Arizona's Premier Bankruptcy & Debt Defense Law Firm
Your Path to a Debt-Free Future starts here
Three Steps to a Fresh Start
Whether you're considering bankruptcy or fighting a debt collector, the path forward is the same.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
Sit down with one of our attorneys for a zero-pressure, zero-judgment conversation. We listen. You leave knowing exactly where you stand — no fees, no commitment.
Build Your Plan Together
We review the full picture — debts, income, lawsuits, goals — and walk you through every option, from debt defense to Chapter 7 or 13 bankruptcy. You decide what's right for you.
Get Your Fresh Start
Most bankruptcy cases can be filed within three weeks at a low flat fee. For debt defense, we move fast to stop the lawsuit. Affordable payment plans are available for both — you focus on rebuilding while we handle the rest.
Compassion, Communication & Competence
At the heart of our firm is a simple promise: we solve debt problems—with compassion, clear communication, and proven competence.
Compassion
Compassion means we treat every client with dignity and respect, recognizing the human side of financial stress. We meet clients where they are, without judgment, and work to restore their peace of mind.
Communication
Communication means we speak clearly, listen carefully, and keep clients informed every step of the way. We eliminate confusion, reduce anxiety, and ensure our clients always know where things stand.
Competence
Competence means we bring deep legal expertise, strategic thinking, and executional excellence to every matter. We don't guess. We act—decisively and effectively.
Arizona's Trusted Choice: Thousands Helped, Millions in Debt Erased
When you're facing overwhelming debt, you need more than just legal representation—you need a partner who understands your situation and has the proven track record to help you succeed. At Arizona Consumer Law Group, we've helped thousands of Arizonans regain their financial freedom, erasing millions of dollars in debt along the way.
What sets us apart? Our commitment to excellence isn't just a promise—it's demonstrated in every case we handle. We combine deep legal expertise with genuine compassion, ensuring you receive personalized attention and strategic solutions tailored to your unique circumstances. Our team doesn't just file paperwork; we fight for your future.
Want to learn more about how we can help you? Visit our YouTube channel where we share valuable insights, answer common questions, and provide expert guidance on bankruptcy and debt defense. Our videos break down complex legal concepts into clear, actionable information—because knowledge is power when facing financial challenges.
Meet Arizona Consumer Law Group
Learn who we are, what drives us, and how we help thousands of Arizonans find financial freedom.
The People Behind Your Fresh Start
John Skiba
With over 20 years of experience, attorney John Skiba has built a national reputation for helping individuals and families break free from the crushing burden of debt—especially through the powerful relief of bankruptcy. Known to over 80,000 subscribers on YouTube as the Consumer Warrior, John has taught thousands how to defend themselves against aggressive creditors and debt collectors. Through his bankruptcy practice and online education, he has helped clients eliminate or avoid paying hundreds of millions of dollars in debt—often stopping lawsuits in their tracks, protecting homes, and restoring peace of mind.
Asmahan Akam
Asmahan Akam is an Associate Attorney with Arizona Consumer Law Group in Chandler, Arizona, where she focuses on consumer debt defense and bankruptcy matters. She brings a strong commitment to client advocacy and access to justice, with experience representing individuals facing financial hardship, creditor actions, and complex legal processes. Asmahan earned her Juris Doctor from Delaware Law School and is licensed to practice law in Arizona and Washington.
Jean Springer
Jean brings over 25 years of experience to her role as a bankruptcy paralegal. She currently focuses on Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases, guiding clients with clarity, care, and attention to detail. Her career background also includes work in Chapter 11 cases, creditors’ rights, litigation, and tax law. Jean attended Michigan State University and is dedicated to making a challenging process as smooth as possible for those she serves.
Powell Skiba
Powell Skiba graduated from Brigham Young University’s Marriott School of Business with a degree in Finance. At Arizona Consumer Law Group, Powell manages operations and works closely with the legal team to ensure a smooth, efficient client experience. He uses his background in finance to support the firm’s processes and deliver organized, detail-focused service.
Ashley Lee
Ashley Lee is the Client Relations Director at Arizona Consumer Law Group, where she ensures every client’s experience reflects the firm’s core values of Communication, Compassion, and Competence. With a background in intake and financial information gathering, Ashley provides steady reassurance to individuals facing financial stress. Ashley holds an Electrical Engineering degree from ASU.
Nina Castillo
Nina is a dedicated litigation paralegal with a strong foundation in legal research, case management, and client support. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Arizona State University. Nina now plays an integral role as a paralegal, helping clients navigate complex litigation matters with professionalism and compassion.
Hannah Skiba
As Social Media Director, Hannah Skiba uses her experience in digital communication to create clear, supportive content on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. She connects followers with attorney John Skiba, answering questions and guiding people to the resources and help they need.
Erika Apostol
Erika is the friendly voice and welcoming face of Arizona Consumer Law Group, serving as our Receptionist and Intake Specialist. She ensures every client feels heard and supported from their very first call.
Kohler Pratt
Kohler is a Legal Assistant at Arizona Consumer Law Group, ensuring that every step of the bankruptcy process runs efficiently and accurately. He works closely with clients to gather important documents and keep cases on track.
Find Financial Freedom Through Bankruptcy
If overwhelming debt is controlling your life—whether from credit cards, medical bills, or other obligations—bankruptcy can provide the fresh start you need. We guide you through the process, protect your rights, and help you eliminate debt legally and permanently.
Consequences of Ignoring Debt
- Constant creditor harassment and collection calls
- Lawsuits and potential wage garnishment
- Bank account levies and property liens
- Damaged credit that prevents future opportunities
- Stress and anxiety affecting your daily life
Benefits of Filing Bankruptcy
- Eliminate most or all of your unsecured debt
- Stop creditor harassment immediately
- Protect your assets through exemptions
- Get a fresh start and rebuild your financial future
- Legal protection from collection actions
How We Help You Through Bankruptcy
Evaluate Your Options
We assess your financial situation and determine whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy is right for you. Want a head start? Try our free Chapter 7 means test calculator.
Protect Your Assets
We use Arizona exemptions to protect your home, vehicle, and other essential property from liquidation.
Stop Collection Actions
The automatic stay immediately stops creditor calls, lawsuits, wage garnishments, and foreclosure proceedings.
Guide You Through
We handle all paperwork, represent you at hearings, and ensure your case proceeds smoothly from start to finish.
Types of Bankruptcy We Handle
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Also known as "liquidation" bankruptcy, Chapter 7 allows you to discharge most unsecured debts quickly—typically within 3-6 months. Most of your property is protected through exemptions.
- Eliminate credit card debt, medical bills, personal loans
- Fast process—usually completed in 3-6 months
- Keep exempt property (home, car, retirement accounts)
- No repayment plan required
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
A reorganization bankruptcy that allows you to keep all your property while repaying a portion of your debts over 3-5 years through a court-approved plan.
- Keep all your property, including non-exempt assets
- Catch up on mortgage or car payments
- Repay debts over 3-5 years
- Stop foreclosure and repossession
File Within Weeks — Get Immediate Relief
When you file Chapter 7, a court order called the automatic stay goes into effect immediately. It tells creditors to halt most collection activity while your case proceeds.
Immediate Relief
Lawsuits, wage garnishments, bank levies, and collection calls must pause right away.
Repossessions & Foreclosures
Most are halted, giving you breathing room to assess options.
Utility Shutoffs
Temporary protection from shutoffs due to unpaid bills.
Credit Reporting & Contact
Collectors must stop contacting you about the debt and avoid new negative actions tied to collections.
Don't Wait—Act Now
The longer you wait, the more damage creditors can do. Bankruptcy can stop collection actions immediately and protect your assets.
Is Your Case Outside of Arizona?
We focus on Arizona bankruptcy cases, but we can help connect you with qualified attorneys in other states through our referral network.
Access Our Referral Network →Learn About Bankruptcy
Watch our educational videos to understand bankruptcy options and how they can help you find financial freedom
Being Sued? We Fight for You.
If you're being sued for a debt—whether by a credit card company, debt collector, or other creditor—don't face them alone. We defend you in court, challenge their claims, and fight to protect your rights and your money.
Consequences of Ignoring a Lawsuit
- Default judgment against you
- Wage garnishment (up to 25% of paycheck)
- Bank account levy
- Property liens
- Damaged credit for years
Benefits of Fighting Back
- Challenge the creditor's proof
- Potentially get the case dismissed
- Negotiate better settlement terms
- Protect your wages and assets
- Hold creditors accountable
How We Defend You
Challenge Their Evidence
Many creditors lack proper documentation to prove you owe the debt. We scrutinize their evidence and file motions to dismiss when they can't meet their burden of proof.
Assert Your Legal Defenses
From statute of limitations to improper service, we identify every available defense and use them strategically to protect your interests.
Negotiate Favorable Settlements
When appropriate, we leverage our defense position to negotiate settlements for significantly less than the claimed amount, often with no interest or fees.
Hold Collectors Accountable
If creditors violate the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, we don't just defend—we countersue. You may be entitled to damages for illegal collection tactics.
Types of Debt Cases We Handle
Credit Card Lawsuits
Defense against major credit card companies and their collection efforts.
Medical Debt Collection
Protection against aggressive medical debt collectors.
Auto Deficiency Claims
Defense against claims after vehicle repossession.
Personal Loan Disputes
Challenging improper personal loan collection practices.
Debt Buyer Lawsuits
Fighting back against companies that purchase old debts.
Collection Agency Cases
Holding collection agencies accountable for illegal tactics.
Time Is Critical
You typically have only 20 days from being served with a lawsuit to file a response. Missing this deadline can result in an automatic judgment against you. Don't wait—contact us immediately if you've been served.
Need to File on Your Own?
We only take debt defense cases over $5,000 that are located in an Arizona court. If your case doesn't meet these criteria, here are resources to help you fight back yourself:
Learn About Debt Defense
Understand your rights and learn how to defend yourself against aggressive creditors
Chapter 7 Means Test Calculator
Find out in 30 seconds whether your income qualifies for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Arizona — free, anonymous, no email required.
Chapter 7 bankruptcy has an income limit called the means test. If your household income is at or below the Arizona median for your household size, you automatically pass the income portion of the means test. If you're above, you may still qualify after deducting allowed expenses — but it takes a closer look.
This calculator runs the first step of that test using the most recent published figures (April 2026).
This tool is for educational use only. It runs only the income portion of the means test (Form 122A-1, Line 13). Even if you're above the median, you may still qualify under the full means test calculation (Form 122A-2). And being below the median doesn't automatically mean Chapter 7 is the right choice for your situation. The numbers shown are not legal advice — talk to an attorney before making a filing decision.
More on Our Consumer Warrior Channel
Subscribe for weekly videos on bankruptcy, debt collection lawsuits, and consumer law in Arizona.
Visit the Consumer Warrior Channel →Bankruptcy Questions
What to know about Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Arizona.
How much does it cost to file bankruptcy in Arizona?
Arizona Consumer Law Group offers transparent flat-fee pricing with payment plans available. Costs vary based on whether you file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 and the complexity of your case. Schedule a free consultation to get an exact quote for your situation.
What is the difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy?
Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharges most unsecured debts (like credit cards and medical bills) in about 3-4 months with no repayment plan. Chapter 13 involves a 3-5 year repayment plan and is used to catch up on mortgage or car payments, or when you earn too much to qualify for Chapter 7.
Will I lose my house or car if I file bankruptcy in Arizona?
Most people who file bankruptcy in Arizona keep their home and car. Arizona has generous exemption laws that protect equity in your home, vehicle, household goods, and retirement accounts. Our attorneys analyze your assets before filing to ensure everything important is protected.
Does bankruptcy stop wage garnishment and debt collectors?
Yes. The moment your bankruptcy is filed, an automatic stay goes into effect that immediately stops wage garnishments, debt collector calls, lawsuits, and most collection activity. This federal court protection applies to all creditors.
How long does bankruptcy stay on my credit report?
A Chapter 7 bankruptcy stays on your credit report for 10 years and Chapter 13 stays for 7 years. However, most clients see their credit scores recover within 1-2 years after filing because unmanageable debt is eliminated.
Debt Collection Lawsuit Questions
What to know if you've been sued — or threatened with a lawsuit — by a debt collector.
What should I do if I'm being sued by a debt collector in Arizona?
Do not ignore the lawsuit. You typically have 20-30 days to respond in Arizona. Failing to answer results in a default judgment against you, which can lead to wage garnishment and bank account levies. Contact an Arizona debt defense attorney immediately — many cases can be dismissed or settled favorably when properly defended.
Can I be sued for a debt that's old in Arizona?
Arizona has a statute of limitations on most consumer debts — generally 6 years for written contracts. If a debt collector sues you on a time-barred debt, you have a strong defense and may even have a claim against them under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
Do I really need an attorney to fight a debt collection lawsuit?
Yes. Debt collectors file thousands of lawsuits knowing most consumers won't respond or fight back. Having an experienced Arizona debt defense attorney dramatically increases your chances of getting the case dismissed, reducing the amount owed, or settling on favorable terms.
Can debt collectors garnish my wages in Arizona?
Only after they obtain a court judgment against you. Arizona law allows up to 25% of disposable earnings to be garnished. Successfully defending or settling a lawsuit before judgment prevents garnishment entirely.
What common debt collectors sue people in Arizona?
We regularly defend clients against lawsuits from Midland Credit Management, Portfolio Recovery Associates, LVNV Funding, Cavalry SPV, Discover Bank, Capital One, Citibank, and Velocity Investments. Many of these cases have strong defenses available.
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