
Rebecca Godbold Shiver is an attorney experienced in real estate, family law, and state government matters. A graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law and a member of the South Carolina Bar, Rebecca spent over 15 years in private and state practice in South Carolina before relocating to Florida. Prior to attending law school, Rebecca attended and graduated with Honors from Francis Marion University where she majored in English and focused much of her studies on writing intensive courses. She now focuses her career on freelance legal writing which enables her to have more control over her schedule. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. She also volunteers at her son’s school, the Jacksonville School for Autism, where she currently serves as Chair of the Parent Action Committee (PAC).
Articles written by Rebecca Godbold Shiver
Repossession Laws in Kentucky
Written by Rebecca Godbold Shiver. Legally reviewed by Ben Jackson
Updated October 14, 2025
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 Kentucky's Repossession Laws and what you should know if you've fallen behind on car payments.
Repossession Laws in Louisiana
Written by Rebecca Godbold Shiver. Legally reviewed by Ben Jackson
Updated October 14, 2025
If you fall behind on your car payments in Louisiana, your lender may be able to repossess your vehicle — but state law gives you specific rights and protections during the process. Lenders must send written notice before taking your car, and repo agents can’t use force or cause a disturbance when retrieving it. Even after repossession, you may still owe money if the car sells for less than your loan balance, but voluntary surrender can sometimes reduce the overall costs. Understanding your options — including bankruptcy, negotiating with your lender, or reclaiming your car — can help you make the best decision for your situation.
Repossession Laws in Massachusetts
Written by Rebecca Godbold Shiver.
Updated October 13, 2025
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 Massachusetts' Repossession Laws and what you should know if you've fallen behind on car payments.
How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Louisiana
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer, Rebecca Godbold Shiver. Legally reviewed by Attorney Paige Hooper
Updated October 10, 2025
Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Louisiana can help you erase debts like credit cards, medical bills, and payday loans so you can get a fresh start. It might feel overwhelming, but many people file on their own, and this guide explains each step in a simple, clear way. You’ll learn how to gather your documents, take the required courses, complete the forms, and attend a short meeting with the bankruptcy trustee. Free tools like Upsolve’s filing assistant can help you file for free and keep the property you need.
How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Kentucky
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer, Rebecca Godbold Shiver. Legally reviewed by Attorney Paige Hooper
Updated October 10, 2025
Filing bankruptcy in Kentucky can feel overwhelming, but many people do it on their own — and this guide shows you how. You’ll learn how to gather your paperwork, take the required courses, fill out your forms, and file everything with the court, step by step. It also explains how to protect the things you own, like your car, using Kentucky or federal bankruptcy exemptions. If your case is simple, you may qualify to use Upsolve’s free tool to help you through the process. No matter how you file, this guide is here to help you feel confident, informed, and supported every step of the way.
How To File Bankruptcy for Free in South Carolina
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer, Rebecca Godbold Shiver. Legally reviewed by Attorney Paige Hooper
Updated October 8, 2025
Many people in South Carolina file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy to get a fresh start and wipe out debts like credit cards, medical bills, and payday loans. This guide explains how to file without a lawyer by walking you through each step — from gathering documents and taking required courses to submitting your forms and attending the 341 meeting. It also covers how bankruptcy affects things like your car, your property, and your credit. If your case is simple, you may be able to prepare your filing using Upsolve’s free tool.
How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Massachusetts
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer, Rebecca Godbold Shiver. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated September 2, 2025
Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Massachusetts can help you erase debts like credit cards, medical bills, and payday loans so you can get a fresh start. It might feel overwhelming, but many people file on their own, and this guide explains each step in a simple, clear way. You’ll learn how to gather your documents, take the required courses, complete the forms, and attend a short meeting with the bankruptcy trustee. Free tools like Upsolve’s filing assistant can help you file for free and keep the property you need.
Repossession Laws in Florida
Written by Rebecca Godbold Shiver. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated August 27, 2025
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 Florida's repossession laws and what you should know if you've fallen behind on car payments.
How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Florida
Written by Rebecca Godbold Shiver. Legally reviewed by Attorney Paige Hooper
Updated August 14, 2025
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.