Ms. Kingston began her career as a bankruptcy attorney. She has appeared in front of many federal court judges and has helped numerous debtors obtain a fresh start. Ms. Kingston understands the complex federal rules for discharging debt. While working as a bankruptcy attorney, Ms. Kingston’s dedication has resulted in settlements of large debts for clients at 20-30 percent of what they owed. She has also dedicated a great deal of her time helping clients facing foreclosure keep their homes through the process known as Loss Mitigation. Ms. Kingston has won loan modifications for her clients inside and outside of the bankruptcy courts. She has answered bankruptcy and debt relief questions for local and national publications including Fox Business, the Star-Ledger, NJ.com, and NJMoneyHelp.com.
Articles written by Attorney Karra Kingston
What Your Bank Statements Tell the Bankruptcy Trustee
Written by Attorney Karra Kingston. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated January 28, 2026
Bankruptcy trustees generally ask to see your past 3–6 months of bank statements. This helps trustees to check that the financial information you've reported on your bankruptcy forms is accurate and complete. They may check your balance on the filing date, review deposits and withdrawals, and look for unlisted accounts or assets. Trustees also verify your income and watch for preferential payments, which are transactions that unfairly favor one creditor over others.
Read More →How To Get a Bankruptcy Filing Fee Waiver in 3 Simple Steps
Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Paige Hooper
Updated January 27, 2026
If the bankruptcy filing fee is standing between you and a fresh start, you can apply for a fee waiver or to pay in installments. To qualify for a waiver, your income must be below 150% of the federal poverty guideline, and you must show that you can’t afford to pay in installments. This guide walks you through the fee waiver process, eligibility requirements, and what to do if your request is denied.
Read More →What Are the Pennsylvania Bankruptcy Exemptions?
Written by Attorney Karra Kingston. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated January 27, 2026
If you’ve lived in Pennsylvania for at least two years when you file your Chapter 7 bankruptcy case, you can choose between the state or federal bankruptcy exemptions. For many people, the federal bankruptcy exemptions are more advantageous than the state exemptions. That’s because Pennsylvania doesn’t have a homestead or motor vehicle exemption. The federal exemptions for these are $31,575 and $5,025, respectively. The Pennsylvania wildcard exemption is $300, while the federal wildcard is $1,675 plus $15,800 of any unused portion of your homestead exemption.
Read More →Will a Judgment Creditor Take My Car?
Written by Attorney Karra Kingston. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated January 22, 2026
When a creditor sues you and wins a court judgment, they gain powerful tools to collect the debt you owe. These tools include garnishing wages, levying bank accounts, or placing a judgment lien on your property — like your home or car. If a lien is placed on your car, it could put your vehicle at risk, depending on its equity and your state’s exemption laws. This article breaks down what happens when a creditor files a lien on your car, your legal rights, and the steps you can take to protect your property.
Read More →Can a Debt Collector Take Me to Court?
Written by Attorney Karra Kingston. Legally reviewed by Attorney Paige Hooper
Updated January 21, 2026
Yes, debt collectors can take you to court for unpaid debt. But this won’t be their first move. Debt collection agencies will first call you and send notices in the mail to try to collect on unpaid debt. It’s common for debt collectors to make several attempts over a period of many months to collect a debt before they decide to sue you.
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