If your business exists in the state of Oklahoma, you have something to be thankful for because bankruptcy laws in Oklahoma are some of the most favorable in the nation. Oklahoma gives you more exemptions than many other states.

When starting a business, no one thinks they will fail; however, things happen and there may come a time when filing for bankruptcy becomes the best course of action for yourself and your business. Before filing for bankruptcy, keep in mind the following:

1. Plan for life after bankruptcy in Oklahoma. Filing for bankruptcy doesn’t mean your life is over; it can be a new beginning for you and your business.

2. Have a good understanding of what all Oklahoma bankruptcy laws entails and how it will affect all aspects of your life and your business.

3. Understand what brought you to this point. Learn form the situation so if you go on to start another business, you can avoid bankruptcy a second time.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Review bankruptcy law in OK

It's important to understand Oklahoma bankruptcy law. Oklahoma bankruptcy laws changed dramatically in 2005 with the changing of the federal bankruptcy laws. The new laws made filing for bankruptcy much more expensive and tedious. Now when applying for bankruptcy in Oklahoma, the debtor must go through credit counseling as well as being put through a means test to determine how to file.

I recommend: Lawyers.com gives a detailed explanation of Oklahoma bankruptcy laws and the recent changes that were made. OklahomaBankruptcy.com gives a detailed overview of the bankruptcy process in Oklahoma.

Hire a quality Oklahoma bankruptcy attorney

There are plenty of good Oklahoma bankruptcy attorneys. A precise lawyer is absolutely necessary when filing for bankruptcy. Interview various Oklahoma bankruptcy lawyers until you find one that fits the needs of you and your business.

I recommend: StateLawyers.com offers a listing of Oklahoma bankruptcy attorneys throughout the state that’s searchable by city. The Gooding Law Firm P.C. is one of many Oklahoma bankruptcy law firms that offers prompt and experienced help to clients filing for bankruptcy.

Determine the exemptions you have under Oklahoma bankruptcy law

It is important to understand what you can and cannot protect from creditors. It varies under different bankruptcy laws. Oklahoma has one of the most generous homestead exemption laws of any of the states. Also income such as alimony, child support, and certain pensions are exempt as well.

I recommend: The Bankruptcy Site has a detailed list of all the available exemptions. Bankruptcy Information has a chart that details exemptions under bankruptcy law in Oklahoma. It covers all exemptions available under Oklahoma bankruptcy law and how much of the asset you’re allowed to exempt.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Stay organized. OK bankruptcy law requires a lot of paperwork, from the necessary government forms to your own records covering your income, assets and your tax forms.