Bankruptcy Lawyers Memphis TN

Bankruptcy · Tennessee

Rating: 4.0/5

Bankruptcy Lawyers Memphis TN logo

Memphis bankruptcy law firm specializing in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13, with qualifying clients eligible for $0 upfront attorney fees on Chapter 13 cases.

Official Website

http://www.filingbankruptcymemphis.com/law-firms-overview/

Bankruptcy Lawyers Memphis TN Review

Arthur Ray Law Offices is a long-established bankruptcy law firm based in Memphis, Tennessee. The firm was founded by Arthur E. Ray, Jr., who graduated cum laude from the University of Mississippi in 1963 with a degree in Accounting and earned his Juris Doctorate in 1966, finishing in the top 10% of his law class.

He has been licensed to practice in Tennessee since 1969 and was admitted to the Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants in 1971. Partner Richard Lee "Skip" Carnell, Sr. joined the firm in 2000, holding a law degree from Memphis State University and licensed in Tennessee since 1989.

The firm focuses exclusively on personal bankruptcy under the federal bankruptcy code, handling Chapter 7 liquidation and Chapter 13 repayment plan filings. A key offering is their $0 upfront attorney fee arrangement for qualifying Chapter 13 clients — a meaningful benefit for individuals in acute financial distress. The firm explicitly identifies itself as a "debt relief agency" as defined under the bankruptcy code.

Initial consultations are conducted by phone only, with a separate call line provided for prospective clients versus existing clients and attorneys.

What distinguishes Arthur Ray Law Offices is the founding partner's dual credentials as both a licensed attorney and a Certified Public Accountant, providing an accounting-oriented lens on financial restructuring that is uncommon among bankruptcy attorneys. The firm emphasizes a personal attorney-client relationship, a commitment to keeping clients informed throughout their cases, and the development of cost-effective strategies tailored to each client's specific situation. The firm presents itself as having reached the forefront of Memphis bankruptcy practice through results-driven, individually tailored representation.

Honestly assessed, Arthur Ray Law Offices is a small, specialized practice with a narrow scope limited to Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 — it does not appear to handle debt settlement, credit counseling, or other legal matters. The website provides minimal fee transparency beyond the $0 upfront Chapter 13 qualifier, and there are no visible client reviews or independent ratings. The phone-only initial consultation policy restricts in-person access.

For individuals specifically seeking experienced, locally rooted bankruptcy counsel in Memphis with a low barrier to entry on Chapter 13 costs, this firm is a credible option — but those needing broader financial or legal services will need to look elsewhere.

Pros & Cons

Reader-focused summary of the strongest reasons to consider Bankruptcy Lawyers Memphis TN and the factors most worth weighing before contracting. Individual outcomes depend on your credit situation and goals.

Pros

  • $0 upfront attorney fees for Chapter 13 clients who qualify under federal law
  • Founding partner holds dual credentials as licensed attorney and Tennessee-certified CPA since 1971
  • Arthur E. Ray, Jr. has been licensed in Tennessee since 1969, representing decades of local practice
  • Partner Skip Carnell has been with the firm since 2000, indicating a stable, consistent team
  • Separate phone lines for new clients vs. existing clients and attorneys — organized intake process
  • Firm explicitly commits to keeping clients informed and involved throughout the bankruptcy process
  • Specializes exclusively in bankruptcy, meaning attorneys are deeply focused on Chapter 7 and Chapter 13

Areas to Consider

  • !Initial consultation is by phone only — no in-person first meeting available
  • !Website provides no fee schedule or cost estimates beyond the $0 upfront Chapter 13 qualifier
  • !Practice is limited to Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 — no other debt relief or legal services offered
  • !No client testimonials, case outcomes, or third-party ratings are visible on the website
  • !Small two-partner firm may have limited capacity relative to larger regional bankruptcy practices

Verdict Summary

Bankruptcy Lawyers Memphis TN works best for consumers who value $0 upfront attorney fees for chapter 13 clients who qualify under federal law and can accept the tradeoff of initial consultation is by phone only — no in-person first meeting available. Compare against similar providers below before signing any contract.

Services & Features

Services offered

Feature Checklist

Credit Monitoring
All Three Bureaus
Goodwill Letters
Cease Desist Letters
Debt Validation
Credit Education
Identity Theft Protection
Score Tracking
Mobile App
Online Portal
Personal Advisor
Ai Powered

Best For

Before You Contact Bankruptcy Lawyers Memphis TN

Before signing up with any Bankruptcy provider, review these safeguards:

Compare Your Needs With Bankruptcy Lawyers Memphis TN

Match these decision factors against Bankruptcy Lawyers Memphis TN's profile before committing. This rubric mirrors what independent consumer-finance research typically checks for Bankruptcy providers.

Category

Bankruptcy

Service scope

8 services listed

Geographic coverage

1 states

Match to your priorities

  • Budget priority: Pricing published above — factor in setup, monthly, and cancellation fees over the full expected service window.
  • Complexity priority: Consider Bankruptcy Lawyers Memphis TN's stated strengths ($0 upfront attorney fees for Chapter 13 clients who qualify under federal law) against your specific credit situation.
  • Timeline priority: Bankruptcy typically takes 3-6 months for meaningful outcomes. Providers guaranteeing overnight results are red flags under federal consumer protection law.
  • Recourse priority: Confirm state licensing via your state regulator and check the CFPB complaint database before contracting.
  • Alternatives: Compare against all Bankruptcy providers, DIY options via non-profit counseling agencies, and free CFPB resources.

Pricing

  • Monthly Price: 0
  • Setup Fee: 0
  • Money Back Guarantee: False
  • Guarantee Details:
  • Free Consultation: True
  • Tiers: []
  • Currency: USD

Frequently Asked Questions

What services does Bankruptcy Lawyers Memphis TN offer?

Bankruptcy Lawyers Memphis TN offers 8 services including Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing, Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing, $0 upfront Chapter 13 representation for qualifying clients, Phone-based initial consultation, Personalized attorney-client case strategy development, and 3 more. Confirm current service list directly with the provider before contracting.

Who is Bankruptcy Lawyers Memphis TN best suited for?

Bankruptcy Lawyers Memphis TN's profile signals suggest it may fit: Memphis-area individuals considering Chapter 13 who cannot afford upfront legal fees; Debtors with complex financial situations who benefit from an attorney with a CPA background; People who prefer working directly with experienced senior attorneys rather than a large firm; Tennessee residents seeking a long-established local firm with decades of bankruptcy court experience. Individual outcomes vary based on your specific situation.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of Bankruptcy Lawyers Memphis TN?

Key strengths: $0 upfront attorney fees for Chapter 13 clients who qualify under federal law; Founding partner holds dual credentials as licensed attorney and Tennessee-certified CPA since 1971; Arthur E. Ray, Jr. has been licensed in Tennessee since 1969, representing decades of local practice. Areas to consider: Initial consultation is by phone only — no in-person first meeting available; Website provides no fee schedule or cost estimates beyond the $0 upfront Chapter 13 qualifier.

How does Bankruptcy Lawyers Memphis TN compare to similar companies?

In the Bankruptcy category, comparable providers include Allmand Law, recovery-law-group, Weston Legal. Each company has different strengths, so compare services, pricing, and consumer complaint records before deciding what to do next.

Where does Bankruptcy Lawyers Memphis TN operate?

Bankruptcy Lawyers Memphis TN serves customers in 1 states including Tennessee. Confirm current service availability in your state directly with the provider.

How much does Bankruptcy Lawyers Memphis TN cost?

Listed pricing for Bankruptcy Lawyers Memphis TN: monthly price: 0; setup fee: 0; money back guarantee: False. Pricing may change — verify current fees directly with the provider before signing any contract.

Visit Bankruptcy Lawyers Memphis TN

State Consumer Finance Context

This is state-level context for Bankruptcy consumers in Tennessee. It does not confirm that Bankruptcy Lawyers Memphis TN or this specific location is licensed.

State regulator: Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions
Consumer protection: Tennessee Attorney General Consumer Protection Division

Credit and debt help rules in Tennessee

Key state rules to check

Payday lending in Tennessee: Legal (max $500)

Usury cap: 24% for consumer finance loans; payday loans regulated under Deferred Presentment Act

Complaint resources

State references

Tennessee allows payday lending with a $500 cap and 15% fee limit. Borrowers are limited to two simultaneous loans. The Department of Financial Institutions regulates all consumer lenders, and complaints can be filed with the Department or the Attorney General.

Similar Companies

Comparable Bankruptcy providers with similar service scope. Ratings reflect stored review context; verify current licensing and pricing directly before contracting.

Allmand Law logo

Allmand Law

Allmand Law is the largest consumer bankruptcy firm in Texas, led by Board-Certified attorney Reed Allmand. Offices in Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and San A...

Rating 4.8/5

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Notable: Board-Certified in Consumer Bankruptcy by Texas Board of Legal Specialization (Reed Allmand)

recovery-law-group logo

recovery-law-group

Recovery Law Group (Wajda Law Group) is an Indiana-based law firm specializing in bankruptcy and debt relief. Founded 2018. Offices in Anderson, IN and Los A...

Rating 4.2/5

Read review →

Notable: Attorney-led debt relief provides legal representation that non-attorney settlement firms cannot offer

Weston Legal logo

Weston Legal

Weston Legal is a Tampa, FL-based law firm specializing in bankruptcy and debt defense. BBB A+ accredited. Founded 2009. 1,336 Google reviews at 4.7 stars.

Rating 4.9/5

Read review →

Notable: Attorney-led debt defense provides legal representation against creditor lawsuits and collection actions

A Fresh Start Law Las Vegas logo

A Fresh Start Law Las Vegas

Nevada bankruptcy law firm specializing in Chapter 7, Chapter 13, debt settlement, and student loan solutions with 35+ years of experience led by Attorney Do...

Rating 4.3/5

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Notable: Attorney with 35+ years in Nevada private practice since 1978, not a franchise or newer operation

Adam Law Group, P.A. logo

Adam Law Group, P.A.

Jacksonville-based bankruptcy law firm offering affordable Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filing with $0 down and payments starting at $189/month.

Rating 4.5/5

Read review →

Notable: $0 down payment Chapter 7 bankruptcy filings with affordable monthly payments starting at $189

Adler Law Firm: Chapter 7 & 13 Bankruptcy logo

Adler Law Firm: Chapter 7 & 13 Bankruptcy

Detroit-based bankruptcy law firm specializing in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings, offering affordable legal representation starting at $499 with free consu...

Rating 4.4/5

Read review →

Notable: Low flat fee entry point ($499) compared to typical bankruptcy attorney rates, improving access for low-income filers

Ardelean & Dunne, PLLC logo

Ardelean & Dunne, PLLC

Michigan-based bankruptcy law firm specializing in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings with 20+ years of combined experience and over 3,000 cases filed since 2009.

Rating 4.4/5

Read review →

Notable: Same-day or next-day filing available for most clients seeking rapid creditor intervention

Arizona Zero Down Bankruptcy logo

Arizona Zero Down Bankruptcy

Phoenix-based bankruptcy law firm specializing in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings with $0 down payment options and payment plans for Arizona residents.

Rating 4.4/5

Read review →

Notable: $0 money down payment option allows bankruptcy filing without upfront costs

Related Questions

Quick Summary

Bankruptcy Lawyers Memphis TN — Bankruptcy in Tennessee.

Overall rating: 4.0/5

Memphis bankruptcy law firm specializing in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13, with qualifying clients eligible for $0 upfront attorney fees on Chapter 13 cases.

Next Steps

  1. Compare Bankruptcy Lawyers Memphis TN against similar options above.
  2. Run our borrowing power quiz to see how Bankruptcy Lawyers Memphis TN matches your situation.
  3. Check state regulator listings for Bankruptcy Lawyers Memphis TN's licensing before committing.
  4. Visit Bankruptcy Lawyers Memphis TN once you're ready.

Glossary of Terms

Common terms that come up when comparing Bankruptcy providers. Full glossary at creditdoc.co/glossary/.

Amortization — Loan Amortization
The process of paying off a loan through regular payments that cover both principal and interest. Early payments are mostly interest; later payments are mostly principal.
Why it matters: Understanding amortization explains why paying extra early in a loan saves the most money — you're reducing the principal that interest is calculated on.
Example: Month 1 of a $200,000 mortgage at 6%: your $1,199 payment splits as $1,000 interest + $199 principal. By month 300: only $47 goes to interest and $1,152 goes to principal.
Balloon Payment
A large lump-sum payment due at the end of a loan, after a period of smaller monthly payments. The loan isn't fully paid off by the regular payments — the balloon settles it.
Why it matters: Balloon payments make monthly payments look affordable but create a financial cliff. If you can't pay or refinance at the end, you could lose your home or asset.
Example: A 5-year balloon mortgage on $200,000: you pay $1,054/month (as if it were a 30-year loan), but after 5 years you owe a balloon of $186,108 all at once.
Collateral — Loan Collateral
An asset you pledge to the lender as security for a loan. If you stop paying, the lender can seize and sell that asset to recover their money.
Why it matters: Secured loans (with collateral) have lower interest rates because the lender has less risk. But you could lose your home, car, or savings if you default.
Example: A mortgage uses your house as collateral. A car loan uses your vehicle. A title loan uses your car title. If you miss payments, the lender can foreclose or repossess.
Cosigner — Loan Cosigner
A person who agrees to repay your loan if you can't. They're equally responsible for the debt, and their credit is affected by your payment behavior.
Why it matters: Cosigning helps people with thin credit get approved or get better rates. But it's a huge risk for the cosigner — they're on the hook for the full amount if you default.
Example: A parent cosigns their child's $30,000 student loan. The child stops paying after 6 months. The parent is now legally required to make the payments or face collections, lawsuits, and credit damage.
Credit Bureau — Credit Reporting Agency (Bureau)
A company that collects and sells information about your credit history. The three major bureaus are Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
Why it matters: Not all lenders report to all three bureaus, so your reports may differ. You should check all three reports because an error on one could be costing you money.
Example: Your car loan only reports to Equifax and TransUnion. Your Experian report doesn't show that good payment history, so your Experian score is 15 points lower.
Credit Freeze — Security Freeze / Credit Freeze
A free tool that locks your credit report so no one (including you) can open new accounts until you lift it. It's the strongest protection against identity theft.
Why it matters: A credit freeze prevents criminals from opening loans in your name, even if they have your Social Security number. It's free by law and doesn't affect your credit score.
Example: Your data was in a breach. You freeze your credit at all 3 bureaus (takes 10 minutes online). A thief tries to open a credit card in your name — denied because the lender can't pull your frozen report.
Credit Mix — Credit Mix (Types of Credit)
The variety of credit accounts you have — credit cards (revolving), auto loans (installment), mortgage, student loans, etc. Having multiple types shows you can manage different kinds of debt.
Why it matters: Credit mix accounts for about 10% of your FICO score. Having only credit cards isn't as strong as having a card, an installment loan, and a mortgage.
Example: Borrower A has 3 credit cards. Borrower B has 2 credit cards, a car loan, and a student loan. Even with the same payment history and utilization, Borrower B's score is typically higher.
Credit Report — Consumer Credit Report
A detailed record of your borrowing history maintained by credit bureaus. It lists every loan, credit card, payment history, collection, and public record tied to your name.
Why it matters: Errors on credit reports are common — 1 in 5 consumers has at least one mistake. Checking your report regularly is the first step to fixing errors that are costing you money.
Example: You pull your free report from AnnualCreditReport.com and find a $2,400 medical collection you already paid. You dispute it, the bureau verifies it's resolved, and your score goes up 40 points.
Credit Score
A 3-digit number (300-850) that summarizes how reliably you've handled borrowed money. Higher scores mean lower risk to lenders and better loan terms for you.
Why it matters: Your credit score determines whether you get approved and at what rate. A 100-point difference can mean thousands of dollars more or less in interest over a loan's life.
Example: On a $250,000 30-year mortgage: a 760 score gets you 6.2% ($1,536/month). A 660 score gets 7.4% ($1,729/month). Over 30 years, the lower score costs you $69,480 more.
Credit Utilization — Credit Utilization Ratio
The percentage of your available credit that you're currently using. If you have $10,000 in credit limits and owe $3,000, your utilization is 30%.
Why it matters: Utilization is the second-biggest factor in your credit score (after payment history). Keeping it below 30% helps your score; below 10% is ideal.
Example: You have 3 cards with a $15,000 total limit. You're carrying $4,500 in balances (30% utilization). Paying down to $1,500 (10% utilization) could boost your score by 20-50 points.
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).
FICO Score — Fair Isaac Corporation Score
The most widely used credit scoring model, created by Fair Isaac Corporation. 90% of top lenders use FICO scores for lending decisions.
Why it matters: FICO has many versions (FICO 8, 9, 10). Mortgage lenders still use older versions (FICO 2, 4, 5), so your mortgage score may differ from what free apps show you.
Example: Your FICO 8 score (used for credit cards) is 740. Your FICO 5 score (used for mortgages) is 725 because it weighs collections differently. Same credit history, different scores.
Hard Inquiry — Hard Credit Inquiry (Hard Pull)
When a lender checks your credit report because you've applied for credit. Each hard inquiry can lower your score by 5-10 points and stays on your report for 2 years.
Why it matters: Multiple hard inquiries in a short period suggest you're desperately seeking credit, which is a red flag. Exception: mortgage and auto loan shopping within 14-45 days counts as one inquiry.
Example: You apply for 5 credit cards in one month. Each application triggers a hard inquiry. Your score drops 25-50 points from the inquiries alone, making each subsequent application harder.
Loan Term (Tenor) — Loan Term / Tenor
How long you have to repay the loan, measured in months or years. A shorter term means higher monthly payments but less total interest paid.
Why it matters: Longer terms feel more affordable monthly but cost much more overall. A 30-year mortgage costs almost double in interest compared to a 15-year mortgage on the same amount.
Example: Borrowing $200,000 at 6.5%: A 15-year term costs $1,742/month ($113,561 total interest). A 30-year term costs $1,264/month ($255,088 total interest). You save $141,527 with the shorter term.
Origination Fee — Loan Origination Fee
A one-time fee the lender charges to process and set up your loan. It covers their costs for underwriting, verifying your information, and preparing paperwork.
Why it matters: Origination fees are usually 1-8% of the loan amount and are often deducted from your loan proceeds — so you receive less than you borrowed.
Example: You're approved for a $10,000 personal loan with a 5% origination fee. The lender deducts $500 upfront, so you receive $9,500 in your bank account but owe $10,000 plus interest.