UpsolveCivil Rights Should Be Free

Collateral

Definition

A specific piece of property that backs up or secures a loan or debt and that the creditor can take back if the borrower defaults on payment.

Learn more about "Collateral"

All secured debts are backed up by collateral. If you have a car loan, your car serves as collateral for the loan. If you have a mortgage, the home serves as collateral for the mortgage loan. If you default on a loan that's secured by collateral, the lender can repossess the collateral because they have a security interest or lien on the property.

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What Is Secured Debt?
By the Upsolve Team

What Is a Lien and How Does It Affect My Property?
By the Upsolve Team

Upsolve is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that started in 2016. Our mission is to help low-income families who cannot afford lawyers file bankruptcy for free, using an online web app. Spun out of Harvard Law School, our team includes lawyers, engineers, and judges. We have world-class funders that include the U.S. government, former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, and leading foundations. It's one of the greatest civil rights injustices of our time that low-income families can’t access their basic rights when they can’t afford to pay for help. Combining direct services and advocacy, we’re fighting this injustice.

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.