Mae Koppes - Managing Editor

Mae Koppes (she/her) is a Certified Personal Finance Counselor® (CPFC) and the Content Director at Upsolve, where she focuses on producing accessible and actionable content that helps empower people to overcome financial hardships. Since joining the team in 2021, she has played a pivotal role in creating free educational content that has reached and empowered over 10 million people navigating financial challenges.

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Articles written by Mae Koppes

Can You Be Arrested and Put in Jail if You Don’t Pay Your Debts?

Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Paige Hooper
Updated April 23, 2025

You can’t be arrested or go to jail just for not paying consumer debts like credit cards or medical bills. But in some cases, debt-related issues can lead to arrest. If a creditor sues you and the court orders you to take action — like appearing for a debtor examination — and you ignore the order, you could be arrested for contempt of court. You can also face jail time for certain debts, like unpaid child support or tax fraud. But in most cases, courts use jail as a last resort. The best way to avoid arrest is to comply with any court orders and know your rights when dealing with creditors and debt collectors.

Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Paige Hooper
Updated April 23, 2025

Debt collectors can call you at work unless and until you tell them to stop calling. Under federal law, debt collectors and creditors are prohibited from contacting borrowers at work once they have reason to know that a borrower's employer doesn't permit these kinds of calls. The law does allow for other collection tactics, so it is important to know your rights concerning debt collection communications.

Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated April 23, 2025

Generally speaking, you can’t be pursued for your spouse’s debt unless you live in one of the nine community property states (Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin) or you’ve co-signed or co-borrowed on a loan or you have a joint account. In community property states, most debts incurred during the marriage are considered shared, which means creditors might be able to pursue both spouses for repayment, even if only one spouse signed for the debt.

Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated April 23, 2025

Though there's no standard timeline, you may be most at risk of a debt collection lawsuit after six months of not paying your debt. If you stop making timely payments on a debt, your creditor will first attempt to collect it by sending you notices of nonpayment. This may go on for several weeks before collection attempts intensify. Eventually, the creditor may charge off the debt to a third-party collection agency. If the debt collector can’t successfully collect the debt, you may be at risk of a lawsuit.

Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated April 23, 2025

If a debt collector threatens to sue you, first verify that the debt is real and not past the statute of limitations. If the debt is valid and the threat seems serious, try negotiating a settlement or payment plan to avoid a lawsuit. Federal law protects you from false threats and harassment, and you can report collectors who violate your rights.

Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Paige Hooper
Updated April 23, 2025

Statutes of limitations are state laws that limit the time a debt collector has to bring a lawsuit. After the statute of limitations has passed, debt collectors can still sue you, but the statute of limitations is a strong defense in a debt collection lawsuit. The length of these laws can vary tremendously by state and by the type of contract you made for the debt (oral, written, etc.).

Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated April 23, 2025

Creditors can garnish your bank account through a bank levy, which allows them to take money directly from your account. Most creditors must sue you and get a court judgment first, but government agencies like the IRS and state child support offices can garnish without a court order. Unlike wage garnishment, which has limits, a bank levy can take all non-exempt funds. However, certain income, like Social Security and veterans' benefits, is protected. Filing for bankruptcy can stop most garnishments immediately, and Chapter 7 may erase eligible debts so they can’t be garnished in the future.

Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated April 23, 2025

The statute of limitations on debt in New York state is three years. This is the amount of time that a creditor or debt collector has to sue borrowers to collect debts. After three years pass without activity on the account, a creditor or debt collector may still try to sue you for a debt, but you can use the statute of limitations as a defense in the lawsuit.

Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated April 23, 2025

If a creditor or debt collector sues you for an unpaid debt and they win, they may be able to get a court order for a bank levy. This allows them to take funds you owe directly from your bank account. Most creditors will have to jump through some legal hoops to do this, but some government agencies can levy your bank account without first getting a court order.

Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated April 23, 2025

CCS Offices is a debt collector that focuses on consumer debts, including unpaid healthcare invoices and credit card bills. If CCS Offices contacts you, don’t panic. Given how the debt collection business works, there could be a mistake or error. The first thing you should do is have CCS Offices validate the debt. If they do, you can decide to dispute the debt, negotiate a debt settlement, or do nothing. Read on to learn more about these options and what they mean for you.

Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated April 23, 2025

DCM Services is a third-party debt collection agency that focuses on estate debt. They go after unpaid bills of people who have died by contacting their relatives. If DCM Services is contacting you, refrain from giving them any information until they validate the debt. Initially, they may be reaching out to identify the personal representative of the estate. Since DCM Services purchases debts from original creditors and lenders, they often have incorrect or incomplete information. If you think you rightfully owe DCM Services and are unable to pay, you should consider hiring a lawyer. This form of debt collection, especially with medical bills of the deceased, is a legally gray area, so it’s advisable to get professional help.

Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Paige Hooper
Updated April 23, 2025

If someone calls you about a debt and doesn’t identify themselves, asks for payment via wire transfer, demands personal information, or calls at odd hours, these are red flags that indicate the caller is a scammer. You can protect yourself by keeping a record of all communication, reporting them, and notifying your real creditor.

Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Paige Hooper
Updated April 23, 2025

A cease and desist letter is a formal written request that you send a debt collector telling them to stop contacting you about a debt. Once the debt collector receives a cease and desist letter, they must stop further contact save for one final call to tell you what actions they intend to take. While sending a cease and desist letter is a good way to stop debt collectors from harassing you, it doesn’t make your debt disappear. If the debt is valid, the debt collector may choose to take legal action to recover the debt.

Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated April 22, 2025

Debt collection lawsuits for small amounts are usually brought in a special court, called the small claims court. The procedures are simple and costs kept to a minimum. Even though this is a simplified process, a judgment from a small claims court carries the same weight as a judgment from any other court.

Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated April 22, 2025

It's usually most effective to negotiate a debt settlement over the phone with the debt collector. Once you negotiate a settlement, it's important to get the agreement in writing.

Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Paige Hooper
Updated April 22, 2025

If you don't pay a debt collector or collection agency, you’ll likely face increasing efforts to collect the debt via phone calls, letters, or even social media contact. Not paying a debt in collections will also hurt your credit score. If you don’t pay, the collection agency can sue you to try to collect the debt. If successful, the court may grant them the authority to garnish your wages or bank account or place a lien on your property. You can defend yourself in a debt collection lawsuit or file bankruptcy to stop collection actions.

Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated April 21, 2025

Debt collectors can call between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. any day of the week, including Sundays, unless you tell them not to. Under federal law, you have the right to stop Sunday calls if they’re inconvenient. If a debt collector ignores your request, you can report them to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Debt collectors also can’t call repeatedly to harass you and can’t contact you at work if you’ve told them not to. If collection calls are becoming overwhelming, you can send a cease and desist letter to stop them.

Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated April 21, 2025

If you’re able to do so, pay the original creditor before your debt goes to collections. Having a debt sent to collections will damage your credit score and may limit your options for repayment. In most cases, the original creditor will offer better repayment options than a debt collector will. However, if your debt has been sold to a debt buyer and the original creditor no longer owns it, you’ll need to pay the collection agency to clear up the debt.

Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated April 21, 2025

Foreclosure is the legal process that allows lenders to take ownership of a home when a borrower falls behind on mortgage payments. The process varies by state but is either judicial (requiring court approval) or nonjudicial (allowing lenders to proceed without a lawsuit). Foreclosure can damage your credit, lead to eviction, and leave you responsible for any remaining debt if the home sells for less than what you owe. However, homeowners have rights, including receiving proper notice and staying in the home until foreclosure is finalized. Options like loan modifications, repayment plans, or even filing bankruptcy may help stop or delay foreclosure. This comprehensive guide explains how foreclosure works, what rights homeowners have, and the options available to prevent or navigate the process.

Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated April 18, 2025

When borrowers default on their mortgage, the lender has the right to foreclose on their home. But the foreclosure may be wrongful if the mortgage lender or servicer doesn’t follow federal and state laws and the terms of your mortgage agreement. Wrongful foreclosure can happen because of errors, miscommunication, or illegal actions by the lender. If this happens, you may be able to challenge the foreclosure in court and ask for it to be paused or reversed.

Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated April 18, 2025

Car repossession happens when a lender takes back a vehicle after missed loan payments. In many states, they can do this without warning or a court order. The lender will usually sell the car, and if the sale price doesn’t cover what you owe, you may still have to pay the difference. You have rights during repossession, including the ability to retrieve personal belongings and protections against wrongful actions. If you're at risk, options like negotiating with your lender, refinancing, or filing for bankruptcy may help you keep your car.

Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated April 17, 2025

A second mortgage is a loan that lets you borrow against your home’s equity, but it comes with risks — especially if you’re struggling to make payments. If you default on your second mortgage, the lender can take legal action, including foreclosure, though this isn’t common if your home is worth less than what you owe. If foreclosure doesn’t cover your second mortgage balance, the lender may sue you for the remaining debt. If you’re facing foreclosure or legal action, options like loan modification, settlement, or bankruptcy may help. This guide explains what happens with second mortgages in foreclosure and what you can do to protect yourself.

Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated April 17, 2025

If you’ve lived in Michigan for at least two years when you file bankruptcy, you can choose between the state’s exemptions or the federal bankruptcy exemptions. Both have the same aim — to help you protect your property. Michigan has a higher homestead exemption than the federal government ($46,125 vs. $31,575). But if you aren’t a homeowner, the federal exemptions for personal property, including your vehicle, are more generous.

Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated April 10, 2025

If you're filing for bankruptcy in Texas, one of the first decisions you'll make is whether to use the federal bankruptcy exemptions or Texas state exemptions. While both sets of exemptions can protect your property, Texas exemptions are often more generous—especially when it comes to protecting your home and vehicles. This article breaks down the 2025 federal exemption amounts and compares them with key protections under Texas law, so you can understand how to choose the best option for your situation.

Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated April 9, 2025

When you owe more on your car loan than the car is worth, you're upside down on the loan. This is also called having negative equity or being underwater. It can create financial stress if your car is totaled, stolen, or needs major repairs. Many people find themselves in this situation due to long loan terms, high interest rates, small down payments, or fast depreciation. If you're upside down on your car loan, you may be able to refinance, make extra payments, trade in the car, or sell it and cover the difference.

Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated April 9, 2025

Getting out of a car lease early can be expensive, but there are ways to reduce or avoid penalties. Common options include transferring the lease to someone else, buying out the lease and selling the car, trading it in for a different vehicle, or requesting lower or deferred payments from your lender. Each option has pros, cons, and costs, so it’s important to compare them based on your financial situation and needs. Lease transfers are often the most affordable choice if your leasing company allows them. Lease buyouts can work well if the car’s market value is higher than the payoff amount. No matter which route you’re considering, reviewing your lease agreement and contacting your lender can help you make an informed decision.

Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Ben Jackson
Updated April 2, 2025

Bankruptcy exemptions protect certain property during a bankruptcy case. Vermont residents can choose between the state's bankruptcy exemptions or federal bankruptcy exemptions.

Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated March 25, 2025

If you have unpaid federal tax debt, the IRS will send multiple warning letters. If you don’t respond or arrange a payment plan, the IRS can take action to collect, including a tax levy that may garnish your wages. This means your employer will withhold a portion of your wages and send it to the IRS. In this article, we’ll explain how IRS wage garnishment works, how much they can take from your paycheck, and what options taxpayers have to stop or prevent it.

Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated March 25, 2025

If you can no longer afford your Chapter 13 repayment plan, you may be able to convert to Chapter 7 for faster debt relief. The process is usually simple. You file a Notice of Conversion with the court, pay a $25 fee, and, once your case is converted, attend a new 341 meeting, Your Chapter 7 discharge typically happens about 60 days later, assuming no creditor objects. Switching chapters can affect your property, secured debts, and exemptions, so it’s important to understand the pros and cons. This guide explains how to convert, who qualifies, and what happens after the switch.

Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated March 25, 2025

A car lien is a legal claim a lender has on a vehicle until the loan is fully paid off. If you finance a car, the lender places a lien on the title, giving them the right to repossess the car if you don’t make payments. The lien stays on the title until the lender releases it, which typically happens after the final loan payment. You can check for a lien by reviewing the title, getting a vehicle history report, or searching the DMV database. If you’re buying or selling a car with a lien, you’ll need to take extra steps to ensure the lien is properly removed before transferring ownership.

Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Paige Hooper
Updated March 25, 2025

If you’re contacted about a debt you don’t owe, you can dispute it with the creditor or debt collector. Often, these consumer debts are also incorrectly reported to the three major credit bureaus, so you’ll want to check your credit report, too. You can send a dispute letter to the credit bureaus asking them to remove incorrect information. Here are the four basic steps to dispute a debt you don’t owe: 1. Validate the debt. 2. Send a dispute letter (or the tear-off portion of the debt validation letter, which allows you to easily start the dispute process). 3. Check your credit report, and send a credit dispute letter or notices of dispute to any reporting agency with inaccurate information. 4. Follow up if/as needed until the matter is resolved.

Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated March 25, 2025

Foreclosure isn’t just about losing your home. It can also be an expensive process. Homeowners may face late fees, legal expenses, property inspections, and auction costs. These can add up to thousands of dollars. The type of foreclosure also affects the total cost. Judicial foreclosures are typically more expensive than nonjudicial foreclosures. That's because judicial foreclosures include court and attorney fees.

Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated March 20, 2025

The IRS can legally take your home if you owe back taxes. But this is rare and typically a last resort. Before taking your home, the IRS will try to collect through tax liens, wage garnishments, bank levies, and tax offsets. If the IRS does move to seize your home, they must follow strict legal procedures, including court approval and giving you notice with a chance to appeal. You can stop home seizure by requesting a hearing, setting up a payment plan, filing Form 911 with the Taxpayer Advocate Service, or considering bankruptcy.

Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Paige Hooper
Updated March 18, 2025

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.

Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated March 13, 2025

When filing bankruptcy for the first time, many people get confused about the different terms lawyers and courts use. Two words that frequently confuse first-time filers are “dismissed” and “discharged.” This article explains each term, what the differences are, and when lawyers and the court are most likely to use them when referring to your case.

Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated March 13, 2025

Homeowners insurance protects your home, belongings, and finances from unexpected disasters like fires, storms, or theft. While having it is not required by law, most mortgage lenders make having it a condition of your loan. Without it, you could be stuck paying out of pocket for major repairs — or even risk losing your home if your lender steps in with an expensive force-placed policy. This article breaks down why homeowners insurance matters, what it covers, and how to choose the right amount of protection for your home.

Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated March 13, 2025

If you've fallen behind on your car payments, you've probably started getting phone calls from the bank about a repossession. The good news is, the repo man can't legally enter a locked gate or garage without your permission. But, a repo agent may legally enter an open garage or your yard, driveway, or other private property if nothing is blocking their access. They can also repo your vehicle from public places such as parking lots. Keep reading to learn more.

Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Paige Hooper
Updated March 13, 2025

A mechanic’s lien is a legal claim that allows a mechanic or other service provider to hold or sell your car if you don’t pay for repairs, towing, or storage. In most states, the mechanic can keep the vehicle until the debt is paid, and in some cases, they can sell it to recover what they’re owed. This lien can still apply even if you’re making loan payments on the car.

Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated March 10, 2025

Your bankruptcy case may be dismissed if you don't complete all your obligations as a bankruptcy filer under the Bankruptcy Code. This includes filing all the required documents correctly and completely, doing your required credit counseling and debt management courses, and going to the 341 meeting with your trustee. If you file Chapter 13, you also need to stick with your approved repayment plan. If you don't do all this, you risk having your case dismissed.

Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated March 3, 2025

A lease-to-own (or rent-to-own) program allows borrowers to make installment payments on a vehicle over a period of time determined in the lease. Once all the car payments have been made, the borrower (the lessee) assumes ownership of the vehicle. These arrangements can particularly benefit borrowers who have bad credit and don’t qualify for traditional leases or car loans. That said, these agreements tend to be expensive, so it’s important to understand the terms of the lease-to-own contract before you enter into one.

Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated March 3, 2025

If you owe money to your college or university or you’ve defaulted on your student loans, the school may deny your request to get an official academic transcript. Without these transcripts, you may not be able to transfer to another school, attend graduate school, obtain a professional license, or qualify for some jobs. That said, you can get your transcripts if you take action. This may include paying any overdue school fines/fees, negotiating with your school, contacting your state’s Department of Education, or filing bankruptcy to discharge your student loans.

Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated February 25, 2025

There’s no minimum or maximum debt required to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy — eligibility is based on your financial situation. However, for Chapter 13, your total debts must be less than $2,750,000, according to U.S. Courts.

Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Paige Hooper
Updated February 19, 2025

A debt verification letter is correspondence you can send to a debt collector to get more information about a debt or to start the dispute process. If you’re contacted by a debt collector and something doesn’t seem right about the collection agency or the debt itself, you can use a debt verification letter to learn more about the agency and the debt. This can help you dispute debts you don’t actually owe or identify potential debt collection scams.

Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated February 18, 2025

Filing for bankruptcy can affect your ability to rent since landlords check credit, but it’s still possible to find a new home with the right approach. Your chances of approval depend on factors like how recently you filed, your credit score, and your rental history. Private landlords are often more flexible than large management companies in renting to bankruptcy filers.

Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated January 30, 2025

When you file for bankruptcy, your co-signer stays legally responsible for the co-signed debt, even if your obligation to repay it is discharged. In Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the lender can still pursue your co-signer if the car is surrendered or the borrower defaults on the loan. Options like reaffirmation or redemption may reduce your co-signer’s risk if payments continue. In Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the co-debtor stay may temporarily stop the lender from going after your co-signer, but this protection is lost if payments aren’t made.

Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated January 24, 2025

If your car is repossessed with your personal belongings inside, you have the legal right to retrieve your items. Repo companies cannot keep or sell your personal property, and they generally can’t charge you a fee to collect your belongings unless you delay for an extended period. After repossession, the lender will send you a notice with details on how to retrieve your car and personal items.

Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Paige Hooper
Updated January 23, 2025

Legal advice can be very helpful as you navigate the bankruptcy process, but not everyone can afford to hire an attorney to help them. That's where legal aid comes in. Legal aid organizations offer free or low-cost legal help to certain individuals. Eligibility is often based on income, but sometimes age, veteran status, or other factors come into play as well. This article will describe what legal aid is, how to find out if you qualify, and what it's like to work with a legal aid organization.

Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated January 22, 2025

Are you getting repeated calls from 888-899-6650? This number belongs to the debt collection agency Transworld Systems Inc (TSI). They usually call on behalf of creditors to recover unpaid debts. If you’ve missed payments on a loan or medical bill, TSI may be contacting you to try to collect it. This guide will help you understand why they’re calling, what your rights are, and how you can stop the phone calls while protecting your financial well-being.

Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated April 23, 2025

Texans benefit from two major debt collection laws. One is the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, which helps prevent harassment and unlawful practices from third-party debt collectors. The other is a state law that regulates the collection practices of both original creditors and third-party debt collectors. The statute of limitations for consumer debts in Texas is four years.