According to the new bankruptcy law passed in 2005 (Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act), anyone filing Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy must complete two courses prior to doing so: a Credit Counseling class and a Personal Financial Management/Debtor Education class. While the Credit Counseling class focuses on your existing debts, the Personal Financial Management class offers education about how to budget and responsibly manage your finances in the future. If you are struggling under a mountain of debt and you think filing for bankruptcy is right for you, consult our knowledgeable attorneys at Oklahoma Legal Center as soon as possible. Our team of experienced lawyers can inform you of all your bankruptcy options, and will work with you to determine what course of action is best for your individual financial situation.
Required Credit Counseling Courses
The Credit Counseling class must be taken prior to filing for bankruptcy, whereas the Personal Financial Management class is taken after. One of the most important things to do before choosing a provider from which to take these credit counseling classes, is to ensure that the credit counseling agency has been approved by the Department of Justice’s United States Trustee Program. After completing each class, you will receive a Certificate of Completion, which you must present to the bankruptcy court or else face the potential dismissal of your bankruptcy case. If you fail to provide proof that you completed the Personal Financial Management course, you will not receive a discharge order releasing you from personal liability for certain debts, nor will your creditors be prohibited from attempting to collect from you.
Consult Our Experienced Attorneys Today
With additional requirements like taking credit counseling courses, filing for bankruptcy in Oklahoma may seem like an impossible task to face on your own. That’s why many people in Oklahoma choose to enlist the help of a qualified lawyer to help them navigate the sometimes complicated bankrupty process. For those individuals already struggling with a mortgage, car loans, student loans and other forms of debt, taking on the daunting task of filing for bankruptcy can be overwhelming. Here at Oklahoma Legal Center, our attorneys have extensive experience helping Oklahomans file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, and will work diligently to help you get the financial relief you need. Whether you think discharging your debt or devising a repayment plan to pay back debt over time is right for you, our knowledgeable lawyers are standing by ready to help, and will be there for you every step of the way.