Whether or not you have to file probate depends on property the decedent owned when they died and the extent of the estate planning done while they were alive. If proper estate planning happens prior to death, there are many ways to make distributing assets upon death much easier. Avoiding probate in Oklahoma, as in any state, typically involves estate…
When you’re going through a divorce in Oklahoma, understanding how alimony works and when alimony is awarded is important. Alimony, AKA spousal support, is a form of financial assistance that one spouse may be a requirement to provide to the other after the dissolution of marriage. The laws in Oklahoma cover when they award alimony, its duration and if it’s…
Oklahoma obstruction of justice charges and eluding a peace officer charges can result in serious implications. It’s vital to have a clear understanding of what they entail if you or a loved one are facing such accusations and need to mount a winning criminal defense case to safeguard your interests. Understanding Obstruction Of Justice In Oklahoma An obstruction of justice…
If your spouse files bankruptcy without you its possible for you to keep your tax return. One partner in a marriage can file bankruptcy individually without involving the other directly in the process. Although this is common there are still some issues that may overlap in bankruptcy filings for many married couples. The bankruptcy filing can be in the name…
Grandparent visitation rights exist by common law and the court decides on a case by case basis. Oklahoma laws give preference to parents to make choices about raising their children, including whom children will spend time with, such as grandparents. Unfortunately, the law says that grandparents do not have any statutory right or constitutional right to visit their grandchildren. If the…
We’ve all heard the adage – ignorance of the law is no excuse. But is it true for crimes committed in Oklahoma? The law in Oklahoma is quite clear: Ignorance of the law does not excuse from punishment for its violation.” (21 OK Stat § 21-152.) This would seem to answer the question in the affirmative – yes, you can…
Calculating damages in a breach of contract case in Oklahoma is a little technical and takes some thinking. When someone violates a contract, the other parties to the agreement may suffer financial or other kinds of losses. Calculating the losses suffered in a breach situation can be complicated. Depending on the type contract and the kind of damage the requirement…
Arbitration In personal injury lawsuits is a useful tool in your arsenal of settlement weapons. If you suffer personal injuries from an accident, what’s next? You can file an insurance claim, but this may not give you just compensation for your injuries. You may have to file a civil lawsuit to assert your claim for compensation and protect your valuable…
Head injuries at work in Oklahoma are covered by the states workers compensation insurance. Any work-related injury can be devastating and even life-altering for you and your family. But often, these injuries can be fixed, and you will heal. But what about the invisible injuries that stick with you forever? Many people suffer from closed head injuries at work, and…
The term “Miranda Rights” is an important aspect in criminal defense matters. Miranda Rights were defined as the result of a United States Supreme Court case. In this case, the Court refers to constitutional rights that grant you the right to a criminal defense attorney and the right to remain silent. This is a landmark case and is perhaps one…
In Oklahoma your drivers license after DUI is placed at risk. If you have been charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Actual Physical Control (APC), you may be at risk of having your driver’s license revoked or suspended. Losing your license can severely impact your life. Finding alternative and reliable transportation to a job, attending to your kids’…
Homicide charges in Oklahoma carry hefty prison sentences and come as the result of many different circumstances. The city of Tulsa has 80 or so homicides in a typical year. This is an average that stays within a certain range. One of these includes the beating death of a young woman by her husband. The husband beat her with a…
Protective order violations in Tulsa are very serious crimes. In April of 2017, a woman reportedly held a man at gunpoint from her front porch. The man was in violation of a protective order that was issued against him. He was at the woman’s house demanding her debit card and sitting in her driveway even after being ordered by the…
If you are facing an elbow injury at work in you have a workers compensation claim. Because an elbow injury at work is so costly, its important that you do the right things that ensure the injury id covered. First, on average an elbow injury costs a total of $7,000 for the entire treatment and recovery process. During the recovery,…
Expunging Juvenile Records is possible under the law. There are often times people find themselves in terrible situations as a juvenile. Whether this is due to poor choices or a lack of maturity, it can still have consequences as an adult. For example, depending on the crimes you are charged with, a juvenile record could enhance your adult charges. Over…
Fighting First and Second Degree Burglary in Oklahoma begins with understanding the difference between the two charges. Oftentimes many people believe that the degrees of a crime are not that important. For instance, someone may not take the idea of first degree burglary much more serious than second degree burglary. However, there are a few significant differences between first and…
Dividing Debts in Oklahoma Divorce is a question faced by many families working through divorce. One of the most frequently asked questions of a lawyer is “How does property divide in a divorce?”. This generally includes dividing debts also. Take for instance you had certain debts entering into a marriage, or your spouse took out student loans for a professional…
In 1983, Oklahoma courts held in the Sanchez v. State appeal that “breaking” can be applied to small breaking “no matter how slight” to remove an obstruction in order to enter a place. This was illustrated in Sanchez when he rang a doorbell and when the resident of the home tried to shut the door he pushed it open. Thus,…
Stopping garnishments in bankruptcy is easy. Wage garnishments can occur automatically. They happen when government agencies like the IRS or other creditors claim you owe them money. They can also occur as a result of a court order that one of your creditors secured against you. A wage garnishment summons is then issued to your employer. Either way, third parties…
Oklahoma law allows individuals to seek protection from undue stalking, harassment or abuse. Emergency protective orders intend this protection. If necessary and upon a showing of good cause, a permanent order of protection occurs. While emergency and final protective orders will not actually prevent an individual from choosing to pursue their stalking, harassment or abuse, these orders serve as a…
A green card is a resident visa. It’s name is after the color of the identification card that issues to aliens. The green card allows foreign citizens to live and work in the U.S. lawfully. The official name for the green card is Form I-551. If you are not eligible for U.S. citizenship but you wish to permanently reside in…
The recent legalization of marijuana for personal use in the states of Washington and Colorado have lead to a widespread push to legalize marijuana in other states at least for medicinal purposes. In Oklahoma, one senator is pushing to legalize marijuana, however, unsuccessfully. Thus, Oklahoma marijuana possession laws are as serious as any other drug charge. Many individuals in Oklahoma…
When beginning a contested divorce or child custody dispute, you might feel a compelling desire to vacate the family home. Married couples and unmarried parents do not generally end their relationship because of effective communication and enjoyment of each other’s company. Should I Move Out Before I file Divorce is the question Im asked all the time. Although unpleasant, there…
Filing bankruptcy can be overwhelming because it involves a mountain of paperwork. There are also many opportunities to make critical mistakes. These can result in continuing liability for dischargeable debts; unnecessary delays while a bankruptcy is amended; and even the dismissal of a bankruptcy that puts a debtor’s assets at-risk. Because most people struggling with debts have questions about their legal rights…