Tina Tran received her Juris Doctorate degree and Certificate in Advocacy from Loyola University Chicago School of Law. She is licensed to practice law in Illinois and the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Tina ran her own consumer bankruptcy practice, which she started at the age of 28, defending debtors trying to get back on their feet against aggressive and predatory lenders and debt collectors. She was the managing bankruptcy attorney for Upsolve from 2019-2024. She believes in keeping the law simple and making it accessible for everyday people facing creditor lawsuits, wage garnishments, bank account freezes, foreclosures, and repossessions.
Articles written by Attorney Tina Tran
How To Answer a South Carolina Debt Collection Court Summons
Written by Attorney Tina Tran. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated March 15, 2026
If you’re sued for a debt in South Carolina, the most important thing you can do is respond! Here are the basic steps: 1. Fill out an answer form. 2. Note your defenses. 3. File your forms with the court within 30 days of receiving the summons. 4. Deliver a copy of your answer form to the person suing you.
Read More →Your Guide to Pennsylvania Debt Collection Laws
Written by Attorney Tina Tran. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated March 15, 2026
Pennsylvania has two state debt collection laws: the Pennsylvania Fair Credit Extension Uniformity Act (FCEUA) and the Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law (UTPCPL). Combined, these two laws provide important protections for state residents against both original creditors and third-party debt collectors. Pennsylvanians get further protections from the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) offered to all states. The statute of limitations for all debt contracts (including credit cards and medical bills) in Pennsylvania is four years.
Read More →How To Deal With Central Portfolio Control
Written by Attorney Tina Tran. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated March 15, 2026
Central Portfolio Control Inc. (CPC) is a legitimate debt collection agency focusing on consumer debts. CPC collects consumer debts, mainly for banks and financial institutions. If CPC contacts you, you should first validate the alleged debt. After confirming the debt is yours, you can decide how to move forward. You can dispute the debt, if there are inaccuracies or if you disagree with the alleged amount. Or you can begin negotiations to settle the debt for less than the full amount you owe.
Read More →How To Answer an Oklahoma Debt Collection Court Summons
Written by Attorney Tina Tran. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated March 14, 2026
If you’re sued for a debt in Oklahoma, the most important thing you can do is respond and take action. Your debt collection lawsuit will be heard in either a small claims court or district court. If your case is in district court, you need to fill out and file a written answer within 20 days of receiving your summons and complaint. If your case is in small claims court, you may not be able to file an answer form (depending on the court), but you must show up to your hearing with your prepared response and defenses.
Read More →Your Guide to Kentucky’s Debt Collection Laws
Written by Attorney Tina Tran. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated March 14, 2026
If you live in Kentucky, your main line of defense against debt collectors will be the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). This federal law regulates third-party debt collectors and aims to prevent harassment, deception, and other unfair practices in the debt collection process. It also outlines certain things debt collectors are required to do, such as provide you with certain information about your debt.
Read More →How To Answer a Michigan Court Summons for Debt Collection
Written by Ben Jackson. Legally reviewed by Attorney Tina Tran
Updated March 15, 2026
If you receive a court summons in Michigan, you will need to respond within 21 days (if you’re served in Michigan) or 28 days (if you’re served outside the state). To respond, you’ll need to file a written answer with the court named in the summons and complaint documents that notified you of the lawsuit. Be sure to make multiple copies of your answer form and to deliver a copy to the plaintiff (the person or company suing you). Finally, you’ll need to complete a certificate of service form after serving the plaintiff.
Your Guide to Minnesota’s Debt Collection Laws
Written by Attorney Tina Tran.
Updated March 15, 2026
Minnesota has a state law that regulates third-party debt collection agencies and debt buyers. The law aims to prevent debt collectors from engaging in harassment, threats, deception, and other misleading behavior when trying to collect a debt from you. This state law supplements the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), which has a similar aim and even broader prohibitions.
The statute of limitations on credit card debt and medical bills in Minnesota is six years.
Your Guide to Colorado’s Debt Collection Laws
Written by Attorney Tina Tran.
Updated March 15, 2026
Colorado has two important state laws that help protect consumers: the Colorado Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (CFDCPA) and the Colorado Uniform Consumer Credit Code (UCCC). The CFDCPA protects consumers against third-party debt collector harassment and other bad behavior. The UCCC helps ensure consumers know the details of their debt and are treated fairly by lenders and creditors.
Your Guide to Wisconsin’s Debt Collection Laws
Written by Attorney Tina Tran.
Updated March 15, 2026
The Wisconsin Consumer Act (WCA) is a state law designed to protect consumers from unfair and deceptive business practices. Its primary purpose is to promote fairness and transparency in consumer transactions and ensure that consumers are not taken advantage of by unscrupulous businesses. Wisconsinites are also protected by the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
Your Guide to Indiana’s Debt Collection Laws
Written by Attorney Tina Tran.
Updated March 15, 2026
If you live in Indiana, your best protection against bad debt collector behavior is the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). Under Indiana law, all debt collection agencies operating in the state must be licensed.
For the most common types of consumer debts (credit card and medical), the state of Indiana has a six-year statute of limitations time period.
