How to Answer a Debt Collection Summons in Oklahoma (2025)

Getting sued for debt is stressful. You probably don’t have money to pay the debt, much less legal fees.

Ignoring the lawsuit guarantees you lose. The best protection is to respond.

We’ll walk you through responding to a debt collection lawsuit in Oklahoma. You’ll learn state deadlines, how to draft an Answer, and where to find help.

You Have 20 Days to Respond in Oklahoma

Oklahoma gives you just 20 days to respond to a debt lawsuit. The clock starts when the Summons and Petition are filed.

You can see the filing date on both documents. Count 20 days from that date, including weekends.

Example: Jack received a Summons dated March 1, 2022. His response deadline is March 21, 2022.

Missing the deadline means the plaintiff wins by default. The court grants a default judgment without hearing your side.

With that default judgment, the debt collector can garnish your wages or freeze your bank account. Money comes out of your paycheck before you see it.

You also lose any chance to dispute the debt amount or negotiate a payment plan. Filing within 20 days is the single best way to protect yourself.

Use an Answer Form to Respond

Oklahoma doesn’t offer online court forms. Don’t let that stop you from filing your own response.

Drafting an Answer isn’t as complicated as you think. Our partner Solo walks you through each step.

You can draft your Answer in less than 15 minutes. Answer a few questions online, and the system translates your responses into proper legal format.

An attorney reviews your completed documents to ensure everything is correct. Then your Answer gets filed on your behalf.

No Filing Fees for Answers in Oklahoma

Good news: Oklahoma doesn’t charge fees to file an Answer.

Check the court’s fee schedule if you plan to file a counterclaim or motion. These may require fees.

You can review Oklahoma Court Fees online.

Steps to Answer a Debt Collection Petition

You can file your own response to a debt lawsuit. Keep these important points in mind.

First, file your response before the 20-day deadline ends. Second, you can respond with an Answer document or a Motion.

An Answer document is straightforward. Follow these steps:

1. Answer each issue in the complaint
2. Assert affirmative defenses
3. File with the court and serve the plaintiff

Answer Each Issue in the Petition

Respond to every allegation in the Complaint separately. The allegations appear in numbered paragraphs.

Structure your Answer the same way. Match each numbered paragraph to the corresponding allegation.

For allegation #1, write your response in paragraph #1. Simple.

You have three answer choices for each allegation:

• Admit
• Deny
• Unable to admit or deny for lack of information

Admitting true facts won’t hurt your case. You can admit your name or account number.

You don’t need to deny everything to win. You only need to win on one issue.

Deny any allegations that aren’t true. If the plaintiff says you refused to pay and that’s false, simply write “deny.”

You can admit or deny “with explanation” if relevant facts need disclosure. Use “unable to admit or deny” when you can’t verify something, like details about the plaintiff company.

Our partner Solo makes it simple to respond correctly.

Assert Affirmative Defenses

Affirmative defenses show the plaintiff doesn’t have a case. You can use any that apply to your situation.

Find the complete list in Oklahoma Statutes, Title 12 Civil Procedure §12-2008(C.)

Here are common affirmative defenses:

Payment: You already paid the debt. They can’t ask you to pay again.

Debt collection lawsuits often come from third-party agencies, not your original creditor. These companies buy debt in large bundles without researching each account.

If they intimidate you into not responding, they get a default judgment without proving anything. But if you already paid or had another agreement, you can prove you don’t owe.

Accord and satisfaction: You made an agreement with your original creditor to accept less than the full amount.

The debt buyer may not know about this agreement. Attach proof like emails or canceled checks to your response.

Bankruptcy discharge: The debt was discharged in bankruptcy. No one can collect through the legal system after discharge.

Statute of limitations: The deadline for legal action has expired. We’ll discuss Oklahoma’s statute of limitations in detail below.

After listing affirmative defenses, you can assert counterclaims against the plaintiff. Counterclaims arise if the plaintiff violated Oklahoma debt collection laws.

Oklahoma follows the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Oklahoma also enacted its own version in Section 7-101 of Title 14A.

Counterclaims get complicated quickly. Get legal assistance if you believe you have a reasonable counterclaim.

File the Answer and Serve the Plaintiff

Your final step is filing your Answer with the Court. Confirm you’re within the 20-day deadline.

Then do the following:

• Print at least two copies of your Answer
• Mail one copy to the court
• Mail the other copy to the plaintiff’s attorney

Make an extra copy for your records. You’ll find it helpful at your hearing.

Our partner Solo files for you automatically.

Oklahoma Statute of Limitations on Debt

The statute of limitations on debt is 5 years in Oklahoma for most debts. Written contracts, promissory notes, mortgages, and credit cards all have a 5-year limit.

Medical debt, credit cards, and auto loans fall under this statute. Oral and open contracts have a shorter 3-year limit.

If you haven’t made a payment for 5 or more years (3 for oral/open contracts), you cannot be sued in Oklahoma.

Creditors Can Renew Judgments in Oklahoma

Judgments can result in property liens or wage garnishment. To receive a judgment, a creditor must file a lawsuit.

As the defendant, you’ll receive a Summons. Always respond with an Answer to prevent a default judgment.

Statute of Limitations on Judgments

The statute of limitations for most consumer debt in Oklahoma is five years. Judgments typically expire in five years too.

After expiration, the judgment is no longer enforceable. However, creditors can renew the judgment before the deadline.

Creditors can renew judgments indefinitely in Oklahoma. They simply file a request for renewal of judgment.

What Happens After a Judgment

Once obtained, the creditor can place a lien on your property, levy your bank accounts, or garnish your wages.

Wage garnishment is the most common enforcement method. The creditor contacts your employer directly.

Your employer must deduct a portion of your wages each pay period. They send that money to the creditor by law.

Continuing Garnishment

A continuing garnishment allows creditors to garnish up to 25% of your disposable earnings under OK Stat. Title 12-1173.4(I)(1).

You can fight for an exemption from wage garnishment. Claim undue hardship on your family or dependents.

Oklahoma courts examine these factors:

• Your current standard of living compared to your family’s minimum needs
• Comparison to minimum subsistence standards for food, shelter, clothing, and transportation
• Impact on dependents’ basic necessities

Federal law prohibits garnishment of Social Security benefits, unemployment wages, and pensions.

Non-Continuing Garnishment

Non-continuing garnishments are typically bank levies. The creditor takes non-exempt money from your account to satisfy the judgment.

Your bank account may be frozen until the judgment is satisfied. Exemptions include:

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Unemployment benefits
• Social Security benefits
• Welfare benefits
• Certain pensions
• Workers’ compensation
• Veterans benefits
• Retirement funds
• Life insurance policy proceeds
• Child support payments
• Alimony payments

Settle Your Debt Before Going to Court

Rebuilding financial health feels overwhelming when you’re drowning in debt. Debt settlement allows you to start the journey back.

You can settle a debt at any point during the collection process.

Three Steps to Settle a Debt

Contacting creditors about debt settlement can feel intimidating. Many creditors will consider settling for less than you owe.

They’d rather get a percentage of the debt repaid than nothing. Debt collectors are even more likely to settle.

They may have purchased the debt for pennies on the dollar. Even accepting a settlement earns them a profit.

Follow these three steps to settle debt in Oklahoma:

1. Answer the lawsuit. If you’ve been sued, respond with an Answer first. Skip this step if you haven’t been sued.
2. Send your initial settlement offer. Make your offer realistic. You should actually be able to pay it if accepted. Start low enough to leave room for negotiation.
3. Get it in writing. Once you’ve agreed on an amount, get the settlement agreement in writing before paying. File the agreement with the court to get the case dismissed.

Debt settlement negotiations don’t have to be complicated. Consider offering 40%-60% of the debt to begin.

Allow room for a counteroffer from the creditor. Our partner Solo can help you draft settlement offers and track correspondence.

Debt Settlement Laws

The Federal Trade Commission enacted the Telemarketing Sales Rule. This expanded debt settlement regulations.

Businesses providing debt relief services cannot:

• Collect fees from consumers before the debt is settled or resolved
• Misrepresent the services they provide
• Fail to disclose relevant information before consumers enroll

Required disclosures include service costs, timeline to achieve results, consequences for late payments, customer rights, and other important terms.

Find Debt Relief in Oklahoma

Getting into debt is far too easy. Getting out is time-consuming and stressful.

You have access to debt relief options to help you get back on track.

Know Your Rights Under the FDCPA

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act protects consumers from abusive debt collection practices. The law prohibits harassment or abuse.

Under the FDCPA, debt collectors cannot:

• Call you before 8 am or after 9 pm
• Call you multiple times a day to harass you
• Call you at work if you’ve asked them not to
• Threaten you with arrests or jail time
• Refuse to validate the debt

If the debt collector violates your rights, report them to the Federal Trade Commission online or call 877-382-4357.

Oklahoma Debt Relief Programs

Oklahoma has numerous programs to help those facing financial hardships. Available programs include:

• Child care subsidies
• Operation Round Up for utility bill assistance
• Food Stamp Nutrition and Education program
• Foreclosure assistance and prevention programs
• TANF

These programs may not directly help with debt. But they can help you get back on your feet financially.

Consolidate Debt

Debt consolidation rolls all your consumer debt into one monthly payment. You may qualify for lower interest rates and extended loan terms.

Your monthly payment becomes more manageable. However, your credit score and debt amount affect loan terms.

Know the risks involved with debt consolidation. You could pay off a credit card with the loan, then add to the balance again.

You could find yourself in worse shape if you’re not careful with finances.

File for Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy advertising makes it seem like a simple solution to get out of debt. Bankruptcy does provide a fresh start for consumers.

But that fresh start doesn’t begin until bankruptcy leaves your credit report. That takes seven to ten years.

Bankruptcy damages your credit profoundly and long-term. Consider bankruptcy only when all other options have failed.

You may want to speak with a bankruptcy attorney for free to explore your options.

Find Your Court Case in Oklahoma

Following your court case progress increases your chances of winning or resolving the case. Court records contain invaluable information.

You’ll find the judge’s name, court dates, and any documents the creditor filed. Oklahoma makes it easy to access court records.

Oklahoma’s Court Structure

Oklahoma’s civil court system handles all debt lawsuits. These courts consist of:

• Supreme Court hears appeals for civil cases and writs. Justices formulate rules governing lower courts.
• Court of Appeals hears appeals from lower courts.
• 26 judicial districts service Oklahoma’s 77 counties. District courts preside over civil matters without monetary limits. They include small claims courts hearing cases up to $10,000.

Debt collection cases are heard in the District Court serving your county or the Small Claims court.

Access Court Records in Oklahoma

To access records in person, know where the collector filed your case. Find your court location using the Oklahoma District Court website.

At the courthouse, fill out a written records request with the clerk of court.

View court records online using the Oklahoma State Courts Network. Search by case number if you have it.

Otherwise, use the party search feature. Information you may need includes:

• Name
• Date of birth
• Type of case
• Filing date

Stop Wage Garnishment in Oklahoma

If you’re struggling to meet daily obligations, wage garnishment feels like a nightmare. Oklahoma laws offer limits on garnishment amounts.

You also have ways to fight back against wage garnishment.

Wage Garnishment Laws in Oklahoma

The Consumer Credit Code and Rules of Civil Procedure govern wage garnishment. Oklahoma Statutes §14A-5-104 through §14A-5-106 set the rules.

Guidelines include:

• Identifying a qualifying debt. Qualifying debts include student loans, credit cards, personal loans, and medical bills. Creditors must sue you and receive a judgment first.
• Section §14A-5-105 limits garnishment to 25% of disposable income or income exceeding 30 times federal minimum wage.
• Creditors must provide at least ten days’ notice before initiating garnishment.
• Certain wages are exempt from garnishment. Social Security benefits cannot be garnished. If garnishment creates extreme hardship for you or dependents, you may reduce the amount.

File a Claim for Exemption

Oklahoma allows those subjected to wage garnishment to file a Claim for Exemption. Notify the court and the creditor.

Steps to file a successful Claim for Exemption:

1. Determine which exemptions apply. Examples: earnings fall below federal minimum wage, you receive public assistance, or you’re head of household and dependents would suffer undue harm.
2. Fill out the exemption form available from the court.
3. File the form with the court that issued the garnishment order. Send a copy to the creditor.
4. Attend the hearing to determine your claim’s validity.

Oklahoma offers a law program to walk you through the process.

Prevent Wage Garnishment

The best way to stop wage garnishment is preventing it from happening. Settle the debt before a lawsuit.

Debt settlement works best when you offer a lump sum payment. Try to have money saved or sell something to raise settlement funds.

Oklahoma Debt Collection Laws Protect Consumers

Constant phone calls interrupt your day and evenings. Text messages and dreaded mail add stress to dealing with debt collectors.

State and federal laws provide legal safeguards supporting consumers dealing with debt collectors.

Rights and Protection for Oklahoma Consumers

Debt collectors must provide written notification within five days of initial contact. The notice must include the creditor’s name, debt amount, and dispute information.

Consumers have a right to request debt verification by sending a Debt Validation Letter.

State and federal laws prevent debt collectors from harassment or abuse. If you’ve experienced threats, profanity, obscenity, or repeated excessive phone calls, file a complaint.

Contact the FTC or the state’s attorney general office.

Responding to Oklahoma Small Claims Court

Small claims cases involve claims less than $10,000 in Oklahoma. Everything you need to know about responding.

The response process for small claims is similar to regular civil court. File your written Answer within the deadline.

Attend the scheduled court hearing to avoid a default judgment. During the hearing, you’ll give your side of the story.

A judge will make a decision in the case.

Should You Hire a Lawyer?

Hiring an attorney is time-consuming, stressful, and expensive. The cost might exceed the debt you owe.

Our partner Solo makes it easy to represent yourself, saving time and money.

An attorney reviews your court documents and Answer before filing. You get the strongest case possible without hunting down a lawyer.

You can also reach out to legal aid organizations in Oklahoma. These help pro se litigants navigate the legal system.

Oklahoma Legal Aid Organizations

Legal aid organizations offer free services to residents who can’t otherwise afford them. In Oklahoma, contact:

• Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma
• Oklahoma Free Legal Answer
• Oklahoma Lawyers for America’s Heroes Program
• Oklahoma Indian Legal Services

Find Your Oklahoma Court Location

Find all Oklahoma court locations at the Oklahoma State Courts Network.