Arthur Ray Law Offices in Memphis, TN

4.5/5

Memphis-based bankruptcy law firm specializing in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings, with 40+ years of experience. Offers free petition preparation and $0 upfront fees on most Chapter 13 cases.

Data compiled from public sources · Rating from CreditDoc methodology

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Arthur Ray Law Offices Review

Arthur Ray Law Offices is a bankruptcy practice founded and operated by attorney Arthur Ray in Memphis, Tennessee, serving clients throughout Shelby County and the Western District of Tennessee Bankruptcy Court. The firm has been operating for over 40 years and focuses exclusively on personal bankruptcy representation.

The firm offers both Chapter 7 bankruptcy (debt liquidation and discharge) and Chapter 13 bankruptcy (debt reorganization through a 3-5 year payment plan). Chapter 13 services specifically address foreclosure prevention, mortgage arrears catch-up, vehicle repossession recovery, payday loan and title loan resolution, wage garnishment stops, and tax debt management. Chapter 7 services target elimination of unsecured debts including credit cards, medical bills, and payday loans. A notable offering is free bankruptcy petition preparation—the firm will prepare the complete legal filing document at no charge so clients can review specific outcomes before committing.

What distinguishes this firm is the zero upfront fee structure for most Chapter 13 cases (fees paid through the repayment plan), combined with the free petition preparation policy. The practice emphasizes client autonomy, explicitly stating that clients can review the completed petition and decide whether to proceed without obligation or pressure. The firm also emphasizes convenience factors: free parking, ground-floor office location, and regular appearance at the local bankruptcy court.

The practice appears legitimate and established, with specific local credentials (Western District of Tennessee Bankruptcy Court at 200 Jefferson Ave), a physical office address, dual phone lines for new and existing clients, and attorney bio emphasizing decades of experience. However, clients should note that bankruptcy is a complex legal process requiring careful consideration, and while free petition preparation is valuable, it does not substitute for thorough personal financial review and professional advice tailored to individual circumstances.

Consumers considering bankruptcy should also explore alternatives. Debt relief programs may negotiate settlements for less than owed, while debt consolidation loans can simplify payments. Credit counseling agencies offer free financial assessments. After bankruptcy, rebuilding credit through secured credit cards and credit builder loans provides a structured path back. Credit repair services can help ensure accurate reporting. After discharge, qualifying for an installment loan can begin rebuilding payment history on your credit report.

Services & Features

Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing and representation

Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing and representation

Co-signer protection strategies

Debt discharge and credit plan negotiation

Foreclosure prevention and mortgage arrears management

Free bankruptcy petition preparation and review

Initial phone consultation

Payday loan and title loan resolution

Representation at Western District of Tennessee Bankruptcy Court

Tax debt restructuring

Vehicle repossession recovery

Wage garnishment and IRS levy stops

Feature Checklist

Mobile App

Online Portal

Score Tracking

Credit Education

Personal Advisor

Identity Theft Protection

Pricing Plans

Bankruptcy Consultation

Free /mo

Free initial consultation
Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 evaluation
Means test analysis
Court filing and representation
Creditor communication handling

Get Started

Pros & Cons

Pros

$0 upfront attorney fees on most Chapter 13 bankruptcies—fees paid through the repayment plan
Free complete bankruptcy petition preparation before any commitment or obligation
40+ years of experience by the named attorney in Tennessee bankruptcy law
Dual phone lines and streamlined intake for new clients (901-475-8200) vs. existing clients
Ground-floor office location with free parking to minimize accessibility barriers
Regularly appears at the local Western District of Tennessee Bankruptcy Court
Explicit policy that clients can decline to file after reviewing petition with no fee owed

Cons

Free petition preparation, while attractive, does not include ongoing legal advice and may create pressure to file once the document is prepared
Limited online information about the attorney's credentials, bar standing, or disciplinary history
Website lacks pricing transparency for Chapter 7 cases and contains some grammatical errors suggesting limited professional copyediting
No mention of alternative debt solutions (credit counseling, debt management plans) that might be appropriate for some clients
Relies heavily on single attorney (Arthur Ray) rather than describing a broader team, which may limit availability

Rating Breakdown

Value

5.0

Effectiveness

4.9

Customer Service

3.9

Transparency

3.8

Ease of Use

4.6

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Arthur Ray Law Offices legitimate?

Yes. Arthur Ray Law Offices is a registered company, headquartered in Memphis, TN.

How much does Arthur Ray Law Offices cost?

Arthur Ray Law Offices plans start at Free per month with no setup fee. No money-back guarantee is offered.

How long does Arthur Ray Law Offices take to show results?

Results vary by individual situation. Contact the provider to discuss expected timelines for your specific needs.

Quick Facts

Headquarters: Memphis, TN
BBB Accredited: No
Starting Price: Free/mo
Setup Fee: None
Money-Back Guarantee: No

Visit Arthur Ray Law Offices

+1 901-475-8200 6244 Poplar Ave #150, Memphis, TN 38119

CreditDoc Diagnosis

Doctor's Verdict on Arthur Ray Law Offices

Arthur Ray Law Offices is best suited for Memphis-area residents facing immediate debt crises (foreclosure, garnishment, repossession) who want to work with an experienced, locally-established attorney on a zero-upfront-cost basis. The primary caveat is that free petition preparation, while unusual and valuable, should be understood as a preview tool rather than a substitute for comprehensive pre-filing counseling—clients should clarify what services are included post-filing and ensure they understand their long-term obligations under any repayment plan.

Best For

Homeowners facing foreclosure who want to keep their property and catch up on arrears through Chapter 13
Memphis-area residents with significant unsecured debt (medical bills, credit cards, payday loans) considering Chapter 7 liquidation
Individuals with limited upfront funds who cannot afford traditional attorney retainers and prefer fees incorporated into their repayment plan

Updated 2026-04-29

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Financial Terms Explained (14 terms)

New to credit and lending? Here are the key terms used on this page, explained in plain language with real-number examples.

How Loans Work

Default — Loan Default

When you fail to repay a loan according to the agreed terms — usually after 90-180 days of missed payments. It's the point where the lender gives up on collecting normally.

Why it matters

Default triggers severe consequences: credit score drops 100+ points, the debt may be sent to collections, you could be sued, and your wages or assets could be seized.

Example

You miss 4 consecutive car payments. The lender declares your loan in default, repossesses your car, sells it at auction for $8,000, and you still owe the remaining $5,000 (called a deficiency balance).

Legal Terms

CFPB — Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

A federal agency created in 2010 to protect consumers from unfair financial practices. They write rules, supervise financial companies, and handle consumer complaints.

Why it matters

The CFPB is your most powerful ally against predatory lenders. Filing a complaint with them gets a response from the company within 15 days — companies take CFPB complaints seriously.

Example

A debt collector calls your workplace after you told them to stop. You file a CFPB complaint online. Within 15 days, the collection agency responds and agrees to stop. The CFPB tracks complaint patterns across all companies.

FDCPA — Fair Debt Collection Practices Act

A federal law that limits what debt collectors can do. They can't call before 8am or after 9pm, can't harass you, can't lie, and must stop contacting you if you request in writing.

Why it matters

Knowing your FDCPA rights stops abusive collection tactics. If a collector violates the law, you can sue for up to $1,000 per violation plus attorney fees.

Example

A collector calls your workplace 3 times after you told them not to. That's 3 FDCPA violations. You hire a consumer attorney (free — they get paid by the collector). The collector settles for $3,000.

Garnishment — Wage Garnishment

A court order that requires your employer to withhold part of your paycheck and send it directly to a creditor. Usually happens after a creditor sues you and wins a judgment.

Why it matters

Federal law limits garnishment to 25% of disposable income. Some states have lower limits. Student loans and taxes can be garnished without a court order.

Example

You owe $8,000 on a defaulted credit card. The bank sues, gets a judgment, and garnishes your wages. On a $3,000/month net paycheck, they take $750/month until the debt is paid.

Statute of Limitations — Statute of Limitations (Debt)

A time limit (typically 3-6 years, varies by state) after which a creditor can no longer sue you to collect a debt. The debt still exists, but they lose the legal power to force payment.

Why it matters

Knowing your state's statute of limitations prevents you from being tricked into paying debts that are legally uncollectable. Beware: making a payment can restart the clock.

Example

You have a $3,000 credit card debt from 2019. Your state has a 4-year statute of limitations. In 2024, a collector calls demanding payment. The statute has expired — they cannot sue you.

Debt & Recovery

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy — Chapter 13 Bankruptcy (Reorganization)

A type of bankruptcy where you keep your assets but follow a court-approved 3-5 year repayment plan to pay back some or all of your debts. Stays on credit for 7 years.

Why it matters

Chapter 13 is better than Chapter 7 if you have a home or assets you want to keep. It can stop foreclosure and let you catch up on mortgage payments over 3-5 years.

Example

You're 3 months behind on your mortgage and have $30,000 in credit card debt. Chapter 13 stops foreclosure and puts you on a 5-year plan: you pay $600/month to catch up on the mortgage and pay 40% of the credit card debt.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy — Chapter 7 Bankruptcy (Liquidation)

A type of bankruptcy that wipes out most unsecured debts (credit cards, medical bills) by liquidating non-exempt assets. It stays on your credit for 10 years.

Why it matters

Chapter 7 gives you a fresh start but at a steep cost: 10 years on your credit, difficulty getting loans, and you may lose assets. Income must be below your state's median to qualify.

Example

You have $45,000 in credit card debt and earn $35,000/year. Chapter 7 erases the debt. You keep exempt property (basic car, household items). Your score drops to ~500 but you're debt-free.

Charge-Off

When a creditor declares your debt a loss after 180 days of nonpayment and removes it from their books. But you still owe the money — they just stop expecting to collect it themselves.

Why it matters

A charge-off is one of the most damaging entries on your credit report and stays for 7 years. The debt is usually sold to a collection agency who will pursue you for it.

Example

You stop paying your $4,000 credit card. After 180 days, the bank charges it off and sells the debt to a collector for $800. The collector now contacts you demanding the full $4,000 (they profit from what they collect above $800).

Collections — Debt Collections

When an unpaid debt is transferred or sold to a third-party collection agency that specializes in recovering the money. Collection accounts appear on your credit report for 7 years.

Why it matters

Even a $50 collection account can drop your score 50-100 points. Some newer FICO models (FICO 9) ignore paid collections, but many lenders still use older models.

Example

An old $200 gym bill goes to collections. It appears on all 3 credit reports and drops your 720 score to 640. Paying it helps with newer scoring models but under FICO 8 (still widely used), a paid collection still hurts.

Debt Consolidation

Combining multiple debts into one single loan with one monthly payment, ideally at a lower interest rate. It simplifies repayment and can reduce total interest.

Why it matters

Consolidation works best when you get a lower rate than your existing debts. But it doesn't reduce what you owe — and extending the term can mean paying more total interest.

Example

You have: $5,000 at 22% (credit card), $3,000 at 18% (store card), $2,000 at 25% (payday loan). A $10,000 consolidation loan at 11% saves you ~$2,100 in interest over 3 years.

Debt Settlement — Debt Settlement / Negotiation

Negotiating with creditors to accept less than the full amount you owe — typically 40-60 cents on the dollar. Usually done after you've already fallen behind on payments.

Why it matters

Settlement can save thousands, but it severely damages your credit (settled accounts show for 7 years) and the IRS may tax the forgiven amount as income.

Example

You owe $15,000 on a credit card and negotiate a settlement of $7,500 (50%). You save $7,500 but: your credit drops 100+ points, the account shows 'settled' for 7 years, and you may owe taxes on the $7,500 forgiven.

DTI Ratio — Debt-to-Income Ratio

The percentage of your monthly gross income that goes toward paying debts. Lenders use it to judge whether you can afford another loan payment.

Why it matters

Most lenders want DTI below 36% for personal loans and below 43% for mortgages. Above that, you're considered overextended and likely to be denied.

Example

You earn $5,000/month gross. Your debts: $1,200 mortgage + $300 car + $200 student loans = $1,700/month. DTI = 34%. A new $400/month loan would push you to 42% — risky for lenders.

Judgment — Court Judgment (Debt)

A court ruling that says you legally owe a specific amount to a creditor. It gives the creditor power to garnish wages, freeze bank accounts, or place liens on your property.

Why it matters

Judgments are enforceable for 10-20 years (varies by state) and can be renewed. They give creditors far more collection power than a simple unpaid debt.

Example

A credit card company sues you for $8,000 and wins a judgment. They can now garnish 25% of your paycheck ($750/month on a $3,000 net salary) and freeze your bank account.

Want to learn more? Read our Financial Wellness Guides for in-depth explanations and practical advice.

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