Jenni Klock Morel is a writer, nonprofit leader, and Social Justice Law Scholar. For years she practiced consumer bankruptcy law exclusively as a debtor's attorney, helping individuals and families file for Chapter 7 or 13 bankruptcy protection. Jenni left the practice of law to wield the power of the pen and pursue a career in the nonprofit sector. She has a background in grant writing, development, and years of experience in legal writing for law firms around the nation. Jenni is a research consultant for global NGOs, a contributing writer for Upsolve, and a cat mom.
Articles written by Attorney Jenni Klock Morel
Judgments: How Long Do They Last and Will Bankruptcy Help?
Written by Attorney Jenni Klock Morel. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated January 22, 2026
If a creditor sues you for an unpaid debt and wins, the court issues a judgment against you. This gives the creditor the legal right to take serious collection actions like wage garnishment or bank levies. How long a judgment lasts depends on your state — some expire after five years, while others can remain in effect for up to 20 years. Many states also allow creditors to renew judgments. If you can’t afford to pay a judgment, filing for bankruptcy may help eliminate it.
Read More →What Is a Reaffirmation Agreement and How Do You Use One?
Written by Attorney Jenni Klock Morel. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated January 16, 2026
A reaffirmation agreement is a contract you can sign during Chapter 7 bankruptcy to stay personally responsible for a secured debt — usually a car loan — so you can keep the vehicle. While some lenders require reaffirmation, others allow you to keep the car as long as you stay current on payments, even without signing anything. Reaffirmation comes with risks, including the loss of bankruptcy protections if you fall behind later, so it’s important to weigh alternatives like ride-through, redemption, and surrender.
Read More →How Much Does Bankruptcy Cost?
Written by Attorney Jenni Klock Morel. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated January 14, 2026
If you're able to file on your own and get fee waivers, filing bankruptcy can be free. Without waivers, it can cost as little as $400 to file for bankruptcy or up to as much as $3,000 or more if you hire a bankruptcy lawyer. Bankruptcy costs include court filing fees, credit counseling course fees, and attorney fees if you hire a bankruptcy lawyer. The total cost will largely depend on your financial situation, the complexity of your case, and whether you file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
Read More →What Happens After You File for Bankruptcy?
Written by Attorney Jenni Klock Morel. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated October 17, 2025
After you file for bankruptcy, the court immediately issues an automatic stay, which stops most collection actions. Your case is then assigned to a trustee who reviews your financial situation and oversees the sale of non-exempt assets in Chapter 7 cases. You'll attend a meeting of creditors, where you answer questions under oath about your finances. If your filing is approved, your eligible debts are discharged, meaning you don’t have to repay them.
Read More →Can I Settle a Debt After a Lawsuit Has Been Filed?
Written by Attorney Jenni Klock Morel. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated October 13, 2025
Yes, you can settle a debt even if a lawsuit has already been filed against you. Some lenders may allow you to pay off your debt through either a repayment plan or partial lump-sum settlement. Either way, ignoring a debt is not a good option. It will only create more issues in the future. It can feel overwhelming to be served with a debt lawsuit. But remember, you’re not alone and you have options.
Read More →Wage Garnishment in Kansas
Written by Attorney Jenni Klock Morel. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated November 20, 2025
Wage garnishment in Kansas happens when money is taken from your paycheck to pay off a debt. Most creditors must sue you and win before they can do this, but debts like child support or taxes can be garnished without a court case. In Kansas, only the original creditor can garnish wages — debt buyers and collectors can’t, even if they win in court. State law limits how much of your paycheck can be taken and protects income like Social Security or public assistance. You can stop garnishment by paying the debt, filing bankruptcy, or claiming exemptions.
