Bankruptcy Lawyer Helping Clients in Oklahoma City Take Control of Their Financial Future
Most people encounter financial problems at some point in their lives. Sometimes it is possible to overcome these challenges on your own, but many people cannot do it alone. If you’re unable to get out of debt, you might be able to seek financial relief by filing for bankruptcy.
If you are struggling to pay your bills, bankruptcy might be the answer. But bankruptcy should be seen as a last resort rather than a quick fix for your finances. For this reason, it’s important to discuss your situation with an experienced bankruptcy attorney prior to filing for bankruptcy. Let the team at Mitchell & Hammond review your case and help you understand your options.
What Are the Pre-Filing Requirements For Bankruptcy in Oklahoma City?
There are certain requirements that you must meet before officially filing for bankruptcy in Oklahoma City. Federal law requires you to complete a credit counseling course within six months before filing for bankruptcy. This course is designed to help you determine whether bankruptcy is necessary or whether you can resolve your financial problems without taking this step.
You must complete this course with an agency that has been approved by the U.S. Trustee’s office. You will be given a certificate of completion at the end of the course that must be submitted when you file for bankruptcy.
What Documents Will I Need to File For Bankruptcy in Oklahoma?
The next step in the process is gathering the documents that you will need to submit to file for bankruptcy, including:
- Financial statements
- List of creditors and debts
- Summary of your assets
- Proof of income
- Income tax returns
- Copies of current leases or contracts
- Credit counseling certificate of completion
- Form 22A or 22C
Gather these documents now to ensure you are prepared to file for bankruptcy.
How Can I File For Bankruptcy in Oklahoma?
An attorney can assist with the process of filing for bankruptcy. Your attorney will need copies of your financial documents so he can prepare to file for bankruptcy in court. You will be given an opportunity to review the petition before it is filed with the court.
There are bankruptcy filing fees that must be paid at the time your petition is submitted. The fees change, so ask your attorney to find out how much it will cost for you to file.
You have officially filed for bankruptcy once the paperwork has been submitted and the fee has been paid.
What Will Happen After I File For Bankruptcy?
Several things will happen immediately after filing for bankruptcy in Oklahoma City. Filing for bankruptcy will trigger an automatic stay, which will temporarily protect you from harassing calls and legal action taken by creditors. This means you should stop receiving letters, phone calls, and other communications from creditors.
A trustee will be appointed to your case shortly after you have filed. The trustee that is assigned to your case might contact you to request more information about your finances. It’s best to let your attorney communicate with the trustee on your behalf.
Your 341 meeting, also known as the meeting of creditors, will take place about one month after filing for bankruptcy. You are required to attend this meeting to meet with your trustee and any creditors that may show up. The purpose of this meeting is to confirm that the financial information you have provided is accurate. If a creditor attends, they are given an opportunity to ask questions or object to information in your financial documents.
You must complete another educational course after filing for bankruptcy. This debtor education course will provide you with the financial tools and resources that you need to manage your finances moving forward. For example, the course teaches debtors how to create a household budget and improve their credit score after bankruptcy. You must provide the certificate of completion for this course to the court or your case will be dismissed. This must be provided within 60 days from the date of your 341 meeting.
These are some of the steps that will take place after you have filed for bankruptcy, but it is not an overview of the entire process. Because this process is so complex, it’s best to have an attorney stand by your side and guide you through it.
Schedule A Free Consultation With Mitchell & Hammond to Discuss Filing For Bankruptcy
If you’re considering bankruptcy, contact the skilled attorneys at Mitchell & Hammond as soon as possible. Tell us more about your financial struggles so we can determine if filing for bankruptcy is the right solution for you. If it is, we will guide you through the process and help you obtain a fresh financial start. To schedule a free consultation, call our law office at 405-216-0007 or submit your information via the form on this website.
