Kristin is a recipient of Harvard Law School’s Public Welfare Foundation A2J Tech Fellowship. At Harvard Law, she served as a member of the Harvard Defenders, the Women’s Law Association, and the Harvard Law Negotiation Review. She was the 2016 – 2017 president of the Harvard Black Law Students Association and a semifinalist in Harvard Business School’s New Venture Competition 2016. She holds a B.A. in political science from the University of Southern California and served on the executive committee for the Harvard Law School Association. Before Upsolve, Kristin spent time at White & Case LLP in Palo Alto, Public Defender Service in Washington DC, and the Department of Justice, specializing in Human Rights. Kristin was an invited speaker at the Legal Service Corporations’s 2019 Innovations in Technology Conference.
Articles written by Kristin Turner, Harvard Law Grad
Federal Bankruptcy Exemptions Explained
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated April 1, 2025
Federal bankruptcy exemptions are laws that help protect your property when you file your bankruptcy case. They cover certain things you need to live and work — like your home, car, household items, and even retirement savings. If your state allows it, you can choose to use the federal exemption system instead of your state’s. This article explains what the federal exemptions are, how much they protect, and how they help most Chapter 7 filers keep everything they own.
Read More →Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: What Can You Keep?
Written by Ben Jackson. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated March 18, 2025
Exemptions are the laws that designate what property you can keep during and after your bankruptcy. Chapter 7 bankruptcy exemptions allow most filers to protect all their property during their bankruptcy case. Property includes everything from you home and car to household goods and personal items.
Read More →What Happens to Your Tax Refund in Bankruptcy?
Written by Attorney Paige Hooper. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated March 14, 2025
In Chapter 7 bankruptcy, tax refunds for income earned before your bankruptcy filing date usually become part of your bankruptcy estate. If the funds aren’t protected by exemptions and you hold on to them, the trustee can use them to pay creditors. However, if you receive your refund and spend it on necessary expenses before filing, it won’t be included in your bankruptcy estate. In Chapter 13 bankruptcy, tax refunds distributed during your repayment plan are typically part of the estate and may go toward paying creditors. Protecting your refund depends on timing, exemptions, and how the funds are used.
Read More →What Is the Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Timeline?
Written by Kristin Turner, Harvard Law Grad. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated March 13, 2025
Chapter 7 bankruptcy typically takes 4–6 months, with key milestones along the way. It’s an effective form of debt relief that can wipe out unsecured debts like credit card debt and medical bills. This article overviews what to expect as you prepare for your Chapter 7 case and what happens after you file bankruptcy.
Read More →What Is the Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Timeline?
Written by Kristin Turner, Harvard Law Grad. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated March 13, 2025
Chapter 7 bankruptcy typically takes 4–6 months, with key milestones along the way. It’s an effective form of debt relief that can wipe out unsecured debts like credit card debt and medical bills. This article overviews what to expect as you prepare for your Chapter 7 case and what happens after you file bankruptcy.
Read More →How To Stop Wage Garnishment Immediately
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated March 13, 2025
There are four direct ways you can take action to stop a wage garnishment: 1. Try to negotiate a payment plan with your creditor(s) or settle your debt. 2. Challenge the wage garnishment in court. 3. File for bankruptcy to stop the garnishment fast. 4. Reach out to a nonprofit to ask for financial assistance. Having your wages garnished reduces your disposable income and can feel very stressful. But remember, you have rights and there are ways to stop the garnishment.
Read More →What Happens After You File for Bankruptcy?
Written by Attorney Jenni Klock Morel. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated March 13, 2025
After you file for bankruptcy, the court immediately issues an automatic stay, which stops most collection actions. Your case is 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 →Best Do It Yourself Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Software
Written by Jonathan Petts. Legally reviewed by Ben Jackson
Updated March 13, 2025
Bankruptcy doesn't have to be expensive or confusing. You can use do-it-yourself Chapter 7 bankruptcy software online. Check out Upsolve to get started with our free bankruptcy process.
Read More →What Are the Pros and Cons of Filing Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated March 12, 2025
The main pros to Chapter 7 are that you can receive immediate relief from collection actions (due to the automatic stay) as well as permanent relief from debts if your bankruptcy is discharged. The main cons to Chapter 7 bankruptcy are that most secured debts won’t be erased, you may lose nonexempt property, and your credit score will likely take a temporary hit. Filing for bankruptcy is a very effective way to eliminate debt and get a fresh start. As with everything, there are upsides and downsides to filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
Read More →What Is Chapter 7 Bankruptcy & When Should I File?
Written by Kristin Turner, Harvard Law Grad. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated March 12, 2025
Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a common legal process to clear your debt, but it’s not right for everyone. One good question to ask yourself if you’re considering Chapter 7 bankruptcy: Do I have more debt than I’ll ever be able to pay back, given my current income and property? If the answer is "yes," then Chapter 7 bankruptcy may be the right option.
Read More →Every Type of Bankruptcy Explained
Written by Ben Jackson. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated March 11, 2025
There are six different types of bankruptcies. Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 are the most common types of personal bankruptcy. Chapter 7 is also called a liquidation. It allows the filer to get rid of most of their debts without repaying anything. It works best for individuals without assets like a home. Chapter 13 bankruptcy puts the filer on a repayment plan and can help protect assets like a home. The goal of personal bankruptcies like Chapter 7 and 13 is to give the filer a financial fresh start and relieve them of debt they may never be able to repay. Businesses, farmers, and municipalities can also file bankruptcy under Chapters 9, 11, 12, and 15. These less common types of bankruptcy may be used to restructure or reorganize debt.
Read More →How Much Does It Cost To File Bankruptcy?
Written by Attorney Jenni Klock Morel. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated March 10, 2025
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 Is a Bankruptcy Trustee?
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated March 10, 2025
The bankruptcy trustee doesn’t represent the filer and they don’t represent any specific creditor. They review the filer's forms and conduct the creditors' meeting.
Read More →Chapter 7 Means Test Calculator
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated January 30, 2025
The Chapter 7 means test is the analysis that determines whether you're eligible to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy. It’s called the bankruptcy means test because, at its most basic level, it looks at whether someone has the means (ability) to pay their debts. The means test has two main steps, but if you "pass" the first step, you don't have to do the second step. In the first step, you'll compare your income to the median income in your state based on the size of your household. If you don't "pass" the first step, you can move on to the second step, which takes your expenses into account as well.
Read More →What Is the Difference Between an EIN, TIN, and ITIN?
Written by the Upsolve Team. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated January 30, 2025
The acronyms EIN, TIN, and ITIN are used by the IRS to identify the different types of tax ID numbers. The main difference between an EIN and an ITIN or TIN is that an EIN is used for business entities while an ITIN is used for individuals. TIN is an umbrella term for the various kinds of taxpayer identification numbers.
Read More →What Are Bankruptcy-Friendly Credit Cards?
Written by Lawyer John Coble. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated January 30, 2025
It’s important to rebuild your credit after a bankruptcy. The good news is that you’ll get plenty of offers for credit after your bankruptcy discharge. The bad news is that some of those offers won’t be great, with high interest rates or hidden fees. If you want to rebuild your credit, you need to find the right card to work for you. Read on to learn about some of your options.
Read More →Should I File Bankruptcy Before Getting Married?
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated January 30, 2025
If you’re planning to get married and you also need to deal with debt, you’re probably wondering when to file bankruptcy and how it will affect your spouse. There are pros and cons to filing for bankruptcy before marriage as well as filing after marriage. If you want to start your marriage with a clean financial slate and you qualify for Chapter 7, that’s a relatively quick way to achieve that goal. If you already have joint debts with your spouse-to-be, you may want to file after you get married to take advantage of more generous exemptions.
Read More →Is Upsolve real? Is this a legitimate service?
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated January 30, 2025
Yes! Upsolve is 100% a legitimate service! We are a small mission-driven team of dedicated individuals, focused on a single goal: Helping low-income Americans struggling with too much debt get a fresh start by filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
Read More →What Goes Into a Credit Score?
Written by Kristin Turner, Harvard Law Grad.
Updated January 30, 2025
Your credit score is determined by several factors, including payment history, how much of your credit you're using, what types of credit you have, how long your credit history is, and how much new credit you've applied for recently. Your score helps lenders understand how well you manage credit as a borrower. You can proactively work to improve your credit score and build a strong financial future.
Read More →How To Stop Wage Garnishment With Bankruptcy in New York?
Written by Kristin Turner, Harvard Law Grad. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated January 30, 2025
If you live in New York and your wages are being garnished, bankruptcy may be able to help you keep your paychecks and stop wage garnishment.
Read More →How To Stop Wage Garnishment With Bankruptcy in New York?
Written by Kristin Turner, Harvard Law Grad. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated January 30, 2025
If you live in New York and your wages are being garnished, bankruptcy may be able to help you keep your paychecks and stop wage garnishment.
Read More →Will My Bankruptcy Affect My Child's 529 College Saving Plan?
Written by Jonathan Petts. Legally reviewed by Ben Jackson
Updated January 30, 2025
If you've deposited funds into a 529 College Savings Plan for your child, you probably want to know how filing bankrtupcy will affect them. Whether the funds are protected will depend on how long ago you deposited them.
Read More →Debt Relief Programs and Financial Resources for Veterans
Written by Attorney Jenni Klock Morel. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated January 30, 2025
There are many debt-relief programs and resources for veterans and active-duty service members alike. Some focus on helping military personnel with homeownership while others focus on managing your finances and debts. It’s especially important for active-duty military members to keep their finances in order. This will help you get or maintain security clearances. This article covers the most common debt relief programs and financial resources for veterans and active-duty service members.
Read More →What is an "Official Form 309A -- No Proof of Claim?"
Written by Jonathan Petts. Legally reviewed by Ben Jackson
Updated January 30, 2025
The court sends this document to the creditors you listed on your bankruptcy paperwork when you file. It gives each creditor important information about your case and tells them what they need to do if they have a reasonable objection to your bankruptcy.
Read More →Is a bankruptcy discharge public record?
Written by Jonathan Petts. Legally reviewed by Ben Jackson
Updated January 30, 2025
There are a few, limited ways that your bankruptcy becomes public record.This alone shouldn't stop you from choosing to file for bankruptcy.
Read More →What is an asset in bankruptcy?
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated January 30, 2025
Everything you own is an asset. Whether your property is valuable enough to turn your case into an asset bankruptcy depends on what bankruptcy exemptions you can use to protect your property.
Read More →6 Steps To Stop Wage Garnishment After Filing Bankruptcy
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated January 30, 2025
Wage garnishments have to stop immediately once your case is filed but you should allow time for the creditor to provide your employer with the necessary paperwork to actually cause the stop. If your case is filed the day before your next payday, chances are you're paycheck will still be garnished, as the payroll has already been processed. However, you'll get that money back.
Read More →How Can I Find a Free Bankruptcy Lawyer in New York City?
Written by Jonathan Petts. Legally reviewed by Ben Jackson
Updated January 30, 2025
If you're looking for an affordable bankruptcy lawyer, look no further. Upsolve is a nonprofit that helps low-income Americans get the fresh start they need through Chapter 7 bankruptcy. We'll also help you look at other resources for affordable bankruptcy lawyers.
Read More →Understanding the Brunner Test: Can You Discharge Your Student Loans in Bankruptcy?
Written by Amy Carst. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated January 30, 2025
You can discharge your student loans in bankruptcy if you can prove that repaying the loans is causing (and will continue to cause) “undue hardship.” To determine this, bankruptcy courts and judges use what’s called the Brunner test. The test involves establishing whether you: - Would be unable to maintain a minimal standard of living while repaying student loans - Are suffering from circumstances that will make repayment a hardship for the remainder of the student loan term (or permanently) - Have made good faith efforts to repay the student loan(s) The Brunner test is complex. In the past, courts had little guidance to define “undue hardship,” beyond the somewhat vague Brunner test. Late last year, the Department of Justice and Department of Education released new guidelines to clarify this process for federal student loan borrowers.
Read More →How To Find a Bankruptcy Attorney Near Me
Written by Jonathan Petts. Legally reviewed by Ben Jackson
Updated January 30, 2025
Tips for finding a bankruptcy attorney.
Read More →My case was dismissed. When can I refile a new case or reopen my case?
Written by Jonathan Petts. Legally reviewed by Ben Jackson
Updated January 30, 2025
As soon as a bankruptcy case is dismissed, the automatic stay ends and collections can resume. You can either reinstate your case or file a new bankruptcy one.
Read More →If I received a discharge, when can I refile?
Written by Jonathan Petts. Legally reviewed by Ben Jackson
Updated January 30, 2025
If your bankruptcy was fully discharged, you can refile bankruptcy after a certain amount of time has passed. If you file before the time limit is up, you will not be entitled to have your debts discharged.
Read More →What is an Emergency Bankruptcy Filing?
Written by Attorney Paige Hooper. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated January 28, 2025
An emergency bankruptcy filing is when you file only the minimum required forms to get a bankruptcy case going. It helps you file your case quickly. Emergency filings are helpful if you need to stop serious collection measures like repossession, foreclosure, or wage garnishment. Once you file an emergency bankruptcy case, you need to complete the remaining paperwork within 14 days or you risk having your case dismissed.
Read More →What if I Can’t Afford To Pay a Judgment Against Me?
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated January 24, 2025
If a creditor or debt collector has sued you and gotten a court judgement against you, you have three main options: First, You can pay the debt. You may be able to negotiate a voluntary payment plan with the debt collector. Second, you can file to have the judgment vacated or removed. And third, you can file bankruptcy to discharge the debt and stop all collection efforts, including those related to a court judgment.
Read More →What are the alternatives to Chapter 7 bankruptcy?
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated January 24, 2025
Bankruptcy is not right for everyone or every situation. If you're not sure whether bankruptcy is right for you, knowing what alternatives are available to give you some relief from your debts is a critical part of making the right decision for you and your family. Let's take a look at some of the most common bankruptcy alternatives.
Read More →How Do You Answer a Summons for Debt Without an Attorney?
Written by Jonathan Petts. Legally reviewed by Ben Jackson
Updated January 24, 2025
If you receive a summons and complaint from a debt collector or creditor, it means you’re being sued for unpaid debt. It’s important to respond to (or answer) the lawsuit. You do this by filing official paperwork with the court. Be sure to address every point in the complaint, raise any defenses you have, and file the paperwork within the time frame provided. Debt collectors are counting on you not to answer the lawsuit so that they can win by default. Don’t be intimidated! Take control and learn how to file an answer by reading this guide. You do not need an attorney to answer a debt collection lawsuit successfully.
Read More →Bankruptcy Credit Counseling & Financial Management Courses: A Complete Guide
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated January 2, 2025
If you’re filing for bankruptcy, you must take two required courses: a credit counseling course before filing and a debtor education course after filing. The first helps you explore debt relief options, while the second teaches financial management skills to help you rebuild. Both must be completed through an approved provider, and you won’t receive your discharge without them.
Read More →Can Filing Bankruptcy Help With a Repossession?
Written by Attorney Paige Hooper. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated December 10, 2024
So long as your car hasn’t already been auctioned or sold, filing bankruptcy can help stop repossession. If you file Chapter 7, the automatic stay gives you time to negotiate new, more affordable loan terms with your car lender. It can also get rid of a deficiency judgment if your car is repossessed and sold. Filling Chapter 13 can help you reorganize your auto loan debt to get a more affordable monthly payment and spread out past-due payments over several years.
Read More →How to Get a Free Bankruptcy Consultation in New York?
Written by Kristin Turner, Harvard Law Grad.
Updated August 8, 2023
How to find a free Chapter 7 bankruptcy consultation in New York City. A bankruptcy attorney will help you decide between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13.
Read More →Which states allow me to use the federal bankruptcy exemptions?
Written by the Upsolve Team. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated May 11, 2023
Find out which states allow filers to choose between their state's exemptions and the federal bankruptcy exemptions.
Read More →What Is Community Debt?
Written by Kristin Turner, Harvard Law Grad.
Updated July 2, 2022
Community debt is any debt that you or your spouse incur while married or any debt for which you and your spouse are co-signers. There are 10 community property states where spouses or legal partners may have community debt. This article outlines the 10 community property states and how having community debt may affect your bankruptcy filing.
Read More →Should I Choose Federal or State Bankruptcy Exemptions?
Written by Kristin Turner, Harvard Law Grad.
Updated April 19, 2022
The exemptions you choose will play a big role in determining how much of your stuff the trustee can sell to repay your creditors. Most Upsolve users select the federal exemptions, but the choice that's right for you will depend on your answers to two questions.
Read More →How can I surrender my car in Chapter 7 bankruptcy?
Written by Kristin Turner, Harvard Law Grad. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated April 12, 2022
"Surrendering" your car means that you give it back to the lender that gave you the loan to purchase it. If you surrender your car as part of your Chapter 7 bankruptcy, any debt that you owe on it will be eliminated when you receive your bankruptcy discharge.
Read More →How can I surrender my car in Chapter 7 bankruptcy?
Written by Kristin Turner, Harvard Law Grad. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated April 12, 2022
"Surrendering" your car means that you give it back to the lender that gave you the loan to purchase it. If you surrender your car as part of your Chapter 7 bankruptcy, any debt that you owe on it will be eliminated when you receive your bankruptcy discharge.
Read More →Will My Landlord Be Notified That I Filed for Bankruptcy?
Written by Kristin Turner, Harvard Law Grad. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated September 15, 2021
Your landlord will be notified when you file for bankruptcy if you're on a lease. If you are on a month-to-month rental agreement, then the landlord won't be notified that you filed.
Read More →Will My Landlord Be Notified That I Filed for Bankruptcy?
Written by Kristin Turner, Harvard Law Grad. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated September 15, 2021
Your landlord will be notified when you file for bankruptcy if you're on a lease. If you are on a month-to-month rental agreement, then the landlord won't be notified that you filed.
Read More →Can You File Bankruptcy if You Haven't Filed Tax Returns?
Written by Kristin Turner, Harvard Law Grad.
Updated August 20, 2021
To file bankruptcy, you'll need to have filed your last two years of tax returns if you were employed and required to do so. If you weren't employed or required to file taxes, you don't need to worry about filing tax returns before filing bankruptcy.
Read More →3 Things You Should Know About Bankruptcy Course 2
Written by Amy Carst. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated September 3, 2020
Every individual seeking bankruptcy relief must complete two educational courses: The credit counseling course is completed before the bankruptcy petition is filed with the court. The second course, on the other hand, can’t be completed until after the case has been filed. Without completing both courses, a bankruptcy filer cannot get their bankruptcy discharge. Here are 3 things you should know about the personal financial management course, including how it's different from credit counseling.
Read More →How Do I Reaffirm My Car Loan?
Written by Kristin Turner, Harvard Law Grad. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated August 11, 2020
The 6-step process of reaffirming a car loan.
Read More →How Do I Reaffirm My Car Loan?
Written by Kristin Turner, Harvard Law Grad. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated August 11, 2020
The 6-step process of reaffirming a car loan.
Read More →La bancarrota del Capítulo 7: ¿Qué es? ¿Debo declararme en bancarrota? ¿Cómo lo hago?
Written by Rohan Pavuluri, Kristin Turner, Harvard Law Grad. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated May 25, 2021
La bancarrota (conocida también como quiebra) del Capítulo 7 es un proceso legal común que puede eliminar tus deudas, pero no es necesariamente la mejor opción para todo el mundo. Vamos a revisar un poco de información básica sobre la bancarrota para ayudarte a aprender sobre ella y decidir si es lo mejor para ti.
