Tina Tran is a practicing attorney with a J.D. and Certificate in Advocacy from Loyola University Chicago School of Law. She is licensed to practice law in Illinois and the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Tina ran her own consumer bankruptcy practice, which she started at the age of 28, defending debtors trying to get back on their feet against aggressive and predatory lenders and debt collectors. She was the managing bankruptcy attorney for Upsolve from 2019-2024. She believes in keeping the law simple and making it accessible for everyday people facing creditor lawsuits, wage garnishments, bank account freezes, foreclosures, and repossessions.
Articles written by Attorney Tina Tran
How To Get Your Credit Report for Free
Written by Attorney Tina Tran. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated September 29, 2025
Your credit report has a lot of power over your daily life — whether that's when you're buying a new car or applying for an apartment. In addition to using credit responsibly, keeping an eye on your credit report is one of the most valuable things you can do to make sure your financial house is as stable as possible. There are three ways to request a copy of your free credit report.
Read More →How To File Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: A Step-by-Step Guide
Written by Ben Jackson. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated January 8, 2026
Chapter 13 bankruptcy is the second most common type of personal bankruptcy after Chapter 7. You’ll need to take several steps to file Chapter 13, and after you file your case, you’ll stick with a 3–5-year repayment plan to get a successful discharge. Because Chapter 13 is complicated, it’s advisable to hire a bankruptcy attorney to help you file your case. Most people who represent themselves in Chapter 13 cases aren’t successful.
Read More →How To Win Against Midland Funding LLC
Written by Attorney Tina Tran. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated March 11, 2026
If Midland Funding is contacting you, they’re probably attempting to collect a debt. Before you do anything else, determine if the debt is valid. If it is but you can’t afford to pay it in full, you can try to negotiate a debt settlement. If Midland files a lawsuit against you, read the details thoroughly and respond quickly. Use this article as your guide to take on Midland Funding successfully.
Read More →Can You File Bankruptcy on Student Loans? Yes. Here's How.
Written by Attorney Tina Tran. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated January 9, 2026
If you're eligible, you may be able to get certain federal student loans discharged through Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. After you file your bankruptcy case, you must take an additional step to start an adversary proceeding to have your loans discharged. In recent years, this process has been streamlined, and many filers with federal student loan debt have been able to do this on their own without hiring a lawyer to help. Only federal Direct Loans or Direct Consolidation Loans held by the Department of Education can be discharged through bankruptcy. Also, you must be able to show that you are unable to make payments but have made a good faith effort to do so in past years.
Read More →What Is Credit Counseling?
Written by Attorney Tina Tran. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated June 10, 2024
Credit counseling is a great starting point for people who need help figuring out the best way to deal with their debt. Nonprofit credit counselors review your income and debt and help you develop a personalized plan to repay your debts. They’ll go over several potential debt relief solutions, including budgeting, starting a debt management plan, consolidating your debt, or filing bankruptcy.
Read More →Can a Credit Card Company Sue Me if I Stop Paying?
Written by Attorney Tina Tran. Legally reviewed by Attorney Paige Hooper
Updated March 11, 2026
Yes, a credit card company can sue you if you stop paying your bills. Typically, credit card companies will contact you several times before escalating the matter to legal action or charging off the debt to a debt collection agency. Though there’s no set timeline, you can expect legal action after six months of nonpayment. While there are no guarantees, you’re less likely to be sued if you owe less than $2,000.
Read More →Connecticut Debt Collection Laws: Know Your Rights
Written by Attorney Tina Tran. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated March 14, 2026
The state of Connecticut has two robust debt collection laws that protect its residents from creditor harassment and unfair practices in the debt collection process. Connecticut law also requires third-party collection agencies to be licensed. These laws accompany the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), which seeks to protect consumers from exploitative third-party debt collectors.
