Mesa, Arizona · Bankruptcy & Student Loan Discharge
Get out from under debt you thought was permanent.
A free, no-pressure conversation with Mark. Plain English. Real options. No judgment.
Free · Confidential · No obligation
The first thing I tell everyone
File the case, and the collection stops that day.
The calls. The garnishment. The lawsuit. The repo guy circling the block. Not eventually.
Bankruptcy isn’t where you end up when everything fails — it’s the tool that makes everything stop so you can breathe and think it through. I’ve used it a few thousand times.
Mark Atchley
Bankruptcy & Student Loan Attorney
A first-name-basis firm
Hi, I'm Mark.
I’m a bankruptcy attorney here in Mesa. I’ve been practicing law since 1993, and I’ve helped a few thousand Arizonans wipe out debt and start over. These days that includes the student loan discharge work most people think is impossible.
I tailor my approach to your situation. That means taking the time to understand what you’re dealing with and giving you my honest, straightforward opinion about your options — whether that’s bankruptcy or something else entirely.
What the first call is actually like
You tell me what’s going on, in whatever order it comes out. Nobody’s grading you, and nothing you say will be a first.
I’ll ask some questions. Then I’ll tell you where you stand, what I’d do about it, and what it costs. The whole thing is free, and there’s no pitch at the end of it.
Where would you like to start?
I need a fresh start.
Credit card debt, medical bills, job loss, divorce — bankruptcy exists for moments like this. Chapter 7 can wipe the slate clean. Chapter 13 lets you keep your assets and catch up on what you owe. Either way, it’s the law working the way it was designed to.
They told me this was impossible.
The DOJ changed its guidance. Federal courts are now granting discharge to borrowers who can’t maintain a basic standard of living while repaying — with no realistic path to doing so in the future. If that sounds like your situation, you deserve a real conversation about it.
The one everyone gets wrong
“You can’t bankrupt student loans.”
Student loans can be discharged in bankruptcy.
That’s the old answer. 2022 DOJ guidance changed it. Now courts look at three things — your present ability to pay, your future ability, and good faith — and a court can order the debt gone.
Common questions
Things people ask before they call
Will bankruptcy ruin my credit forever?
No. Chapter 7 stays on your credit report for 10 years, Chapter 13 for 7 — but most people’s credit scores actually improve within 12–18 months of filing because the overwhelming debt is gone. Starting fresh is better than staying buried.
Will I lose my house or car if I file?
Most people keep everything they own. Arizona has strong exemptions that protect your home equity, car, retirement accounts, and household goods. Mark will walk you through exactly what’s protected in your situation before you decide anything.
How long does the process take?
A Chapter 7 case typically takes 4–6 months from filing to discharge. Chapter 13 runs 3–5 years since you’re paying back a portion of debt on a structured plan. Either way, the automatic stay kicks in the moment you file — stopping calls, garnishments, and lawsuits immediately.
What does it cost?
Mark’s fees are transparent and discussed upfront during your free consultation — no surprises. Filing fees are set by the court. Many clients find the total cost is small compared to what they’re currently losing to interest and minimum payments.
Can I really discharge my student loans through bankruptcy?
Possibly yes. The old conventional wisdom (“you can’t discharge student loans”) has changed significantly. The DOJ now uses an objective framework that focuses on whether you can maintain a minimal standard of living while repaying. If the answer is no, discharge may be available. Mark has filed these adversary proceedings in Arizona federal courts.
Can bankruptcy stop a wage garnishment?
Yes. The moment your case is filed, the automatic stay stops the garnishment — not after a hearing, not next week, the day it’s filed. Your employer and the creditor get notice and must stop withholding.
Still have questions? Ask Mark directly — it’s free.
What clients say
Real words from real people.
From public reviews, exactly as written.
“From the very first phone call, Mark put me at ease. He explained everything in plain English and never made me feel judged. I walked away with a real plan and a fresh start I didn’t think was possible.”
Danielle R.
Gilbert, AZ
“Mark and his staff are the best of the best. He’s very professional, hard-working, competent, and understanding. We felt he had our best interest in mind the entire process from start to finish. I highly recommend Atchley Law Firm.”
Carmen C.
Chandler, AZ
“Mark is a great guy that cares about his clients. Excellent attorney that knows all the ins and outs of the system and how to make the process go smoothly.”
Craig F.
San Tan Valley, AZ
The next step is just a phone call
Most people wait a year longer than they need to.
Not because they didn’t know help existed. Because they thought they should be able to handle it on their own. You don’t have to. The conversation is free, and it’s the thing that changes everything.