Attorney Todd Carney is a writer and graduate of Harvard Law School. While in law school, Todd worked in a clinic that helped pro-bono clients file for bankruptcy. Todd also studied several aspects of how the law impacts consumers. Todd has written over 40 articles for sites such as RealClear Policy and Lawfare. Prior to law school, Todd graduated from American University with a B.A. in political science and public communication and spent five years working in digital advertising. While working in digital advertising, Todd read a lot on consumer finance and that made him interested in studying it in law school, with the hope of getting to work on issues impacting consumers in the long-term. Todd lives and is admitted to practice law in Washington DC. The views in his pieces are his alone and do not reflect the views of his employer.
Articles written by Attorney Todd Carney
Understanding the Assignment of Mortgages: What You Need To Know
Written by Attorney Todd Carney. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated August 13, 2025
A mortgage is a legally binding agreement between a home buyer and a lender that dictates a borrower's ability to pay off a loan. Every mortgage has an interest rate, a term length, and specific fees attached to it.
Read More →Can a Creditor Levy Your Bank Account More Than Once?
Written by Attorney Todd Carney. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated July 22, 2025
A bank levy is a legal move that allows creditors to collect an unpaid debt by taking money directly from a borrower’s bank account. Creditors can continue to take money from your account until your debt is paid off. While your account can be levied more than once, you have options and rights., This article will educate you on how to be prepared for a levy and what your rights are.
Read More →Can Social Security Legally Check My Bank Account?
Written by Attorney Todd Carney. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated January 15, 2025
Many people wonder if the government can look inside their bank accounts, especially when applying for Social Security benefits. The short answer is yes, but only in certain situations. If you’re part of the Supplemental Security Income program, the Social Security Administration has the legal authority to review your financial information to ensure you meet eligibility requirements. This article will explain why and how the SSA conducts these reviews, what counts toward SSI eligibility limits, and how you can safeguard your benefits.
Read More →Repossession Laws in Georgia
Written by Attorney Todd Carney. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated August 27, 2025
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 Georgia's Repossession Laws and what you should know if you've fallen behind on car payments.
Repossession Laws in Illinois
Written by Attorney Todd Carney. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated August 27, 2025
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 Illinois' Repossession Laws and what you should know if you've fallen behind on car payments.
Repossession Laws in Hawaii
Written by Attorney Todd Carney.
Updated August 21, 2025
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 Hawaii's Repossession Laws and what you should know if you've fallen behind on car payments.
Repossession Laws in Idaho
Written by Attorney Todd Carney.
Updated August 20, 2025
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 Idaho's Repossession Laws and what you should know if you've fallen behind on car payments.
Repossession Laws in the District of Columbia
Written by Attorney Todd Carney.
Updated August 20, 2025
Repossession is the process of taking back a car after the owner defaults on their auto loan. Every 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 District of Columbia's Repossession Laws and what you should know if you've fallen behind on car payments.
How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Alaska
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer, Attorney Todd Carney. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated August 11, 2025
Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Alaska can give you a fresh start by wiping out debts like credit cards, medical bills, and payday loans. Many people are surprised to learn they can file on their own without hiring a lawyer. This guide breaks down each step in plain language, from collecting documents to completing your required courses and attending your 341 meeting. You’ll also learn how to protect your property and explore free tools that can help you file without paying legal fees.
How To File Bankruptcy for Free in South Dakota
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer, Attorney Todd Carney. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated August 5, 2025
Filing for bankruptcy doesn’t have to be scary and confusing. We provide helpful tips and resources to help you file Chapter 7 bankruptcy in your state without a lawyer.
How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Nebraska
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer, Attorney Todd Carney. Legally reviewed by Attorney Paige Hooper
Updated August 5, 2025
Filing for bankruptcy doesn’t have to be scary and confusing. We provide helpful tips and resources to help you file Chapter 7 bankruptcy in your state without a lawyer.
How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Iowa
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer, Attorney Todd Carney. Legally reviewed by Attorney Paige Hooper
Updated July 21, 2025
This guide explains how to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy for free in Iowa, breaking the process down into manageable steps. It covers gathering your financial documents, completing two required financial courses, filling out bankruptcy forms, and submitting everything to the court. Many people successfully complete these steps without hiring a lawyer and wipe out debts like credit cards, medical bills, and payday loans. Plus, you'll learn about free tools like Upsolve, which can simplify the process.
How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Kansas
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer, Attorney Todd Carney. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated July 16, 2025
This guide explains how to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy for free in Kansas, step by step. It covers everything from gathering documents to completing forms, taking required courses, and submitting your case to the court. You'll learn how to protect your property using Kansas-specific exemptions and what to expect at your trustee meeting. The guide also includes tips on fee waivers, where to file, and how to handle car loans or leases. If your case is simple, you may be able to use Upsolve’s free tool to file without a lawyer.
