This section has information about Debt Collection, Garnishment and Repossession in Oklahoma.
Not All Debts are the Same
Setting priorities means making tough choices. BASICS first means shelter, food and clothing. If you have cut your budget down to just but the basics, but still can't afford to pay all your debts-which debts do you pay first?
How Do I Fix My Credit Report
As a rule, it is a good idea to get a copy of your credit report at least once a year to make sure that it is correct. If there are mistakes, here's how to fix them.
Do I Need to File Bankruptcy? I do not have a job.
If you do not have a job and cannot pay off your debts, you may not have to file Bankruptcy. In come cases, you may be "collection proof."
Zombie Debt Collection (Old Debts)
Zombie Debts are old debts that buyers try to bring back to life. Collectors have a lot of tricks to get you to part with your money.
Bankruptcy
General information on the different types of bankruptcy relief available to individuals.
How can I verify whether or not a debt collector is legitimate?
Here are a few warning signs that could signal a debt collection scam.
Old Debts - Can they be collected?
Everything EXCEPT child support, tax debts and student loans-they all have their own set of special rules! Collectors depend on your lack of information about the law and not asking enough questions! Please talk to a lawyer about collection problems - a lawyer can tell you if you have a defense or when you may be giving up a legitimate defense to a collection action.
Consumer Credit Protection Act, Wage Garnishment Law Provisions
The CCPA protects employees from discharge by their employers because their wages have been garnished for any one debt, and limits the amount of an employee's earnings that may be garnished in any one week.
Stop or Lower a Garnishment
Are your wages or bank accounts are being garnished? You can use this online program to create the forms you need to ask the court for an exemption from the garnishment.
SCRA (Servicemembers Civil Relief Act) FAQ's
Frequently asked questions on rights and benefits available under the Servicemember's Civil Relief Act (SCRA). This information is for personnel in the Active Duty and Reserves or National Guard who are activated to serve on active duty.
Social Security is Safe From Collectors
Federal law makes your Social Security benefits exempt from almost all creditors claims. Even a creditor with a legal judgment against you cannot intercept your Social Security payments nor take the money from you after you receive it.
The Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act and Debt Cancellation
If you owe a debt to someone else and they cancel or forgive that debt, the canceled amount may be taxable.
Using an Offer in Compromise to Settle a Tax Bill
How to settle a tax bill with the IRS for pennies on the dollar using an offer in compromise.
Phone Number Spoofing Scams - Alert!
Caller ID fraud is illegal, but it's not stopping people from using "spoofing" apps to try to scam you! Beware!
Garnishment and Hearings on Assets - Read the Law
Links to the Oklahoma Statutes covering Garnishments and Hearings on Assets. These are some of the the laws creditors use to collect on judgments in Oklahoma.
Hospital Medical Debt - Financial Assistance Policies at Non-Profit Hospitals
If you have medical debt from a hospital emergency room visit or stay, the hospital may have a Financial Assistance Program that can help you. The IRS now requires all "non-profit" hospitals to comply with a new regulation requiring a Financial Assistance Program.
Military Status Verification
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act affords certain protections to people in active military duty, called up for military duty, or recently retired. The SCRA requires that a military status verification be conducted in certain situations to ensure that these protected individuals’ rights are being protected and allows the men and women serving their country in military service to do so without worries of default judgments, evictions, foreclosures, and some other actions.
Consumer Credit Protection Act, Wage Garnishment Law Provisions
The CCPA protects employees from discharge by their employers because their wages have been garnished for any one debt, and limits the amount of an employee's earnings that may be garnished in any one week.
Oklahoma Interest on Judgements
Listing of the post-judgment interest rates charged on judgments for calendar years 2000 to date. 12 O.S. 2013 Supp. §727.1 (I),
Stop or Lower a Garnishment
Are your wages or bank accounts are being garnished? You can use this online program to create the forms you need to ask the court for an exemption from the garnishment.
Protect Yourself from Debt Collection Scammers
Dealing with debt collection issues can be challenging—especially when you’re not sure if the person you’re being contacted by is a legitimate debt collector or someone trying to scam you. This video shares useful tips on spotting debt collection scams and protecting yourself from scammers
What's the Statute of Limitations on Credit Card Debt?
Your creditors typically have three to six years to sue you for your credit card debt.
Small Claims Court
Small Claims Court is for cases involving amounts up to $10,000. You do not have to have an attorney and it can be less expensive and less complicated than District Court.
Military Status Verification
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act affords certain protections to people in active military duty, called up for military duty, or recently retired. The SCRA requires that a military status verification be conducted in certain situations to ensure that these protected individuals’ rights are being protected and allows the men and women serving their country in military service to do so without worries of default judgments, evictions, foreclosures, and some other actions.
SCRA (Servicemembers Civil Relief Act) FAQ's
Frequently asked questions on rights and benefits available under the Servicemember's Civil Relief Act (SCRA). This information is for personnel in the Active Duty and Reserves or National Guard who are activated to serve on active duty.
Garnishment and Hearings on Assets - Read the Law
Links to the Oklahoma Statutes covering Garnishments and Hearings on Assets. These are some of the the laws creditors use to collect on judgments in Oklahoma.
Consumer Credit Protection Act, Wage Garnishment Law Provisions
The CCPA protects employees from discharge by their employers because their wages have been garnished for any one debt, and limits the amount of an employee's earnings that may be garnished in any one week.
OK Statutes on Identity Theft
Identity theft takes place when someone uses your personal information, Without your permission to commit fraud or other illegal activities. Oklahoma has criminal laws that punish those that commit identity theft and civil laws that provide damages and other remedies to victims of identity theft. This document gives a list of the Oklahoma statutes that relate to identity theft.
Stop or Lower a Garnishment
Are your wages or bank accounts are being garnished? You can use this online program to create the forms you need to ask the court for an exemption from the garnishment.
Hospital Medical Debt - Financial Assistance Policies at Non-Profit Hospitals
If you have medical debt from a hospital emergency room visit or stay, the hospital may have a Financial Assistance Program that can help you. The IRS now requires all "non-profit" hospitals to comply with a new regulation requiring a Financial Assistance Program.
Debt Collection Defenses - Social Security benefits
When you are sued for collection of a debt, do not ignore the court papers! Talk to a lawyer, you may have a defense!
Military Status Verification
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act affords certain protections to people in active military duty, called up for military duty, or recently retired. The SCRA requires that a military status verification be conducted in certain situations to ensure that these protected individuals’ rights are being protected and allows the men and women serving their country in military service to do so without worries of default judgments, evictions, foreclosures, and some other actions.
Oklahoma Find A Lawyer
As a community service, the OBA does provide a directory of its attorney members who have given their permission to have their names published in the Oklahoma Find A Lawyer directory at Oklahoma Find A Lawyer. There you can search by both geographic area or by a lawyer's practice area.