Memphis-based bankruptcy attorney with 30+ years of experience helping individuals file Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy to eliminate debt and stop creditor actions.
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Ben Sissman is a solo bankruptcy attorney licensed to practice in Tennessee, operating out of Memphis. He specializes exclusively in consumer bankruptcy representation, with over three decades of experience guiding clients through debt relief options. His website emphasizes a personalized, consultative approach where he learns about each client's specific situation before recommending a course of action.
Sissman offers comprehensive bankruptcy services including Chapter 7 filing (asset liquidation for debt elimination), Chapter 13 filing (debt reorganization with repayment plans), and related debt defense strategies. Beyond basic bankruptcy filing, he addresses collateral concerns like foreclosure defense, wage garnishment prevention, and vehicle repossession defense. He also assists with eliminating medical debt, credit card debt, back taxes, student loan payment reduction, gambling debt, HOA arrears, and payday loan obligations. All consultations are offered at no charge.
What distinguishes Sissman is his emphasis on protecting assets—particularly homes and vehicles—during bankruptcy proceedings. His marketing specifically promises clients can often keep their house and car while eliminating other debts, positioning experience as critical to achieving favorable outcomes. He frames bankruptcy as a constitutional right and fresh start rather than a financial failure, using direct messaging about creditor harassment, sleep loss, and dignity.
Sissman operates as a solo practitioner rather than a large firm, which may offer more personalized attention but limits capacity and resources. His website provides clear educational content about Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 choices and life after bankruptcy, though he is subject to the federal requirement that bankruptcy attorneys disclose they are debt relief agencies. His 30-year tenure in Memphis suggests local market knowledge and established relationships with courts.
This is state-level context for Bankruptcy Services consumers in Memphis, TN. It does not confirm that Ben Sissman, Attorney at Law or this specific location is licensed.
State regulator
Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions
Consumer protection
Relevant law: Tennessee Credit Services Businesses Act (Tenn. Code Ann. § 47-18-1001 to 47-18-1012)
Registration: Required with Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, Division of Regulatory Boards
Upfront fees: Listed as prohibited in the current CreditDoc state summary
Source: CreditDoc state-law summary and listed public regulator resources. Verify licensing directly with the listed state regulator before relying on a provider.
Ben Sissman, Attorney at Law offers 13 services including Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing and representation, Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing and representation, Foreclosure defense and prevention, Wage garnishment prevention and defense, Vehicle repossession prevention and defense, and 8 more.
Ben Sissman, Attorney at Law has profile signals associated with Memphis-area residents facing foreclosure, wage garnishment, or vehicle repossession who want to explore bankruptcy, Individuals with multiple debt types (medical, credit card, tax, gambling) seeking consolidation into one filing, Homeowners and vehicle owners concerned about asset loss and seeking to protect collateral during debt relief, People experiencing creditor harassment or facing immediate collection action who need court intervention.
Key strengths: 30+ years of bankruptcy law experience with established track record in Memphis market; Free initial consultations with emphasis on learning client's unique situation before recommending action; Specializes exclusively in bankruptcy and debt relief (not multi-practice firm diluting focus). Areas to consider: Solo practitioner model may limit availability and capacity for new clients relative to larger firms; Website lacks client testimonials, case results, or success rate data to verify claims.
In the Bankruptcy Services category, comparable providers include HSBC Bank, Law Office of Matthew M. Cree, LLC, The Law Offices of Stuart B. Handelman, P.C.. Each company has different strengths, so compare services, pricing, and consumer complaint records before deciding what to do next.
CreditDoc Profile Note
Ben Sissman is best suited for Memphis-area individuals with significant unsecured debt (medical, credit card, tax) or at imminent risk of foreclosure/repossession who value personalized attorney guidance and asset protection. The primary caveat is that bankruptcy involves serious long-term credit consequences, filing fees, and complex eligibility requirements (means testing for Chapter 7) not fully addressed on the website—prospective clients should confirm fee structure and realistic outcomes during the free consultation before committing.
HSBC Bank USA offers premier banking, wealth management, and international financial services for high-net-worth individuals and those with cross-border banking needs.
Google rating from 51 reviews
Profile signals: High-net-worth individuals seeking integrated wealth management with personalized financial planning, Expatriates and internationally-mobile professionals requiring cross-border banking and money transfer services
Indiana bankruptcy attorney Matthew M. Cree specializes in Chapter 7/13 filings, collections defense, and student loan resolution with direct client access throughout the process.
Google rating from 246 reviews
Profile signals: Indiana residents facing Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy who want direct attorney communication and personalized guidance, Individuals being actively pursued by debt collectors who need immediate collections defense and rights protection
Chicago-based bankruptcy law firm specializing in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings, led by attorney Stuart B. Handelman with multiple office locations and a focus on personalized client service.
Google rating from 70 reviews
Profile signals: Chicago-area residents considering Chapter 7 liquidation bankruptcy with preference for personalized, name-attorney representation, Chapter 13 reorganization filers seeking supportive counsel through multi-year repayment plans
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Read guide →New to credit and lending? Here are the key terms used on this page, explained in plain language with real-number examples.
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.
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).
A federal agency created in 2010 to protect consumers from unfair financial practices. They write rules, supervise financial companies, and handle consumer complaints.
The CFPB is your most powerful ally against high-cost 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.
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 are required to stop contacting you if you request in writing.
Knowing your FDCPA rights stops abusive collection tactics. If a collector violates the law, you may have a right to 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.
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 has obtained a judgment.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Chapter 13 may be more relevant 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.
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.
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 is generally required to 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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
Consolidation is generally most useful 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.
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.
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.
The percentage of your monthly gross income that goes toward paying debts. Lenders use it to judge whether you can afford another loan payment.
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.
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.
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 has obtained 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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