Amelia Niemi is an attorney licensed in Illinois. She received her J.D. from DePaul University College of Law. At DePaul, she was a staff writer for the DePaul Journal of Art, Technology & Intellectual Property Law. Her legal practice includes multi-million-dollar international breach of contract cases, negotiating and drafting international licensing and manufacturing agreements, appellate litigation, and international intellectual property matters.
Articles written by Attorney Amelia Niemi
What happens if your debt goes to a collections company?
Written by Attorney Amelia Niemi.
Updated April 19, 2024
Most of us have a pile of “to-dos” that never seem to be done. For many people, this includes a stack of bills and debts that just keep getting higher. As much as you’d love to pay off that medical debt, there’s never quite enough to go around on payday. Having this debt hang over your head can be really stressful. A lot of people sit up at night, worrying about what will happen next to their debt. Read more to find out what debt collectors can – and can’t – do, how they might legally be able to claim that money, and how this might affect your credit history.
Read More →Do I Still Owe After My Car Is Repossessed?
Written by Attorney Amelia Niemi.
Updated April 5, 2024
Unfortunately, having your car repossessed isn’t the end of the road on your car loan. Many Americans owe more on their car than it is worth and their loan is “underwater.” Here’s what you need to know about vehicle repossession and how Chapter 7 bankruptcy can offer some debt relief.
Read More →How To Find Out What Debt Collectors You Owe
Written by Attorney Amelia Niemi.
Updated August 18, 2023
If it feels like you’re drowning in a sea of debt, it can seem impossible to find a life raft, especially if the debt collectors have already started circling. Getting a handle on who you owe and how much money you owe them is an important first step in sorting out your personal finances. This article will give you some tips and tools you can use to climb aboard that life raft, grab a paddle, and start sorting out your financial life.
Read More →What is a Proof of Claim in Bankruptcy?
Written by Attorney Amelia Niemi.
Updated August 15, 2023
A proof of claim is what creditors are required to submit to the bankruptcy court before they can receive any money from the bankruptcy trustee. It’s the creditors’ way of saying, “I’m owed money, and here is how much, and why.” The trustee and the person who filed bankruptcy are given an opportunity to review and may object to any proof of claim that is filed in the case. Let’s take a closer look at how this all works.
Read More →What are preferential payments in bankruptcy?
Written by Attorney Amelia Niemi.
Updated August 10, 2023
This article will explore what constitutes a preferential payment and why it matters to you if you’re thinking about filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
Read More →How Can I Repair My Credit Myself?
Written by Attorney Amelia Niemi.
Updated August 1, 2023
This article will explain how credit reports and credit scores work and provide some simple but effective steps you can take that will help improve your credit score. You probably won’t be able to go from a 550 to a 800 credit score overnight but there are definite steps you can take that will help you repair your credit by yourself, without needing to hire a credit repair company.
Read More →How Will Bankruptcy Affect My Professional License?
Written by Attorney Amelia Niemi.
Updated July 26, 2023
There are many benefits to filing bankruptcy, such as the automatic stay, which protects you until your debt is discharged. However, before getting the bankruptcy ball rolling, it’s important to consider how filing could affect other aspects of your life, including your career and professional qualifications. This article will discuss how bankruptcy will, and probably won’t, affect your professional license and what you should know before you file.
Read More →How can a trustee find out about an inheritance?
Written by Attorney Amelia Niemi.
Updated July 26, 2023
The Bankruptcy Code provides that an inheritance the filer becomes entitled to receive in the 180 days after their case is filed has to be turned over to the bankruptcy trustee so it can be paid to creditors. This article will explore why this rule exists, how it works exactly, and why it’s never a good idea to try and hide things from the trustee.
Read More →Chapter 13 bankruptcy & Small Business Owners
Written by Attorney Amelia Niemi.
Updated July 26, 2023
Owning your own business has a lot of benefits. You’re the boss and you get to make the rules. On the downside, you take on a lot of risk, and you’re responsible for managing the books. This is doubly so when it comes to your bankruptcy filing. Read on to learn what you should know about business bankruptcy and Chapter 13.
Read More →What Is Unsecured Debt?
Written by Attorney Amelia Niemi.
Updated June 15, 2023
Simply put, unsecured debt is any type of you debt you have that isn't backed by collateral. The most common types of unsecured debts are credit card debts, medical bills, and personal loans. If you don't pay these debts (called defaulting), the creditor or lender doesn't have anything it can come collect to help repay the debt. By contrast, secured debt is backed by collateral. The two most common types of secured debt are mortgages and car loans. If you default on your home or car loan, the lender can seize the collateral (the home or car), to help repay your debt.
Read More →Bankruptcy and Immigration
Written by Attorney Amelia Niemi.
Updated July 28, 2020
This article will address some common concerns that immigrants may have about filing bankruptcy, and illustrate that in the vast majority of cases, bankruptcy and immigration do not have an effect on one other. It will also explore the few situations wherein filing bankruptcy could have a negative effect on an immigration application.
Read More →Everything the Average American Consumer needs to know about Involuntary Bankruptcy
Written by Attorney Amelia Niemi.
Updated July 22, 2020
While no one ever wants to file bankruptcy, the vast majority of bankruptcy cases filed in the United States are voluntary bankruptcy cases. Voluntary bankruptcy cases are initiated when the debtor submits their voluntary petition to the bankruptcy court. It is possible, however, for creditors to initiate an involuntary bankruptcy case against someone.
Read More →How To File Bankruptcy for Free in New Hampshire
Written by Attorney Amelia Niemi. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated December 4, 2023
Filing for bankruptcy doesn’t have to be scary and confusing. We provide helpful tips and resources to help you file Chapter 7 bankruptcy in your state without a lawyer.
Filing Bankruptcy in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Written by Attorney Amelia Niemi.
Updated August 14, 2023
Filing Bankruptcy in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Written by Attorney Amelia Niemi.
Updated August 14, 2023
How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Wisconsin
Written by Attorney Amelia Niemi. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated May 10, 2023
Filing for bankruptcy doesn’t have to be scary and confusing. We provide helpful tips and resources to help you file Chapter 7 bankruptcy in your state without a lawyer.
How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Maine
Written by Attorney Amelia Niemi. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated May 17, 2022
Filing for bankruptcy doesn’t have to be scary and confusing. We provide helpful tips and resources to help you file Chapter 7 bankruptcy in your state without a lawyer.
How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Oregon
Written by Attorney Amelia Niemi. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated February 9, 2022
Filing for bankruptcy doesn’t have to be scary and confusing. We provide helpful tips and resources to help you file Chapter 7 bankruptcy in your state without a lawyer.
How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Missouri
Written by Attorney Amelia Niemi. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated February 9, 2022
Filing for bankruptcy doesn’t have to be scary and confusing. We provide helpful tips and resources to help you file Chapter 7 bankruptcy in your state without a lawyer.
Filing Bankruptcy in Charlotte, North Carolina
Written by Attorney Amelia Niemi.
Updated August 17, 2020
Please note that we don't operate in North Carolina yet but look forward to expanding into your state. You're welcome to keep reading - our content is free for anyone looking to learn more about bankruptcy & filing without a lawyer.
Filing Bankruptcy in Charlotte, North Carolina
Written by Attorney Amelia Niemi.
Updated August 17, 2020
Please note that we don't operate in North Carolina yet but look forward to expanding into your state. You're welcome to keep reading - our content is free for anyone looking to learn more about bankruptcy & filing without a lawyer.
Filing Bankruptcy in Shreveport, Louisiana
Written by Attorney Amelia Niemi.
Updated July 28, 2020
Filing Bankruptcy in Shreveport, Louisiana
Written by Attorney Amelia Niemi.
Updated July 28, 2020
Filing Bankruptcy in Lafayette, Louisiana
Written by Attorney Amelia Niemi.
Updated July 28, 2020
Filing Bankruptcy in Lafayette, Louisiana
Written by Attorney Amelia Niemi.
Updated July 28, 2020
