Carron Nicks

Attorney

Carron Nicks started writing bankruptcy and consumer finance articles for Nolo as a freelancer in 2016. She joined the company as a full-time Legal Editor in 2022. Her articles appear on Nolo.com, TheBankruptcySite.com, Lawyers.com, and AllLaw.com.

Education. Carron earned a B.A. (psychology) and an M.S. (counseling) from the University of South Alabama. She earned her J.D. from Tulane University School of Law (New Orleans), where she was inducted into the Order of the Barristers honor society, and served as an articles editor on the Law Review, while enjoying beignets, gumbo, and gallons of cafe au lait. 

Legal career. After law school, Carron served as law clerk to judges on the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. She has spent more than 25 years representing debtors, creditors, and trustees in bankruptcy court, and plaintiffs in consumer finance, credit reporting, and deceptive trade practices litigation. Carron’s favorite pro bono activity is answering questions from the public on the American Bar Association’s Free Legal Answers website. She is a member of the Texas Bar and maintains a bankruptcy practice in Dallas. Over the years, Carron has kept a number of Nolo self-help books prominently displayed on her office bookshelves. 

Other pursuits. Prior to law school, Carron worked for the bankruptcy court in her hometown and for a bank and a bankruptcy law firm as a paralegal. After law school, in addition to her law practice, Carron taught undergraduate legal studies and business students. She began writing for Nolo and other legal and consumer-oriented publications and websites focusing on bankruptcy and personal finance. She also homeschooled her two (now adult) children, taught in a homeschool educational co-op program, and served many years as Cookie Mom for her daughter’s Girl Scout troop. 

Why Nolo? Nolo’s mission aligns with Carron’s vision of an accessible and consumer-friendly legal system. She has always enjoyed breaking down complex legal concepts so that nonlawyers can better understand how laws affect their lives and are better prepared to engage an often baffling and intimidating legal system.


Articles By Carron Nicks

How Long Does Negative Information Stay on a Credit Report?
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) limits how long a credit reporting agency can report negative items on your credit report. Find out how long credit reporting agencies can report negative items on your credit report.
Hiring a Lawyer to Defend Against a Collection Lawsuit
If you've been sued by a creditor for the collection of a debt, you may decide to hire an attorney to represent you in the lawsuit. If you want help defending against a collection lawsuit, below are some things to think about, including how to find a good lawyer to represent you, how much you'll pay
Should I Get a Lawyer If a Creditor Sues Me?
If a creditor sues you, whether you should hire a lawyer to defend against the lawsuit depends in large part on whether the creditor can prove its case against you, how much it will cost you to defend the lawsuit, and whether the creditor can collect from you. (Learn more about creditor lawsuits.) Even
Why Should I Hire a Bankruptcy Lawyer?
Filing your own bankruptcy case could save you a few dollars or cost you a bundle. Find out why you'd likely do better hiring a bankruptcy lawyer.
Types of Creditor Claims in Bankruptcy: Secured, Unsecured & Priority
Secured, priority, and unsecured nonpriority debts are treated differently in bankruptcy cases. Learn about why they’re classified separately, how they’re treated in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases, and what claims might survive.
How to Sue a Company That Has Filed for Bankruptcy
You can sue a company that’s in bankruptcy, but it will be necessary to follow special procedures designed to protect the debtor company and obtain permission of the bankruptcy court.
Your Retirement Plan in Bankruptcy
If you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you get to keep your pension and retirement plan funds, with a few limitations. If you are considering bankruptcy, you should learn about these limits.
Which Should I Do First: File for Bankruptcy or Buy a Car?
Should you buy a car before or after filing for bankruptcy? Learn the pros and cons of each option.
Debts Discharged at the End of Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
When you complete your Chapter 13 bankruptcy, most of your debts are wiped out by your discharge. Find out which debts are discharged by Chapter 13 that would remain after a Chapter 7 discharge.
The New Bankruptcy Law: Changes to Chapter 7 and 13
In 2005, Congress overhauled bankruptcy law, making significant changes for Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filers.