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Attorney Todd Carney

Attorney Todd Carney

Attorney

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.


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Articles written by Attorney Todd Carney

Can a Creditor Levy Your Bank Account More Than Once?

Written by Attorney Todd CarneyLegally 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.

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Understanding the Assignment of Mortgages: What You Need To Know

Written by Attorney Todd CarneyLegally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated April 29, 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.

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Can Social Security Legally Check My Bank Account?

Written by Attorney Todd CarneyLegally 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.

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How To File Bankruptcy for Free in South Dakota

Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer, Attorney Todd CarneyLegally 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.

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How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Nebraska

Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer, Attorney Todd CarneyLegally 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.

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How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Iowa

Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer, Attorney Todd CarneyLegally 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.

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How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Kansas

Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer, Attorney Todd CarneyLegally 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.

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How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Alaska

Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer, Attorney Todd CarneyLegally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated July 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.

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Eviction Laws and Tenant Rights in Hawaii

Written by Attorney Todd Carney
Updated May 8, 2025

Landlords in Hawaii can’t just change the locks, toss your belongings out on the front yard, or shut down essential utilities. A landlord must follow the eviction process in order to have a tenant evicted for any reason. Here's an overview of what this means for tenants in Hawaii.

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Eviction Laws and Tenant Rights in Massachusetts

Written by Attorney Todd Carney
Updated May 8, 2025

Landlords in Massachusetts can’t just change the locks, toss your belongings out on the front yard, or shut down essential utilities. A landlord must follow the eviction process in order to have a tenant evicted for any reason. Here's an overview of what this means for tenants in Massachusetts.

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Eviction Laws and Tenant Rights in Tennessee

Written by Attorney Todd Carney
Updated April 29, 2025

Landlords in Tennessee can’t just change the locks, toss your belongings out on the front yard, or shut down essential utilities. A landlord must follow the eviction process in order to have a tenant evicted for any reason. Here's an overview of what this means for tenants in Tennessee.

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Eviction Laws and Tenant Rights in Iowa

Written by Attorney Todd Carney
Updated April 28, 2025

Landlords in Iowa can’t just change the locks, toss your belongings out on the front yard, or shut down essential utilities. A landlord must follow the eviction process in order to have a tenant evicted for any reason. Here's an overview of what this means for tenants in Iowa.

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Eviction Laws and Tenant Rights in Delaware

Written by Attorney Todd Carney
Updated April 23, 2025

Landlords in Delaware can’t just change the locks, toss your belongings out on the front yard, or shut down essential utilities. A landlord must follow the eviction process in order to have a tenant evicted for any reason. Here's an overview of what this means for tenants in Delaware.

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Eviction Laws and Tenant Rights in Colorado

Written by Attorney Todd Carney
Updated April 21, 2025

Landlords in Colorado can’t just change the locks, toss your belongings out on the front yard, or shut down essential utilities. A landlord must follow the eviction process in order to have a tenant evicted for any reason. Here's an overview of what this means for tenants in Colorado.

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Eviction Laws and Tenant Rights in Idaho

Written by Attorney Todd Carney
Updated April 18, 2025

Landlords in Idaho can’t just change the locks, toss your belongings out on the front yard, or shut down essential utilities. A landlord must follow the eviction process in order to have a tenant evicted for any reason. Here's an overview of what this means for tenants in Idaho.

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Eviction Laws and Tenant Rights in North Dakota

Written by Attorney Todd Carney
Updated April 16, 2025

Landlords in North Dakota can’t just change the locks, toss your belongings out on the front yard, or shut down essential utilities. A landlord must follow the eviction process in order to have a tenant evicted for any reason. Here's an overview of what this means for tenants in North Dakota.

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Eviction Laws and Tenant Rights in the District of Columbia

Written by Attorney Todd Carney
Updated January 30, 2025

Landlords in District of Columbia can’t just change the locks, toss your belongings out on the front yard, or shut down essential utilities. A landlord must follow the eviction process in order to have a tenant evicted for any reason. Here's an overview of what this means for tenants in District of Columbia.

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Repossession Laws in the District of Columbia

Written by Attorney Todd Carney
Updated August 27, 2024

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.

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Repossession Laws in Hawaii

Written by Attorney Todd Carney
Updated March 22, 2024

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.

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Repossession Laws in Georgia

Written by Attorney Todd Carney
Updated March 22, 2024

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.

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Repossession Laws in Idaho

Written by Attorney Todd Carney
Updated March 22, 2024

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.

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Repossession Laws in Illinois

Written by Attorney Todd Carney
Updated March 22, 2024

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.

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Upsolve is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that started in 2016. Our mission is to help low-income families resolve their debt and fix their credit using free software tools. Our team includes debt experts and engineers who care deeply about making the financial system accessible to everyone. We have world-class funders that include the U.S. government, former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, and leading foundations.

To learn more, read why we started Upsolve in 2016, our reviews from past users, and our press coverage from places like the New York Times and Wall Street Journal.