Consumer Issues
We hope you find the publications listed below to be helpful resources on legal issues confronting Texas consumers and other general issues. TYLA publications, however, should not be used as a substitute for the advice of an attorney. If you have any questions about the information provided or need advice on a specific matter, please consult an attorney.
If you would like to order any of the publications below please click here.
Click on the links below to view or download the appropriate document.
Texas Probate Passport
“Texas Probate Passport” has been prepared to inform the public regarding: (1) what happens legally to the property of a person when he or she dies with a will or without a will (see tab entitled “To Will or Not to Will”); and (2) how the probate process works (see tab entitled “Probate in Texas”). The Texas Young Lawyers Association (TYLA) seeks to make Texas residents aware of how the law (the Texas Probate Code) affects them and their families.
Click on the booklet to download a copy.
- Texas Lawyers for Texas Veterans
Veterans face the same issues that all Texans face: going to school, finding a job, obtaining a loan, and getting health care. Veterans also deal with issues unique to those who have served our country in uniform. This pamphlet, a publication of the Texas Young Lawyers Association and Texas Lawyers for Texas Veterans, is intended to identify and describe resources related to these issues. Texas Lawyers for Texas Veterans is a State Bar of Texas program to assist free clinics throughout the state for military veterans. You can find links to a number of resources on the State Bar of Texas website: www.texasbar.com/veterans.
Click on the booklet to download a copy.
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Small Business Toolkit
The Texas Young Lawyers Association prepared this Tool Kit to help you understand the laws that affect your small business and to help familiarize you with the legal issues that you may encounter during opening and running a small business. Please note that this Tool Kit is solely intended to provide general information only and is not a substitute for legal counsel. The laws outlined in the Guide are subject to change at any time. If you have a specific legal problem, we suggest that you consult an attorney.
Click here to download a copy.
- Facing Foreclosure
This publication answers basic questions about the foreclosure process and provides helpful information on available resources. The information should not be substituted for the advice of an attorney.
- Name Changes in Texas
This publication provides an overview of the process for changing one's name. The information should not be substituted for the advice of an attorney.
Click here to download a copy of the Guide.
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Expunctions in Texas
This publication provides an overview of the expunction and non-disclosure processes in Texas. The information should not be substituted for the advice of an attorney.
- Consumer Bankruptcy This publication is a layperson's guide to bankruptcy and the steps leading up to bankruptcy. The pamphlet includes descriptions of secured dept, unsecured debt, foreclosure, repossession of vehicles, understanding credit scores, and working with creditors. It provides an initiation to the types of Consumer Bankruptcy - Chapter 7 and 13, lists options for small businesses that are headed towards insolvency, contains helpful information on locating an attorney, life after bankruptcy, and directions to other third party resources. The information should not be substituted for the advice of an attorney.
- Introduction to Mechanic's Liens
This publication explains the most important and basic aspects of Texas lien law as set forth in Chapter 53 of the Texas Property code and Article XVI, Section 37 of the Texas Constitution. The information should not be substituted for the advice of an attorney.
- Loan Modification Scam Pamphlet
Click here to download a copy of the Guide.
- Guide to the Service members Civil Relief Act
This publication is intended to provide general information about the protections provided by the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act by outlining certain provisions of the Act and explaining their terms. The information should not be substituted for the advice of an attorney. - How to Sue in Small Claims Court
Small claims court is the real “People’s Court.” The small claims courts exist to provide an informal, uncomplicated proceeding to resolve small disputes that do not involve enough money to warrant the expense of formal litigation. The How to Sue in Small Claims Court publication provides an overview of the general process used to file, obtain judgment, and collect a small claims court judgment. The general overview in this guide should never be used exclusively – readers should also consult their local court for court-specific rules or procedures.Click here to download a copy of the How to Sue in Small Claims Court publication.
- Tenant’s Rights Handbook
This handbook is for residential tenants and is a public service by the Texas Young Lawyers Association. It is our sincere hope that distribution and use of this handbook will explain many of the questions and legal issues that arise in a landlord-tenant relationship.The Handbook is intended to provide general guidance only. It is not a substitute for the advice of a lawyer. The Texas Young Lawyers Association hopes, however, that by providing Texas residents with a better understanding of their legal rights and remedies, this handbook will help prevent many legal problems from ever arising.
- Manual de Derechos del Inquilino
Este manual es para los inquilinos residenciales, su publicación es un servicio al público cortesía de la Asociación de Abogados Jóvenes de Texas. Deseamos sinceramente que su distribución y uso proporcione información sobre las muchas preguntas y asuntos legales que se presentan en la relación arrendador inquilino.Este manual es solo para ofrecer orientación en general; no debe utilizarse como sustituto a la asesoría de un abogado. Es el deseo de la Asociación de Abogados Jóvenes de Texas que al ofrecer a los habitants de Texas un mejor entendimiento de los derechos y remedios que la ley les otorga se eviten el surgimiento de muchos problemas legales.
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Identity TheftClick here to download a copy of the brochure.
Identity theft is a growing problem in today’s information age. Criminals are becoming more sophisticated in their ability to use your personal information for their gain. A lost or stolen wallet has gone from something that could cost you a few dollars to something that could cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, not to mention tainted credit. - Mold: An Overview of Remediation and Litigation Issues for Consumers
How does a consumer protect him or herself when buying a house? How can property owners tell if they already have a mold problem? And what precautions should be taken in remediating a mold problem if one is found? This pamphlet will address these questions, discuss how the mold and water damage issue has been litigated in Texas courts and provide guidance on new policy language recently adopted by the Texas Department of Insurance.This pamphlet is intended to provide general guidance only. It is not a substitute for the advice of a lawyer. The Texas Young Lawyers Association hopes, however, that by providing Texas residents with a better understanding of their legal rights and remedies, this handbook will help prevent many legal problems from ever arising..
- Lead Poisoning and You
This Guide is intended as a brief overview of the dangers and legal remedies available in the event of lead poisoning. It is not intended as a comprehensive analysis of the topic or the applicable laws, and should not be considered as a substitute for the advice of a lawyer. - Employment Law Handbook
Every employer should be familiar with employment law. If an employer does not comply with state and federal employment requirements, it risks civil or criminal liability. But the myriad state and federal statutes relating to the hiring, termination,
and compensation of employees can be difficult for a new or first-time employer to identify and understand. This handbook is meant to provide a brief overview of the overlapping state and federal requirements so that new or first-time Texas employers can avoid employment disputes with their employees.Click here to download a copy of Employers Guide to General Employment Law.
- Occupational Licenses
Designed to provide basic introduction to the governmental structure for regulating occupational licenses, the process for obtaining and maintaining occupational licenses, and the potential pitfalls that may cause a person or business to be denied, or lose, a license.Click here to download a copy of Occupational Licenses in Texas.
- Oil and Gas Basics for Homeowners
Designed for homeowners who have been approached by someone wanting to lease their mineral estate and to provide basic knowledge of some of the most common terms used in many residential oil and gas leases so homeowners are more educated when making decisions regarding their mineral estates.Click here to download a copy of Oil and Gas Basics for Homeowners.