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How to Prepare for your Free Consult
R. Gavin Fouts R. Gavin Fouts

How to Prepare for your Free Consult

Filing for bankruptcy can be a daunting decision, but the process becomes more manageable with the right guidance. Preparing for your first meeting with a bankruptcy attorney is a crucial step in setting yourself up for success. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you get ready.

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Why Can’t I Pay for My Bankruptcy with my Credit Card?
R. Gavin Fouts R. Gavin Fouts

Why Can’t I Pay for My Bankruptcy with my Credit Card?

When considering bankruptcy, many individuals find themselves in a financial pinch and might wonder if they can use a credit card to cover the costs associated with filing. However, using a credit card to pay for bankruptcy is generally not allowed, and here’s why:

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What to expect at your Chapter7 Meeting of Creditors
R. Gavin Fouts R. Gavin Fouts

What to expect at your Chapter7 Meeting of Creditors

Filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy can be a significant step towards financial relief, but it also involves several important procedures. One of the key events in this process is the Chapter 7 meeting of creditors, often referred to as the "341 meeting" after the relevant section of the Bankruptcy Code. Understanding what happens during this meeting can help you feel more prepared and less anxious.

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Dealing with debt when preparing for Chapter 7
R. Gavin Fouts R. Gavin Fouts

Dealing with debt when preparing for Chapter 7

So you have decided to file Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. Now the question is: how do I deal with debt while waiting to file? Navigating the labyrinthine corridors of debt is a daunting endeavor, and the prospect of filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy may seem like the final retreat into financial ruin. Yet, in this intricate dance between survival and obligation, there exists a path of strategic management that can ease the transition and set the stage for a brighter financial future.

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How to Pay for Chapter 7
R. Gavin Fouts R. Gavin Fouts

How to Pay for Chapter 7

Filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy can offer a fresh start by wiping out most unsecured debts, such as credit card bills, medical bills, and personal loans. However, the process itself isn't free; you'll need to cover filing fees and attorney costs. If you’re already struggling financially, finding the funds to pay for these costs might seem daunting. One practical strategy to manage these expenses is to stop paying debts that will be included in your bankruptcy and use that money to pay your attorney instead.

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Stopping Garnishments with Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
R. Gavin Fouts R. Gavin Fouts

Stopping Garnishments with Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

For many individuals struggling with overwhelming debt in Oklahoma, wage garnishments can add significant stress to an already difficult situation. However, filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy can provide a powerful remedy to halt garnishments and offer a fresh financial start.

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Realtor’s Commission and Chapter 7
R. Gavin Fouts R. Gavin Fouts

Realtor’s Commission and Chapter 7

When a realtor files for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the consequences can be significant, impacting business operations, professional reputation, and future earning potential. Understanding these risks is crucial for real estate professionals to make informed decisions and safeguard their interests.

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Understanding Unscheduled Debts in a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
R. Gavin Fouts R. Gavin Fouts

Understanding Unscheduled Debts in a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy can offer a fresh financial start for those overwhelmed by debt. However, navigating the process can be complex, especially when it comes to dealing with unscheduled debts. This article will provide an in-depth look at what happens when a debt is not listed in your bankruptcy schedules, the process for amending these schedules, the exceptions to the general rule, and a cost-benefit analysis of including an omitted creditor.

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The Growing American Debt Crisis: An Insight into 2024 Trends
R. Gavin Fouts R. Gavin Fouts

The Growing American Debt Crisis: An Insight into 2024 Trends

American debt has been a mounting concern for years, but recent trends indicate that it is continuing to grow at an alarming rate. The debt landscape encompasses various forms such as credit card debt, student loans, auto loans, and mortgages, all contributing to an overall increase that poses significant economic challenges. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for individuals and policymakers alike as they navigate the complexities of financial health and stability.

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The Evolution of Bankruptcy: A Historical Perspective
R. Gavin Fouts R. Gavin Fouts

The Evolution of Bankruptcy: A Historical Perspective

Bankruptcy, a legal process designed to help individuals and businesses eliminate or repay their debts under the protection of the bankruptcy court, has a rich and varied history that spans several centuries and cultures. This article traces the development of bankruptcy from its early origins to its current form, exploring how social, economic, and legal changes have shaped its evolution.

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Bankruptcy Myths Debunked: Separating Fact from Fiction
R. Gavin Fouts R. Gavin Fouts

Bankruptcy Myths Debunked: Separating Fact from Fiction

When facing financial difficulties, the word "bankruptcy" can evoke a mix of fear and confusion, fueled by common misconceptions. Today, we’re here to clear the air and debunk the myths surrounding bankruptcy, helping you make informed decisions during tough times.

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The Trustee: A Quick Primer
R. Gavin Fouts R. Gavin Fouts

The Trustee: A Quick Primer

When navigating the complexities of bankruptcy, one of the key elements you will encounter is the role of the bankruptcy trustee. Both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies involve trustees, but their responsibilities in each chapter vary significantly due to the different structures of these bankruptcy types. This article will demystify what trustees do in both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies, helping you understand their crucial roles in the bankruptcy process.

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Navigating Bankruptcy as a Small Business Owner: A Guide to Protecting Your Future
R. Gavin Fouts R. Gavin Fouts

Navigating Bankruptcy as a Small Business Owner: A Guide to Protecting Your Future

Bankruptcy can be a daunting word, especially for small business owners who have poured their heart and soul into their ventures. However, understanding the nuances of bankruptcy can transform it from a feared concept into a strategic tool for financial recovery and future planning. This article aims to demystify the bankruptcy process for small business owners, focusing on why individuals often file for bankruptcy while their businesses do not. We'll also explore how Oklahoma's exemptions for business assets can play a pivotal role in this process.

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What Income Counts on the Means Test
R. Gavin Fouts R. Gavin Fouts

What Income Counts on the Means Test

Filing for bankruptcy is a significant step towards regaining financial stability, and the means test plays a pivotal role in determining eligibility, especially for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. This test assesses your financial situation to decide if your income is low enough to file for Chapter 7, or if you should consider Chapter 13 instead. Understanding what constitutes income in the means test is crucial for preparing your bankruptcy case accurately. Let's delve into the types of income included in the means test and how they impact your bankruptcy filing.

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Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: Making the Right Choice for Your Financial Future
R. Gavin Fouts R. Gavin Fouts

Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: Making the Right Choice for Your Financial Future

When faced with overwhelming debt, bankruptcy can offer a fresh start. However, choosing the right type of bankruptcy—Chapter 7 or Chapter 13—is crucial to align with your financial goals and situation. Both pathways can provide relief but differ significantly in process, duration, and impact on your assets and credit. Let’s navigate these differences to help you make an informed decision.

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How Bankruptcy Might Affect Someone's Employment in Oklahoma: Navigating Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Filings
R. Gavin Fouts R. Gavin Fouts

How Bankruptcy Might Affect Someone's Employment in Oklahoma: Navigating Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Filings

When grappling with financial distress, filing for bankruptcy under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 can offer a lifeline for individuals seeking a fresh start. However, in Oklahoma, where employment is predominantly "at-will," the implications of bankruptcy on one's employment and future job prospects become a significant concern. This nuanced landscape requires a closer look at how bankruptcy, whether it be Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, might influence employment within the state.

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Retirement and Bankruptcy: Protecting Your Future
R. Gavin Fouts R. Gavin Fouts

Retirement and Bankruptcy: Protecting Your Future

Facing financial distress is daunting, especially when it threatens your hard-earned retirement savings. Bankruptcy, often perceived as a financial reset button, can be a strategic move for those drowning in debt. However, the implications of filing for bankruptcy—for either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13—on retirement accounts are a significant concern for many. Thankfully, in Oklahoma, statutes provide robust protections for these accounts, ensuring that individuals can navigate bankruptcy proceedings without sacrificing their financial future

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The Automatic Stay: Your Financial Breathing Room in Bankruptcy
R. Gavin Fouts R. Gavin Fouts

The Automatic Stay: Your Financial Breathing Room in Bankruptcy

When you're submerged in financial turmoil, filing for bankruptcy can feel like gasping for air in a relentless ocean of debt. However, both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy offer a lifeboat in the form of the automatic stay, a powerful legal provision that provides immediate relief from creditors' collection efforts. This blog post dives into the benefits of the automatic stay and how it can offer you a crucial breathing space as you navigate through your bankruptcy journey.

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Filing Your Own Bankruptcy: Pros and Cons
R. Gavin Fouts R. Gavin Fouts

Filing Your Own Bankruptcy: Pros and Cons

Filing for bankruptcy can feel like navigating a stormy sea. For many, the decision to sail these waters without the guidance of an attorney is driven by financial necessity or the belief that they can manage the process on their own. While there are cases where individuals successfully file for bankruptcy pro se (without an attorney), it's critical to weigh the pros and cons before embarking on this journey alone.

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