Mae Koppes
Managing Editor
Mae Koppes (she/her) is a Certified Personal Finance Counselor® (CPFC) and the Content Director at Upsolve, where she focuses on producing accessible and actionable content that helps empower people to overcome financial hardships. Since joining the team in 2021, she has played a pivotal role in creating free educational content that has reached and empowered over 10 million people navigating financial challenges.
Articles written by Mae Koppes
Your Guide to Missouri’s Debt Collection Laws
Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated March 12, 2026
Missouri residents are best protected against debt collector misconduct by the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). The FDCPA protects consumers against debt collector harassment, deception, and other unfair practices. In Missouri, the statute of limitations for open accounts — which often includes credit card debt — is five years. The statute of limitations for debts backed by written contracts is 10 years. This often includes medical bills.
Read More →How To Write a Debt Settlement Letter (Step-by-Step Guide + Template)
Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated March 12, 2026
It's usually most effective to negotiate a debt settlement over the phone with the debt collector. Once you negotiate a settlement, it's important to get the agreement in writing.
Read More →When Will a Debt Collector Sue for Unpaid Debt?
Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated March 12, 2026
Though there's no standard timeline, you may be most at risk of a debt collection lawsuit after six months of not paying your debt. If you stop making timely payments on a debt, your creditor will first attempt to collect it by sending you notices of nonpayment. This may go on for several weeks before collection attempts intensify. Eventually, the creditor may charge off the debt to a third-party collection agency. If the debt collector can’t successfully collect the debt, you may be at risk of a lawsuit.
Read More →What To Do if a Debt Collector Threaten You With a Lawsuit
Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated March 12, 2026
If a debt collector threatens to sue you, first verify that the debt is real and not past the statute of limitations. If the debt is valid and the threat seems serious, try negotiating a settlement or payment plan to avoid a lawsuit. Federal law protects you from false threats and harassment, and you can report collectors who violate your rights.
Read More →What To Do if a Debt Collector Is Calling You at Work
Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Paige Hooper
Updated March 12, 2026
Debt collectors can call you at work unless and until you tell them to stop calling. Under federal law, debt collectors and creditors are prohibited from contacting borrowers at work once they have reason to know that a borrower's employer doesn't permit these kinds of calls. The law does allow for other collection tactics, so it is important to know your rights concerning debt collection communications.
Read More →How To File Bankruptcy for Free in West Virginia
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer, Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Paige Hooper
Updated March 4, 2026
Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy in West Virginia can erase many types of unsecured debt, like credit cards, medical bills, and payday loans, giving you a fresh financial start. The process involves gathering documents, completing two required courses, filling out and submitting bankruptcy forms, and attending a short 341 meeting with your trustee. Both state districts allow you to file in person, by mail, or online through the eSR system. This article walks you through each step, explains costs and fee waiver options, and highlights resources — including Upsolve’s free filing tool and local legal aid organizations.
How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Rhode Island
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer, Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated March 4, 2026
Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Rhode Island can give you a fresh start by wiping out many types of debt. It’s possible to file for free and without a lawyer. This step-by-step guide explains how to gather documents, take required courses, complete forms, and file them with the court. It also covers important parts of the process like attending your 341 meeting, protecting your property with exemptions, and dealing with car loans.
How To File Bankruptcy for Free in North Dakota
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer, Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated March 4, 2026
If you're struggling with overwhelming debt in North Dakota, Chapter 7 bankruptcy can help you get a fresh start by clearing things like credit card balances and medical bills. Many people file on their own without a lawyer, especially when their case is simple. This guide walks you through each step of the process, from gathering documents and taking short online courses to filing forms and attending a brief video meeting with a trustee. Upsolve’s free filing tool can make it even easier.
How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Montana
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer, Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated March 3, 2026
Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Montana can help you wipe out many common debts, and it’s possible to do it without paying legal fees if you qualify for a fee waiver and file without a lawyer. This guide walks you through each step — from collecting documents and taking required courses to completing and submitting your forms. It also explains how Montana’s property exemptions work and what to expect with your car, home, and other belongings. If your case is simple, you may be able to use a free online tool like Upsolve to prepare and file your forms on your own.
Stop Wage Garnishment in Virginia: Your Rights and Options
Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated January 16, 2026
Wage garnishment in Virginia is a legal process that allows a creditor to take money directly from your paycheck to collect a debt. Most creditors must first sue you and win a court judgment before they can garnish your wages. Once a judgment is in place, the creditor can ask the court to send a wage garnishment order to your employer. Virginia law limits how much money can be taken from each paycheck and provides exemptions to protect some types of income. This guide explains how wage garnishment works in Virginia, how much can be taken, and what steps you can take to stop or reduce it.
