US Bankruptcy Court NDOK Docket Feed

Landrum-Ellis v. Sterling Oaks Law Firm - Legal Fees Not Excepted from Discharge

The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma ruled on January 12, 2026, that Sterling Oaks Law Firm, PLLC failed to prove its legal fee debt should be excepted from discharge under 11 U.S.C. § 523(a)(2)(A). The court found the plaintiff law firm did not make the required showing to establish the debt was non-dischargeable, despite including language in an engagement letter and invoice attempting to obligate the debtor to pay legal fees even in bankruptcy. The defendant, a public-school teacher, had been represented by the firm in a divorce proceeding and civil contract dispute in Tulsa County, Oklahoma.

Blanchard Chapter 7 Claims Objection - Green Copper Holdings and Copper Tree

The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma issued a memorandum opinion resolving Trustee Patrick J. Malloy's objection to two proofs of claim filed by Cynthia Diane Blanchard in the Chapter 7 cases of Green Copper Holdings LLC (Claim No. 1-2, $285,107.88) and Copper Tree Inc. (Claim No. 2-2, $269,554.69), which were substantively consolidated. Blanchard, who served as CEO and founder of the debtors, appeared pro se and elected to rest on the written record without participating in the January 12, 2026 hearing. The court has taken the matter under advisement following the contested hearing.