Mae Koppes
Managing Editor
Mae Koppes (she/her) is a Certified Personal Finance Counselor® (CPFC) and the Content Director at Upsolve, where she focuses on producing accessible and actionable content that helps empower people to overcome financial hardships. Since joining the team in 2021, she has played a pivotal role in creating free educational content that has reached and empowered over 10 million people navigating financial challenges.
Articles written by Mae Koppes
How To Get a Bankruptcy Filing Fee Waiver in 3 Simple Steps
Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Paige Hooper
Updated March 18, 2025
If the bankruptcy filing fee is standing between you and a fresh start, you can apply for a fee waiver or to pay in installments. To qualify for a waiver, your income must be below 150% of the federal poverty guideline, and you must show that you can’t afford to pay in installments. This guide walks you through the fee waiver process, eligibility requirements, and what to do if your request is denied.
Read More →My Bankruptcy Was Dismissed. What Happens Now?
Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated August 12, 2025
Your bankruptcy case may be dismissed if you don't complete all your obligations as a bankruptcy filer under the Bankruptcy Code. This includes filing all the required documents correctly and completely, doing your required credit counseling and debt management courses, and going to the 341 meeting with your trustee. If you file Chapter 13, you also need to stick with your approved repayment plan. If you don't do all this, you risk having your case dismissed.
Read More →Discharge vs. Dismissal: What's the Difference?
Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated March 13, 2025
When filing bankruptcy for the first time, many people get confused about the different terms lawyers and courts use. Two words that frequently confuse first-time filers are “dismissed” and “discharged.” This article explains each term, what the differences are, and when lawyers and the court are most likely to use them when referring to your case.
Read More →How Much Debt Do I Need To File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated February 25, 2025
There’s no minimum or maximum debt required to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy — eligibility is based on your financial situation. However, for Chapter 13, your total debts must be less than $2,750,000, according to U.S. Courts.
Read More →How To Convert Chapter 13 Bankruptcy to Chapter 7 & What To Expect
Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated September 17, 2025
If you can no longer afford your Chapter 13 repayment plan, you may be able to convert to Chapter 7 for faster debt relief. The process is usually simple. You file a Notice of Conversion with the court, pay a $25 fee, and, once your case is converted, attend a new 341 meeting, Your Chapter 7 discharge typically happens about 60 days later, assuming no creditor objects. Switching chapters can affect your property, secured debts, and exemptions, so it’s important to understand the pros and cons. This guide explains how to convert, who qualifies, and what happens after the switch.
Read More →How To Rebuild Credit After Bankruptcy
Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated September 26, 2025
Rebuilding your credit after bankruptcy is possible — and many people do it successfully with the right approach. Bankruptcy gives you a financial reset, and by taking steps like using secured credit cards, paying bills on time, and monitoring your credit reports, you can start improving your score within months. It’s also important to avoid common mistakes, like opening too many new accounts or relying too much on credit in emergencies. With consistent habits and a clear plan, you can rebuild your credit and lay the foundation for long-term financial health.
Read More →Eviction 101
Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated August 7, 2025
Like most property laws, the relationship between landlords and tenants is regulated by state law. Because eviction laws vary from state to state, there is no uniform law of eviction. These state eviction laws lay out rules that landlords must follow in order to evict tenants. This article will explain some basic facts about eviction.
Read More →What Happens to the Co-Signer of a Car Loan in Bankruptcy?
Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated January 29, 2025
When you file for bankruptcy, your co-signer stays legally responsible for the co-signed debt, even if your obligation to repay it is discharged. In Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the lender can still pursue your co-signer if the car is surrendered or the borrower defaults on the loan. Options like reaffirmation or redemption may reduce your co-signer’s risk if payments continue. In Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the co-debtor stay may temporarily stop the lender from going after your co-signer, but this protection is lost if payments aren’t made.
Read More →What Can I Do if My Car Is Repossessed With My Personal Belongings in It?
Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated January 24, 2025
If your car is repossessed with your personal belongings inside, you have the legal right to retrieve your items. Repo companies cannot keep or sell your personal property, and they generally can’t charge you a fee to collect your belongings unless you delay for an extended period. After repossession, the lender will send you a notice with details on how to retrieve your car and personal items.
Read More →What You Need To Know About Renting During and After Bankruptcy
Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated February 18, 2025
Filing for bankruptcy can affect your ability to rent since landlords check credit, but it’s still possible to find a new home with the right approach. Your chances of approval depend on factors like how recently you filed, your credit score, and your rental history. Private landlords are often more flexible than large management companies in renting to bankruptcy filers.
Read More →Can I File for Bankruptcy After Moving to a New State?
Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated May 27, 2025
Yes, you can file bankruptcy after moving, but it can be a little complicated. Your move affects where you file and what property protections apply. To file in your current state, you must have lived there for at least 91 days. However, using your new state’s exemption laws requires living there for at least 730 days (two years). If you don’t meet this requirement, you may need to rely on your former state’s exemptions — if that state allows non-residents to use them — or use federal bankruptcy exemptions instead.
Read More →How To Deal With Negative Items on Your Credit Report
Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated January 9, 2026
Negative items on your credit report — like missed payments, collections, or even bankruptcy — can hurt your credit score, but they don’t last forever. Most fall off your report after seven years, and their impact fades over time, especially as you build positive credit habits. If something on your report is incorrect, you have the right to dispute it and have it removed. You usually can’t erase accurate information early.
Read More →Can You Keep Your Bank Account During Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated January 28, 2026
Most people who file Chapter 7 bankruptcy can keep their bank accounts, as long as the money in it is protected by a bankruptcy exemption. Exemptions are legal protections that let you keep certain property, including some or all of your bank account balance. Timing and the source of your funds can also affect whether the money is protected. If you owe money to your bank or credit union, or have a large balance, it’s important to understand how that could affect your account before you file.
Read More →Can My Spouse Be Pursued for My Debts?
Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated March 11, 2026
Generally speaking, you can’t be pursued for your spouse’s debt unless you live in one of the nine community property states (Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin) or you’ve co-signed or co-borrowed on a loan or you have a joint account. In community property states, most debts incurred during the marriage are considered shared, which means creditors might be able to pursue both spouses for repayment, even if only one spouse signed for the debt.
Read More →How Can I Get Free Legal Aid Help To File Bankruptcy?
Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Paige Hooper
Updated March 14, 2026
Legal aid provides free or low-cost legal help to people who can’t afford a lawyer. Some legal aid offices help with bankruptcy, but not all do — and many have limited capacity. Eligibility usually depends on income, but other factors like age, disability, or veteran status may also apply. If legal aid can’t take your case, you still have other options. Upsolve is a nonprofit that helps people get a fresh start using a free bankruptcy filing tool.
Read More →Wage Garnishment Exemption Guide: Income You Can Keep
Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated March 15, 2026
Certain types of income are protected from wage garnishment under federal and state law. This exempt income includes Social Security, unemployment benefits, and other public benefits — and in many cases, you can stop or reduce garnishment by filing a claim of exemption. This guide explains how exemptions work, how to protect your income before or after garnishment starts, and what to do if the debt is owed to the IRS or Department of Education. It also covers how bankruptcy can stop garnishments and help erase the debt causing them.
Read More →Car Repossession: Everything You Need To Know
Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated August 7, 2025
Car repossession happens when a lender takes back a vehicle after missed loan payments. In many states, they can do this without warning or a court order. The lender will usually sell the car, and if the sale price doesn’t cover what you owe, you may still have to pay the difference. You have rights during repossession, including the ability to retrieve personal belongings and protections against wrongful actions. If you're at risk, options like negotiating with your lender, refinancing, or filing for bankruptcy may help you keep your car.
Read More →Understanding Your Credit Score (After Debt or Bankruptcy)
Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated July 1, 2025
A credit score is a three-digit number that reflects how you’ve used credit in the past, based on the data in your credit report. It's calculated using factors like your payment history, credit usage, account age, and recent credit activity. Credit scores can drop after missed payments or bankruptcy, but they’re not permanent. By understanding how scores work and taking small steps — like making on-time payments, lowering balances, and reviewing your credit reports — you can start rebuilding with a clear path forward.
Read More →Understanding a Bank Levy and What You Can Do if Your Account Is Frozen
Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated March 12, 2026
If a creditor or debt collector sues you for an unpaid debt and they win, they may be able to get a court order for a bank levy. This allows them to take funds you owe directly from your bank account. Most creditors will have to jump through some legal hoops to do this, but some government agencies can levy your bank account without first getting a court order.
Read More →The Complete Guide to the 341 Meeting of Creditors: What To Expect and How To Prepare
Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated March 30, 2026
The 341 meeting of creditors is a key step in every Chapter 7 bankruptcy case, where you meet briefly with a trustee to confirm the information in your paperwork. For most people, the meeting is quick, straightforward, and far less stressful than expected. This guide covers everything you need to know — from how to prepare and what to bring, to what happens during and after the meeting. You’ll also learn how to handle common concerns and what to expect next on your path toward a financial fresh start.
Read More →Foreclosure 101: Your Guide To Navigating the Process
Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated June 5, 2026
Foreclosure is the legal process that allows lenders to take ownership of a home when a borrower falls behind on mortgage payments. The process varies by state but is either judicial (requiring court approval) or nonjudicial (allowing lenders to proceed without a lawsuit). Foreclosure can damage your credit, lead to eviction, and leave you responsible for any remaining debt if the home sells for less than what you owe. However, homeowners have rights, including receiving proper notice and staying in the home until foreclosure is finalized. Options like loan modifications, repayment plans, or even filing bankruptcy may help stop or delay foreclosure. This comprehensive guide explains how foreclosure works, what rights homeowners have, and the options available to prevent or navigate the process.
Read More →What Are the Michigan Bankruptcy Exemptions?
Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated June 17, 2026
If you’ve lived in Michigan for at least two years when you file bankruptcy, you can choose between the state’s exemptions or the federal bankruptcy exemptions. Both have the same aim — to help you protect your property. Michigan has a higher homestead exemption than the federal government ($51,150 vs. $31,575). But if you aren’t a homeowner, the federal exemptions for personal property, including your vehicle, are more generous.
Read More →How To Fill Out Schedule J: Your Expenses for Chapter 7
Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Written October 21, 2025
Schedule J is a required bankruptcy form that lists your estimated monthly expenses after filing Chapter 7. It helps the court understand your household budget and determine whether you have any disposable income left to pay creditors. You’ll need to include a wide range of expenses, from rent and utilities to transportation and personal care. Expenses typically need to be both accurate and reasonable.
Read More →How To File Bankruptcy for Free in West Virginia
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer, Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Paige Hooper
Updated April 16, 2026
If you're dealing with debt that feels impossible to get out from under, Chapter 7 bankruptcy may be the fresh start you need. It can erase eligible debts like credit cards, medical bills, and payday loans — and many West Virginians file without a lawyer or any filing costs. This guide covers everything you need to know to file in West Virginia.
Wage Garnishment in California
Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated March 14, 2026
Wage garnishment is a legal process that allows creditors to take money directly from your paycheck to repay certain types of debt. In California, most garnishments for consumer debt require a court judgment, and the state provides stronger wage protections than federal law. Once a creditor wins a lawsuit, they can serve paperwork to your employer to begin garnishing your wages, but you have the right to object or claim exemptions—usually within 10 days. There are also limits on how much of your paycheck can be garnished, and filing for bankruptcy is one way some people choose to stop garnishment and erase the debt altogether.
Wage Garnishment in Pennsylvania
Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated March 15, 2026
Wage garnishment is when money is taken from your paycheck to pay certain types of debt. Pennsylvania is unique because it doesn’t allow most creditors to garnish your wages for common consumer debts like credit cards, medical bills, or payday loans. Only specific debts—like unpaid rent, child support, taxes, and federal student loans—can lead to wage garnishment in the state. This article explains how wage garnishment works in Pennsylvania, what steps creditors must follow, and what you can do if you're at risk of having your wages garnished.
Stop Wage Garnishment in Virginia: Your Rights and Options
Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated March 15, 2026
Wage garnishment in Virginia is a legal process that allows a creditor to take money directly from your paycheck to collect a debt. Most creditors must first sue you and win a court judgment before they can garnish your wages. Once a judgment is in place, the creditor can ask the court to send a wage garnishment order to your employer. Virginia law limits how much money can be taken from each paycheck and provides exemptions to protect some types of income. This guide explains how wage garnishment works in Virginia, how much can be taken, and what steps you can take to stop or reduce it.
How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Rhode Island
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer, Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated April 15, 2026
If you're dealing with debt that feels impossible to get out from under, Chapter 7 bankruptcy may be the fresh start you need. It can erase eligible debts like credit cards, medical bills, and payday loans — and many Rhode Islanders file without a lawyer or any filing costs. This guide covers everything you need to know to file in Rhode Island.
How To File Bankruptcy for Free in North Dakota
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer, Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated April 29, 2026
If you're dealing with debt that feels impossible to get out from under, Chapter 7 bankruptcy may be the fresh start you need. It can erase eligible debts like credit cards, medical bills, and payday loans — and many North Dakotans file without a lawyer or any filing costs. This guide covers everything you need to know to file in North Dakota.
How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Montana
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer, Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated April 30, 2026
If you're dealing with debt that feels impossible to get out from under, Chapter 7 bankruptcy may be the fresh start you need. It can erase eligible debts like credit cards, medical bills, and payday loans — and many Montanans file without a lawyer or any filing costs. This guide covers everything you need to know to file in Montana.
