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 an Illinois Debt Collection Court Summons
Written by Attorney Tina Tran. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated February 17, 2026
If you're sued for debt collection in Illinois for less than $10,000, it's usually handled in small claims court. You're generally required to file an appearance form within 30 days, which lets the court know you plan to fight the lawsuit. To do this, you’ll provide your personal information, choose a trial preference (bench or jury), complete the proof of delivery, e-file the form with the court, and send a copy to the plaintiff. In small claims cases, you're not required to file a separate written answer to the complaint — but you can if you choose to. Doing so may help you prepare your defenses and show the debt collector that you’re taking the case seriously. Court procedures can vary by county, so check with your local court to confirm what’s required.
Read More →Your Guide to Tennessee Debt Collection Laws
Written by Attorney Tina Tran. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated January 22, 2026
When it comes to debt collection, Tennesseans are primarily protected by the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). That said, Tennessee’s Consumer Protection Act does provide some consumer protections against misconduct that aren’t specifically outlined in the FDCPA. The Tennessee Consumer Protection Act also requires third-party debt collectors and debt buyers to register with the Tennessee Collection Service Board. The statute of limitations for medical debt and credit card debt is six years in Tennessee.
Read More →How To Win Against Velocity Investments
Written by Attorney Tina Tran. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated January 22, 2026
If Velocity Investments contacts you to collect a debt, it’s critical to first validate the details of the debt account. If they aren’t correct, send Velocity a verification letter to dispute the debt. If you know the information is accurate and agree that you owe the debt, you can use the information in this article to negotiate a settlement for less than the full amount. If Velocity Investments sues you, you can still try to negotiate a settlement, but you should also respond to the lawsuit.
Read More →How To File Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: A Step-by-Step Guide
Written by Ben Jackson. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated January 22, 2026
Chapter 13 bankruptcy is the second most common type of personal bankruptcy after Chapter 7. You’ll need to take several steps to file Chapter 13, and after you file your case, you’ll stick with a 3–5-year repayment plan to get a successful discharge. Because Chapter 13 is complicated, it’s advisable to hire a bankruptcy attorney to help you file your case. Most people who represent themselves in Chapter 13 cases aren’t successful.
Read More →How To Deal With the Debt Collector Unifin
Written by Attorney Tina Tran. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated January 22, 2026
Unifin, Inc. is a debt collection agency. They collect different kinds of consumer debts such as past-due credit cards, medical bills, and loans. If Unifin is contacting you, make sure the debt is valid before you give them any information or make any payments. Since Unifin buys debts from original creditors and lenders, sometimes their information is wrong. If you do owe Unifin, consider negotiating a settlement to pay less than the full amount. Debt settlement is a common practice and a good way to put the matter to rest and ease your financial stress.
Read More →How To Answer a North Carolina Court Summons for Debt Collection
Written by Attorney Tina Tran. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated January 21, 2026
If a debt collector sues you in North Carolina, your next step will depend on which court your case was filed in — small claims or a district court. If your case was filed in small claims court, you are not required to file an answer. You need to show up for the trial date on the summons.
If your case is heard in a district court, you must file an answer form within 30 days of getting notice of the lawsuit. You also have to send a copy of the stamped forms to the plaintiff (the person suing you). This guide explains each step.
How To Answer a Georgia Court Summons for Debt Collection
Written by Ben Jackson. Legally reviewed by Attorney Tina Tran
Updated January 21, 2026
Though it may feel intimidating to get a court summons for a debt collection lawsuit, you can respond without hiring an attorney. To do so, you simply need to draft or fill out a few legal documents, including an answer form, a verification form, and a certificate of service. Then you give copies of certain forms to the court and to the debt collector who is suing you and await a hearing date from the court.
How To Answer a Florida Court Summons for Debt Collection
Written by Ben Jackson. Legally reviewed by Attorney Tina Tran
Updated January 21, 2026
If you’re sued for a debt that’s less than $8,000 in Florida, your case will be a small claims case heard in a county court. You’ll receive notice of the lawsuit with a summons and complaint. You need to respond to the lawsuit by filing an answer form with the court and sending a copy to the person suing you. If you don’t, you risk having the judge rule against you without getting to tell your side of the story. Losing the case can result in wage garnishment or a bank account levy.
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.
Your Guide to Virginia's Repossession Laws
Written by Attorney Kassandra Kuehl. 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 Virginia's Repossession Laws and what you should know if you've fallen behind on car payments.
