Paige Hooper is a seasoned consumer bankruptcy attorney with 15 years of experience successfully representing debtors in Chapter 7, Chapter 11 and Chapter 13 cases. Paige began practicing bankruptcy law in 2006 and started her own solo, multi-state bankruptcy practice in 2012. Given her expertise in bankruptcy, Paige was selected in 2011 to create a comprehensive library of practice forms, procedural guides, intake packets, and detailed manuals used to train attorneys and paralegals in bankruptcy law. Paige is committed to using her education and experience to help others and to make a positive difference in the world. She has a Bachelor of Journalism degree from the University of Missouri and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Mississippi. She is actively licensed to practice law in Mississippi and Tennessee. When she’s not practicing law, Paige enjoys writing, cooking, painting, and spending time with her son, Mickey.
Articles written by Attorney Paige Hooper
How Does Bankruptcy Affect a Car Lease?
Written by Attorney Paige Hooper. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated February 17, 2026
Filing bankruptcy affects a car lease differently than a car loan. A car lease isn’t considered a debt you owe, but you still need to report it in your bankruptcy paperwork. If you’re filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you can usually keep the lease if you’re current on payments, or you can give the car back and wipe out any remaining lease-related debt. In Chapter 13, you can typically keep the car and make payments as usual if you’re current, or you can fold past-due payments into your 3–5-year payment plan. Understanding how bankruptcy affects a car lease can help you decide whether to keep the car or walk away.
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 Is a Perfected Lien?
Written by Attorney Paige Hooper. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated January 27, 2026
A lien against your car or home shows that the lender has a security interest in the property. A perfected lien is a lien that has been properly legally recorded by the lienholder. Once a lien is perfected, the lienholder can enforce their legal right to the property if you fail to repay the loan. Perfected liens can affect you if you have secured debt (like a mortgage or car loan) when you file bankruptcy.
Read More →How Do Creditors Know You Filed for Bankruptcy — And Should You Tell Them First?
Written by Attorney Paige Hooper. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated January 27, 2026
You don’t have to tell your creditors before filing for bankruptcy. In fact, doing so can sometimes cause more stress than it’s worth. Once you file, the court automatically sends a notice to every creditor you list in your paperwork. This triggers the automatic stay, which stops most collection efforts like calls, garnishments, or lawsuits. But it only takes effect after your case is filed. Being thoughtful about when creditors find out can help you avoid extra stress and protect your peace of mind.
Read More →What Is the Statute of Limitations for Debt?
Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Paige Hooper
Updated January 22, 2026
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.).
Read More →How To File Chapter 7 Bankruptcy for Free in Florida
Written by Rebecca Godbold Shiver. Legally reviewed by Attorney Paige Hooper
Updated January 27, 2026
Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Florida can help you eliminate debt and get a fresh start, and many people do it for free without a lawyer. The process includes steps like gathering documents, taking credit courses, and filing forms with the court. You’ll also attend a short meeting with a trustee and may need to decide what to do with property like your car. Florida offers strong exemptions to help you keep what you own. If your case is simple, you may qualify to use Upsolve’s free tool to guide you through the process.
Wage Garnishment in Missouri
Written by Attorney Paige Hooper.
Updated January 27, 2026
A wage garnishment order allows creditors to take money directly from your paycheck. Most of the time, this is only possible after a court has entered a judgment. Here's how Missouri regulates wage garnishments.
How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Maryland
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer, Attorney Paige Hooper. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated January 27, 2026
Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Maryland can help you erase debts like credit cards, medical bills, and payday loans, and many people do it without hiring a lawyer. This guide walks you through each step, including how to gather documents, take required courses, fill out forms, and file with the court. While Upsolve’s free filing tool isn’t available in Maryland, you’ll find detailed instructions and resources to help you file on your own.
Wage Garnishment in Illinois
Written by Attorney Paige Hooper. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated January 16, 2026
In Illinois, most creditors must sue you and win a court judgment before they can garnish your wages, but some debts, like taxes and child support, can be garnished without a court order. Once the court approves the garnishment, your employer must withhold part of your paycheck, though the law limits how much they can take. Garnishment continues until the full debt, including interest and fees, is paid off. Many people stop garnishment by filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which triggers a legal pause on collection efforts and can wipe out the debt entirely.
Repossession Laws in California
Written by Attorney Paige Hooper. Legally reviewed by Attorney Tina Tran
Updated January 16, 2026
Repossession is the process of taking back a car after the owner defaults on their auto loan. Each state has different laws and regulations that dictate every step of the repossession process from start to finish. This page will provide an overview of California's Repossession Laws and what you should know if you've fallen behind on car payments.
