Curtis Lee is a writer and co-owner at Marvel Hill Freelance. Curtis earned his Bachelor of Science in Business from Wake Forest University and his Juris Doctor (JD) from Villanova University School of Law. After graduating law school, Curtis had the honor of clerking for a state court Judge in the Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas. Following the clerkship, Curtis spent several years in private practice engaged in civil litigation handling first party property insurance matters. Most of Curtis’ writing covers a wide range of legal topics, including bankruptcy, criminal law, family law, immigration law, insurance, employment, defamation, and personal injury. He also has experience writing about other subjects, including education, finance, disaster preparedness, and the U.S. armed forces.
Articles written by Curtis Lee, JD
How To Deal With Velocity Investments
Written by Curtis Lee, JD. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated July 22, 2025
Velocity Investments LLC is a debt collector that specializes in recovering consumer debts, like personal loans, credit cards, medical bills, and utility bills. If you receive a call or letter from Velocity Investments, make sure they’ve validated the debt in writing. If the debt is valid, you can choose to dispute the debt, negotiate a debt settlement, or ignore the debt (not recommended). This guide goes over your options and the debt validation process.
Read More →How To Win Against Revco Solutions
Written by Curtis Lee, JD. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated July 22, 2025
If Revco Solutions tries to collect a debt from you, you have options and can fight back. The first thing you should do is have Revco Solutions validate the debt to confirm they have authorization to collect it. Then, verify that the debt is yours and the amount is correct. If you disagree with the debt, you can dispute it. If the debt’s details are correct, you can try to negotiate a settlement for less than what you owe. If Revco Solutions sues you, you can still negotiate the debt, but you must also respond to the summons and complaint. Otherwise, you risk them garnishing your paycheck or bank account.
Read More →How To Win Against MBA Law
Written by Curtis Lee, JD. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated July 22, 2025
If MBA Law contacts you to collect a debt or tries to sue you for a debt, you have rights and can fight back. To start, have them validate the debt. If they can validate the debt but you disagree with it, you can dispute it. If the debt is valid and you agree that you owe it, you can pay it off in full or try to settle the account for less than what you owe. These negotiations are common with debt collectors like MBA Law. If MBA Law sues you, it’s best to respond quickly, or you risk losing the lawsuit and potentially having your paycheck garnished.
Read More →How Do You Respond To a Debt Collection Lawsuit in New York?
Written by Curtis Lee, JD. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated July 22, 2025
If you get sued by a creditor looking to collect a debt, you’ll be notified of the lawsuit with a summons and complaint. In New York, you have 20 or 30 days to respond to (answer) the debt collection lawsuit. The time frame depends on how you were served notice of the lawsuit. In your response (answer) you’ll want to address each issue listed in the complaint and assert your affirmative defenses and counterclaims. Then, file your answer with the court and send the plaintiff a copy. This article walks you through the process and potential defenses.
Read More →How To Deal With Creditors That Contact You After You File Bankruptcy
Written by Curtis Lee, JD. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated May 15, 2025
If a debt collector contacts you after you've filed your bankruptcy case, you'll first want to make sure they know about your case. If it's been less than two weeks since you filed, they may not have been informed yet. If they weren't aware, let them know. If they indicate they know you filed bankruptcy but they refuse to stop trying to collect the debt, you can notify the bankruptcy court or speak with an attorney. Creditors aren't allowed to contact you after you file your case because of the automatic stay.
Read More →What Happens to the Automatic Stay if My Bankruptcy Case Is Dismissed?
Written by Curtis Lee, JD. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated May 15, 2025
If your bankruptcy case gets dismissed, your debts won’t be discharged and the automatic stay goes away. Without the protection of the automatic stay, debt collectors and creditors can resume collection activities. If your case is dismissed, you can file a new case or file a motion to reinstate your previous case. If this happens, there may be limits to the automatic stay.
Read More →Debt Management Plan or Debt Settlement: Which Is Better?
Written by Curtis Lee, JD.
Updated May 15, 2025
If you have mostly credit card debt (or other unsecured debts), you can afford to make regular payments, and you're looking to rebuild your credit, a debt management plan might be the way to go. If you have unsecured debts that are already in collections, need a quicker solution, and are able to make a lump-sum payment, debt settlement could be a good option. Keep in mind: Every person’s situation is different, and it’s important to understand the positive and negative consequences of the debt relief option you ultimately choose.
Read More →What Is a Deficiency Judgment?
Written by Curtis Lee, JD. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated May 15, 2025
A deficiency balance is the amount needed to pay off the remaining mortgage debt after a foreclosed property is sold. Basically, it means there wasn't enough money from the sale to fully pay off the mortgage loan amount. If the lender gets court approval to collect this money from you, this is called a deficiency judgment. Deficiency balances are common following foreclosure sales. If your home was foreclosed on and sold, the mortgage company may pursue you to get you to pay the deficiency balance. But this will depend on the amount of the deficiency and state law.
Read More →Can I Keep Money I Receive From a Lawsuit When I File Bankruptcy?
Written by Curtis Lee, JD. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated May 12, 2025
If you bring a lawsuit or have the right to bring one against someone for a personal injury case, that's considered an asset during your bankruptcy case. Just like other assets, this may be protected by a bankruptcy exemption. If the potential personal injury reward isn't protected or fully protected by an exemption, the nonexempt portion of the award can be used to pay off your creditors as part of your bankruptcy case.
Read More →What Is Non-Exempt Equity?
Written by Curtis Lee, JD. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated May 12, 2025
In Chapter 7 bankruptcy, there are exemptions to protect some of the equity you have in your assets, like a home, car, or household items. If the exemption for a certain item doesn’t cover all the equity you have in it, you have non-exempt equity. Depending on how much non-exempt you have, the bankruptcy trustee may liquidate (sell) the item and give the proceeds to your creditors.
Read More →Can I Sell My House Before Foreclosure?
Written by Curtis Lee, JD. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated May 8, 2025
Foreclosures are lose-lose propositions for almost everyone involved. The good news is that there are several ways to avoid a foreclosure. One of the best options is selling the property before a foreclosure action is complete. In this guide, we’ll explain how you can sell your house to avoid completion of the foreclosure process. We’ll also discuss other options you can consider if selling your house for a profit isn’t possible at this time.
Read More →What Does Pawned Property Mean for My Bankruptcy?
Written by Curtis Lee, JD. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated May 8, 2025
You usually have a limited time period to get pawned property back. If you're within the time period, you still have a legal right to the property, so you need to list it on your bankruptcy forms. The automatic stay will also buy you an additional 60 days to repay the loan and get your property back. If the time period to get your pawned property back has passed, filing bankruptcy won't help you get your property back, but it can help you discharge the pawn debt. You can only get your property back by negotiating with the pawnbroker.
Read More →How To Get a Debt Consolidation Loan if You Have Bad Credit
Written by Curtis Lee, JD. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated May 8, 2025
If you’re struggling to pay off your debt, there are various forms of debt relief available. One common type is debt consolidation, combining two or more debts into a single account to make the debts easier to manage and to save money on interest payments. But, getting a debt consolidation loan can be difficult if you don’t have good credit or a high FICO score. That said, there are still multiple debt consolidation loan options for you to consider. Read on to learn more.
Read More →What Is the Presumption of Abuse in Bankruptcy?
Written by Curtis Lee, JD. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated May 7, 2025
You need to meet certain eligibility requirements to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy. If your income is higher than the median income for a similar-sized household in your state, this flags the bankruptcy court of a "presumption of abuse." This doesn't mean you can't file Chapter 7 or that you've abused the system. It does mean you must do more calculations as part of the means test to prove that you don't make enough money to repay your debts and that you aren't taking advantage of the bankruptcy process.
Read More →Can Bankruptcy Stop Eviction?
Written by Curtis Lee, JD. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated May 6, 2025
An automatic stay goes into effect as soon as you file bankruptcy. This temporarily stops all debt collection activity, including eviction actions, as long as the landlord hasn’t already received a judgment in their favor. The automatic stay isn’t a permanent solution, though. It’s only a temporary measure that may buy you some time to deal with the eviction or find other housing.
Read More →Why Is the Trustee Asking Creditors To File a Proof of Claim?
Written by Curtis Lee, JD. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated April 24, 2025
If your bankruptcy trustee is asking your creditors to file a proof of claim, it’s likely because the trustee discovered non-exempt assets in your case. Most Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases are no-asset cases. But if you have non-exempt property or assets, the trustee can liquidate or sell them. The funds from the sale are then used to repay your creditors at least part of what you owe. If a creditor wants to recover money through the liquidation process, they have to file paperwork called a proof of claim.
Read More →Can I Settle My Tax Debt With The IRS For Less?
Written by Curtis Lee, JD.
Updated April 23, 2025
Few debts are as difficult to deal with as back taxes, so it’s sometimes surprising to learn that there are several methods available to reduce your tax liability with the IRS for less than what you owe. This article will explain what these options entail, how they work, and other information to help you decide if they’re options that you should consider when dealing with your tax bill.
Read More →Can You File Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Online Yourself?
Written by Curtis Lee, JD. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated April 22, 2025
Though there are online services that claim they can help you file a Chapter 13 bankruptcy by yourself, the success rate for people who file Chapter 13 without a lawyer is low. That’s because Chapter 13 cases include multiple types of debts and a repayment plan that can last from three to five years. It's not uncommon for filers to experience issues or changes while their Chapter 13 bankruptcy case is open, and it can be difficult to deal with those without legal help.
Read More →New York State Wage Garnishment Laws: Your Complete Guide
Written by Curtis Lee, JD. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated April 22, 2025
Most creditors must get a court order to garnish your wages if you live in New York. Two exceptions are garnishments for public debts (like past-due taxes and family debts (like child support). The law limits how much of your weekly earnings a creditor can take through wage garnishment. These limits vary based on the minimum wage where you live and the type of debt you owe. Finally, an employer can’t fire you because you have a wage garnishment order against you.
Read More →How To Vacate a Default Judgment in New York: An Overview
Written by Curtis Lee, JD. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated April 21, 2025
If you get sued and you don’t respond to the lawsuit’s complaint and summons, the court can enter a default judgment. But you can have this judgment vacated or removed. To do so, you need to have a reasonable excuse for not appearing in court and a defense to the allegations against you. You also have grounds to vacate if the person suing you didn’t properly serve the required documents. You can speed up the process by using an Order to Show Cause form.
Read More →How Does Debt Consolidation Work?
Written by Curtis Lee, JD.
Updated April 17, 2025
Debt consolidation allows you to simplify your debt repayment by combining multiple debts with a consolidation loan or debt management plan. This way you only have to make one monthly payment on the consolidated debt. Both consolidation options allow you to lower your interest rate and monthly payment, which also helps make your debt more manageable. This can help you make on-time payment and avoid missing payments.
Read More →What Is a Debt Validation Letter and How Do You Get One?
Written by Curtis Lee, JD. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated April 17, 2025
A debt validation letter is a letter that includes basic information about a debt someone is trying to collect from you. If a debt collector is trying to collect an unpaid debt, they’re required by law to send you a debt validation letter before contacting you or within five days of their first contact with you.
Read More →Can’t Afford Your Car Payment? Here Are Your Options
Written by Curtis Lee, JD. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated February 18, 2025
If you can’t afford your car payment, you have options to either keep your car or let it go. You may be able to refinance your loan, work with your lender on a hardship program, or use bankruptcy to free up money for payments. If keeping the car isn’t feasible, surrendering it, selling it, or using bankruptcy to eliminate remaining loan balances are all options to consider. This article explains these strategies and their pros and cons to help you decide the best path forward.
Read More →Can I Pay Off My Student Loans Early?
Written by Curtis Lee, JD.
Updated January 30, 2025
One commonly asked question is if college graduates should pay off their student loans early. The short answer to that question is, “it depends.” This article will examine the various factors to consider before paying off student loans early. And if repaying student loans ahead of schedule is the right thing for you, we’ll also discuss how you can go about doing this.
Read More →New York State Pre- and Post-Judgment Interest Rates
Written by Curtis Lee, JD. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated January 30, 2025
If a creditor wins a court judgment against you, you’ll have to pay the money judgment amount plus any interest the court orders. Pre-judgment interest accrues on the debt owed before the court’s decision, while post-judgment interest accrues on the money judgment after it’s entered. In New York state, the interest accrual rate for debt collection cases is 2% annually.
Read More →How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Arkansas
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer, Curtis Lee, JD. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated July 17, 2025
Filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Arkansas can help individuals eliminate unsecured debts like credit cards and medical bills without needing a lawyer. This step-by-step guide explains how to file on your own, from gathering documents and completing forms to submitting paperwork to the appropriate court. It also covers key requirements like taking two financial courses, passing the means test, and understanding property exemptions. Free tools like Upsolve and local legal aid resources can make the process more accessible for those who qualify.
How To File Bankruptcy for Free in California
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer, Curtis Lee, JD. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated July 2, 2025
Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy in California can help you erase debts like credit cards, medical bills, and payday loans, giving you a fresh financial start. This step-by-step guide shows you how to file for free, from gathering documents and taking credit counseling to submitting your forms and attending the 341 meeting. It also explains how to protect your property using California’s bankruptcy exemptions. Each California district has its own rules, so the guide includes specific filing instructions based on where you live.
How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Delaware
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer, Curtis Lee, JD. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated June 10, 2025
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 Washington D.C. Without a Lawyer
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer, Curtis Lee, JD. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated May 15, 2025
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.
Eviction Laws and Tenant Rights Washington
Written by Curtis Lee, JD.
Updated May 8, 2025
Landlords in Washington can’t just change the locks, toss your belongings out on the front yard, or shut down essential utilities. A landlord must follow the eviction process in order to have a tenant evicted for any reason. Here's an overview of what this means for tenants in Washington.
Eviction Laws and Tenant Rights in South Dakota
Written by Curtis Lee, JD.
Updated May 7, 2025
Landlords in South Dakota can’t just change the locks, toss your belongings out on the front yard, or shut down essential utilities. A landlord must follow the eviction process in order to have a tenant evicted for any reason. Here's an overview of what this means for tenants in South Dakota.
Eviction Laws and Tenant Rights in Utah
Written by Curtis Lee, JD.
Updated May 1, 2025
Landlords in Utah can’t just change the locks, toss your belongings out on the front yard, or shut down essential utilities. A landlord must follow the eviction process in order to have a tenant evicted for any reason. Here's an overview of what this means for tenants in Utah.
Eviction Laws and Tenant Rights in Alaska
Written by Curtis Lee, JD.
Updated April 30, 2025
Landlords in Alaska can’t just change the locks, toss your belongings out on the front yard, or shut down essential utilities. A landlord must follow the eviction process in order to have a tenant evicted for any reason. Here's an overview of what this means for tenants in Alaska.
Eviction Laws and Tenant Rights in Wyoming
Written by Curtis Lee, JD.
Updated April 28, 2025
Landlords in Wyoming can’t just change the locks, toss your belongings out on the front yard, or shut down essential utilities. A landlord must follow the eviction process in order to have a tenant evicted for any reason. Here's an overview of what this means for tenants in Wyoming.
Eviction Laws and Tenant Rights in Arkansas
Written by Curtis Lee, JD.
Updated April 24, 2025
Landlords in Arkansas can’t just change the locks, toss your belongings out on the front yard, or shut down essential utilities. A landlord must follow the eviction process in order to have a tenant evicted for any reason. Here's an overview of what this means for tenants in Arkansas.
Eviction Laws and Tenant Rights in Ohio
Written by Curtis Lee, JD.
Updated April 23, 2025
Landlords in Ohio can’t just change the locks, toss your belongings out on the front yard, or shut down essential utilities. A landlord must follow the eviction process in order to have a tenant evicted for any reason. Here's an overview of what this means for tenants in Ohio.
Eviction Laws and Tenant Rights in Nevada
Written by Curtis Lee, JD.
Updated April 22, 2025
Landlords in Nevada can’t just change the locks, toss your belongings out on the front yard, or shut down essential utilities. A landlord must follow the eviction process in order to have a tenant evicted for any reason. Here's an overview of what this means for tenants in Nevada.
How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Oklahoma
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer, Curtis Lee, JD. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated April 21, 2025
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.
Eviction Laws and Tenant Rights in Oklahoma
Written by Curtis Lee, JD.
Updated April 18, 2025
Landlords in Oklahoma can’t just change the locks, toss your belongings out on the front yard, or shut down essential utilities. A landlord must follow the eviction process in order to have a tenant evicted for any reason. Here's an overview of what this means for tenants in Oklahoma.
Eviction Laws and Tenant Rights in New Mexico
Written by Curtis Lee, JD.
Updated April 17, 2025
Landlords in New Mexico can’t just change the locks, toss your belongings out on the front yard, or shut down essential utilities. A landlord must follow the eviction process in order to have a tenant evicted for any reason. Here's an overview of what this means for tenants in New Mexico.
Eviction Laws and Tenant Rights in Kentucky
Written by Curtis Lee, JD.
Updated April 17, 2025
Landlords in Kentucky can’t just change the locks, toss your belongings out on the front yard, or shut down essential utilities. A landlord must follow the eviction process in order to have a tenant evicted for any reason. Here's an overview of what this means for tenants in Kentucky.
Eviction Laws and Tenant Rights in Minnesota
Written by Curtis Lee, JD.
Updated April 17, 2025
Landlords in Minnesota can’t just change the locks, toss your belongings out on the front yard, or shut down essential utilities. A landlord must follow the eviction process in order to have a tenant evicted for any reason. Here's an overview of what this means for tenants in Minnesota.
Eviction Laws and Tenant Rights in Nebraska
Written by Curtis Lee, JD.
Updated April 16, 2025
Landlords in Nebraska can’t just change the locks, toss your belongings out on the front yard, or shut down essential utilities. A landlord must follow the eviction process in order to have a tenant evicted for any reason. Here's an overview of what this means for tenants in Nebraska.
Eviction Laws and Tenant Rights in Kansas
Written by Curtis Lee, JD.
Updated April 16, 2025
Landlords in Kansas can’t just change the locks, toss your belongings out on the front yard, or shut down essential utilities. A landlord must follow the eviction process in order to have a tenant evicted for any reason. Here's an overview of what this means for tenants in Kansas.
Eviction Laws and Tenant Rights in Pennsylvania
Written by Curtis Lee, JD.
Updated April 16, 2025
Landlords in Pennsylvania can’t just change the locks, toss your belongings out on the front yard, or shut down essential utilities. A landlord must follow the eviction process in order to have a tenant evicted for any reason. Here's an overview of what this means for tenants in Pennsylvania.
