B David Sisson operates a solo bankruptcy law practice in Oklahoma City serving individuals pursuing Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 relief and business owners managing Chapter 11 reorganizations or dissolution. His practice handles the full bankruptcy pipeline from initial consultation through discharge, with pricing structures that differ sharply between straightforward filings and contested matters, a distinction most debtors need to understand before hiring.
Bankruptcy law at this firm divides into three primary paths. Chapter 7 liquidation cases (where non-exempt assets are sold to pay creditors and unsecured debt is discharged) occupy the routine end of the workload and command lower fees than Chapter 13 cases, which require drafting and negotiating a three-to-five-year repayment plan with creditors. Chapter 11 business reorganizations, less common in solo practice, demand extensive court filings and restructuring work and cost substantially more. The firm does not handle adversary proceedings (disputes over debt dischargeability or fraud claims) as a standalone service, though these disputes sometimes arise within an existing bankruptcy case.
The fee difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 matters reflects the labor intensity. A straightforward Chapter 7 filing (one debtor, minimal assets, no challenges) typically runs between $1,500 and $2,500 in attorney fees, not including the mandatory $335 filing fee and credit counseling course costs. Chapter 13 cases, which require a confirmed plan and ongoing plan administration, usually cost between $3,000 and $5,000 depending on creditor opposition and plan complexity. These figures assume no asset disputes, no fraud allegations, and no creditor objections. Confirm current rates when you contact the office, as fee structures in bankruptcy occasionally shift in response to court rule changes or local bar guidance.
Retainer agreements are standard; the firm typically requires payment before filing. Payment plans are available in some Chapter 13 cases, where part of the attorney fee is folded into the repayment plan itself, but this depends on the specifics of your situation.
Oklahoma City hosts several bankruptcy practices, ranging from solo attorneys to multi-attorney firms. Larger firms like those affiliated with bankruptcy-heavy litigation shops may charge higher fees ($2,000 to $3,500 for Chapter 7, $4,000 to $7,000+ for Chapter 13) but offer speedier turnarounds and sometimes specialized creditor negotiation. Those firms excel if your case involves asset disputes, creditor fraud claims, or business-level complexity. Sisson's practice suits debtors whose cases are straightforward: stable income (for Chapter 13), no significant property disputes, and no criminal or civil fraud elements. Solo practitioners in the Oklahoma City area charge fees in a similar range to Sisson, but solo practices vary widely in turnaround time and responsiveness. National bankruptcy document preparation services (nonlawyer providers) can file basic Chapter 7 cases for $300 to $500, but they cannot represent you in court, negotiate with creditors, or handle objections, so they suit only debtors with no creditor opposition and no complications.
Choose Sisson if you want an attorney who will represent you in confirmation hearings and answer creditor objections without referring you elsewhere. Choose a larger firm if your case involves asset recovery disputes or business restructuring. Choose a document service if your finances are uncomplicated and you want the lowest upfront cost with the understanding that you have no court advocate.
This practice works well for Oklahoma City residents or business owners with:
It does not suit you well if:
Initial consultations at this practice typically cover your income, expenses, assets, and debts in detail. Bring recent tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and a list of creditors with balances. The attorney will assess whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 makes sense for your situation and estimate the total cost. You will also learn whether you qualify for the exemptions that protect your home, car, retirement savings, and personal property under Oklahoma law. After you retain the firm, the attorney prepares your petition, schedules of assets and liabilities, statement of financial affairs, and the mandatory credit counseling certificate. Filing occurs once the fee is paid in full and all documents are finalized.
Verify current office hours and address directly with the firm before your first visit, as solo practices sometimes operate by appointment only. Most bankruptcy consultations take 45 minutes to an hour. Parking in Oklahoma City is ample in most office districts; confirm whether the office suite offers dedicated or street parking when you call to schedule.
B David Sisson's practice fills a necessary gap for Oklahoma City debtors who need attorney-backed bankruptcy relief at fees lower than larger litigation firms charge, without the liability risk or court appearance gaps that document preparation services create.
