Question: For our daughters wedding, we are working with a wedding planner who is also a family friend. The financial arrangement was made with a handshake. Have we set ourselves up for a problem?

citizen |

Answer: A good rule of thumb is never hire anyone who works without a contract. Without it, you have no legal recourse if something goes wrong. By far, the biggest problem with weddings seems to be with banquet halls, where the salesperson made a verbal promise that does not appear on the event order form. You should also insist on a contract from the wedding photographer, any musicians and other professionals providing services. Never pay everything upfront, and pay only with a credit card so you can reverse the charges if the contractor fails to deliver.

Question: The airline lost my suitcase that I paid $35 to check. Eventually it was found and returned. Am I entitled to a refund?

Answer: Not according to the law. The majority of airlines wont provide a refund for the checked bag, even if it takes days to find it. The U.S. Department of Transportation wants to change that, but the airlines are fighting it, arguing it would raise prices across the board.

If you have a legal question for a future column, send it to illinoislawcolumn@isba.org.

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 and does not constitute legal advice. For questions about a particular legal question, please consult your lawyer.

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