlet to find out more.
By: National Lawyers Guild
Read this in:
Arabic / العربية
,
Chinese / 中文
,
Farsi / فارسی
,
Punjabi / ਪੰਜਾਬੀ
,
Spanish / Español
Office of Dispute Resolution
(Separate Website)
If you have a legal dispute, the Office of Dispute Resolution (ODR) may be able to help. This link will take you to their homepage. The ODR exists to establish and make available dispute resolution programs and services within the Colorado Judicial Branch.
By: Colorado Judicial Branch
Rebates and Deferrals for the Elderly and Disabled in Colorado
(Separate Website)
If you are 65 or older, you may qualify for the Homestead Exception; and if your income falls below a certain level, you could qualify for a rebate or deferral of your property taxes.
By: Colorado Department of Revenue, Taxpayer Service Division
Service of Process Video
(Separate Website)
This informative video will teach you about Service of Process.
What is a Contempt Citation?
When someone files a contempt citation against you, it means they are asking the Judge to punish you because they believe you have violated a court order.
By: Colorado Legal Services
What you Should Know about Writing Checks
A new law allows many individual checks to be processed electronically as soon as a consumer writes one, meaning they can clear within minutes. This resource informs you of your rights.
By: Colorado Legal Services
Buying Electricity Without Getting Shocked
(Separate Website)
In many states you can shop around for a separate electricity supplier to provide the electricity for your home, and your utility company probably will continue to deliver the electricity over the same transmission wires.
By: AARP
How to file a complaint regarding public utilities
(Separate Website)
This webpage explains how to file a complaint about utility service and determining if filing a complaint is necessary in the first place.
By: Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies
Office of Dispute Resolution
(Separate Website)
If you have a legal dispute, the Office of Dispute Resolution (ODR) may be able to help. This link will take you to their homepage. The ODR exists to establish and make available dispute resolution programs and services within the Colorado Judicial Branch.
By: Colorado Judicial Branch
Understanding your Energy Bill
(Separate Website)
Colorado utility companies provide information about reading and understanding an individuals' gas and electric bill.
By: Colorado Public Utilities Commission
What are my rights as an electrical or natural gas consumer?
(Separate Website)
Provides consumers with information about their rights regarding utility service, payment, disconnection, and reconnection.
Credit vs. Debit: Which should you use?
(Separate Website)
Credit cards and debit cards allow you to pay for things using two very different financial tools, learn more about functions of both.
By: National Consumer Law Center
Income-Based Repayment
(Separate Website)
Income-Based Repayment (IBR) is a new payment option for federal student loans. Starting July 2009, it will help borrowers keep their loan payments affordable with payment caps based on their income and family size.
By: IBR repayment
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
(Separate Website)
Public Service Loan Forgiveness is a new program for federal student loan borrowers who work in a wide range of "public service" jobs, including jobs in government and nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations.
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Information, Not Legal Advice
Information available on this site is not to be considered legal advice, and is provided as general information only. By providing this information, we are not acting as your lawyer. If you need legal advice for any specific situation, contact an attorney of your choice.
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