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 To Get a Bankruptcy Filing Fee Waiver in 3 Simple Steps
Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Paige Hooper
Updated March 18, 2025
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 →How To Redeem Your Car in Bankruptcy
Written by Attorney Paige Hooper. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated August 19, 2025
Redeeming your car debt in bankruptcy can make sense if the car is worth much less than the amount you owe on your car loan. Redemption allows you to pay the lender the value of the car, rather than the larger amount you owe. This article covers how redemption works, what’s required to redeem your car, the pros and cons of redemption, and the procedure for redeeming a car in bankruptcy.
Read More →Is Life Insurance Protected in Bankruptcy? Your Essential Guide
Written by Attorney Paige Hooper. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated May 27, 2025
Life insurance can affect your bankruptcy case if your policy has cash value or if you receive a payout after someone passes away. Whether you can keep the policy or the money depends on your state’s exemption laws, the type of policy, and when the money becomes yours. Some life insurance is fully protected in bankruptcy, but other parts might count as assets the trustee can use to repay creditors. Understanding what kind of policy you have is the first step. If you’re not sure how this applies to your situation, consider setting up a free consultation with a bankruptcy attorney.
Read More →Can Secured Debt Be Discharged in Bankruptcy?
Written by Attorney Paige Hooper. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated December 10, 2024
Yes, most secured debt can be discharged in bankruptcy. In Chapter 7 cases, that means your personal liability for the debt is wiped out with the Chapter 7 discharge. But since secured debts are connected to collateral, you don't get to keep the collateral unless you pay the debt. To do so, you may need to reaffirm the debt. In Chapter 13, you repay secured debts through the repayment plan. In both cases, you can surrender the collateral, which means the debt is no longer secured.
Read More →What To Do About Debt Collection After a Bankruptcy Discharge
Written by Attorney Paige Hooper. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated August 8, 2025
A bankruptcy discharge order is a court order that stops creditors from ever being able to collect on dischargeable debts. Despite this powerful court order, some collection agencies or creditors try to collect on discharged debts, which is illegal. If you’re contacted about a discharged debt, tell the debt collector you filed bankruptcy and the debt was discharged. If a debt collector sues or threatens to sue for a discharged debt, respond by letting them know about your discharge. You may even be able to counter sue for damages.
Read More →Filing for Bankruptcy While on Disability? Here’s What You Need to Know
Written by Attorney Paige Hooper. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated March 13, 2025
If you receive disability benefits, they can impact your bankruptcy in two key ways: how your income is reported and whether any unspent funds in your bank account are protected. Social Security disability benefits (SSDI and SSI) must be included on bankruptcy forms like Schedule I, which helps determine whether you can afford your expenses, but they aren’t counted in the means test calculation. VA disability benefits don’t need to be listed on the means test form but must be reported on Schedule I. While ongoing disability benefits are generally safe in bankruptcy, any unspent funds — especially lump-sum back payments — may require a specific exemption to protect them from creditors.
Read More →How To File an Emergency Bankruptcy Case (and What Happens Next)
Written by Attorney Paige Hooper. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated April 30, 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 →Can Filing Bankruptcy Help With a Repossession?
Written by Attorney Paige Hooper. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated May 20, 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 →What Happens to Your Tax Refund in Bankruptcy?
Written by Attorney Paige Hooper. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated March 14, 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 →Can My Social Security Disability Benefits Be Garnished?
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer. Legally reviewed by Attorney Paige Hooper
Updated January 21, 2026
Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) benefits are generally protected from garnishment, which means creditors can’t take this money to pay off most debts. But, there are some exceptions. Your SSDI benefits can be garnished to cover unpaid child support, alimony, federal taxes, or federal student loans.
Read More →How Does Bankruptcy Affect a Car Lease?
Written by Attorney Paige Hooper. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated January 15, 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 →Can a Debt Collector Take Me to Court?
Written by Attorney Karra Kingston. Legally reviewed by Attorney Paige Hooper
Updated March 14, 2026
Yes, debt collectors can take you to court for unpaid debt. But this won’t be their first move. Debt collection agencies will first call you and send notices in the mail to try to collect on unpaid debt. It’s common for debt collectors to make several attempts over a period of many months to collect a debt before they decide to sue you.
Read More →How Can I Get Free Legal Aid Help To File Bankruptcy?
Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Paige Hooper
Updated March 14, 2026
Legal aid provides free or low-cost legal help to people who can’t afford a lawyer. Some legal aid offices help with bankruptcy, but not all do — and many have limited capacity. Eligibility usually depends on income, but other factors like age, disability, or veteran status may also apply. If legal aid can’t take your case, you still have other options. Upsolve is a nonprofit that helps people get a fresh start using a free bankruptcy filing tool.
Read More →What Is Equity?
Written by the Upsolve Team. Legally reviewed by Attorney Paige Hooper
Updated May 3, 2022
Your equity in a house or car (the dollar value that belongs to you, not the lender) is the current value of the property minus the amount you still owe on it. When you file bankruptcy, exemptions protect the equity you have in certain assets.
Read More →What Is a Bankruptcy Audit?
Written by Attorney Paige Hooper. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated December 20, 2025
The majority of bankruptcy filers provide the most accurate financial information they can to the court and bankruptcy trustee. But incorrect information can still find its way to the bankruptcy proceeding. Most of the time, these mistakes are accidental, but sometimes they’re deliberate. To help find these mistakes, the U.S. Trustee Program hires outside auditing companies to conduct a detailed review of select bankruptcy petitions.
Read More →Do I Need To Include My Spouse’s Income and Expenses on My Bankruptcy Forms?
Written by Attorney Paige Hooper. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated October 28, 2025
If you and your spouse are filing a joint bankruptcy, you have to include their income and expenses on all of the required bankruptcy forms. If you and your spouse live together, but your spouse isn’t filing bankruptcy with you, you still need to include their income and expenses on Schedules I and J and your Statement of Current Monthly Income.
Read More →What You Need To Know About Divorce and Bankruptcy
Written by Ben Jackson. Legally reviewed by Attorney Paige Hooper
Updated August 21, 2025
Bankruptcy and divorce often go hand in hand, and the order in which you file them can affect your debts, your property, and the legal process. Filing bankruptcy before, during, or after divorce changes what property you can protect and whether you’ll need to work with your spouse on bankruptcy paperwork. Chapter 7 offers a faster fresh start, while Chapter 13 can help repay certain debts over time, including some from a divorce. Knowing how these processes interact can help you avoid delays, protect assets, and make a smoother transition.
Read More →Can a Credit Card Company Sue Me if I Stop Paying?
Written by Attorney Tina Tran. Legally reviewed by Attorney Paige Hooper
Updated March 11, 2026
Yes, a credit card company can sue you if you stop paying your bills. Typically, credit card companies will contact you several times before escalating the matter to legal action or charging off the debt to a debt collection agency. Though there’s no set timeline, you can expect legal action after six months of nonpayment. While there are no guarantees, you’re less likely to be sued if you owe less than $2,000.
Read More →Should I Keep Paying My Credit Cards if I’m Going To File Bankruptcy?
Written by Attorney Paige Hooper. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated June 5, 2026
If you're planning to file for bankruptcy, you usually don't need to keep paying your credit cards. In Chapter 7, credit card debt is typically wiped out, so making payments may not make sense. In Chapter 13, your debt will be included in a repayment plan, so you can stop paying and focus on that instead. Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 have different goals and benefits, so knowing which type of bankruptcy you're filing will help you decide what to do.
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 June 5, 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 →How To Beat a Credit Card Lawsuit in Court
Written by Attorney Serena Siew. Legally reviewed by Attorney Paige Hooper
Updated June 5, 2026
Getting sued by a credit card company can be intimidating. Maybe you’ve become so good at ignoring collection calls that you’re tempted to trash the complaint and summons. Don’t. You have legal rights and defenses that you’ll lose by not contesting the lawsuit. Plus, if you fight back in court, your chances of winning the case are much better than you might initially expect.
Read More →How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Georgia
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer, Krishna Patel. Legally reviewed by Attorney Paige Hooper
Updated June 30, 2025
If you're dealing with debt that feels impossible to get out from under, Chapter 7 bankruptcy may be the fresh start you need. It can erase eligible debts like credit cards, medical bills, and payday loans — and many Georgians file without a lawyer or any filing costs. This guide covers everything you need to know to file in Georgia.
How To File Chapter 7 Bankruptcy for Free in Florida
Written by Rebecca Godbold Shiver. Legally reviewed by Attorney Paige Hooper
Updated January 14, 2026
Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Florida can help you eliminate debt and get a fresh start, and many people do it for free without a lawyer. The process includes steps like gathering documents, taking credit courses, and filing forms with the court. You’ll also attend a short meeting with a trustee and may need to decide what to do with property like your car. Florida offers strong exemptions to help you keep what you own. If your case is simple, you may qualify to use Upsolve’s free tool to guide you through the process.
How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Texas
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer, Attorney Paige Hooper. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated June 5, 2026
Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Texas can give you a fresh start — and you don’t need to hire a lawyer to do it. Many Texans with simple cases file successfully on their own, and Upsolve’s free tool can help walk you through each step. This guide covers how to gather the documents you need, fill out your forms, take the required courses, and file your case with the court. It also explains what happens after you file, including your trustee meeting and what to expect if you want to keep your car.
How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Virginia
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer, Attorney Paige Hooper. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated September 2, 2025
Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Virginia can help you wipe out unsecured debts like credit cards, medical bills, and payday loans — and stop collection efforts immediately. You don’t need to hire a lawyer to file, and many Virginians go through the process on their own. This guide walks you through every step, from gathering documents and taking the required credit counseling course to filing your forms and attending your 341 meeting.
How To File Bankruptcy for Free in West Virginia
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer, Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Paige Hooper
Updated April 16, 2026
If you're dealing with debt that feels impossible to get out from under, Chapter 7 bankruptcy may be the fresh start you need. It can erase eligible debts like credit cards, medical bills, and payday loans — and many West Virginians file without a lawyer or any filing costs. This guide covers everything you need to know to file in West Virginia.
How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Tennessee
Written by Attorney Eva Bacevice, Attorney Paige Hooper. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated March 2, 2026
If you're dealing with debt that feels impossible to get out from under, Chapter 7 bankruptcy may be the fresh start you need. It can erase eligible debts like credit cards, medical bills, and payday loans — and many Tennesseans file without a lawyer or any filing costs. This guide covers everything you need to know to file in Tennessee.
Wage Garnishment in Illinois
Written by Attorney Paige Hooper. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated November 7, 2025
In Illinois, most creditors must sue you and win a court judgment before they can garnish your wages, but some debts, like taxes and child support, can be garnished without a court order. Once the court approves the garnishment, your employer must withhold part of your paycheck, though the law limits how much they can take. Garnishment continues until the full debt, including interest and fees, is paid off. Many people stop garnishment by filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which triggers a legal pause on collection efforts and can wipe out the debt entirely.
How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Maryland
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer, Attorney Paige Hooper. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated September 3, 2025
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.
Wage Garnishment in Missouri
Written by Attorney Paige Hooper.
Updated October 31, 2021
A wage garnishment order allows creditors to take money directly from your paycheck. Most of the time, this is only possible after a court has entered a judgment. Here's how Missouri regulates wage garnishments.
How To File Bankruptcy for Free in South Carolina
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer, Rebecca Godbold Shiver. Legally reviewed by Attorney Paige Hooper
Updated April 17, 2026
If you're dealing with debt that feels impossible to get out from under, Chapter 7 bankruptcy may be the fresh start you need. It can erase eligible debts like credit cards, medical bills, and payday loans — and many South Carolinians file without a lawyer or any filing costs. This guide covers everything you need to know to file in South Carolina.
How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Nebraska
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer, Attorney Todd Carney. Legally reviewed by Attorney Paige Hooper
Updated April 28, 2026
If you're dealing with debt that feels impossible to get out from under, Chapter 7 bankruptcy may be the fresh start you need. It can erase eligible debts like credit cards, medical bills, and payday loans — and many Nebraskans file without a lawyer or any filing costs. This guide covers everything you need to know to file in Nebraska.
How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Nevada
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer, Attorney Paige Hooper. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated April 29, 2026
If you're dealing with debt that feels impossible to get out from under, Chapter 7 bankruptcy may be the fresh start you need. It can erase eligible debts like credit cards, medical bills, and payday loans — and many Nevadans file without a lawyer or any filing costs. This guide covers everything you need to know to file in Nevada.
How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Mississippi
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer, Attorney Paige Hooper. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated May 1, 2026
If you're dealing with debt that feels impossible to get out from under, Chapter 7 bankruptcy may be the fresh start you need. It can erase eligible debts like credit cards, medical bills, and payday loans — and many Mississippians file without a lawyer or any filing costs. This guide covers everything you need to know to file in Mississippi.
How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Kentucky
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer, Rebecca Godbold Shiver. Legally reviewed by Attorney Paige Hooper
Updated May 8, 2026
If you're dealing with debt that feels impossible to get out from under, Chapter 7 bankruptcy may be the fresh start you need. It can erase eligible debts like credit cards, medical bills, and payday loans — and many Kentuckians file without a lawyer or any filing costs. This guide covers everything you need to know to file in Kentucky.
How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Iowa
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer, Attorney Todd Carney. Legally reviewed by Attorney Paige Hooper
Updated May 9, 2026
If you're dealing with debt that feels impossible to get out from under, Chapter 7 bankruptcy may be the fresh start you need. It can erase eligible debts like credit cards, medical bills, and payday loans — and many Iowans file without a lawyer or any filing costs. This guide covers everything you need to know to file in Iowa.
How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Idaho
Written by Ben Jackson. Legally reviewed by Attorney Paige Hooper
Updated May 9, 2026
If you're dealing with debt that feels impossible to get out from under, Chapter 7 bankruptcy may be the fresh start you need. It can erase eligible debts like credit cards, medical bills, and payday loans — and many Idahoans file without a lawyer or any filing costs. This guide covers everything you need to know to file in Idaho.
How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Louisiana
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer, Rebecca Godbold Shiver. Legally reviewed by Attorney Paige Hooper
Updated May 8, 2026
If you're dealing with debt that feels impossible to get out from under, Chapter 7 bankruptcy may be the fresh start you need. It can erase eligible debts like credit cards, medical bills, and payday loans — and many Louisianans file without a lawyer or any filing costs. This guide covers everything you need to know to file in Louisiana.
How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Connecticut
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer, Attorney Paige Hooper. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated June 4, 2026
If you're dealing with debt that feels impossible to get out from under, Chapter 7 bankruptcy may be the fresh start you need. It can erase eligible debts like credit cards, medical bills, and payday loans — and many Nutmeggers file without a lawyer or any filing costs. This guide covers everything you need to know to file in Connecticut.
How To File Bankruptcy for Free in New Mexico
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer. Legally reviewed by Attorney Paige Hooper
Updated April 29, 2026
If you're dealing with debt that feels impossible to get out from under, Chapter 7 bankruptcy may be the fresh start you need. It can erase eligible debts like credit cards, medical bills, and payday loans — and many New Mexicans file without a lawyer or any filing costs. This guide covers everything you need to know to file in New Mexico.
How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Wyoming
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer. Legally reviewed by Attorney Paige Hooper
Updated April 6, 2026
If you're dealing with debt that feels impossible to get out from under, Chapter 7 bankruptcy may be the fresh start you need. It can erase eligible debts like credit cards, medical bills, and payday loans — and many Wyomingites file without a lawyer or any filing costs. This guide covers everything you need to know to file in Wyoming.
How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Colorado
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer. Legally reviewed by Attorney Paige Hooper
Updated May 19, 2025
Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Colorado can help you wipe out debt and get a fresh start — and you may be able to do it for free without hiring a lawyer. This guide walks you through every step, from taking the required credit counseling course to filing your forms and attending your court hearing. You’ll learn how to gather documents, apply for a fee waiver, and protect your property using Colorado’s bankruptcy exemptions. If your case is simple, you may even qualify to use Upsolve’s free tool to file on your own.
How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Vermont
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer, Attorney Paige Hooper. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated April 16, 2026
If you're dealing with debt that feels impossible to get out from under, Chapter 7 bankruptcy may be the fresh start you need. It can erase eligible debts like credit cards, medical bills, and payday loans — and many Vermonters file wihout a lawyer or any filing costs. This guide covers everything you need to know to file in Vermont.
How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Utah
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer. Legally reviewed by Attorney Paige Hooper
Written June 17, 2019
If you're dealing with debt that feels impossible to get out from under, Chapter 7 bankruptcy may be the fresh start you need. It can erase eligible debts like credit cards, medical bills, and payday loans — and many Utahns file without a lawyer or any filing costs. This guide covers everything you need to know to file in Utah.
