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Frequently Asked Questions

  • How can I get another copy of my discharge?

    When the order of discharge has been docketed in the case, the debtor will receive a copy by mail. Should you need another copy, there are three ways to obtain a copy of your discharge:

    1. Online:

      Through the “Public Access to Court Electronic Records” (PACER) by calling 800-676-6856 to set up an account or visiting their website at:

      https://pacer.uscourts.gov/

      Due to privacy procedures, some documents filed electronically will not be available online. When a user tries to access a document that is not available online, the System will display the message, “The document has been restricted. If this document is not redacted or sealed it may be viewed in the Clerk’s Office...” Restricted documents will be available for viewing and printing at the Clerk’s Office or may be purchased in paper form. For instructions on purchasing a restricted document by mail, please call 918-699-4072.
       

    2. By Mail:

      If your discharge was issued in the Northern District of Oklahoma, you may call the Clerk’s Office at 918-699-4072. We can give you the exact cost of printing your documents. We will print and mail copies of requested documents to you upon receipt of your payment for the copies in the exact amount due and a self-addressed stamped envelope. The cost for this option is 50 cents per page plus the cost of returned postage.

    3. In Person:

      The Clerk’s Office is located at 224 S. Boulder, Room 105, Tulsa, Oklahoma. Hours are 8:30 to 4:30, except on Tuesdays, when we close at 3:00. Copies from one of our self-service terminals cost 10 cents per page; or, we can print them for you at 50 cents per page.

  • What if a creditor tries to collect money after I get a discharge?

    Information on a debtor's rights when a creditor tries to collect money after a discharge is entered is available at the following link under the heading "May the debtor pay a discharged debt after the bankruptcy case has been concluded?:"

    www.uscourts.gov/FederalCourts/Bankruptcy/BankruptcyBasics/DischargeInBankruptcy.aspx

    You are strongly encouraged to contact a bankruptcy attorney if a creditor is seeking to collect on a discharged debt.

  • What can I do if a creditor keeps trying to collect money after I have filed bankruptcy?

    Information on a debtor's rights when a creditor tries to collect money after their bankruptcy case has commenced is available at the following link under the heading "How Chapter 7 Works:"

    http://www.uscourts.gov/services-forms/bankruptcy/bankruptcy-basics/chapter-7-bankruptcy-basics

    You are strongly encouraged to contact a bankruptcy attorney if collection calls continue after your case is filed.

  • What is a motion for relief from stay?

    In general, when you file for bankruptcy, you are protected by the "automatic stay." The automatic stay prohibits creditors from taking action to collect the debt or from taking your property. In some cases, the creditor will ask the court for permission to continue efforts to collect the debt by filing a motion for relief from the stay. For example, this is may be done by a creditor who wants to continue foreclosure proceedings on a house or seek repossession of a vehicle.

    You are strongly advised to contact a bankruptcy attorney if a motion for relief from stay is filed in your case.

  • What is a reaffirmation agreement?

    A reaffirmation agreement is a document in which the debtor agrees to remain legally obligated to pay a debt that might otherwise be discharged in bankruptcy.

    Reaffirmation forms and instructions are available on the U. S. Courts website at the following link under the heading "Part II – Procedural Forms and Instructions:"

    http://www.uscourts.gov/forms/bankruptcy-forms

    Additional information on reaffirmation agreements is provided on the U. S. Courts website at the following link under the heading "The Chapter 7 Discharge:"

    http://www.uscourts.gov/services-forms/bankruptcy/bankruptcy-basics/chapter-7-bankruptcy-basics

    You are strongly advised to consult legal counsel before agreeing to a reaffirmation of a debt.

  • My case was dismissed. Can I file a new bankruptcy case?

    If your case was dismissed, you should read the order of dismissal carefully. The order will indicate the restrictions placed on future filings.

    Please consult an attorney if you have questions.

  • What if my case is dismissed?

    A dismissal order ends the case. The order of dismissal is then mailed by the Clerk's Office to all parties and creditors in the case.

  • I attended the meeting of creditors before my case converted to another chapter. Do I have to attend another meeting?

    In general, a new trustee is assigned when a case is converted, a new meeting of creditors is set, and a new notice of the meeting is sent to all creditors. The debtor must attend this meeting.

  • How do I get my discharge?

    Once a discharge is entered in your bankruptcy, the clerk of the bankruptcy court will mail a copy of the "order of discharge" to the debtor, all creditors, the trustee, and attorneys who have entered an appearance in the case.

  • What is a discharge?

    A discharge releases individual debtors from personal liability for most debts. A discharge also prohibits the creditors owed those debts from taking any collection actions against the debtor.

    The following link provides more information on a bankruptcy discharge:

    http://www.uscourts.gov/services-forms/bankruptcy/bankruptcy-basics/discharge-bankruptcy-bankruptcy-basics

    Please consult an attorney if you have questions about your discharge.

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