Eggert Law Firm

08/31/2026

Most people have never been through a divorce and don't know where to start. It always begins the same way: a consultation. In our Broken Arrow office, we sit down, walk through your history: when you married, when you separated, your kids, the house, the accounts, the debt. Then we can build a plan. You don't need boxes of paperwork on day one. You need clear guidance and a plan to move forward. Call to schedule a consultation.

08/28/2026

Bankruptcy doesn't ruin your credit forever. Here in Broken Arrow, most people who come in to file are already at 400, 500, or low 600s. Bankruptcy is usually the fresh start, not the setback. Expect a dip right after filing, then a climb back within one to two years of steady work. We've had Tulsa County clients buy a house or a car at good rates two to three years out. Call the office for a free 15-minute screening to see where you stand.

08/27/2026

Thinking about divorce? Most people who reach out to us haven't filed anything yet. They're in the uncomfortable middle. They know something has to change, but aren't sure what to do first.

A few things help:�
Start gathering the basics. Pay stubs, account statements, tax documents. You don't need a legal case built. Just a clear picture of where things stand.�

Be careful with big financial moves. Moving money, large purchases, new debt — decisions made alone right now can create problems later.�

Think before moving out. For some, leaving is the right call, especially if safety is a concern. For others, it can affect custody or property questions down the line. Understand the impact before you act.�

Be careful whose advice you take. Friends and family mean well, but every situation is different. Oklahoma law doesn't treat every family the same way.�

After 28+ years handling divorce cases in Broken Arrow and Tulsa County, here's what I tell people in that first conversation: you don't need all the answers yet. You just need to understand your options before making decisions that are hard to undo.�

If you're in that in-between stage, that's the right time to ask.

08/25/2026

A woman came into my office after an unexpected surgery left her with medical bills she couldn't catch up on. She used credit cards to cover the gap, made the minimum payments, and hoped she could eventually get ahead, but the balances barely moved.�

When she finally said the word "bankruptcy," she said it quietly, almost like she was admitting something she should have avoided. She wasn't. Her situation was similar to many of the people I meet across Tulsa County: a medical issue, a job change, a divorce, or expenses that simply grew faster than income could keep up. Most people try to fix it themselves before they ever call an attorney.�

After 28 years handling bankruptcy cases here, that's a pattern I recognize quickly. In her case, Chapter 7 was the right fit. A few months later, the debt that had been weighing on her was discharged. The biggest change wasn't just financial: it was the relief of no longer planning every decision around debt payments and worrying about the next bill.

�Bankruptcy isn't about giving up. For many people, it's a legal tool that helps them move forward when their current situation is no longer sustainable. If you're carrying debt and aren't sure what options exist, the first step is simply understanding where you stand. That's a conversation, not something to be embarrassed about.

08/25/2026

We've been nominated for Best in BA's Best Law Firm! Please help show your support by voting for us. One vote per day per category is allowed, now until mid-September. Thank you!

Best in BA 2026 is a community-driven season of nominations, voting, business visibility, winner recognition, and the October 3rd, 2026 celebration in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.

08/22/2026

Oklahoma courts do not favor a parent because of gender. The standard is the best interest of the child, whether the parent is a mother or a father.

So why does this belief continue? Historically, more mothers were often the primary custodial parent. But that was usually connected to who had been handling the day-to-day responsibilities: school, appointments, routines, and everyday care.

The question isn't, "Which parent does the court prefer?" The question is: What does this child's life look like, and who has consistently been part of it?

I've worked with fathers in Broken Arrow and Tulsa County who came in believing they had already lost before their case began. Often, the biggest obstacle wasn't the law, it was the assumption that there was no point trying.
Every custody case is different, and no outcome is guaranteed. Don't let an assumption decide how you advocate for your relationship with your children.

08/21/2026

One of the most common fears we hear from clients considering bankruptcy: "Will I lose my retirement?"

The short answer is no. 401(k)s, IRAs, Roth accounts, and pensions are almost universally exempt from bankruptcy proceedings, and Social Security benefits are protected as well. If retirement security is holding you back from exploring your options, it shouldn't be.

08/19/2026

A lot of people wait to call because they think they need to have everything figured out first. They think they need a plan. They need to know what they want. They need to have every document organized. They don't.

Here are the three things that help us understand your situation:

1. Financial information

Pay stubs. Bank statements. Tax documents. A rough idea of what comes in and what goes out each month. It does not need to be perfect. It just helps us understand the financial picture, whether we're talking about bankruptcy or a divorce involving property and support.�

2. Information about your children (if applicable)�

School information, schedules, current arrangements, or even just names and ages. You are not creating a legal document before you call. You are simply helping us understand your family's situation.�

3. Anything with a deadline�

Court dates. Creditor letters. Notices. Anything with a date attached. Those documents often tell us how quickly we need to act. The sooner we know what we're dealing with, the more options we usually have.

The first conversation isn't a test you have to study for. It is where we help you understand what comes next. People often apologize for their folder being a mess. We understand. If you have a folder, even a messy one, that's enough to start.

08/17/2026

Most people who come in for a bankruptcy consultation expect the answer to be complicated. They want to understand every rule, every exception, and every possible outcome before they make a decision. But one of the first questions I usually ask is: Do you have steady income right now?

That answer is often a starting point, though it's rarely the whole picture.

Chapter 7 is worth exploring for people who don't have the income to realistically repay their debt. It can eliminate many unsecured debts, like credit cards, medical bills, and personal loans, but qualifying involves more than income alone.

Chapter 13 is different. It's generally designed for people who have regular income but need time and structure to catch up. A repayment plan can help address debts over several years and may allow someone to keep important assets, like a home or vehicle.

Of course, every situation is different. Income is just one piece of the puzzle. Self-employment, recent job changes, the types of debt involved, assets, and prior filings can all shape which option actually makes sense or whether other options should be on the table at all.

If you're unsure where you fit, that's exactly the kind of question worth bringing to a consultation before you make any decisions.

08/14/2026

Mediation vs. litigation: what’s the difference?�

Litigation is what most people picture as the process for divorce. Both sides file paperwork, exchange information, and, if they can't reach an agreement, a judge decides the unresolved issues. Once a case is in litigation, the court sets the pace. One thing that surprises many clients is how much time is spent waiting for documents, responses, or the next court date.

Mediation looks different. Instead of putting every decision in front of a judge, you and your spouse work with a neutral mediator to resolve issues like custody, property, and support. The goal isn't for someone to win, it's to reach an agreement both sides can live with.
Mediation isn't right for every situation. Cases involving hidden assets, unwillingness to negotiate, or safety concerns may require the structure of the court system.

But for many families, mediation can provide a more direct path forward.�

After more than 28 years practicing family law, I've learned that not every case belongs in mediation, and not every case belongs in court. If you're weighing your options, it's worth having a conversation before you file so you understand what to expect and can choose the approach that's right for your situation.