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Clark & Washington Attorneys and Counselors at Law in Atlanta, GA
Nashville-based bankruptcy law firm specializing in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings with 35 years of experience. Offers remote filing, flexible payment plans, and full legal representation through court.
Data compiled from public sources · Rating from CreditDoc methodology
Clark & Washington Attorneys and Counselors at Law Review
Clark & Washington Attorneys and Counselors at Law is a bankruptcy practice headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, operating for over two decades with three metro-area office locations. The firm positions itself as "Nashville's Largest Bankruptcy Filer" and specializes exclusively in personal bankruptcy representation under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Founded by Emory Clark, the practice has built its reputation on handling both Chapter 7 (liquidation) and Chapter 13 (reorganization/repayment plan) bankruptcies for individual debtors.
The firm's service model centers on accessibility and convenience, particularly expanded during COVID-19. They offer phone-based consultations and case processing with no office visit required, allowing clients to complete bankruptcy filing remotely. For Chapter 13 filers, they advertise $0 down to start, with all legal fees incorporated into the bankruptcy plan itself. Their service package includes comprehensive support: completing all required paperwork, requesting tax transcripts from the IRS, attending all court hearings on behalf of clients, providing in-office credit counseling, and obtaining same-day credit reports.
What distinguishes Clark & Washington is their emphasis on personalized payment plan structures. They highlight 35 years of personal bankruptcy experience and market themselves as experts in creating "flexible payment plans customized to meet your specific needs." The firm actively advertises free initial consultations and positions credit counseling as part of their standard offering. Their remote capabilities and zero-down Chapter 13 entry point remove common barriers to accessing bankruptcy legal services.
The main limitations are geographic scope (Nashville/Tennessee focus despite SEO links to Atlanta, Orlando, Tampa markets) and the inherent trade-offs of bankruptcy filing itself. Bankruptcy is a serious legal proceeding with lasting credit impacts, and while this firm provides legitimate legal representation, it should be considered only after exploring debt management alternatives. The website contains appropriate disclaimers noting this is a debt relief agency and recommending consultation with an attorney before proceeding.
Services & Features
Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing and representation
Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing and representation
Complete bankruptcy paperwork preparation and filing
Court hearing attendance and representation
Flexible, customized repayment plan creation
Free initial legal consultations
IRS tax transcript requests and handling
In-office credit counseling sessions
Post-filing credit guidance and counseling
Remote/phone-based bankruptcy consultations and case processing
Same-day credit report acquisition
Feature Checklist
Mobile App
Online Portal
Score Tracking
Credit Education
Personal Advisor
Identity Theft Protection
Pros & Cons
Pros
- $0 down payment required for Chapter 13 filers—all legal fees rolled into the repayment plan
- Remote phone-based filing available with no office visit required
- Free initial consultations with no charge to discuss your situation
- Comprehensive service: firm handles all paperwork, IRS transcripts, court attendance, and court hearing representation
- Same-day credit reports obtained and in-office credit counseling included
- 35 years of stated personal bankruptcy experience
- Three metro-area locations for clients preferring in-person meetings
Cons
- Geographic limitation: primarily serves Nashville/Tennessee market despite SEO keywords suggesting broader coverage
- Bankruptcy has severe long-term credit consequences (7-10 year reporting period) and should be last resort, not first option
- Website disclaimers acknowledge this is general information, not legal advice, and emphasize need for attorney consultation
- No transparent fee schedule published for Chapter 7 cases; only Chapter 13 advertises $0 down structure
- Limited online presence or client reviews visible on website to independently verify service quality claims
Rating Breakdown
Value 5.0
Effectiveness 3.5
Customer Service 3.7
Transparency 3.5
Ease of Use 3.9
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Clark & Washington Attorneys and Counselors at Law legitimate?
Yes. Clark & Washington Attorneys and Counselors at Law is a registered company, headquartered in 3300 Northeast Expy Building 3, Atlanta, GA 30341.
Quick Facts
- Headquarters
- 3300 Northeast Expy Building 3, Atlanta, GA 30341
- BBB Accredited
- No
- Starting Price
- Contact provider
- Setup Fee
- None
- Money-Back Guarantee
- No
CreditDoc Diagnosis
Doctor's Verdict on Clark & Washington Attorneys and Counselors at Law
Clark & Washington is best for Nashville-area residents facing severe financial hardship who have exhausted other debt relief options and need bankruptcy legal representation without upfront fees. The critical caveat is that bankruptcy is a serious legal proceeding with 7-10 year credit consequences and should only be pursued as a final option after exploring debt consolidation, settlement, or counseling alternatives.
Best For
- Nashville/Tennessee residents with Chapter 13 debt who want to avoid upfront attorney fees
- Individuals seeking remote bankruptcy filing without ability to visit an office
- Debtors with overwhelming debt loads who have exhausted other debt management options
- People who want legal representation at all court hearings but cannot afford traditional upfront legal fees
Updated 2026-04-29
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Read guide →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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