Know Your Rights

Rights by Life Situation

Whatever you're going through, you have rights. Find the legal protections that apply to your specific situation — explained in plain language.

In immediate danger? Call 911 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233  ·  Emergency Rights Guide →

Choose Your Situation

Select the situation that matches what you're facing to see your key rights, recommended steps, and helpful resources.

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Renting a Home

Tenant rights & landlord disputes

Your Key Rights

  • Right to a habitable, safe living space
  • Protection against illegal lockouts and self-help evictions
  • Right to proper written notice before eviction (3–90 days by state)
  • Security deposit must be returned within 14–30 days of move-out
  • Right to privacy — landlord must give notice before entering
  • Protection from retaliation for reporting code violations

If You Have a Problem

  1. Document everything in writing — text or email your landlord
  2. Report habitability issues to your local housing or code enforcement office
  3. Check your state's notice requirements before responding to any eviction notice
  4. Contact a local tenant legal aid organization for free help
Tenant Rights Guide Wrongful Eviction Notice Calculator Security Deposits
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Getting Arrested

Criminal rights & police encounters

Your Key Rights

  • Right to remain silent — you do not have to answer questions
  • Right to an attorney, including a free public defender if you can't afford one
  • Right to be told the charges against you
  • Police must read you Miranda rights before a custodial interrogation
  • Right to refuse a warrantless search of your person or home
  • Right to a speedy and public trial by jury

What To Do

  1. Say clearly: "I am invoking my right to remain silent"
  2. Say clearly: "I want a lawyer" — then stop talking
  3. Do not resist physically, even if the arrest is unlawful
  4. Remember details: badge numbers, officer names, time and location
Traffic Stop Rights Police Misconduct Criminal Appeals Expungement
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Dealing with Debt

Debt collection, bankruptcy & credit rights

Your Key Rights

  • Debt collectors cannot call before 8am or after 9pm
  • You can send a written cease-contact letter — they must stop calling
  • Collectors cannot use abusive, deceptive, or unfair tactics (FDCPA)
  • Right to a written debt validation notice within 5 days of first contact
  • Time-barred debts (past statute of limitations) cannot be sued upon
  • Bankruptcy can discharge most unsecured debt and stop collection

What To Do

  1. Request written debt validation before paying anything
  2. Check if the debt is past your state's statute of limitations
  3. Send a cease-contact letter via certified mail if being harassed
  4. Consult a bankruptcy attorney if debt is overwhelming — first consultations are often free
Debt Collection Laws Bankruptcy Overview Medical Debt SOL Lookup
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Starting a Job

Employment rights & workplace protections

Your Key Rights

  • Right to be paid at least the federal minimum wage (or your state's if higher)
  • Right to overtime pay (1.5x) for hours over 40 per week if non-exempt
  • Protection against discrimination based on race, sex, religion, disability, and more
  • Right to a safe workplace under OSHA standards
  • Right to discuss wages with coworkers (protected under NLRA)
  • Right to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave (FMLA) for family/medical reasons

What To Do

  1. Get your job offer and any non-competes in writing before signing
  2. Review your employee handbook — know your company's policies
  3. Keep records of hours worked and pay received
  4. Report workplace violations to HR first, then the EEOC or your state labor board
Workplace Rights Discrimination Wage Theft Workers Comp
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Getting Divorced

Divorce process, custody & property

Your Key Rights

  • Right to an equitable share of marital property (not always 50/50)
  • Right to request spousal support / alimony based on need and length of marriage
  • Right to pursue custody and parenting time arrangements
  • Child support is calculated by state formula — not negotiable away entirely
  • Right to legal representation throughout the process
  • Domestic violence history is considered in custody decisions

What To Do

  1. Gather financial documents: tax returns, bank statements, property deeds
  2. Open individual bank accounts and establish your own credit
  3. Consult a family law attorney before signing anything
  4. Consider mediation to reduce costs and conflict
Divorce Process Child Custody Mediation Guide Find a Lawyer
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Buying a Home

Real estate rights & buyer protections

Your Key Rights

  • Right to a Good Faith Estimate of all closing costs before signing
  • Right to a home inspection — never waive it in the contract
  • Sellers must disclose known material defects in most states
  • Federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in home sales
  • Right to a final walkthrough before closing
  • Right to review all loan documents before signing at closing

What To Do

  1. Get pre-approved for a mortgage to know your real budget
  2. Hire your own buyer's agent — their commission is typically paid by the seller
  3. Order a title search to check for liens and ownership disputes
  4. Read the purchase contract carefully before signing — ask about contingencies
Housing Discrimination Scam Protections Find a Real Estate Attorney Legal Aid
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Getting Married

Prenups, legal rights & name changes

Your Key Rights

  • Right to enter a prenuptial agreement that protects pre-marital assets
  • Spouses inherit automatically under intestate succession laws
  • Right to healthcare benefits through a spouse's employer plan
  • Marital privilege: spouses generally cannot be compelled to testify against each other
  • Right to file taxes jointly (often more favorable)
  • Legal right to make medical decisions for an incapacitated spouse

What To Do

  1. Apply for a marriage license at your county clerk's office (usually $25–$100)
  2. If changing your name, start with Social Security Administration, then DMV
  3. Update beneficiaries on retirement accounts, life insurance, and bank accounts
  4. Consider a prenuptial agreement if either party has significant assets or debt
Prenuptial Agreements Name Change Process Power of Attorney Estate Planning
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Having a Baby

Parental leave, custody & family rights

Your Key Rights

  • FMLA provides up to 12 weeks unpaid, job-protected leave for childbirth
  • Pregnancy discrimination is illegal under the Pregnancy Discrimination Act
  • Right to breastfeed/pump at work — federal law requires break time and space
  • Unmarried fathers can establish paternity and seek custody rights
  • Children are entitled to financial support from both parents
  • Many states have paid family leave programs in addition to FMLA

What To Do

  1. Notify HR of your pregnancy and request FMLA paperwork at least 30 days before leave
  2. Check if your state has paid family leave and how to apply
  3. Register your baby's birth at the hospital or vital records office
  4. Add your child to your health insurance within 30 days of birth
Workplace Rights Child Custody Employment Rights Legal Aid

More Resources

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