Paige Hooper is a seasoned consumer bankruptcy attorney with 15 years of experience successfully representing debtors in Chapter 7, Chapter 11 and Chapter 13 cases. Paige began practicing bankruptcy law in 2006 and started her own solo, multi-state bankruptcy practice in 2012. Given her expertise in bankruptcy, Paige was selected in 2011 to create a comprehensive library of practice forms, procedural guides, intake packets, and detailed manuals used to train attorneys and paralegals in bankruptcy law. Paige is committed to using her education and experience to help others and to make a positive difference in the world. She has a Bachelor of Journalism degree from the University of Missouri and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Mississippi. She is actively licensed to practice law in Mississippi and Tennessee. When she’s not practicing law, Paige enjoys writing, cooking, painting, and spending time with her son, Mickey.
Articles written by Attorney Paige Hooper
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 →How To Get a Bankruptcy Filing Fee Waiver in 3 Simple Steps
Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Paige Hooper
Updated January 27, 2026
If the bankruptcy filing fee is standing between you and a fresh start, you can apply for a fee waiver or to pay in installments. To qualify for a waiver, your income must be below 150% of the federal poverty guideline, and you must show that you can’t afford to pay in installments. This guide walks you through the fee waiver process, eligibility requirements, and what to do if your request is denied.
Read More →What Is a Perfected Lien?
Written by Attorney Paige Hooper. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated January 27, 2026
A lien against your car or home shows that the lender has a security interest in the property. A perfected lien is a lien that has been properly legally recorded by the lienholder. Once a lien is perfected, the lienholder can enforce their legal right to the property if you fail to repay the loan. Perfected liens can affect you if you have secured debt (like a mortgage or car loan) when you file bankruptcy.
Read More →How Do Creditors Know You Filed for Bankruptcy — And Should You Tell Them First?
Written by Attorney Paige Hooper. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated January 27, 2026
You don’t have to tell your creditors before filing for bankruptcy. In fact, doing so can sometimes cause more stress than it’s worth. Once you file, the court automatically sends a notice to every creditor you list in your paperwork. This triggers the automatic stay, which stops most collection efforts like calls, garnishments, or lawsuits. But it only takes effect after your case is filed. Being thoughtful about when creditors find out can help you avoid extra stress and protect your peace of mind.
Read More →What Is the Statute of Limitations for Debt?
Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Paige Hooper
Updated January 22, 2026
Statutes of limitations are state laws that limit the time a debt collector has to bring a lawsuit. After the statute of limitations has passed, debt collectors can still sue you, but the statute of limitations is a strong defense in a debt collection lawsuit. The length of these laws can vary tremendously by state and by the type of contract you made for the debt (oral, written, etc.).
Read More →How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Wyoming
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer, Kelly Pickering. Legally reviewed by Attorney Paige Hooper
Updated March 4, 2026
Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Wyoming can give you a fresh start by erasing many common debts, and it’s possible to do it without hiring a lawyer if your case is simple. This guide walks you through each step — from gathering documents and taking required courses to completing forms, paying (or waiving) the filing fee, and submitting everything to the court. It also explains how Wyoming’s bankruptcy 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.
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 Vermont
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer, Kelly Pickering. Legally reviewed by Attorney Paige Hooper
Updated March 4, 2026
Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Vermont can give you a fresh financial start by wiping out common debts like credit cards and medical bills. Many people complete the process without hiring a lawyer. The steps include gathering financial documents, taking two short required courses, completing and filing bankruptcy forms, and attending a short virtual meeting with a court-appointed trustee. Upsolve has a free tool that can help guide you through the process if you're filing on your own.
How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Utah
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer, Kelly Pickering. Legally reviewed by Attorney Paige Hooper
Updated March 4, 2026
Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Utah can help you erase many types of debt and stop collection actions, and it's possible to do it for free if you qualify for a fee waiver and file without a lawyer. The process includes gathering financial documents, taking two required credit courses, completing bankruptcy forms, and attending a short court meeting called the 341 meeting. This step-by-step guide walks you through everything you need to know to confidently file on your own.
How To File Bankruptcy for Free in South Carolina
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer, Rebecca Godbold Shiver. Legally reviewed by Attorney Paige Hooper
Updated March 4, 2026
Many people in South Carolina file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy to get a fresh start and wipe out debts like credit cards, medical bills, and payday loans. This guide explains how to file without a lawyer by walking you through each step — from gathering documents and taking required courses to submitting your forms and attending the 341 meeting. It also covers how bankruptcy affects things like your car, your property, and your credit. If your case is simple, you may be able to prepare your filing using Upsolve’s free tool.
