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Attorney Amelia Niemi

Attorney Amelia Niemi

Bankruptcy Attorney

Amelia Niemi is an attorney licensed in Illinois. She received her J.D. from DePaul University College of Law. At DePaul, she was a staff writer for the DePaul Journal of Art, Technology & Intellectual Property Law. Her legal practice includes multi-million-dollar international breach of contract cases, negotiating and drafting international licensing and manufacturing agreements, appellate litigation, and international intellectual property matters.


All ArticlesBankruptcy BasicsBefore FilingCarsConsumer RightsDebtsDeciding To File

Articles written by Attorney Amelia Niemi

Do I Still Owe Money After My Car Is Repossessed?

Written by Attorney Amelia NiemiLegally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated October 13, 2025

Yes, you may still owe money after your car is repossessed. If the lender repossesses your car and sells it at auction for less than the amount you owe on your loan, you’ll be responsible for paying the remaining amount, called a deficiency balance. This can include additional fees like towing, storage, and auction costs. While repossession doesn’t erase your debt, options like negotiating with your lender or filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy can help you manage or eliminate the remaining balance.

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What happens if your debt goes to a collections company?

Written by Attorney Amelia NiemiLegally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated September 1, 2025

Most of us have a pile of “to-dos” that never seem to be done. For many people, this includes a stack of bills and debts that just keep getting higher. As much as you’d love to pay off that medical debt, there’s never quite enough to go around on payday. Having this debt hang over your head can be really stressful. A lot of people sit up at night, worrying about what will happen next to their debt. Read more to find out what debt collectors can – and can’t – do, how they might legally be able to claim that money, and how this might affect your credit history.

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Filing Bankruptcy as a Licensed Professional: What To Expect

Written by Attorney Amelia NiemiLegally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated August 25, 2025

Filing bankruptcy usually won’t cause you to lose your professional license, but some professions have extra rules. Certain licensing boards may require you to report your bankruptcy, and some jobs, like lawyers and real estate agents, may have restrictions on handling client funds. If you're applying for a new license or renewal, your bankruptcy might be reviewed, but it’s rarely a dealbreaker. Checking your state’s rules can help you understand any requirements before you file.

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How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Maine

Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer, Attorney Amelia NiemiLegally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated October 10, 2025

Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Maine can help you erase credit card debt, medical bills, and other unsecured debts if you're struggling financially. Many people in Maine file successfully without a lawyer, and this guide walks you through the entire process. You'll also learn how to handle your 341 meeting, deal with your car, and understand what exemptions can help you protect your property. If your case is simple, you may be able to use Upsolve’s free online filing tool to get started.

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How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Missouri

Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer, Attorney Amelia NiemiLegally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated October 10, 2025

This guide explains how to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy for free in Missouri without hiring a lawyer. It covers every step of the process, from gathering your financial documents and completing the required credit counseling course to preparing, filing, and submitting your forms with the court. You’ll also learn about Missouri-specific requirements, exemptions that protect your property, and options for handling the $338 filing fee. If your case is simple, you may even qualify to use Upsolve’s free filing tool to make the process easier.

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How To File Bankruptcy for Free in New Hampshire

Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer, Attorney Amelia NiemiLegally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated October 8, 2025

Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy in New Hampshire can give you a fresh start by erasing many common debts, and it’s possible to do it without hiring a lawyer if your case is simple. This guide walks you through each step — from gathering documents and taking required courses to completing forms, paying (or waiving) the filing fee, and submitting everything to the court. Along the way, you’ll learn about exemptions that help you keep important property, low-cost resources if you need extra help, and how Upsolve’s free tool can make the process easier.

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How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Oregon

Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer, Attorney Amelia NiemiLegally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated October 8, 2025

Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Oregon can help you wipe out many common debts, and it’s possible to do it without paying legal fees if you qualify for a fee waiver and file without a lawyer. This guide walks you through each step — from collecting documents and taking required courses to completing and submitting your forms. It also explains how Oregon’s bankruptcy exemptions work and what to expect with your car, home, and other belongings. If your case is simple, you may be able to use a free online tool like Upsolve to prepare and file your forms on your own.

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How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Wisconsin

Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer, Attorney Amelia NiemiLegally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated October 8, 2025

Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Wisconsin can give you a fresh start by erasing debts like credit cards, medical bills, and payday loans — and you don’t necessarily need a lawyer to do it. The process involves gathering your financial documents, completing two short financial courses, filing your forms with the court, and attending a quick meeting with a trustee. Wisconsin law offers exemptions to help protect the things that matter most, like your home, car, and personal belongings. If you qualify, you may be able to use Upsolve’s free filing tool.

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Y-Combinator

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.