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Christy Bieber, J.D.

Contributor

About

Christy Bieber has a JD from UCLA School of Law and began her career as a college instructor and textbook author. She has been writing full time for over a decade with a focus on making financial and legal topics understandable and fun. Her work has appeared on Forbes, CNN Underscored Money, Investopedia, Credit Karma, The Balance, USA Today, and Yahoo Finance, among others.

Christy has been a full-time writer since 2008, writing on legal and financial topics. She writes for Forbes Advisor on a variety of subjects including divorce, personal injury, workers’ compensation, banking, mortgages and student loans.

Christy has focused her career on explaining the ins-and-outs of personal finance and legal issues in a fun, understandable, and informative way. Her work has appeared in major publications including MSN Money, Yahoo Finance, CNN Underscored, Student Loan Hero, LendingTree, Investopedia and Credit Karma.

She has also ghost-written textbooks on law, finance, and business topics and she formerly worked as a college instructor teaching business and paralegal studies.

Expertise

  • Finance
  • Law
  • Mortgages
  • Banks

Other Publications

Education

  • University of California, Los Angeles School of Law (J.D.)
  • University of Rochester (B.A., English, Media and Communications)

  • What To Do If You Hit A Parked Car: A Step-By-Step Guide

    Car accidents can happen anytime, including when a vehicle is not in motion. If you hit a parked car while you are driving, you'll most likely be held legally responsible for the resulting damages. You have certain responsibilities in this...
    What To Do If You Hit A Parked Car: A Step-By-Step Guide

  • Mass Incarceration In America: Stats And Facts

    The incarceration rate in the U.S. is the world's highest, with mass incarceration statistics revealing that nearly 1% of the adult population is behind bars.¹ Keeping so many people imprisoned comes at a cost of around $80 billion annually.² These...
    Mass Incarceration In America: Stats And Facts

  • The States Where Divorce Is Most Likely

    Do half of all marriages end in divorce? Not necessarily. The likelihood of a marriage dissolving varies based on many factors, including income, age at the time of marriage and whether the marriage was a first marriage or a subsequent...
    The States Where Divorce Is Most Likely

  • Women In Law Statistics 2024

    The U.S. legal system is one of the vital pillars of our democracy, and women play a crucial role within it. For more than 100 years, women have argued cases, defended clients and shaped the laws governing our everyday lives....
    Women In Law Statistics 2024

  • Is It Illegal To Drive With Headphones?

    Is it illegal to drive with headphones? The answer depends on where you live, as the rules differ by jurisdiction. Even in states where it is not illegal, wearing earphones while behind the wheel could present a safety hazard that...
    Is It Illegal To Drive With Headphones?

  • Domestic Partnership vs. Marriage: Differences, Pros & Cons

    Domestic partnerships are an alternative to traditional marriage. This type of legal arrangement became popular among LGBTQ+ couples who were not allowed to get married in many places across the United States. While domestic partnerships have declined in popularity since...
    Domestic Partnership vs. Marriage: Differences, Pros & Cons

  • States With The Worst Crime Rates

    In the United States, New Mexico is the most dangerous state, with a higher rate of violent crimes per capita than any other location. New Hampshire is the safest. There are many kinds of crimes, though, and it's important to...
    States With The Worst Crime Rates

  • Exactech Hip & Knee Replacement Lawsuit Guide (2024 Update)

    Exactech lawsuits are being filed against a medical device manufacturer in Gainesville, Florida. The cases are arising from problems with the company's knee, hip and ankle replacement devices More than 1,100 patients are pursuing legal claims seeking compensation for the...
    Exactech Hip & Knee Replacement Lawsuit Guide (2024 Update)

  • Belviq Lawsuit (2024 Update)

    Belviq is the brand name of a weight loss drug containing the active ingredient lorcaserin. The drug was approved by the FDA in 2012, but a subsequent study assessing cardiovascular safety revealed an elevated incidence of certain cancers. In 2020,...
    Belviq Lawsuit (2024 Update)

  • EzriCare Lawsuit (2024 Update)

    Consumers who used EzriCare Artificial Tears may have been exposed to a dangerous antibiotic-resistant bacteria that can cause serious complications including infections, blindness and death. Because the medication has allegedly caused harm, some people have taken legal action. An EzriCare...
    EzriCare Lawsuit (2024 Update)

  • Singulair Lawsuit (2024 Update)

    Singulair is a popular allergy and asthma drug, but it has been linked to some troubling side effects. The drug can cause serious and lasting neuropsychiatric injuries that persist even after medication use has been discontinued. These side effects have...
    Singulair Lawsuit (2024 Update)

  • Mediation Vs. Arbitration: Differences, Pros And Cons

    Mediation and arbitration are alternative methods of dispute resolution. In certain types of legal cases, such as divorce or contract disputes, the parties involved may choose to—or be required to—pursue these options instead of going to court. They are not...
    Mediation Vs. Arbitration: Differences, Pros And Cons

  • Can You Divorce Without Splitting Assets

    Can you divorce without splitting assets? This is a common question when people are ending their marriages. That's because marriage is a financial as well as an emotional partnership, and you may be concerned about losing property when the marriage...
    Can You Divorce Without Splitting Assets

  • Is It Illegal To Drive Barefoot In The U.S.?

    Is it illegal to drive barefoot? It's important to answer this question before driving with no shoes on because no motorist wants to get a ticket for breaking a traffic safety law. Here's what you need to know about barefoot...
    Is It Illegal To Drive Barefoot In The U.S.?

  • 93% Have Concerns About Self-Driving Cars According to New Forbes Legal Survey

    Vehicles equipped with auto-drive are on the roads today in increasing numbers. While some believe autonomous vehicles will reduce the risk of an auto accident, many others have concerns. To better understand attitudes toward self-driving cars, Forbes Advisor commissioned a...
    93% Have Concerns About Self-Driving Cars According to New Forbes Legal Survey

  • What Is An Executor Of An Estate?

    When a person passes away, they leave behind an estate made up of all their assets. Someone must manage the estate property, ensure that creditors are paid, and ensure that the assets left behind go to chosen heirs. An executor...
    What Is An Executor Of An Estate?

  • How To File For Divorce In Mississippi (2024 guide)

    The divorce rate in Mississippi is 3.3 per 1,000 people, which is above the U.S. average. Ending a marriage is a big decision and when considering it, it is helpful to understand the details about how to file for divorce...
    How To File For Divorce In Mississippi (2024 guide)

  • Six Types Of Wills: Which Is Right For You?

    A will is an important estate planning document that allows you to determine what happens to your money and property after your death. But there isn't just one kind of document you can create—there are many. This guide explains different...
    Six Types Of Wills: Which Is Right For You?

  • What Is A Pour Over Will?

    A pour-over will is a very simple document instructing that any assets you personally own at the time of your death should be transferred to a living trust you have previously created. A living trust, or a revocable trust, is...
    What Is A Pour Over Will?

  • Medical Malpractice Statistics Of 2024

    This deep dive into medical malpractice statistics reveals how often patients file claims, where they file most often, how much they typically receive and other essential information. Find figures that detail the prevalence of medical malpractice amongst different demographics, the...
    Medical Malpractice Statistics Of 2024

  • What Is A Charitable Remainder Trust?

    Charitable remainder trusts are an estate planning tool that can be used to claim tax breaks and set yourself up to receive income—all while giving money to nonprofit organizations. You can create one as you make plans for what happens...
    What Is A Charitable Remainder Trust?

  • How To File For Divorce In Delaware (2024 Guide)

    In Delaware, there are 2.6 divorces per 1,000 residents, which is a bit above the national average of 2.5 divorces per 1,000 people. The state has established laws that apply to couples who want to end their marriage there, including...
    How To File For Divorce In Delaware (2024 Guide)

  • Different Types Of Trusts: Which Is Right For You?

    A trust is a legal arrangement that allows you to separate who owns a given asset from who controls it and who uses it. You can create a trust and transfer assets into it so the trust becomes the new...
    Different Types Of Trusts: Which Is Right For You?

  • What Is A Testamentary Trust?

    A testamentary trust is a special kind of trust, typically created as part of your will that does not come into existence until after you die. Testamentary trusts are easy to create and can be an important part of a...
    What Is A Testamentary Trust?

  • How To File For Divorce In Montana 2024

    Montana's divorce rate is 2.5 divorces per 1,000 residents, which is on par with the U.S. average. To file for divorce in Montana you must fulfill all of the state's requirements. This guide explains what those requirements are and how...
    How To File For Divorce In Montana 2024

  • Living Trust Vs. Living Will: Differences, Pros & Cons

    When you make an estate plan, you create many documents to explain your wishes and develop the legacy that you desire. These documents could include both a living trust and a living will. There are important differences between a living...
    Living Trust Vs. Living Will: Differences, Pros & Cons

  • How To File For Divorce In Connecticut (2024 Guide)

    In Connecticut, the state's divorce rate of 2.5 divorces for every 1,000 people is the same as the nationwide divorce rate. The end of a marriage can impact your finances and personal life, so if you are thinking about getting...
    How To File For Divorce In Connecticut (2024 Guide)

  • What Is A Letter Of Testamentary?

    A letter of testamentary is created by the probate court for the executor or personal administrator of an estate. Since this individual must manage estate assets until the probate process is complete, they need proof of their authority to do...
    What Is A Letter Of Testamentary?

  • What Is A Simple Will?

    A simple will is an estate planning tool used to provide basic instructions about critical issues after a death. You can make one on your own or with the help of an estate planning attorney. First, however, you need to...
    What Is A Simple Will?

  • What Is A Holographic Will?

    A holographic will is a handwritten will that has not been witnessed or notarized. Holographic wills are considered valid in some states if they meet specific requirements, although they are not enforceable in all circumstances. This guide explains how this...
    What Is A Holographic Will?

About

Christy Bieber has a JD from UCLA School of Law and began her career as a college instructor and textbook author. She has been writing full time for over a decade with a focus on making financial and legal topics understandable and fun. Her work has appeared on Forbes, CNN Underscored Money, Investopedia, Credit Karma, The Balance, USA Today, and Yahoo Finance, among others.