Memphis Bankruptcy Lawyer with Over 40 Years of Experience

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy – Complete Debt Relief

Chapter 7 bankruptcy might be right for you if you’re drowning in credit card debt, medical bills, or personal loans and you just need a clean slate. This is what people usually mean when they talk about “filing bankruptcy”—it wipes out most of your unsecured debts completely, giving you that fresh start everyone talks about.

Now, there’s a misconception that Chapter 7 means you’ll lose everything you own. That’s not true for most people. Tennessee bankruptcy exemptions protect your home equity up to certain limits, your car, household goods, retirement accounts, and other essential property. In fact, most of my Chapter 7 clients keep everything they need.

The tradeoff is that Chapter 7 doesn’t help you catch up on secured debts like your mortgage or car loan. If you’re current on those payments, you can usually keep making them and keep the property. But if you’re behind and facing foreclosure or repossession, Chapter 13 might be the better option.

What Chapter 7 Can Do:

• Eliminate credit card balances entirely
• Wipe out medical debt
• Discharge personal loans and old debts
• Stop wage garnishments immediately
• End creditor harassment for good
• Give you a true financial fresh start

The process takes about 3-6 months from start to finish. You’ll attend one meeting with a bankruptcy trustee, complete a short educational course, and then receive your discharge. After that, those debts are gone, and you can start rebuilding.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy – Protect Your Assets While Reorganizing Debt

Chapter 13 is different. Instead of liquidating assets, you create a payment plan that lasts 3-5 years. During that time, you make monthly payments based on what you can actually afford, and the court protects you from creditors. When you complete the plan, whatever eligible debts remain get discharged—often 90% or more of your unsecured debt gets reduced.

The real power of Chapter 13 is that it lets you keep your property while catching up on debts. Behind on your mortgage? Chapter 13 stops the foreclosure and gives you years to catch up. Car got repossessed? In many cases, we can get it back. Stuck in a title loan with a 300% interest rate? Chapter 13 can let you pay it off over time at a reasonable rate.

And here’s the best part: there’s usually no money required upfront. Zero. Your attorney fees and court costs get built into your payment plan, which averages around $55 per month for fees on top of what you’re paying toward your debts. That makes Chapter 13 accessible even when money is incredibly tight.

What Chapter 13 Accomplishes:

• Stops foreclosure immediately and saves your home
• Can get your repossessed car back
• Lets you catch up on mortgage arrears over time
• Reduces credit card debt by up to 90%
• Handles payday loans and title loans
• Stops IRS levies and wage garnishments
• Protects co-signers from collection efforts
• Gives you time to pay off tax debt
• Allows you to keep all your property

A lot of people think they can’t afford bankruptcy because they don’t have money for lawyer fees. With Chapter 13, that’s not an issue. We can file immediately and you start getting protection right away, with fees paid through the plan.

Free Bankruptcy Petition Preparation – See Before You Commit

This is what really sets my practice apart. When you come in for your consultation, if we determine bankruptcy might help you, I’ll prepare your complete petition at absolutely no charge. We’re talking about the full legal document that would be filed with the court—all your debts listed, all your assets documented, means test calculated, everything.

Why do I do this for free? Two reasons. First, I want you to see exactly what bankruptcy means for your specific situation. No guessing, no hypotheticals—you’ll see the actual numbers and the actual outcome. Second, I don’t want you feeling pressured to file just because you’ve already paid me. That doesn’t sit right with me. You should make this decision when you’re completely ready and completely confident.

So we prepare the petition, you take time to review it, you ask me every question you can think of, and then you decide. If you want to move forward, great—we file it. If you’re not comfortable, no problem—there’s no charge. Either way, you’ll walk away understanding your situation better than you did before.

How many bankruptcy lawyers in Memphis can you say that about? Not many. Most want their retainer upfront before they’ll even talk to you seriously. I do it backwards because I believe that’s what serves clients best.

Debt Problems We Solve for Memphis Residents

Stop Foreclosure and Save Your Home

Getting that foreclosure notice in the mail is terrifying. Your home—where your kids grew up, where you built your life—is about to be sold out from under you. I get it. I’ve been helping Memphis families stop foreclosures for decades.

Chapter 13 bankruptcy stops foreclosure dead in its tracks the moment we file. The automatic stay goes into effect immediately, and the foreclosure sale cannot proceed. Then we set up a payment plan that lets you catch up on what you owe over 3-5 years while making your regular mortgage payments going forward. Most people can manage this when it’s spread out over time instead of needing everything at once.

I’ve had clients call me literally the day before their foreclosure sale was scheduled. We filed the bankruptcy petition that afternoon, and the sale was stopped. It’s never too late to reach out, though obviously the sooner the better.

End Wage Garnishment

Having money taken directly from your paycheck before you even see it is incredibly frustrating. Tennessee law allows creditors to garnish up to 25% of your wages, which can make it impossible to pay rent, buy groceries, or handle your other bills.

The good news? Bankruptcy stops garnishments immediately. Doesn’t matter if it’s Chapter 7 or Chapter 13—the automatic stay halts the garnishment as soon as we file. Your next paycheck will be whole again. And if the garnishment already started in the past 90 days, we might even be able to get some of that money back for you.

Get Your Repossessed Car Back

Did the tow truck just take your car? It’s not necessarily gone for good. If we act fast and file Chapter 13, there’s a strong chance we can get your vehicle back. The bankruptcy court can order the creditor to return it, and then you pay off what you owe through your Chapter 13 plan—often at a reduced interest rate.

This is one situation where timing really matters. The sooner you call after a repossession, the better our chances of getting your car back. Don’t wait to see what happens—reach out immediately.

Eliminate Payday Loans and Title Loans

Payday loans and title loans are traps. The interest rates are astronomical—sometimes 300% or 400% annually. You borrow $500 and end up owing $2,000. Meanwhile, if you can’t pay, they’re threatening to repossess your car even though you only borrowed a few hundred dollars.

Chapter 13 bankruptcy gives you real relief from these predatory loans. We can stop collection on payday loans and reduce what you have to pay back by up to 90%. For title loans, we can keep your car protected and let you pay off the loan through your payment plan at a reasonable interest rate, not those insane rates they originally charged you.

I’ve seen people paying $200 every two weeks on a payday loan that never gets smaller. That’s not borrowing—that’s a trap. Let’s get you out of it.

Wipe Out Credit Card Debt

Credit card debt is probably the most common reason people come to see me. You started with one card for emergencies. Then things got tight and you got another one. Then you used one to pay the other. Now you’ve got five cards maxed out, you’re paying $800 a month in minimums, and the balances never seem to go down.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy can eliminate all your credit card debt. Not reduce it—eliminate it. Gone. You owe nothing. If you qualify for Chapter 7, your credit cards get listed in the petition, the court discharges them, and those balances disappear entirely.

Even if you file Chapter 13 instead, we can reduce what you pay back on credit cards by up to 90%. So if you owe $50,000 in credit card debt, you might end up paying back $5,000 over five years and the rest gets discharged. That’s actual relief you can feel.

Handle Medical Debt

Medical bills are brutal. One hospital stay, one surgery, one accident—suddenly you owe $50,000, $100,000, maybe more. Even with insurance, the out-of-pocket costs can destroy your finances. And medical providers don’t usually work with you much on payment plans. They want their money, and they’ll sue you to get it.

Here’s the relief: medical debt is unsecured, which means Chapter 7 bankruptcy can wipe it out completely. Every dollar of it. Chapter 13 can reduce it by up to 90%. I’ve helped countless Memphis families get out from under medical debt that would have taken them decades to pay off otherwise.

Nobody should have to choose between their health and their financial stability. Medical debt is one of the most legitimate reasons to file bankruptcy, and there’s no shame in it whatsoever.

Stop IRS and Tax Problems

The IRS doesn’t mess around. If you owe them money, they will garnish your wages, levy your bank account, and make your life miserable until they get paid. State tax authorities are no better.

Chapter 13 bankruptcy can stop the IRS from taking your money while you work out a payment plan for what you owe. Depending on how old your tax debt is and what kind of taxes you owe, some of it might even qualify for discharge. The rules around tax debt are complicated, but I’ve handled hundreds of these cases and can explain exactly what bankruptcy can do for your specific tax situation.

Get Your Driver’s License Reinstated

Lost your license because of unpaid tickets, court fines, or accident judgments? That makes life incredibly difficult, especially in Memphis where you really need a car to get around. Public transportation only goes so far.

Bankruptcy can help you get your license back. Depending on why it was suspended, either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 can address the underlying debts and allow you to get your license reinstated. We’ve helped many people get back on the road legally by resolving the financial issues that caused the suspension in the first place.

Stop Evictions

Behind on rent and facing eviction? Chapter 13 bankruptcy can buy you time by stopping the eviction proceedings temporarily. It doesn’t necessarily solve the problem long-term if you can’t afford the rent going forward, but it can give you breathing room to figure out your next steps.

The automatic stay applies to evictions too, though there are some exceptions. Call me as soon as you get an eviction notice so we can discuss your options.

Protect Co-Signers

Did someone co-sign a loan for you? Maybe a parent, maybe a friend? Now you’re worried that if you can’t pay, the creditor will go after them. That’s a heavy burden.

Chapter 13 bankruptcy can actually protect co-signers from harassment and collection efforts while you’re in your payment plan. As long as you’re making your Chapter 13 plan payments, creditors can’t pursue the co-signer. That gives you peace of mind knowing you’re not dragging someone else down with you.

Deal with Student Loans

Student loans are tough because they usually can’t be discharged in bankruptcy unless you can prove extreme hardship, which is a high bar. But that doesn’t mean bankruptcy can’t help.

You can include student loans in a Chapter 13 payment plan, which can give you a structured way to make payments and protect you from aggressive collection tactics while you’re in the plan. And if you have other debts eliminated through bankruptcy, you’ll free up money to put toward those student loans.

It’s not a perfect solution for student debt, but it can be part of a strategy to get your overall financial situation under control.

Your Bankruptcy Questions Answered

Can I stop a garnishment by filing bankruptcy?

Yes, absolutely. Filing bankruptcy stops most garnishments immediately. I see people file Chapter 13 specifically to stop wage garnishments all the time—it’s one of the fastest ways to get relief. The moment your bankruptcy petition hits the court, that garnishment has to stop. Your employer will get notice, and your next paycheck should be whole again.

In some cases, if the garnishment just started recently (within the past 90 days), we might even be able to recover some of what was already taken. Not always, but it’s worth looking into.

Can I get my repossessed car back through bankruptcy?

Yes, Chapter 13 bankruptcy can help you get a repossessed vehicle back in many situations. If your car was recently repossessed—I’m talking days or maybe a couple weeks ago—and you file Chapter 13 quickly, the court can order the creditor to return it. Then you pay off what you owe through your Chapter 13 payment plan.

Timing matters here. The longer you wait, the harder it gets. If they’ve already sold the car at auction, it’s too late. But if they’re still holding it, we have a good shot at getting it back. Call me right away if your car just got repossessed.

Can bankruptcy stop an eviction?

Yes, filing Chapter 13 bankruptcy can temporarily stop an eviction through the automatic stay. However, there are some exceptions, and bankruptcy doesn’t solve the problem if you can’t afford the rent going forward.

What it does do is buy you time. Maybe you need a couple weeks to line up a new place or to work out an arrangement with your landlord. Filing bankruptcy can give you that breathing room. But we need to talk about your specific situation to see if this strategy makes sense for you.

Can I get rid of a payday loan through bankruptcy?

Yes, and this is one of the best reasons to file Chapter 13. Payday loans are unsecured debt, which means Chapter 13 bankruptcy can stop the collection efforts and reduce what you pay back by up to 90%. So if you’re trapped in that cycle where you borrow $500 and end up owing $2,000, bankruptcy can break that cycle.

Instead of paying those outrageous interest rates, you pay back a fraction of what you owe through your Chapter 13 plan at a reasonable rate. It’s one of the few ways to truly escape payday loan debt without paying the full amount they claim you owe.

Can I get rid of my credit card debt?

Yes. Chapter 7 bankruptcy can wipe out all of your credit card debt—completely eliminate it. Those balances go away, and you owe nothing. Chapter 13 bankruptcy can reduce the amount you owe on credit cards by up to 90%, so you pay back much less than the original balance.

Credit card debt is probably the easiest type of debt to discharge in bankruptcy because it’s unsecured. There’s no house or car attached to it that complicates things. If you’re drowning in credit card bills, bankruptcy offers real relief.

Can bankruptcy help me get my driver’s license back?

Yes, depending on why your license was suspended. If it was suspended because of unpaid court fines, accident judgments, or certain types of tickets, bankruptcy can address those underlying debts and help you get your license reinstated.

Sometimes Chapter 13 works better for this, sometimes Chapter 7. It depends on your specific situation. But I’ve helped many Memphis residents get their licenses back by resolving the financial issues that caused the suspension. Give me a call and we can figure out which approach makes sense for you.

Can I get rid of a title loan through bankruptcy?

Yes. Filing Chapter 13 bankruptcy can protect your car from being repossessed by a title loan company. Instead of paying those insane interest rates they charge—sometimes 300% or more annually—you can pay off the title loan through your Chapter 13 plan over time at a reasonable interest rate.

In some cases, we might even be able to reduce the principal amount you owe, especially if you’ve had the loan for a while. The exact outcome depends on your situation, but Chapter 13 gives you a path to get out from under a title loan without losing your vehicle.

Can I stop the IRS from taking my money?

Yes. Filing Chapter 13 bankruptcy can stop the IRS from levying your bank account or garnishing your wages. The automatic stay applies to the IRS just like it does to other creditors, so they have to stop collection actions while you’re in bankruptcy.

Chapter 13 also gives you a structured way to pay off tax debt over 3-5 years. Depending on the age and type of taxes you owe, some might even qualify for discharge. Tax debt is complicated, but I’ve handled hundreds of these cases and can explain what bankruptcy can do for your specific tax situation.

Can bankruptcy stop a foreclosure?

Yes. Filing Chapter 13 bankruptcy stops foreclosure immediately through the automatic stay. The foreclosure sale cannot go forward once your bankruptcy petition is filed. Then Chapter 13 gives you 3-5 years to catch up on the mortgage payments you’ve missed while you continue making your regular payment going forward.

I’ve stopped foreclosures the day before the scheduled sale. It’s never too late to call, though obviously sooner is better. If you’re facing foreclosure, reach out to me right away so we can discuss your options.

Can I include property taxes in bankruptcy?

Yes, you usually can pay delinquent property taxes through a Chapter 13 bankruptcy over time. Instead of needing to come up with all the back taxes at once, you can spread the payments out over your 3-5 year plan period.

This is especially helpful if you’re behind on property taxes and the county is threatening to sell your property at a tax sale. Filing Chapter 13 stops that process and gives you a realistic timeline to get caught up.

Can I put my student loans in bankruptcy?

You can include student loans in a Chapter 13 payment plan, though they usually don’t get discharged at the end like other debts. Student loan discharge requires proving extreme hardship, which is difficult.

However, Chapter 13 can still help with student loans by giving you a structured payment arrangement and stopping aggressive collection tactics while you’re in your plan. And if bankruptcy eliminates your other debts, you’ll have more money available to put toward student loans afterward.

Can I get rid of my medical debt?

Yes. Medical debt is unsecured, so Chapter 7 bankruptcy can wipe it out completely. Every dollar of it—gone. Chapter 13 bankruptcy can reduce the amount you pay back on medical bills by up to 90%.

I help people with crushing medical debt all the time. Nobody should go bankrupt because they got sick or had an accident, but unfortunately that’s the reality for many Americans. Bankruptcy offers real relief from medical bills that would otherwise take decades to pay off.

How much does it cost to file bankruptcy in Memphis?

For Chapter 13 bankruptcy at my office, there’s $0 required upfront for attorney fees. Your attorney fees and court costs get built into your monthly payment plan. For Chapter 7, fees vary based on your situation, but I offer reasonable rates.

Remember, I prepare your petition for FREE regardless of which chapter you file. You’ll see all the costs spelled out clearly before you make any decision. No surprises, no hidden fees. And if you decide bankruptcy isn’t right for you after seeing everything, there’s no charge at all.

Will I lose everything if I file bankruptcy?

No. This is the biggest myth about bankruptcy. Tennessee bankruptcy exemptions protect your home equity (up to certain amounts), your car, household goods, retirement accounts, and other essential property. Most people who file bankruptcy keep everything they truly need.

Chapter 13 specifically allows you to keep all your property while you pay off what you owe through your plan. Chapter 7 has exemptions that protect most assets. During your consultation, we’ll review exactly what you own and I’ll tell you what’s protected. In the vast majority of cases, people don’t lose anything important.

Which is better – Chapter 7 or Chapter 13?

It depends on your situation. Chapter 7 is faster and eliminates debts completely, but it doesn’t help you catch up on things like mortgage arrears. Chapter 13 takes longer but lets you keep property and catch up on payments over time.

If you’re behind on your house payment or car payment and you want to keep them, Chapter 13 is usually the answer. If you’re current on secured debts or don’t have major assets to protect, Chapter 7 might be better. During your free consultation, we’ll figure out which one makes the most sense for you.

I have a YouTube video that explains the differences in more detail if you want to watch that, but honestly, the best way to know is to come in and talk about your specific situation. Every case is different.

What Memphis Clients Say

“5 stars is not even enough because they deserve 10! I had honestly lost hope about my future because my debt kept getting worse until I had my consultation here and Will instantly changed that. They have made every step along the way very easy and I’m the type who asks 101 questions, but they answer every one of them. Also, in a time when customer service is almost nonexistent, everyone here has been unbelievably caring and gone out of their way to help me. If you are like I was for the past few years and don’t know how to make things better, do yourself a favor and call Arthur Ray Law Offices!”

“They made one of the worst times of my life Better. Great Great Great staff!!!”

“This was the most positive experience I have ever had in an attorney office. The staff is awesome and very thorough. They are definitely here to help the client.”

“I was literally at a loss when I went to Mr. Ray’s office. He talked with me personally and explained that I should stop using credit cards. He was very easy to talk to. Even when I was facing some hard times Will was there to walk me through it. Thank you for everything you have done for me.”

“I just want to say what a burden you lifted off me when at your office! This went so much better than I could imagine, and I want to thank Will, Anna, Mallory, and Mr. Ray for all your help. I will not hesitate to recommend you to anyone who needs help! Thank you so much!”

Why Choose Arthur Ray Law Offices?

40+ Years of Experience in Memphis

I’ve been practicing bankruptcy law in Memphis since before most of today’s lawyers were even born. That’s not bragging—it’s just a fact. Forty years means I’ve seen every possible situation, I know all the local trustees and judges, and I understand how the Western District of Tennessee Bankruptcy Court works inside and out. Experience matters when your financial future is on the line.

Free Petition Preparation

I’ll prepare your complete bankruptcy petition at no charge so you can see exactly what filing would mean for you. No other attorney in Memphis offers this, as far as I know. Most want money upfront before they’ll even seriously discuss your case. I do it backwards because I want you to make an informed decision without feeling pressured.

$0 Down for Chapter 13

Chapter 13 bankruptcy requires zero money upfront at my office. Your attorney fees and court costs get built into your monthly payment plan. This makes bankruptcy accessible even when you’re completely broke, which is exactly when you need it most.

Personal Attention from an Experienced Attorney

When you come to my office, you meet with me—Arthur Ray, the lawyer with 40 years of experience. Not a paralegal, not a junior associate, not someone fresh out of law school. I personally review every case and talk with every client. Your situation deserves that level of attention.

Convenient Location with Free Parking

Our office has free parking right in front of the building. You don’t have to search for a spot or feed a meter. We’re on the first floor, so there’s no elevator hassle. Everything is designed to make your visit as easy and stress-free as possible.

Reasonable Fees

Bankruptcy attorney fees in Memphis vary widely. Some lawyers charge way more than they should. Some charge too little and provide assembly-line service. I’ve found a middle ground—reasonable fees for quality, experienced representation. You’ll know exactly what everything costs before you commit to anything.

We Actually Care About You

Look, I know that sounds like marketing speak, but it’s true. After 40 years, I don’t need to take every case that walks in the door. I do this because I genuinely want to help people get out from under debt and get their lives back. When you’re my client, I’m invested in your success. That’s the way it should be.

Get Started with Your Free Consultation Today

You’ve read this far, which tells me you’re serious about finding a solution to your debt problems. That’s good. Taking action is the first step toward relief.

Here’s what happens next: You call my office or stop by in person. We sit down together and talk about your situation—what debts you have, what assets you own, what’s keeping you up at night. I’ll explain your options clearly, including whether bankruptcy makes sense or if there’s a better approach.

If bankruptcy seems like the right path, I’ll prepare your complete petition for FREE. You’ll review it, ask me questions, and only move forward when you’re ready. No pressure, no obligation, no hidden fees.

The consultation costs you nothing. You have nothing to lose and potentially everything to gain. Don’t let another day go by with creditors calling, bills piling up, and stress eating away at you. Relief is available. Let me help you find it.