the Upsolve Team
Upsolve is fortunate to have a remarkable team of bankruptcy attorneys, as well as finance and consumer rights professionals, as contributing writers to help us keep our content up to date, informative, and helpful to everyone.
Articles written by the Upsolve Team
Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: What’s the Difference?
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated February 17, 2026
Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy are the two most common types of personal bankruptcy filings. Chapter 7 bankruptcy can wipe out unsecured debts like credit card debt and medical bills in just 3-4 months. Though the filing can stay on your credit report for 10 years. You must pass a means test and meet certain criteria to qualify for Chapter 7. Chapter 13 takes longer — usually 3-5 years — because filers are on a repayment plan. After the plan is up, any remaining unsecured debt is discharged. Chapter 7 can stay on your credit report for up to 7 years. Some filers choose Chapter 13 because they don’t qualify for Chapter 7 or because they own certain assets they want to protect. Even though there are differences between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy, each one grants the filer a fresh financial start in the form of a bankruptcy discharge — a court order that relieves you of your debt and bans creditors from trying to collect from you on this debt.
Read More →How To Take the Pre-Bankruptcy Credit Counseling Course for Free
Written by Ben Jackson. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated January 28, 2026
Before you can file for bankruptcy, you must complete a credit counseling course from an approved provider. The course usually costs $10–$50, but many people qualify to take it for free with a fee waiver based on income. You can request a fee waiver when you sign up by asking the agency if it’s available. If approved, you can complete the course at no cost and receive your required certificate.
Read More →What Debts Are Not Discharged in Bankruptcy?
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated January 21, 2026
Though bankruptcy provides real debt relief for folks who are struggling to make ends meet, not every debt is treated equally under bankruptcy law. Bankruptcy is a great way to get rid of credit card debt, medical bills, and personal and payday loans. But bankruptcy can’t wipe out recent income tax you owe, alimony, child support, or debt incurred from illegal acts (embezzlement, larceny, etc.). Though there’s a common misconception that student loan debt can’t be erased in bankruptcy, you can discharge, or wipe out, your student loan debt in Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. You must prove that repaying it is causing undue hardship and that you’ve made good faith efforts to pay in the past.
Read More →California Debt Collection Laws
Written by the Upsolve Team. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated January 14, 2026
California has two important laws — the Rosenthal Act and the Debt Collection Licensing Act — that protect California residents against original creditor and third-party debt collector harassment and abuse. Californians also benefit from the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, which offers many protections and gives you certain rights. The statute of limitations for most consumer debt is four years in California.
Read More →How To Deal With Pressler, Felt & Warshaw LLP
Written by the Upsolve Team. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated January 13, 2026
Pressler, Felt & Warshaw LLP is a debt collection law firm that represents creditors, debt collectors, and debt buyers. Pressler mostly collects consumer debts, like past-due credit card debt. They may initially contact you to collect a debt or to notify you that they filed a lawsuit against you. If Pressler, Felt & Warshaw reaches out to you, the first thing you should do is validate the debt. This guide explains how to do this and discusses your other options, such as disputing the debt or negotiating a debt settlement.
Read More →Wage Garnishment in Georgia
Written by the Upsolve Team. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated January 16, 2026
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 Georgia regulates wage garnishments.
Repossession Laws in Mississippi
Written by the Upsolve Team. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated November 7, 2025
In Mississippi, your car can be repossessed after just one missed payment, and lenders don’t have to give you any advance notice before taking it. Repo agents can legally take your car from public areas or your driveway, as long as they don’t breach the peace or damage property. After repossession, the lender must give you at least 10 days' notice before selling the car, and you may still owe money if the sale doesn't cover your full loan balance and fees.
