Bankruptcy can feel like an overwhelming journey, but understanding the cost to file and the estimated bankruptcy attorney fees in Oklahoma is the first step.
by:
Dave Te
,
January 15, 2025
Reviewed By:
,
January 15, 2025
Information in this article does not constitute legal advice, it is for informational purposes only, and may not constitute the most up-to-date information. Readers should contact their attorney for advice on any particular legal matter.
The price for filing bankruptcy in Oklahoma may seem straightforward, but there's more to it than meets the eye. In 2025, you'll be spending about $338 for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy and $313for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy. However, things get a bit more complicated if you decide to enlist the help of a bankruptcy attorney or if you're hoping to have the filing fees waived. So, we dug deep and spent around $1,000 on PACER, a public records database that spills the beans on bankruptcy attorney fees. And what did we find? As of 2025, the Chapter 7 attorney fee range in Oklahoma can set you back anywhere between $800 and $1500. Mind you, this is just an estimate. But fear not! If you want a more precise estimate based on your specific location in Oklahoma, we've got a handy-dandy bankruptcy cost calculator just for you.
You’re probably wondering how on earth you can afford bankruptcy in Oklahoma, especially when you're already struggling to pay your bills. And let's not forget about those pesky interest rates and inflation that keep rearing in 2025. Well, here's the lowdown: while many bankruptcy costs, like the filing fee and credit counseling courses, tend to be pretty similar across the board, attorney fees are a whole different ballgame. Depending on whether you're in Oklahoma City or Tulsa, the price range for bankruptcy attorney fees can vary wildly.
So, what's the purpose of this article, you ask? Simple. We're here to give you the lowdown on the estimated all-in costs of filing for bankruptcy in Oklahoma. Brace yourself, because here they come:
Bankruptcy Attorney Fees
Bankruptcy Filing Costs
Estimate the All-In Bankruptcy Cost in Your Zip Code
We've been getting a lot of questions about the cost of bankruptcy in Oklahoma, so we decided to do some digging and create a handy database of attorney fees. Now, you can find out how much bankruptcy might cost you in your very own city in Oklahoma. Pretty cool, right? All you need to do is enter your zip code below, and our cost estimator will give you an estimate of what you might expect to pay. It's as simple as that! We want to make sure you have all the information you need to make the best financial decisions for yourself. So, go ahead and give it a try. Enter your zip code and let our cost estimator work its magic. We hope this tool helps you navigate the world of bankruptcy with a little more clarity.
Table of Contents
1. Actual Lawyer Costs By District In Oklahoma
Even though we've listed a variety of bankruptcy attorneys' fees above, the precise cost will depend on a few other elements. The bankruptcy lawyer's location, the case's intricacy, the attorney-client dynamic, and the expert's level of expertise are just a few of the variables that influence the total cost. However, since location is crucial, let's look at the actual expenses shown by the Pacer filing data and the Oklahoma bankruptcy district map.
See the map below to determine your district, then scroll down to see actual legal fees.
Covering a substantial area, the Eastern District of Oklahoma includes major cities like Tulsa, Muskogee, and Fort Smith. Operating within the central time zone, this district comprises 26 counties and features one courthouse with two judges.
The expected bankruptcy filing cost typically falls between $1,250.00 and $2,000.00 for residents residing near these significant cities within Oklahoma's Eastern District. It's crucial to remember that this is an estimate, and actual expenses may vary based on factors such as your financial situation and the choice of legal representation.
Oklahoma Northern District
The Northern District of Oklahoma encompasses a significant expanse and covers major urban centers such as Bartlesville, Claremore, and Ponca City. Operating within the central time zone, this district spans 11 counties and hosts two courthouses with four judges presiding over them.
The expected bankruptcy filing cost typically ranges from $662.00 to $999.00 for residents near these significant cities within Oklahoma's Northern District. It's essential to keep in mind that this is an estimate, and actual expenses may vary based on factors such as your financial situation and the choice of legal representation.
Oklahoma Western District
The Western District of Oklahoma covers a substantial area and encompasses significant centers like Enid, Lawton, and Altus. Operating within the central time zone, this district spans 11 counties and accommodates one courthouse with seven judges presiding over it.
For residents in proximity to these major cities within Oklahoma's Northern District, the expected bankruptcy filing cost typically ranges from $662.00 to $999.00. It's essential to remember that this is an estimate, and actual expenses may vary based on factors such as your financial situation and the choice of legal representation. This knowledge will keep you informed and prepared for any potential variations in cost.
2. Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Attorney Fees Oklahoma
Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorneys in Oklahoma can charge anywhere from $1810 to $6310. The exact fee depends on the district you're in. Now, when it comes to Chapter 7 attorney fees, they can vary quite a bit. However, Chapter 13 fees are often similar because of "no-look fees." These fees are considered reasonable for the service provided. But hey, don't forget to check if the attorney charges an hourly rate for any extra work after you've filed for Chapter 13.
3. Bankruptcy Filing Costs
Bankruptcy filing costs are not just an Oklahoma thing, my friend. They're similar all across the United States. But hold your horses; there are other costs you must also keep in mind. Let's break it down for you.
Bankruptcy Filing Fees
Hey there! If you're thinking about filing for bankruptcy in the US, there are a couple of things you should know. First, there's a fee involved, but don't worry—I'll break it down for you.
If you're going for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the filing fee totals $338. Now, let's break that down even further. You've got a $245 filing fee, a $78 administrative fee, and a $15 trustee surcharge. Phew, that's a lot of numbers!
If you're considering Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the filing fee is a bit lower: $313. This includes a $235 filing fee and a $78 administrative fee.
But hey, I get it. Money can be tight, especially when in a tough financial spot. The good news is if you can't afford the filing fee, you have options. You can pay it in installments or even have it waived completely. Sounds pretty helpful.
If you want more details on the filing fee situation, you can check out the Oklahoma filing fee information here. Hope that clears things up for you!
Oklahoma Filing Fee Waiver Guidelines
Hey there! If you're considering filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Oklahoma, I have some good news for you. You might qualify to have your filing fees waived if your income falls below 150% of the Oklahoma poverty guidelines. Now, let me break it down for you. For instance, let's say you're a single person. Your income should be less than $13,590 to be eligible for the fee waiver. If you're a couple, that number goes up to $18,310. And if you have a family of three, your income should be below $23,030. You get the idea, right? Here's a handy table that shows you the 150% poverty guideline for different household sizes in Oklahoma in 2022:
| # of People | 150% Poverty Guideline |
|------------|-----------------------|
| 1 | $13,590 |
| 2 | $18,310 |
| 3 | $23,030 |
| 4 | $27,750 |
| 5 | $32,470 |
| 6 | $37,190 |
| 7 | $41,910 |
| 8 | $46,630 |
| 9 | $51,350 |
| * | Add $4,720 for each individual over 9. |
Remember, these numbers represent your maximum income to qualify for the fee waiver. If your income is below these amounts, you're in luck! So, if you're finding it tough to make ends meet and must file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, this fee waiver could be a huge relief. It's worth checking if you meet the income criteria.
Mandatory Course Costs
When you're in a tough spot financially and decide to file for bankruptcy, you'll need to take a couple of courses in Oklahoma. These courses are designed to provide you with the necessary credit counseling and debtor education. You can often take these courses online, which offers convenience and flexibility. Now, let's talk about the cost. You can pay around $10 to $50 per course. The courses must be approved, so you'll want to ensure you take the right ones. You can find them on the U.S. Department of Justice website, which lists approved credit counseling courses and debtor education courses. These lists should also provide you with the cost associated with each course. Taking these courses is an essential step in the bankruptcy process. They provide you with valuable knowledge and guidance and fulfill the requirements set by the authorities. So, be sure to choose and complete the suitable courses to pave the way towards a fresh financial start.
Miscellaneous Costs
Your attorney can lend a helping hand regarding the cost of a credit report. They might be able to assist you in getting one, so you don't have to worry about footing the bill all by yourself. Now, let's talk numbers. The cost of transportation can vary depending on which bankruptcy court you're headed to.
We’ve made it easier for you to figure that out by hovering over to your district using this interactive map and looking up your nearest bankruptcy court.
Will Inflation Affect the Cost To File Bankruptcy in Oklahoma?
Let's break it down and see if inflation might impact Oklahoma filing fees and attorney costs. First, let's talk about the filing fee for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. It went up from $335 to $338. And for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, it went from $310 to $313. Now, hold up! Before you start freaking out, let me tell you that these changes are minimal. So, I wouldn't expect them to have a major negative impact on you. But here's the deal - attorney fees might still see some inflation. Inflation can make bankruptcy attorneys shell out more money for their employees. And they might have to deal with higher living costs, especially in cities like Tulsa or Norman or elsewhere in Oklahoma. So, while the filing fees might not be a big deal, you might still see some changes in attorney fees. It's all part of the game when inflation comes into play. Keep that in mind, folks!
Would My Bankruptcy Cost Be Higher in Oklahoma City Than in Norman?
So, if you reside in Oklahoma and are contemplating whether to hire a local attorney or venture into the big city of Tulsa to save some bucks on bankruptcy costs, I get it. It's a tough decision.
Now, you might assume that the cost of hiring a bankruptcy attorney would be sky-high in Oklahoma City, considering it has the largest population in the state, with a whopping 649,021 people. But hold your horses, my friend, because things might not be as straightforward as they seem.
While it's true that the cost of bankruptcy attorneys could be higher in Oklahoma City, there's a little twist to the story. You see, with more attorneys flocking to the city, there's fierce competition, which can drive prices down. So, you might end up shelling out more moolah for bankruptcy fees right in your suburban paradise than you would in the bustling streets of Oklahoma City.
Most bankruptcy attorneys offer free consultations. Yep, you heard that right! You can get multiple perspectives without spending a single dime. And hey, if you're a numbers person, we've got you covered. Our bankruptcy cost calculator below considers all these variables and gives you an estimate of the overall cost. How cool is that?
Why Do Some Attorneys Charge Higher Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Fees?
You want to know something interesting? Tulsa's bankruptcy attorneys' cost can be as different as night and day. Yeah, you heard that right! You might compare the prices of two attorneys and find yourself scratching your head, wondering how they can be so far apart.
Now, here's the deal. Regarding Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorneys in Norman, things are pretty straightforward. They usually charge a fixed amount known as the "no-look fee." It's like a normal fee for their services, and they stick to it. But hold on! When it comes to Chapter 7 bankruptcy attorneys, it's a whole different ball game. The fees can vary big time, my friend. So, it's crucial to understand what you're getting for that extra moolah.
So, what factors affect the cost of a bankruptcy lawyer? Well, let me break it down for you:
The type of bankruptcy you're filing. Are you going for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13?
The complexity of your case. Is it a no-asset or an asset case?
Your location. Are you in Oklahoma City or Tulsa?
The level of connection you have with the attorney.
The attorney's expertise. How many years of experience do they have under their belt?
Now, let me give you an example. Imagine you're making $10,000 above the median income for Oklahoma, and you still want to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. In that case, the attorney might need to dig deep into your expenses to determine if you even qualify for Chapter 7, considering your income. And you know what that means? Yup, you guessed it! More time is spent by the attorney usually translates to a higher overall cost for your bankruptcy case.
If you're curious to learn more about this fascinating topic, I've got just the thing for you. Check out this article: Understanding Bankruptcy Lawyer Fees.
Conclusion
Bankruptcy is not a one-size-fits-all situation. The cost depends on where you live and the type of bankruptcy you're filing. But here's the lowdown: the attorney fee is the biggest factor that affects the total cost,as we mentioned.
I hope this article has shed some light on the all-in costs of filing for bankruptcy with a bankruptcy lawyer. If you've got any burning questions, don't hesitate to reach out. And hey, if you want to get a quick estimate of the costs specifically for Oklahoma, check out the Oklahoma bankruptcy cost calculator below. It's free!
Bankruptcy can be a great way to get a fresh start when your debt has become unaffordable due to financial hardship. Bankruptcy is for those who have a strong desire to pay their bills, but may not have the ability to pay those bills.
Trying to figure out if you can meet all the requirements for a bankruptcy discharge can be a challenge, especially if you don’t know where to start. The Bankruptcy Means Test form was created to help you navigate through to see if you qualify to file for bankruptcy discharge. The means test will look at your income to determine if you can qualify.
Yes, you can file bankruptcy while unemployed with no job, but please note that your unemployment income does count as income for the bankruptcy means test.
