Kristin is a recipient of Harvard Law School’s Public Welfare Foundation A2J Tech Fellowship. At Harvard Law, she served as a member of the Harvard Defenders, the Women’s Law Association, and the Harvard Law Negotiation Review. She was the 2016 – 2017 president of the Harvard Black Law Students Association and a semifinalist in Harvard Business School’s New Venture Competition 2016. She holds a B.A. in political science from the University of Southern California and served on the executive committee for the Harvard Law School Association. Before Upsolve, Kristin spent time at White & Case LLP in Palo Alto, Public Defender Service in Washington DC, and the Department of Justice, specializing in Human Rights. Kristin was an invited speaker at the Legal Service Corporations’s 2019 Innovations in Technology Conference.
Articles written by Kristin Turner, Harvard Law Grad
What Is a Bankruptcy Trustee?
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated September 2, 2025
A bankruptcy trustee is a neutral party who helps manage your case and make sure everything follows bankruptcy law. They don’t work for you or your creditors — their role is to review your paperwork, oversee the case, and handle certain financial matters. In Chapter 7, the trustee may sell non-exempt property, but most cases don’t involve selling anything. In Chapter 13, the trustee reviews your repayment plan and distributes your monthly payments to creditors.
Read More →What Happens to Your Tax Refund in Bankruptcy?
Written by Attorney Paige Hooper. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated September 2, 2025
In Chapter 7 bankruptcy, tax refunds for income earned before your bankruptcy filing date usually become part of your bankruptcy estate. If the funds aren’t protected by exemptions and you hold on to them, the trustee can use them to pay creditors. However, if you receive your refund and spend it on necessary expenses before filing, it won’t be included in your bankruptcy estate. In Chapter 13 bankruptcy, tax refunds distributed during your repayment plan are typically part of the estate and may go toward paying creditors. Protecting your refund depends on timing, exemptions, and how the funds are used.
Read More →Debtor Education/Personal Financial Management Course Explained
Written by Amy Carst. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated September 2, 2025
There are two required courses you must take to file bankruptcy and get your debts discharged. The second course is a personal financial management course, also called the debtor education course. You need to take it and file the certificate of completion with the court within 60 days of your meeting with your trustee. The course teaches skills to help you budget and avoid financial pitfalls after bankruptcy.
Read More →What Are the Pros and Cons of Filing Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated September 2, 2025
The main pros to Chapter 7 are that you can receive immediate relief from collection actions (due to the automatic stay) as well as permanent relief from debts if your bankruptcy is discharged. The main cons to Chapter 7 bankruptcy are that most secured debts won’t be erased, you may lose nonexempt property, and your credit score will likely take a temporary hit. Filing for bankruptcy is a very effective way to eliminate debt and get a fresh start. As with everything, there are upsides and downsides to filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
Read More →Should I File Bankruptcy Before Getting Married?
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated September 2, 2025
If you’re planning to get married and you also need to deal with debt, you’re probably wondering when to file bankruptcy and how it will affect your spouse. There are pros and cons to filing for bankruptcy before marriage as well as filing after marriage. If you want to start your marriage with a clean financial slate and you qualify for Chapter 7, that’s a relatively quick way to achieve that goal. If you already have joint debts with your spouse-to-be, you may want to file after you get married to take advantage of more generous exemptions.
Read More →How To File an Emergency Bankruptcy Case (and What Happens Next)
Written by Attorney Paige Hooper. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated September 1, 2025
An emergency bankruptcy filing lets you start a Chapter 7 case quickly when you're facing urgent collection actions. Filing just a few forms puts the automatic stay in place to stop things like foreclosure or wage garnishment. You then have 14 days to submit the rest of your paperwork. This extra time can help you gather everything needed to move forward. If done correctly, Chapter 7 can erase many unsecured debts, but it comes with some risks, too, if you aren't able to meet the tight deadlines required.
Read More →What Happens After You File for Bankruptcy?
Written by Attorney Jenni Klock Morel. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated September 1, 2025
After you file for bankruptcy, the court immediately issues an automatic stay, which stops most collection actions. Your case is then assigned to a trustee who reviews your financial situation and oversees the sale of non-exempt assets in Chapter 7 cases. You'll attend a meeting of creditors, where you answer questions under oath about your finances. If your filing is approved, your eligible debts are discharged, meaning you don’t have to repay them.
Read More →Can Filing Bankruptcy Help With a Repossession?
Written by Attorney Paige Hooper. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated September 1, 2025
So long as your car hasn’t already been auctioned or sold, filing bankruptcy can help stop repossession. If you file Chapter 7, the automatic stay gives you time to negotiate new, more affordable loan terms with your car lender. It can also get rid of a deficiency judgment if your car is repossessed and sold. Filing Chapter 13 can help you reorganize your auto loan debt to get a more affordable monthly payment and spread out past-due payments over several years.
Read More →How Do You Answer a Summons for Debt Without an Attorney?
Written by Jonathan Petts. Legally reviewed by Ben Jackson
Updated September 1, 2025
If you receive a summons and complaint from a debt collector or creditor, it means you’re being sued for unpaid debt. It’s important to respond to (or answer) the lawsuit. You do this by filing official paperwork with the court. Be sure to address every point in the complaint, raise any defenses you have, and file the paperwork within the time frame provided. Debt collectors are counting on you not to answer the lawsuit so that they can win by default. Don’t be intimidated! Take control and learn how to file an answer by reading this guide. You do not need an attorney to answer a debt collection lawsuit successfully.
Read More →How To Stop Wage Garnishment Immediately
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated September 1, 2025
There are four direct ways you can take action to stop a wage garnishment: 1. Try to negotiate a payment plan with your creditor(s) or settle your debt. 2. Challenge the wage garnishment in court. 3. File for bankruptcy to stop the garnishment fast. 4. Reach out to a nonprofit to ask for financial assistance. Having your wages garnished reduces your disposable income and can feel very stressful. But remember, you have rights and there are ways to stop the garnishment.
Read More →The Complete Guide To Understanding Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Written by Kristin Turner, Harvard Law Grad. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated September 1, 2025
Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a legal tool that helps people erase certain debts they can’t afford to pay, like credit card balances and medical bills. It’s the most common type of bankruptcy and can offer fast relief, often wrapping up in about 4–6 months. To qualify, you’ll need to meet income guidelines and complete two short courses. While not all debts can be wiped out, many people keep all of their property and feel immediate relief from collection efforts.
Read More →How Much Does Bankruptcy Cost?
Written by Attorney Jenni Klock Morel. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated September 1, 2025
If you're able to file on your own and get fee waivers, filing bankruptcy can be free. Without waivers, it can cost as little as $400 to file for bankruptcy or up to as much as $3,000 or more if you hire a bankruptcy lawyer. Bankruptcy costs include court filing fees, credit counseling course fees, and attorney fees if you hire a bankruptcy lawyer. The total cost will largely depend on your financial situation, the complexity of your case, and whether you file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
Read More →Every Type of Bankruptcy Explained
Written by Ben Jackson. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated September 1, 2025
There are six different types of bankruptcies. Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 are the most common types of personal bankruptcy. Chapter 7 is also called a liquidation. It allows the filer to get rid of most of their debts without repaying anything. It works best for individuals without assets like a home. Chapter 13 bankruptcy puts the filer on a repayment plan and can help protect assets like a home. The goal of personal bankruptcies like Chapter 7 and 13 is to give the filer a financial fresh start and relieve them of debt they may never be able to repay. Businesses, farmers, and municipalities can also file bankruptcy under Chapters 9, 11, 12, and 15. These less common types of bankruptcy may be used to restructure or reorganize debt.
Read More →What if I Can’t Afford To Pay a Judgment Against Me?
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated September 1, 2025
If a creditor or debt collector has sued you and gotten a court judgement against you, you have three main options: First, You can pay the debt. You may be able to negotiate a voluntary payment plan with the debt collector. Second, you can file to have the judgment vacated or removed. And third, you can file bankruptcy to discharge the debt and stop all collection efforts, including those related to a court judgment.
Read More →What Is the Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Timeline?
Written by Kristin Turner, Harvard Law Grad. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated August 29, 2025
Chapter 7 bankruptcy typically takes 4–6 months, with key milestones along the way. It’s an effective form of debt relief that can wipe out unsecured debts like credit card debt and medical bills. This article overviews what to expect as you prepare for your Chapter 7 case and what happens after you file bankruptcy.
Read More →What Is the Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Timeline?
Written by Kristin Turner, Harvard Law Grad. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated August 29, 2025
Chapter 7 bankruptcy typically takes 4–6 months, with key milestones along the way. It’s an effective form of debt relief that can wipe out unsecured debts like credit card debt and medical bills. This article overviews what to expect as you prepare for your Chapter 7 case and what happens after you file bankruptcy.
Read More →Understanding Your Credit Score (After Debt or Bankruptcy)
Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated August 26, 2025
A credit score is a three-digit number that reflects how you’ve used credit in the past, based on the data in your credit report. It's calculated using factors like your payment history, credit usage, account age, and recent credit activity. Credit scores can drop after missed payments or bankruptcy, but they’re not permanent. By understanding how scores work and taking small steps — like making on-time payments, lowering balances, and reviewing your credit reports — you can start rebuilding with a clear path forward.
Read More →Understanding the Brunner Test: Can You Discharge Your Student Loans in Bankruptcy?
Written by Amy Carst. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated August 26, 2025
You can discharge your student loans in bankruptcy if you can prove that repaying the loans is causing (and will continue to cause) “undue hardship.” To determine this, bankruptcy courts and judges use what’s called the Brunner test. The test involves establishing whether you: - Would be unable to maintain a minimal standard of living while repaying student loans - Are suffering from circumstances that will make repayment a hardship for the remainder of the student loan term (or permanently) - Have made good faith efforts to repay the student loan(s) The Brunner test is complex. In the past, courts had little guidance to define “undue hardship,” beyond the somewhat vague Brunner test. Late last year, the Department of Justice and Department of Education released new guidelines to clarify this process for federal student loan borrowers.
Read More →How To Pick a DIY Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Software
Written by Ben Jackson. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated August 26, 2025
Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy on your own is possible, and many people choose this DIY route to save money and stay in control. This guide breaks down the most popular bankruptcy software options available, including free and low-cost tools. You'll learn how each one works, what features to look for, and how to decide which is right for your situation. If you're eligible, Upsolve offers a free online tool to help you file without hiring a lawyer.
Read More →What Are Bankruptcy-Friendly Credit Cards?
Written by Lawyer John Coble. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated August 26, 2025
It’s important to rebuild your credit after a bankruptcy. The good news is that you’ll get plenty of offers for credit after your bankruptcy discharge. The bad news is that some of those offers won’t be great, with high interest rates or hidden fees. If you want to rebuild your credit, you need to find the right card to work for you. Read on to learn about some of your options.
Read More →Bankruptcy Credit Counseling & Financial Management Courses: A Complete Guide
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated August 25, 2025
If you’re filing for bankruptcy, you must take two required courses: a credit counseling course before filing and a debtor education course after filing. The first course helps you explore debt relief options. The second course teaches financial management skills to help you make the most of the financial fresh start bankruptcy brings. Both must be completed through an approved provider, and you can't complete your bankruptcy case without taking them and submitting your certificate(s) of completion to the court.
Read More →Chapter 7 Means Test Calculator
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated August 22, 2025
If you're thinking about filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy, one of the first steps is taking the "means test." This test helps figure out whether you qualify based on your income and expenses. The idea behind it is simple: If you can afford to pay back some of your debts, the law may not allow you to wipe them out through Chapter 7. But if your income is low enough — or your necessary expenses are high — you may still qualify. The test has two main parts. First, you'll compare your income to the average income in your state. If your income is below the limit, you're done — you qualify. If it's above, you'll move on to a second part that looks more closely at your expenses to see how much money you really have left over.
Read More →Is Upsolve real? Is this a legitimate service?
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated August 19, 2025
Yes! Upsolve is 100% a legitimate service! We are a small mission-driven team of dedicated individuals, focused on a single goal: Helping low-income Americans struggling with too much debt get a fresh start by filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
Read More →Will My Bankruptcy Affect My Child's 529 College Saving Plan?
Written by Jonathan Petts. Legally reviewed by Ben Jackson
Updated August 13, 2025
If you've deposited funds into a 529 College Savings Plan for your child, you probably want to know how filing bankrtupcy will affect them. Whether the funds are protected will depend on how long ago you deposited them.
Read More →What Are the Alternatives to Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated August 13, 2025
Bankruptcy is not right for everyone or every situation. If you're not sure whether bankruptcy is right for you, knowing what alternatives are available to give you some relief from your debts is a critical part of making the right decision for you and your family. Let's take a look at some of the most common bankruptcy alternatives.
Read More →What Is the Difference Between an EIN, TIN, and ITIN?
Written by the Upsolve Team. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated January 30, 2025
The acronyms EIN, TIN, and ITIN are used by the IRS to identify the different types of tax ID numbers. The main difference between an EIN and an ITIN or TIN is that an EIN is used for business entities while an ITIN is used for individuals. TIN is an umbrella term for the various kinds of taxpayer identification numbers.
Read More →What is an "Official Form 309A -- No Proof of Claim?"
Written by Jonathan Petts. Legally reviewed by Ben Jackson
Updated January 30, 2025
The court sends this document to the creditors you listed on your bankruptcy paperwork when you file. It gives each creditor important information about your case and tells them what they need to do if they have a reasonable objection to your bankruptcy.
Read More →La bancarrota del Capítulo 7: ¿Qué es? ¿Debo declararme en bancarrota? ¿Cómo lo hago?
Written by Rohan Pavuluri, Kristin Turner, Harvard Law Grad. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated August 20, 2025
La bancarrota (conocida también como quiebra) del Capítulo 7 es un proceso legal común que puede eliminar tus deudas, pero no es necesariamente la mejor opción para todo el mundo. Vamos a revisar un poco de información básica sobre la bancarrota para ayudarte a aprender sobre ella y decidir si es lo mejor para ti.
