Oklahoma Bankruptcy HelpAre Oklahoma Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Rules Complicated?
Tulsa, Oklahoma Chapter 7 bankruptcy rules have become much more complicated in recent years. The Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act, signed into law in 2005, strengthened existing laws and created some new Chapter 7 bankruptcy rules. Thus, it is a good idea to understand just what this type of case can and cannot do for your burden of debt.
FAQ: Oklahoma Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Rules
Chapter 7 bankruptcy rules require that you either earn less than Oklahoma’s annual median income level or you prove your insolvency through a formula designed by the federal government to test your financial means.
No type of debt relief can get rid of future bills, child support, alimony, recent tax bills, most student loans, bills charged right before you formally declared yourself as bankrupt, court fines, or any debts related to your criminal actions such as driving while intoxicated or committing embezzlement.
Credit Counseling is Required
Oklahoma Chapter 7 bankruptcy rules require you to attend two sessions of credit counseling; one session must be completed through a federally approved firm before you or a Tulsa bankruptcy attorney can even file paperwork asking for you to be declared as bankrupt.
The second session, which also must be completed through a federally licensed credit counseling company, is required before a judge will finalize your request to go bankrupt.
Finalizing Your Tulsa Chapter 7 Case
Oklahoma Chapter 7 bankruptcy rules have always been complicated even for seasoned attorneys; the situation has only worsened since the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act became law.
Even if you retain a qualified Tulsa bankruptcy attorney, you must attend at least one hearing at your nearest federal courthouse. The 341 hearing or meeting of creditors gives those people to whom you owe money a chance to object to your claim that you cannot pay them as promised. In most cases, no one shows up to protest a debtor’s financial situation at a 341 hearing.
Once you get past the meeting of creditors, it could take a few weeks to a few months for a judge to finalize your request. Unless you lied about your assets and liabilities or made mistakes in the paperwork, a judge will likely approve your request.
Under Oklahoma Chapter 7 bankruptcy rules, you want your case discharged and not dismissed. Discharged means the judge eliminated your legal obligation to pay the debts you included in your case paperwork. Dismissed means the judge denied your request and you will have to start the process again if you still want to go bankrupt.
Free Bankruptcy Planning: Tulsa Bankruptcy Lawyer
To get the best possible outcome in your bankruptcy case, you will need to set expectations for yourself and also understand your attorney’s expectations of you.
If you’re ready to file, contact a Tulsa bankruptcy attorney at the Freedom Financial Bankruptcy Lawyers of Tulsa as soon as possible.
To receive your free initial bankruptcy analysis, call the Freedom Financial Bankruptcy Lawyers of Tulsa today at (918) 786-9600.
