Phoenix-based bankruptcy law firm specializing in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings, debt collector lawsuits, and foreclosure defense led by attorney Shawn Louis Stone.
Data compiled from public sources · Rating from CreditDoc methodology
Stone Law Group, PLC is a bankruptcy and consumer protection law firm based in Phoenix, Arizona, founded by attorney Shawn Louis Stone. The firm operates from a main office in central Phoenix with satellite locations across the greater Phoenix area (Desert Ridge, North Phoenix), plus offices in Peoria and Prescott. The firm positions itself as a consumer-focused bankruptcy practice rather than a high-volume debt relief company.
Stone Law Group offers legal representation for Chapter 7 bankruptcy (liquidation), Chapter 13 bankruptcy (reorganization/wage-earner plans), and credit rebuilding guidance. Beyond filing services, the firm actively represents clients in defending against creditor lawsuits and suing abusive debt collectors under consumer protection laws. The attorney also handles real estate-related matters including foreclosure defense and short sales, leveraging his licensure as an Arizona realtor. The firm emphasizes direct attorney involvement rather than paralegal-led processes.
What distinguishes Stone Law Group is the involvement of a single named attorney (Shawn Stone) who claims to work directly with clients from start to finish, plus specialized real estate knowledge relevant to foreclosure and short sale scenarios. The firm positions itself as results-oriented and focused on personal service. The website features a testimonial from "Retired Bankruptcy Judge Charles Case" discussing the importance of attorney representation, though this is not independently verified.
As a bankruptcy law firm, Stone Law Group is primarily a legal services provider, not a debt relief, settlement, or credit repair company. Consumers should understand that bankruptcy is a formal legal process with lasting credit impacts; it is appropriate for clients with substantial debt who cannot pay, but not for those seeking credit score improvement without formal insolvency proceedings. The firm's emphasis on "personal service" may indicate smaller case volume than national bankruptcy chains, which could mean longer wait times or limited availability.
Yes. Stone Law Group is a registered company, headquartered in Phoenix, AZ.
Results vary by individual situation. Contact the provider to discuss expected timelines for your specific needs.
CreditDoc Diagnosis
Stone Law Group is best for Phoenix-area consumers with substantial unsecured debt (credit cards, medical bills, deficiencies) or facing immediate creditor enforcement (garnishment, foreclosure, repossession) who need attorney representation through formal bankruptcy. The main caveat is that bankruptcy is a major legal action with 7–10 year credit reporting consequences; it is appropriate only for those who cannot pay debts, not a credit repair or debt settlement shortcut, and consumers should understand this distinction before engaging.
Phoenix-based bankruptcy law firm specializing in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings, debt relief, and foreclosure defense for individuals and small businesses since 2000.
Best for: Arizona residents facing wage garnishment, foreclosure, or significant unsecured debt seeking full legal representation, Small business owners and self-employed individuals in Arizona dealing with business-related debt
Denver bankruptcy attorney Clark Dray offers Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing, estate planning, and probate services with free initial consultations.
Best for: Denver-area residents with unsecured debt (credit cards, medical bills, payday loans) seeking Chapter 7 discharge, Homeowners facing foreclosure or with tax/child support arrears who need Chapter 13 reorganization
United Community is an FDIC-insured bank offering personal and business banking, lending, mortgages, and wealth management services across multiple locations including Embry Hills, GA.
Best for: Customers seeking full-service banking with both personal and business accounts at a single institution, Small business owners needing specialized lending (SBA, USDA, industry-specific programs) and treasury management
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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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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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