Jonathan Petts has over 15 years of experience in bankruptcy and is co-founder and CEO of Upsolve. He is a member of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (NACBA) and the American Bankruptcy Institute (ABI). Jonathan has an LLM in Bankruptcy from St. John's University, clerked for two federal bankruptcy judges, and worked at two top New York City law firms specializing in bankruptcy.
Articles written by Jonathan Petts
How Do I Find an Affordable Bankruptcy Attorney?
Written by Ben Jackson. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated February 19, 2026
While you’re not required to hire a lawyer to file a bankruptcy case, you may want legal assistance. If so, there are several resources you can use to find an affordable bankruptcy attorney, including your state bar association’s website, the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys, or a local legal aid organization. Many bankruptcy lawyers also offer a free consultation for prospective clients. You can get free legal advice during the consultation and learn more about the lawyer’s fees and options for paying them.
Read More →How To Answer an Illinois Debt Collection Court Summons
Written by Attorney Tina Tran. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated February 17, 2026
If you're sued for debt collection in Illinois for less than $10,000, it's usually handled in small claims court. You're generally required to file an appearance form within 30 days, which lets the court know you plan to fight the lawsuit. To do this, you’ll provide your personal information, choose a trial preference (bench or jury), complete the proof of delivery, e-file the form with the court, and send a copy to the plaintiff. In small claims cases, you're not required to file a separate written answer to the complaint — but you can if you choose to. Doing so may help you prepare your defenses and show the debt collector that you’re taking the case seriously. Court procedures can vary by county, so check with your local court to confirm what’s required.
Read More →Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: What’s the Difference?
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated February 17, 2026
Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy are the two most common types of personal bankruptcy filings. Chapter 7 bankruptcy can wipe out unsecured debts like credit card debt and medical bills in just 3-4 months. Though the filing can stay on your credit report for 10 years. You must pass a means test and meet certain criteria to qualify for Chapter 7. Chapter 13 takes longer — usually 3-5 years — because filers are on a repayment plan. After the plan is up, any remaining unsecured debt is discharged. Chapter 7 can stay on your credit report for up to 7 years. Some filers choose Chapter 13 because they don’t qualify for Chapter 7 or because they own certain assets they want to protect. Even though there are differences between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy, each one grants the filer a fresh financial start in the form of a bankruptcy discharge — a court order that relieves you of your debt and bans creditors from trying to collect from you on this debt.
Read More →What Is My Bankruptcy Discharge Date?
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated February 17, 2026
A bankruptcy discharge date marks the end of your bankruptcy case. It happens when a judge signs the order erasing your responsibility to repay certain debts, like credit card bills or medical expenses. This date is listed on the discharge order, which the court will mail to you. Chapter 7 cases usually take 3–6 months, while Chapter 13 cases require completing a 3–5-year repayment plan before you can receive your discharge. Completing required steps, like the debtor education course, ensures there are no delays.
Read More →How Does Bankruptcy Affect a Car Lease?
Written by Attorney Paige Hooper. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated February 17, 2026
Filing bankruptcy affects a car lease differently than a car loan. A car lease isn’t considered a debt you owe, but you still need to report it in your bankruptcy paperwork. If you’re filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you can usually keep the lease if you’re current on payments, or you can give the car back and wipe out any remaining lease-related debt. In Chapter 13, you can typically keep the car and make payments as usual if you’re current, or you can fold past-due payments into your 3–5-year payment plan. Understanding how bankruptcy affects a car lease can help you decide whether to keep the car or walk away.
Read More →Repossession Laws in Ohio
Written by Lawyer John Coble. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated January 28, 2026
Repossession is the process of taking back a car after the owner defaults on their auto loan. Each state has different laws and regulations that dictate every step of the repossession process from start to finish. This page will provide an overview of Ohio's Repossession Laws and what you should know if you've fallen behind on car payments.
How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Maryland
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer, Attorney Paige Hooper. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated January 27, 2026
Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Maryland can help you erase debts like credit cards, medical bills, and payday loans, and many people do it without hiring a lawyer. This guide walks you through each step, including how to gather documents, take required courses, fill out forms, and file with the court. While Upsolve’s free filing tool isn’t available in Maryland, you’ll find detailed instructions and resources to help you file on your own.
How To Answer a Tennessee Debt Collection Court Summons
Written by Ben Jackson. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated January 21, 2026
Generally speaking, to respond to a debt collection lawsuit in Tennessee, you should fill out and file an answer form, sometimes called a sworn denial form, with the court. The deadline to file this form will be listed in the court summons that notifies you of the lawsuit. You usually have 30 days to respond. Rules vary by court in Tennessee, so it’s important to visit the local court website or speak with the court clerk to verify the forms you need to submit and what the court’s processes are for debt collection lawsuits.
How To Answer an Indiana Court Summons for Debt Collection
Written by Ben Jackson. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated January 21, 2026
If a creditor or debt collector files a debt collection lawsuit against you, you need to respond to the court case or you risk losing the suit and owing money. To respond to the case, you need to file paperwork, called an answer form or appearance. Include any defenses you have when you file your answer with the court. You’ll also need to deliver a copy of your answer form to the person suing you and affirm that you did so by filing a Certificate of Service form with the court.
The Indiana courts don’t provide a lot of information online, but you can always speak with the court clerk to ask if local forms are available or to get clarification on court rules and procedures.
How To Answer a North Carolina Court Summons for Debt Collection
Written by Attorney Tina Tran. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated January 21, 2026
If a debt collector sues you in North Carolina, your next step will depend on which court your case was filed in — small claims or a district court. If your case was filed in small claims court, you are not required to file an answer. You need to show up for the trial date on the summons.
If your case is heard in a district court, you must file an answer form within 30 days of getting notice of the lawsuit. You also have to send a copy of the stamped forms to the plaintiff (the person suing you). This guide explains each step.
