CONTACT: CHRIS RUYS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Chris Ruys (312) 337-7746
E-mail: chrisr7746@aol.com

ISBA Series: ‘The Law Serves You'

November 2004
Laws exist to protect consumers

There are numerous laws at the national and state levels that exist to protect consumers.

If you or a member of your family makes a purchase from a door-to-door salesman - and you change your mind about the purchase - there is a federal law which can protect you. The law enables you - the buyer - to have up to three days to cancel any contract on credit or a cash sale of $25 or more which takes place away from the seller's regular place of business, such as your home or a public place. Furthermore, door-to-door sales contracts must include a prominently displayed notice of this cancellation right.

Under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, a consumer is ensured that he or she has an equal chance to obtain credit to finance a purchase. This does not mean that anyone who applies can receive credit. To be considered worthy of credit, several factors are taken into consideration, including income, expenses, debt and credit history. The law further states that a creditor may not ask you to reveal your sex, race, marital status, national origin and religion.

The Motor Vehicle Retail Installment Sales Act outlines the terms that must be included in a financing agreement for buying a car. It requires that the contract clearly state the amount of the finance charge and other charges you must pay beyond the cash price of the car.

The Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act prevents sellers from using false or misleading statements. Essentially, the Act imposes penalties on vendors who do anything that is deemed to be deceptive and who intend that others rely on their deceptive conduct in making a decision to purchase.

For further information about law-related issues, contact an Illinois State Bar Association-member lawyer in your area or visit www.illinoislawyerfinder.com.
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Note: This information was prepared as a public service by the Illinois State Bar Association and is a joint project with the Illinois Press Association. Its purpose is to inform citizens of their legal rights and obligations. Consult your lawyer if you have questions about the application of the law in a particular case.

 

CONTACT: CHRIS RUYS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Chris Ruys (312) 337-7746
E-mail: chrisr7746@aol.com

ISBA Series: ‘The Law Serves You'

November 2004
Warranties can protect buyers from costly repairs

Warranties on items you buy are important. They give you the right to have defects repaired at no charge. You should also ask for a copy of the warranty, and by law, the seller must give you one.

The difference between a "full" and "limited" warranty is considerable. Under a full warranty, the seller or manufacturer gets a reasonable number of chances to repair defects but then must allow you to choose a full refund or a replacement without charge. A full warranty applies to anyone who owns the product during the warranty period. Under "limited" warranties, you have no refund or replacement rights.

Warranties can apply to new and used items. However, if something is sold "as is," and if the "as is" limitation is properly made, there are no warranties.

There is usually an implied or unwritten warranty created by law guaranteeing that, for a reasonable time, an item you bought from a dealer will be fit for the purpose for which it was sold. But there are certain requirements for the buyer who wants to enforce an implied warranty. It is advisable to seek the advice of an attorney on this matter.

Be aware that dealers can avoid warranties by having you sign a contract containing a disclaimer of warranties in bold print.

Car buyers are protected under the New Vehicle Buyer Protection Act. It allows you to cancel the deal if you bought a defective new passenger car from a dealer. If a defect "substantially impairs" the value of the vehicle, you tell the dealer and give him or her a reasonable number of chances to fix the problem. Within a reasonable time, you must notify the dealer that you are canceling the purchase. Furthermore, it must be returned without a substantial change to it.

If you have a question related to a consumer purchase, contact the Consumer Affairs Division of the Office of the Illinois Attorney General at 1-800-243-0618.

For further information about law-related issues, contact an Illinois State Bar Association-member lawyer in your area or visit www.illinoislawyerfinder.com.
# # #

Note: This information was prepared as a public service by the Illinois State Bar Association and is a joint project with the Illinois Press Association. Its purpose is to inform citizens of their legal rights and obligations. Consult your lawyer if you have questions about the application of the law in a particular case.

CONTACT: CHRIS RUYS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Chris Ruys (312) 337-7746
E-mail: chrisr7746@aol.com

ISBA Series: ‘The Law Serves You'

November 2004
Obtaining and maintaining a high credit rating

A credit rating is supposed to measure your ability to repay a debt. There are a number of ways to develop a good credit rating. They include having a savings account, buying low-priced items on time, being employed and using credit cards.

You can show that you are a good credit risk by developing a record of completing payments on time or by showing a stable income or other sources of money. And once you have a good credit rating, there are steps you can take to ensure that your credit rating remains high.

  • You have a right to prepay a loan for consumer goods at any time without a penalty.

If you fall behind in your payments, a seller cannot automatically garnish your wages. The seller can only do so by suing you and getting a judgment.

A purchase contract can indicate that, if you default on a loan, you agree to sign over your wages to the seller. However, there are limitations on wage assignment. You can cancel them at any time. They also have a limited term, usually no more than one year.

If you have a poor credit rating, it can be difficult to buy on credit without having cleared up your credit history. Credit reporting agencies often want references on your loans and your employment history for the past five years.

For further information about law-related issues, contact an Illinois State Bar Association-member lawyer in your area or visit www.illinoislawyerfinder.com.
# # #

Note: This information was prepared as a public service by the Illinois State Bar Association and is a joint project with the Illinois Press Association. Its purpose is to inform citizens of their legal rights and obligations. Consult your lawyer if you have questions about the application of the law in a particular case.

 

CONTACT: CHRIS RUYS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Chris Ruys (312) 337-7746
E-mail: chrisr7746@aol.com

ISBA Series: ‘The Law Serves You'

November 2004

Law governs marriage in Illinois

The "Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act" provides for the solemnization and registration of marriage. The law's stated purpose is to "strengthen and preserve the integrity of marriage and safeguard family relationships."

  • To obtain a marriage license, applicants apply to the County Clerk and pay an application fee. The license is good in the county where it was issued one day after issuance, unless the court orders it effective when issued. It expires 60 days after taking effect.
  • A marriage must be between a man and woman old enough to marry; performed by an authorized official (usually a clergyman, judge or public official whose powers include performing marriages), and recorded by a properly registered marriage certificate.
  • Both husband and wife must support one another and all minor children.
  • A non-working spouse has a share in the family's income or assets. This is a complex subject. You should talk to an attorney for more information.

For further information about law-related issues, contact an Illinois State Bar Association-member lawyer in your area or visit www.illinoislawyerfinder.com.
# # #

Note: This information was prepared as a public service by the Illinois State Bar Association and is a joint project with the Illinois Press Association. Its purpose is to inform citizens of their legal rights and obligations. Consult your lawyer if you have questions about the application of the law in a particular case.