⚖️ Legal & Self-Advocacy Skills *coming soon
- 1. 1.1 – What It Means to Know Your Rights 00:00:00
- 2. 1.2 – Everyday Legal Responsibilities You Already Have 00:00:00
- 3. 1.3 – Distinguishing Civil and Criminal Matters 00:00:00
- 4. 1.4 – Understanding Due Process and Fair Treatment 00:00:00
- 5. 1.5 – How Laws Protect Individual Freedom 00:00:00
- 6. 1.6 – Rights When Interacting With Authorities 00:00:00
- 7. 1.7 – Responsibilities in Public and Private Spaces 00:00:00
- 8. 1.8 – Balancing Rights With Responsibilities 00:00:00
- 9. 1.9 – Protecting Yourself From Unfair Treatment 00:00:00
- 10. 1.10 – Why Knowing Your Rights Builds Confidence 00:00:00
- 11. 1.11 – How to Research Rights That Apply to You 00:00:00
- 12. 1.12 – Understanding the Consequences of Ignoring Laws 00:00:00
- 13. 1.13 – Common Misunderstandings About Legal Rights 00:00:00
- 14. 1.14 – How Basic Legal Awareness Prevents Problems 00:00:00
- 15. 1.15 – Putting Your Knowledge Into Daily Practice 00:00:00
- 1. 2.1 – Breaking Down Contracts Step by Step 00:00:00
- 2. 2.2 – Understanding Key Terms in Agreements 00:00:00
- 3. 2.3 – How to Spot Red Flags in Legal Documents 00:00:00
- 4. 2.4 – Recognizing Rights Waivers and Hidden Clauses 00:00:00
- 5. 2.5 – How to Read a Lease Agreement Carefully 00:00:00
- 6. 2.6 – Understanding Loan and Credit Card Contracts 00:00:00
- 7. 2.7 – Reading Employment Agreements With Clarity 00:00:00
- 8. 2.8 – Recognizing Fees, Interest, and Penalties 00:00:00
- 9. 2.9 – How to Find Key Dates and Deadlines in Documents 00:00:00
- 10. 2.10 – Using Plain Language Guides for Legal Forms 00:00:00
- 11. 2.11 – How to Compare Two Different Contracts 00:00:00
- 12. 2.12 – Understanding Signature and Consent Requirements 00:00:00
- 13. 2.13 – Recognizing Scams or Fraudulent Papers 00:00:00
- 14. 2.14 – Asking for Clarification Without Fear 00:00:00
- 15. 2.15 – Building Confidence in Document Review 00:00:00
- 1. 3.1 – Knowing When to Contact a Lawyer 00:00:00
- 2. 3.2 – How to Prepare Questions for Legal Meetings 00:00:00
- 3. 3.3 – Organizing Documents Before Court or Hearings 00:00:00
- 4. 3.4 – How to Speak Clearly and Confidently to Officials 00:00:00
- 5. 3.5 – Following Courtroom Etiquette and Respect 00:00:00
- 6. 3.6 – Understanding How to Address a Judge 00:00:00
- 7. 3.7 – Communicating With Legal Aid Services 00:00:00
- 8. 3.8 – Writing Clear Letters to Agencies or Courts 00:00:00
- 9. 3.9 – How to Handle Phone Calls With Legal Offices 00:00:00
- 10. 3.10 – Asking for Help Without Feeling Intimidated 00:00:00
- 11. 3.11 – Staying Calm When Speaking With Authorities 00:00:00
- 12. 3.12 – Using Advocates or Interpreters If Needed 00:00:00
- 13. 3.13 – Tracking Conversations and Agreements in Writing 00:00:00
- 14. 3.14 – Following Up Without Being Ignored 00:00:00
- 15. 3.15 – Building Long-Term Communication Skills 00:00:00
- 1. 4.1 – What Advocacy Means in Daily Life 00:00:00
- 2. 4.2 – How to Speak Up Without Fear of Retaliation 00:00:00
- 3. 4.3 – Preparing Talking Points Before Meetings 00:00:00
- 4. 4.4 – Practicing Assertive Communication 00:00:00
- 5. 4.5 – Balancing Respect With Self-Confidence 00:00:00
- 6. 4.6 – Recognizing When to Ask for Accommodations 00:00:00
- 7. 4.7 – How to Advocate in Healthcare Appointments 00:00:00
- 8. 4.8 – Advocating for Your Needs in Schools and Training 00:00:00
- 9. 4.9 – Role-Playing Advocacy Situations Safely 00:00:00
- 10. 4.10 – When to Bring a Support Person Along 00:00:00
- 11. 4.11 – How to Say “No” Without Feeling Guilty 00:00:00
- 12. 4.12 – Turning Complaints Into Constructive Action 00:00:00
- 13. 4.13 – Avoiding Common Advocacy Mistakes 00:00:00
- 14. 4.14 – How Advocacy Builds Self-Respect 00:00:00
- 15. 4.15 – Creating a Personal Advocacy Plan 00:00:00
- 1. 5.1 – Understanding Your Worker Rights at a Glance 00:00:00
- 2. 5.2 – Rights Around Hiring and Equal Opportunity 00:00:00
- 3. 5.3 – Workplace Safety and OSHA Basics 00:00:00
- 4. 5.4 – Knowing About Breaks, Wages, and Overtime 00:00:00
- 5. 5.5 – Understanding FMLA and Medical Leave 00:00:00
- 6. 5.6 – Recognizing Harassment and Discrimination at Work 00:00:00
- 7. 5.7 – What to Do if You’re Treated Unfairly 00:00:00
- 8. 5.8 – Documenting Workplace Problems Correctly 00:00:00
- 9. 5.9 – Where to Report Workplace Violations 00:00:00
- 10. 5.10 – How to Use HR Effectively for Support 00:00:00
- 11. 5.11 – Recognizing Wrongful Termination Signs 00:00:00
- 12. 5.12 – Knowing About Unions and Worker Advocacy 00:00:00
- 13. 5.13 – Protections for Workers With Disabilities 00:00:00
- 14. 5.14 – When to Seek Legal Action in Employment 00:00:00
- 15. 5.15 – Protecting Your Career Through Legal Awareness 00:00:00
- 1. 6.1 – Understanding Lease Agreements Clearly 00:00:00
- 2. 6.2 – Rights and Duties of Tenants and Landlords 00:00:00
- 3. 6.3 – Recognizing Illegal Lease Clauses 00:00:00
- 4. 6.4 – What to Do if Your Landlord Enters Without Notice 00:00:00
- 5. 6.5 – How to Handle Repair Requests Effectively 00:00:00
- 6. 6.6 – Understanding Rent Increases and Protections 00:00:00
- 7. 6.7 – Eviction Process and Your Legal Defenses 00:00:00
- 8. 6.8 – Recognizing Signs of Housing Discrimination 00:00:00
- 9. 6.9 – Where to Seek Help for Housing Disputes 00:00:00
- 10. 6.10 – Documenting Communication With Landlords 00:00:00
- 11. 6.11 – How to Handle Security Deposits Properly 00:00:00
- 12. 6.12 – Tenant Protections in Subsidized Housing 00:00:00
- 13. 6.13 – Emergency Housing Rights During Crisis 00:00:00
- 14. 6.14 – Understanding Squatter Laws and Risks 00:00:00
- 15. 6.15 – Building Housing Stability Through Legal Awareness 00:00:00
- 1. 7.1 – Understanding Your Rights With Creditors 00:00:00
- 2. 7.2 – Fair Debt Collection Practices Explained 00:00:00
- 3. 7.3 – How to Handle Debt Collection Calls Safely 00:00:00
- 4. 7.4 – Protecting Yourself From Predatory Lending 00:00:00
- 5. 7.5 – How to Review Your Credit Report Correctly 00:00:00
- 6. 7.6 – Rights When Dealing With Identity Theft 00:00:00
- 7. 7.7 – Understanding Bankruptcy Basics 00:00:00
- 8. 7.8 – Recognizing Common Consumer Scams 00:00:00
- 9. 7.9 – How to Dispute Errors on Credit Reports 00:00:00
- 10. 7.10 – Steps to Negotiate Debt Repayment 00:00:00
- 11. 7.11 – Understanding Interest and Compound Debt 00:00:00
- 12. 7.12 – Protecting Your Rights in Auto or Home Loans 00:00:00
- 13. 7.13 – How to Report Unfair Business Practices 00:00:00
- 14. 7.14 – Using Consumer Protection Agencies Wisely 00:00:00
- 15. 7.15 – Building Long-Term Financial Confidence 00:00:00
- 1. 8.1 – Understanding the Steps of a Legal Process 00:00:00
- 2. 8.2 – Knowing Who Has Authority to Decide 00:00:00
- 3. 8.3 – Organizing Evidence for a Strong Case 00:00:00
- 4. 8.4 – How to Write an Effective Legal Complaint 00:00:00
- 5. 8.5 – Recognizing When Mediation Is Better Than Court 00:00:00
- 6. 8.6 – Preparing for Hearings or Appeals 00:00:00
- 7. 8.7 – How to Handle Small Claims Court 00:00:00
- 8. 8.8 – Recognizing Limits of Self-Representation 00:00:00
- 9. 8.9 – Using Community Legal Clinics for Guidance 00:00:00
- 10. 8.10 – How to Track Deadlines and Timelines 00:00:00
- 11. 8.11 – Recognizing When to Seek an Attorney 00:00:00
- 12. 8.12 – How to Stay Calm Through the Legal Process 00:00:00
- 13. 8.13 – Avoiding Mistakes That Harm Your Case 00:00:00
- 14. 8.14 – Following Through on Judgments and Orders 00:00:00
- 15. 8.15 – Building Confidence in Legal Problem-Solving 00:00:00
- 1. 9.1 – Why Asking Questions Protects Your Rights 00:00:00
- 2. 9.2 – Overcoming Fear of Speaking Up 00:00:00
- 3. 9.3 – Practicing Questions Before Appointments 00:00:00
- 4. 9.4 – Recognizing Trusted vs. Unhelpful Sources 00:00:00
- 5. 9.5 – How to Build a Support Team for Legal Issues 00:00:00
- 6. 9.6 – Using Legal Aid and Community Services 00:00:00
- 7. 9.7 – Practicing Self-Advocacy in Role-Play 00:00:00
- 8. 9.8 – Tracking Answers and Next Steps Clearly 00:00:00
- 9. 9.9 – How to Ask for Written Confirmation 00:00:00
- 10. 9.10 – Staying Persistent Without Feeling Pushy 00:00:00
- 11. 9.11 – Recognizing Your Strengths in Advocacy 00:00:00
- 12. 9.12 – Learning From Past Legal Experiences 00:00:00
- 13. 9.13 – Building a Resource Binder for Support 00:00:00
- 14. 9.14 – Helping Others While Helping Yourself 00:00:00
- 15. 9.15 – Growing Confidence Through Practice 00:00:00
- 1. 10.1 – What Belongs in a Legal Preparedness Plan 00:00:00
- 2. 10.2 – Collecting Your Important Documents 00:00:00
- 3. 10.3 – Tracking Expiration Dates and Renewals 00:00:00
- 4. 10.4 – Identifying Key Contacts for Emergencies 00:00:00
- 5. 10.5 – Building a Financial Safety Folder 00:00:00
- 6. 10.6 – Including Medical and Legal Directives 00:00:00
- 7. 10.7 – How to Protect Digital and Online Records 00:00:00
- 8. 10.8 – Creating a Contact Sheet for Agencies 00:00:00
- 9. 10.9 – Writing Down Your Rights in Simple Language 00:00:00
- 10. 10.10 – Teaching Family Members About the Plan 00:00:00
- 11. 10.11 – Practicing Emergency Legal Scenarios 00:00:00
- 12. 10.12 – Reviewing Your Plan Annually 00:00:00
- 13. 10.13 – Updating for Life Changes or New Laws 00:00:00
- 14. 10.14 – Storing Your Plan Safely and Securely 00:00:00
- 15. 10.15 – Living With Confidence Through Preparation 00:00:00
- 1. 11.1 – Understanding Vehicle Purchase Agreements and Titles 00:00:00
- 2. 11.2 – Dealer vs. Private Sales: Legal Differences You Should Know 00:00:00
- 3. 11.3 – Lemon Laws and What to Do When a Car Breaks Down Too Soon 00:00:00
- 4. 11.4 – Vehicle Warranties, Service Contracts, and Extended Coverage 00:00:00
- 5. 11.5 – What Happens If the Seller Doesn’t Transfer the Title Properly 00:00:00
- 6. 11.6 – Repossession, Missed Payments, and Legal Recovery Options 00:00:00
- 7. 11.7 – How to Handle Vehicle Fraud or Misrepresentation 00:00:00
- 8. 11.8 – Insurance Requirements and Accident Liability Basics 00:00:00
- 9. 11.9 – Traffic Tickets, Citations, and the Court Process 00:00:00
- 10. 11.10 – Understanding Vehicle Registration and Renewal Laws 00:00:00
- 11. 11.11 – Selling Your Car Safely and Legally 00:00:00
- 12. 11.12 – Handling Vehicle Repairs, Mechanics, and Consumer Rights 00:00:00
- 13. 11.13 – What to Do If You’re Sold a Defective or Salvaged Vehicle 00:00:00
- 14. 11.14 – Legal Steps After an Accident or Hit-and-Run Incident 00:00:00
- 15. 11.15 – Protecting Yourself from Predatory Auto Loans and Scams 00:00:00
- 16. 11.16 – What Is a Vehicle Lien and Why It Matters Legally 00:00:00
- 17. 11.17 – How to Check for Existing Liens Before Buying a Car 00:00:00
- 18. 11.18 – How to Place a Lien on a Vehicle You Are Owed Money For 00:00:00
- 19. 11.19 – When It’s Appropriate to File a Mechanic’s Lien and How to Do It Properly 00:00:00
- 20. 11.20 – The Legal Steps to Remove a Lien from a Vehicle Title 00:00:00
- 21. 11.21 – Understanding Lienholder Rights and Your Responsibilities as an Owner 00:00:00
- 22. 11.22 – How to Dispute an Incorrect or Fraudulent Lien on Your Car 00:00:00
- 23. 11.23 – Legal Consequences of Ignoring a Lien Notice or Repossession Warning 00:00:00
- 24. 11.24 – Secured vs. Unsecured Vehicle Loans: What’s the Legal Difference 00:00:00
- 25. 11.25 – How Loan Default Leads to Repossession and What Rights You Have 00:00:00
- 26. 11.26 – Reclaiming Your Vehicle After Repossession or Default Settlement 00:00:00
- 27. 11.27 – How to File a Complaint Against a Dishonest Dealer or Repair Shop 00:00:00
- 28. 11.28 – Understanding “Title Jumping” and Why It’s Illegal 00:00:00
- 29. 11.29 – What to Do If You Never Received Your Title After Purchase 00:00:00
- 30. 11.30 – How to Resolve Title Errors and Duplicate Ownership Claims 00:00:00
- 31. 11.31 – Filing a Police Report and Insurance Claim for Stolen Vehicles 00:00:00
- 32. 11.32 – How to Handle Towed or Impounded Vehicles Legally 00:00:00
- 33. 11.33 – State DMV Processes for Resolving Vehicle Ownership Disputes 00:00:00
- 34. 11.34 – How to Legally Gift a Car and Avoid Tax and Title Issues 00:00:00
- 35. 11.35 – Legal Steps When Buying a Car from Out of State 00:00:00
- 36. 11.36 – Handling Cars Purchased with Unpaid Tickets or Fines 00:00:00
- 37. 11.37 – Understanding Vehicle Liens in Divorce and Estate Settlements 00:00:00
- 38. 11.38 – How to Add or Remove a Co-Owner from Your Vehicle Title 00:00:00
- 39. 11.39 – Vehicle Storage Liens: When Garages or Lots Can Claim Ownership 00:00:00
- 40. 11.40 – How Insurance Companies Handle Total Loss and Salvage Titles 00:00:00
- 41. 11.41 – Legal Options If a Mechanic Damages Your Vehicle During Repair 00:00:00
- 42. 11.42 – How to Prepare Documentation for Small Claims Court Over Vehicle Issues 00:00:00
- 43. 11.43 – Consumer Protection Laws for Used Car Sales and False Advertising 00:00:00
- 44. 11.44 – How to Report and Recover from Vehicle Identity Theft (VIN Fraud) 00:00:00
- 45. 11.45 – Building a Complete Vehicle Ownership Legal Binder for Future Protection 00:00:00
- 46. 11.46 – How to Protect Yourself from VIN Cloning and Title Fraud 00:00:00
- 47. 11.47 – Disputing Unfair Auto Financing Terms and Predatory Lending Practices 00:00:00
- 48. 11.48 – Legal Responsibilities When Buying a Car Online or Across State Lines 00:00:00
- 49. 11.49 – Digital Vehicle Titles, Electronic Signatures, and Blockchain Ownership Records 00:00:00
- 50. 11.50 – Preparing for Vehicle-Related Legal Emergencies and Knowing When to Hire an Attorney 00:00:00
Course overview
Lesson Overview
11.17 – How to Check for Existing Liens Before Buying a Car: Checking for existing liens before purchasing a vehicle is one of the smartest defensive actions a buyer can take. Begin by asking to see the physical title; if it lists a bank, finance company, or individual as lienholder, ownership is not yet clear. Then run the vehicle identification number (VIN) through official databases such as your state’s DMV or the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System. Many services show whether a lien is active, released, or pending. Never rely solely on a seller’s word—documentation is what matters. If you buy a car still under lien, the creditor’s claim can follow the car to you, leaving you legally obligated for someone else’s debt or at risk of repossession. Request a written lien release letter if the seller claims payoff has already occurred. Verify the date and reference number match the title record. If buying from a dealership, ask them to provide a “lien satisfaction guarantee” before payment. Avoid online or private sellers who rush the process or discourage verification. A ten-minute check today prevents months of legal and financial frustration later. Protecting yourself through verification is not distrust—it’s due diligence, the difference between legitimate ownership and an expensive mistake you never intended to inherit.
About this course
Knowledge and strategies to understand your rights, navigate legal systems, and advocate effectively for yourself.
This course includes:
- Legal rights and resource guides
- Self-advocacy planning templates and documentation checklists
- Scenario-based exercises for practicingegal and advocacy interactions