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. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated April 14, 2026
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 Money After My Car Is Repossessed?
Written by Attorney Amelia Niemi. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated January 16, 2026
Yes, you may still owe money after your car is repossessed. If the lender repossesses your car and sells it at auction for less than the amount you owe on your loan, you’ll be responsible for paying the remaining amount, called a deficiency balance. This can include additional fees like towing, storage, and auction costs. While repossession doesn’t erase your debt, options like negotiating with your lender or filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy can help you manage or eliminate the remaining balance.
Read More →Filing Bankruptcy as a Licensed Professional: What To Expect
Written by Attorney Amelia Niemi. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated August 25, 2025
Filing bankruptcy usually won’t cause you to lose your professional license, but some professions have extra rules. Certain licensing boards may require you to report your bankruptcy, and some jobs, like lawyers and real estate agents, may have restrictions on handling client funds. If you're applying for a new license or renewal, your bankruptcy might be reviewed, but it’s rarely a dealbreaker. Checking your state’s rules can help you understand any requirements before you file.
Read More →How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Maine
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer, Attorney Amelia Niemi. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
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 Mainers file without a lawyer or any filing costs. This guide covers everything you need to know to file in Maine.
How To File Bankruptcy for Free in New Hampshire
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer, Attorney Amelia Niemi. 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 New Hampshirites file without a lawyer or any filing costs. This guide covers everything you need to know to file in New Hampshire.
How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Oregon
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer, Attorney Amelia Niemi. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated April 17, 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 Oregonians file without a lawyer or any filing costs. This guide covers everything you need to know to file in Oregon.
How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Wisconsin
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer, Attorney Amelia Niemi. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
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 erases eligible debts like credit cards, medical bills, and payday loans — and many Wisconsinites file without a lawyer or any filing costs. This guide covers everything you need to know to file in Wisconsin.
How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Missouri
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer, Attorney Amelia Niemi. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated April 14, 2026
This guide explains how to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy for free in Missouri without hiring a lawyer. It covers every step of the process, from gathering your financial documents and completing the required credit counseling course to preparing, filing, and submitting your forms with the court. You’ll also learn about Missouri-specific requirements, exemptions that protect your property, and options for handling the $338 filing fee. If your case is simple, you may even qualify to use Upsolve’s free filing tool to make the process easier.
