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Q. I received a book in the mail that I did not order. The box had printing on it describing the contents as a free gift. There was no bill enclosed, therefore I assumed it was indeed a free gift. I just received a bill for $36. Do I have to pay for a “free” book or waste an hour of my time waiting in line at the post office to return a book I did not order?

A. You do not have to pay nor do you have to return the book and pay for postage out of your own pocket to return something you did not order. I hope you kept the box as well as the bill. I would write a letter to the sender stating exactly that: you will not pay for this book because you did not order it, and because you thought it was a gift, nor will you pay for postage to return it.

Q. Is there a statute of limitations on collection of debts?

A. Yes there is. If the debt was incurred as a result of a written contract, the statute of limitations is four years. If the debt was made orally, the statute is two years. Very often, some collection agencies will buy debt in bulk for a couple of pennies on the dollar owed and will then attempt to collect on the debt. Sometimes, the debt is 10 to 15 years old. The collectors can really harass people, calling them at all times of day and night, calling at work, despite laws that protect from this kind of harassment. Often, the debtors don't know any better and pay the debt. The statute of limitations will protect the debtors, but the collection agency can place a derogatory note on the debtor's credit report. If that happens, it falls upon the debtor to respond and ask the credit reporting agency to put a note written by the debtor explaining why that particular debt has not been paid. If the debt is older than 10 years, the credit reporting agency cannot still report it. Even when a debtor files for bankruptcy, the debts unpaid due to a bankruptcy cannot be reported for longer than 10 years.

Q. If older people with families from previous marriages get married, how do they each protect what they want to leave to their own children or grandchildren?

A. By setting up a Joint Revocable Living Trust. When one spouse dies, that spouse's half of the trust becomes irrevocable, and whatever assets are in it will get transferred to the intended beneficiaries.

Maxine de Villefranche is an attorney and civil general practitioner with 15 years of experience. She practices law from her Tehachapi office as well as her Lancaster satellite office. She will answer legal questions posed to her by the readers to the best of her abilities. Email your questions to maxinedev@msn.com or fax to (661) 825-8880