What You Need to Know about Garnishments and Bankruptcies This brochure provides basic legal information about garnishments and bankruptcies in Georgia.
By: Georgia Legal Services Program®
Bankruptcy - State Bar of Georgia Consumer Pamphlet
(Separate Website)
This pamphlet contains answers to common questions about bankruptcy, including: (1) What is bankruptcy? (2) How do I get relief from my creditors? (3) What is a discharge and how do I get one.
By: State Bar of Georgia
Bankruptcy Pros and Cons
(Separate Website)
Being in over your head financially is frightening. If you find yourself in this unhappy position, several kinds of help are available. Bankruptcy is one of the alternatives for financial distress. You need to examine the options available to you for dealing with your financial problems and decide which course of action is best for you.
By: American Bar Association
Is Bankruptcy Right for You?
Life is not always smooth. Lots of unexpected events may cause financial problems in the most stable of families. A job loss, a family member's illness, a divorce - many events can push a family into the financial abyss and leave even the most financially conservative person drowning in debt. Most families in the U.S. today carry some debt. Late payment penalties and high interest rates can quickly drive up the outstanding balance on your credit cards.
By: Atlanta Legal Aid Society, Inc.
Your Legal Rights after Bankruptcy
(Separate Website)
Bankruptcy is a choice that may help if you are facing serious financial problems. You may be able to cancel your debts, stop collection calls, and get a fresh financial start. Bankruptcy can help with some financial problems, but does not guarantee you will avoid financial problems in the future. If you choose
bankruptcy, you should take advantage of the fresh start it offers and then make careful decisions about future borrowing and credit, so you won?t ever need to file bankruptcy again!
By: National Consumer Law Center
Basic Debt Collection and Consumer Protection in Georgia
This document describes the law relating to debt collection and basic consumer protection laws, answering the following questions: Why do you need to understand your contract before signing it? How can creditors collect debts? How can consumers protect themselves? The document is an excerpt from An Introduction to Law in Georgia,
Fourth Edition, published by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, 1998 (updated 2004).
By: Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia
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Spanish / Español
The Reaffirmation Project Debtor Information Packet
(Separate Website)
After you file bankruptcy, you can still choose to repay debts. This is known as debt reaffirmation. It can have some good impact on your credit rating
By: Atlanta Legal Aid Society, Inc.
Driver's Licenses and Traffic Safety Laws
This document is excerpted from An Introduction to Law in Georgia, Fourth Edition, published by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, 1998 (updated 2004). The document describes: This document explains: (1) The Driver's License Requirement, (2) The Process for Getting a Driver's License, (3)
Traffic Safety Laws and Regulations, (4) When Can a Driver's License Be Taken Away, (5) Traffic Violations and Points in Georgia, (6) The Government Authorities that Make Traffic Laws
By: Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia
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Spanish / Español
Georgia DMVS Driver's License Services
(Separate Website)
This section of the Department of Motor Vehicle Safety web site contains information about how to get a Georgia Driver's License for automobiles, commerical vehicles and motorcycles. The web site also contains information about renewals, name and address changes and applying for a learner's permit.
By: Georgia Department of Motor Vehicle Safety
Getting a Driver's License
(Separate Website)
This web page has list of requirements before a license can be issued.
By: Georgia Department of Motor Vehicle
License and Vehicle Registration Information
(Separate Website)
This section of the Department of Motor Vehicle Safety web site contains information about drivers licenses, and vehicle registration in Georgia.
By: Georgia Department of Motor Vehicle Safety
Renewing Your Georgia Drivers License or ID Card
(Separate Website)
This web page explains how Georgia driver's licenses are renewed.
Automobile Title Information
(Separate Website)
This section of the Department of Motor Vehicle Safety web site provides information on automobile titles. Your "title" is your certificate of ownership for the vehicles.
By: Georgia Department of Motor Vehicle Safety
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
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Spanish / Español
Buying A Used Car Buying a used car can be a good deal or a costly mistake. Make sure you are getting a car that is in good condition and fits within your budget. Otherwise, you may be stuck paying for a broken down car. This shows what to do at each step in the car buying process.
By: Atlanta Legal Aid Society, Inc.
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Fast Facts on Consumer Rights
(Separate Website)
This document provides some quick tips on your rights in certain consumer issues.
By: Barnes Law Group
Georgia Consumer's Guide to Odometer Tampering
(Separate Website)
National studies have shown that a high percentage of all used cars have had the mileage on their odometer "rolled back" or "clocked" so that the odometer shows less miles than the vehicle has actually traveled. The federal government estimates that over 4 billion dollars per year (an amount greater than the loss caused by auto theft) is lost as a result of odometer fraud.
Con men can add thousands of dollars of illicit profit into the price of a used vehicle through odometer mileage tampering or misrepresentation. Also, since the motor vehicle has been driven more miles than shown, the unsuspecting buyer will be forced to incur expenses for needed repairs or maintenance sooner than anticipated
By: Governor's Office of Consumer Affairs
Georgia's Lemon Law
(Separate Website)
Georgia?s Warranty Rights Act, also known as the ?Lemon Law,? is codified in O.C.G.A. § 10-1-780 through 10-1-794. It offers protection to consumers who buy or lease a new vehicle which turns out to have certain types of defects. When you buy a new car, the dealer is required to give you a written explanation of your rights under this law.
By: Barnes Law Group
Lemon Law Complaint Process
(Separate Website)
Have you experienced continuing problems with a new motor vehicle that you purchased or leased in Georgia? If so, you might be interested to know that the Motor Vehicle Warranty Rights Act, or Lemon Law as it is commonly called, outlines a self-help process for you.
By: Georgia.gov
Steps YOU can take to protect yourself as a consumer!
(Separate Website)
10 steps you can take to avoid getting ripped off.
By: Barnes Law Group
Learn More about Your Rights When Buying a Car
(Separate Website)
This presentation was developed as part of the Law and Government Education Project in the Institute of Government at the University of Georgia. In partnership with the Law School and the Center for Teaching and Learning at UGA and the Law School at Mercer University, the Institute develops resources on basic areas of Georgia and federal law. These resources are then distributed across the state in a variety of ways including the State Bar of Georgia?s Pro Bono Project website. We hope you will find this presentation to be useful and informative. Please be advised, however, that this presentation is designed to provide general information only and does not substitute for legal advice. At the conclusion of the presentation you will find a list of organizations which may be able to provide assistance to those who have legal issues relevant to the topic of this presentation. We encourage viewers to contact these organizations for help. Also, please consult the Pro Bono Project website for a list of other presentations available for viewing.
By: Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia
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Spanish / Español
Car Loans
Information on obtaining a car loan
By: Georgia Appleseed
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Car Loans: Understanding Vehicle Financing
(Separate Website)
Understanding Vehicle Financing
With prices averaging more than $20,000 for a new vehicle and $9,500 for a four-year-old vehicle, most consumers need financing or leasing to acquire a vehicle. In some cases, buyers use “direct lending:” they obtain a loan directly from a finance company, bank or credit union. In direct lending, a buyer agrees to pay the amount financed, plus an agreed-upon finance charge, over a period of time. Once a buyer and a vehicle dealership enter into a contract and the buyer agrees to a vehicle price, the buyer uses the loan proceeds from the direct lender to pay the dealership for the vehicle. Use this web site to find out more about car loans.
By: Federal Trade Commission
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Spanish / Español
Financing A Car
(Separate Website)
Buying a car, whether new or used, can be complicated and overwhelming. If you?re going through a dealer, it can be tempting to deal exclusively with the dealership on both the purchase and financing of the car. In fact, many dealers try to entice buyers with dealer financing specials, although these specials often have restrictions or conditions that make them unavailable to many consumers. Just because you buy a car from a particular dealer, doesn?t mean you have to finance it through that dealer as well.
By: Barnes Law Group
Keys to Vehicle Leasing
(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.
By: Federal Reserve Board
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Spanish / Español
Predatory Lending
(Separate Website)
Predatory lending is the practice of lenders targeting vulnerable individuals and convincing them to take loans with incredibly high interest rates and other abusive terms.
Sometimes, the victims of predatory lending may have less than perfect credit, so they can?t get a standard loan. In other cases, they may actually be able to get a standard loan but are misled by the lender or broker into believing they can?t. They are often hardworking people with limited incomes. An extra expense or setback, such as an unexpected medical bill or a car accident, may leave them unable to pay their bills. With their back against the wall, they become perfect targets for predatory lenders. Some of the most common forms of predatory lending include payday loans, car title loans, and predatory mortgage lending.
By: Barnes Law Group
Auto Accidents - State Bar of Georgia Consumer Pamphlet
(Separate Website)
Even the best drivers are subject to automobile accidents. Therefore, everyone should know what steps to take immediately following an accident to protect the life, limb, property and legal rights of those involved. Doing the right thing, in the right way, at the right time may save a life, and it will often avoid legal problems. Here are the steps to take if you are involved in an accident with another vehicle or pedestrian.
By: State Bar of Georgia
Auto Accidents and Insurance
(Separate Website)
How to deal with a car accident and insurance issues resulting from a car accident
By: Barnes Law Group
What Happens After a Traffic Accident?
This document is excerpted from An Introduction to Law in Georgia, Fourth Edition, published by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, 1998 (updated 2004). The document describes: (1) Driver and Police Procedures When an Accident Happens, (2) Driving Under the Influence Laws and Penalties.
By: Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia
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Spanish / Español
Car Insurance
The document tells you what kinds of car insurance there are and what they cover. It also gives you information about buying car insurance. This document is excerpted from An Introduction to Law in Georgia, Fourth Edition, published by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, 1998 (updated 2004).
By: Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Frequently Asked Questions about Auto Insurance
(Separate Website)
This web page contains answers to common questions about auto insurance. The Consumer Services Division of the Department of Insurance is the consumer assistance and investigative arm of the Office of Commissioner of Insurance. Investigators are available to assist Georgia citizens who have general questions or concerns about any phase of the insurance process including marketing, underwriting and claims. If a dispute arises between the insured and the insurer, a CSD investigator will investigate in an effort to resolve the dispute. Since 1995, the CSD has assisted approximately 500,000 individuals and recovered over $57 million for Georgia’s consumers. We hope to be able to assist you as well.
By: Georgia Department of Insurance
Georgia Insurance Requirements for Motor Vehicles
(Separate Website)
This section of the Department of Motor Vehicle Safety web site contains information about the car insurance requirements in Georgia.
By: Georgia Department of Motor Vehicle Safety
Georgia Consumer's Guide to Automobile Repair
(Separate Website)
Automobile repair problems can be frustrating, time consuming and sometimes very costly. Although all automobile repair problems cannot be eliminated, the following tips can help you avoid these problems by being prepared.
By: Governor's Office of Consumer Affairs
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Spanish / Español
Repairs and Mechanics' Liens in Georgia
This document discusses repairs and the mechanics' liens that a someone repairing your auto or home can can levy on the property they repaired. The document is excerpted from An Introduction to Law in Georgia, Fourth Edition, published by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, 1998 (updated 2004).
By: Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia
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Spanish / Español
Driving In Georgia
(Separate Website)
These web pages provide an array of information about drivers licences, car titles, car taxes, disability parking permits and much much more.
By: Georgia.Gov
DUI (Driving Under the Influence) Laws
This document is excerpted from An Introduction to Law in Georgia, Fourth Edition, published by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, 1998 (updated 2004). The document describes DUI laws and penalties.
By: Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia
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Spanish / Español
Child Safety Seats
(Separate Website)
It is far too easy for a child to die in a car crash. Children's bodies have little protection against the tremendous forces caused when cars collide, even at low speed. The safest way to protect children against being hurt is to transport them in a child safety seat in the rear seat of the car. This web site contains: (1) answers to common questions about child safety seats, (2) information on proper use of a child safety seat, and (3) a size and weight guide for child safety seats
By: Georgia Division of Public Health
Traffic Court
This document is excerpted from An Introduction to Law in Georgia, Fourth Edition, published by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, 1998 (updated 2004). The document describes (1) The Process in Traffic Court, (2) When Can a Driver's License Be Taken Away, (3) Traffic Violations and Points in
Georgia, (4) Felony Traffic Offenses
By: Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia
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Spanish / Español
Rights During Police Searches
This document is an excerpted from An Introduction to Law in Georgia, Fourth Edition, published by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, 1998 (updated 2004). This document describes: (1) Your rights against illegal searches and seizures, (2) The requirements for a search warrant, (3) The exceptions to the search warrant requirement, (4) Rules that apply when the police can do searches even though they don't have a suspicion that a crime has occurred, and (5) Rules on wiretapping (electronic eavesdropping).
By: Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia
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Spanish / Español
Basic Consumer Law in Georgia: Warranties
This document discusses warranties and basic consumer safety and protection laws and answers the following questions: What is a warranty? What is an implied warranty? What is a warranty of merchantability? What is a warranty of fitness? What is a warranty of title? How do you waive an implied warranty? What is an express warranty?
What is the difference between a full warranty and a limited warranty? What to do if a warranty is broken? The document is excerpted from An Introduction to Law in Georgia, Fourth Edition, published by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, 1998 (updated 2004).
By: Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia
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Spanish / Español
Basic Law of Contracts in Georgia
This document discusses the basic law of contracts, answering the following questions: What is a contract? What are the requirements for a contract? What is the difference between a spoken contract and a written contract? How do you enforce a contract? How do you void a contract you entered because of fraud? The document is excerpted from An Introduction to Law in Georgia, Fourth Edition, published by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, 1998 (updated 2004).
By: Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia
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Spanish / Español
Consumer Law: Legal Issues on the Internet
(Separate Website)
The Internet has become ubiquitous in American life. It raises number of consumer-protection issues that can be addressed here.
By: American Bar Association
Fast Facts on Consumer Rights
(Separate Website)
This document provides some quick tips on your rights in certain consumer issues.
By: Barnes Law Group
Regulating Product Safety in Georgia
This document contains information on product safety laws in Georgia, and answers the following questions: What two types of laws relate to product safety? What is product liability? What are some examples of federal laws concerned with public safety? What are some of the agencies that work to protect consumer safety and what areas do these agencies cover? What is Georgia's "lemon law"? The document is excerpted from An Introduction to Law in Georgia, Fourth Edition, published by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, 1998 (updated 2004).
By: Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia
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Spanish / Español
Securities and Business Regulation Division
(Separate Website)
The Securities and Business Regulation Division of the Georgia Secretary of State's Office protects Georgians from investment, cemetery and pre-need funeral services/merchandise, charity and telemarketing fraud by registering and regulating:
securities offerings, securities firms, securities salespeople, investment advisors, charities, charitable fundraisers, and cemeteries and pre-need funeral services/merchandise.
By: Georgia Secretary of State
The Privacy Rights Clearinghouse
(Separate Website)
The Privacy Rights Clearinghouse (PRC) is a nonprofit consumer organization with a two-part mission -- consumer information and consumer advocacy. It was established in 1992 and is based in San Diego, California. It is primarily grant-supported and serves individuals nationwide.
The PRC's goals are to:
Raise consumers' awareness of how technology affects personal privacy.
Empower consumers to take action to control their own personal information by providing practical tips on privacy protection.
Respond to specific privacy-related complaints from consumers, intercede on their behalf, and, when appropriate, refer them to the proper organizations for further assistance.
Document the nature of consumers' complaints and questions about privacy in reports, testimony, and speeches and make them available to policy makers, industry representatives, consumer advocates, and the media.
Advocate for consumers' privacy rights in local, state, and federal public policy proceedings, including legislative testimony, regulatory agency hearings, task forces, and study commissions as well as conferences and workshops.
By: The Privacy Rights Clearinghouse
Consumer Complaints
(Separate Website)
How and when to file a complaint with the Governor's Office of Consumer Affairs; includes complaint form.
By: Georgia.gov
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. The scam artists often impersonate legitimate lenders to entice consumers into falling for their bogus offer.
By: Federal Trade Commission
Credit Card Catch
(Separate Website)
You might think that as long as you pay your credit card bill on time, your credit card company can’t raise your interest rates without giving you fair warning-guess again. Increasingly common among credit card companies is what’s known as a “universal default” policy. These policies are often hidden in the fine print of your credit card agreement or may be tucked away as a policy update in one of the many flyers or special offers you receive from the company throughout the year.
It's bad enough that credit card companies aren’t usually up front about their universal default policies, but what makes universal default even worse is that it may have nothing to do with your payment history on your credit card account or any of your other debts.
By: Barnes Law Group
FTC Web Site: E-Commerce and The Internet
(Separate Website)
Education is a key tool to prevent consumer injury. In this section of our website, you’ll find publications with advice on avoiding scams and rip-offs, as well as tips on other consumer topics.
By: Federal Trade Commission
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Spanish / Español
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This material is copyrighted by either Atlanta Legal Aid Society, Inc. ("Legal Aid") or Georgia Legal Services Program ("GLSP"). Legal information can change rapidly. Provided links are kept updated, permission is given to link to this material from a nonprofit, court or government website. Website material may be printed, copied and distributed only in its original format for non-commercial, informational purposes. The material may not be altered from its original format. Reproducing the material to promote a commercial purpose is expressly prohibited. Commercial enterprises are expressly forbidden from linking to our material or using our material in other ways. Legal Aid and GLSP are not liable for the distribution of out-of-date material or links. To inquire about appropriate use of this material, please contact 404-524-5811.
Information Not Legal Advice
LegalAid-GA.org provides general information only. This is not legal advice and cannot replace legal advice. You can get legal advice only from a lawyer. Deadlines are extremely important in most legal matters. You may lose important legal rights if you do not hire an attorney immediately to advise you. Viewing this web site or sending an e-mail message through this web site does NOT create an attorney-client relationship.
Copyright and Use Notice
This material is copyrighted by the authoring organization or individual. Legal information can change rapidly. Provided links are kept updated, permission is given to link to this material from a nonprofit, court or government website. Website material may be printed, copied and distributed only in its original format for non-commercial, informational purposes. The material may not be altered from its original format. Reproducing the material to promote a commercial purpose is expressly prohibited. Commercial enterprises are expressly forbidden from linking to our material or using our material in other ways. Legal Aid and GLSP are not liable for the distribution of out-of-date material or links. To inquire about appropriate use of this material, please contact 404-524-5811.
Information Not Legal Advice
LegalAid-GA.org provides general information only. This is not legal advice and cannot replace legal advice. You can get legal advice only from a lawyer. Deadlines are extremely important in most legal matters. You may lose important legal rights if you do not hire an attorney immediately to advise you. Viewing this web site or sending an e-mail message through this web site does NOT create an attorney-client relationship.
LegalAid-GA is a project of the Atlanta Legal Aid Society, the Georgia Legal Services Program and the Pro Bono Project of the State Bar of Georgia. This website was produced with funding from the Legal Services Corporation.
