When families sit down to organize their affairs—or when they are dealing with the aftermath of a loved one’s passing—they often encounter confusing legal deadlines. At Kania Law Office, one of the most common phrases we hear during consultations is “the 2-year rule in probate.” Because estate planning, asset protection, and probate involve several different areas of law, there isn’t…
An Oklahoma Business or Civil Lawyer is often the same person. When business relationships break down or operations hit a wall, civil attorneys step in to resolve the fallout. In the commercial world, these disputes generally boil down to broken promises, internal power struggles, or external unfair competition. The most common business disputes handled by a business or civil lawyer…
In Oklahoma, inheritance money is legally classified as separate property by default, even if received during the marriage. However, this protected status is fragile. To prevent an inheritance from becoming “marital property” (and thus subject to division in a divorce), you must proactively avoid commingling and transmutation. To see this article as a video, click here. Here is how you…
Mistakes in Probate can be avoided and result in a smoother process. Probate is the legal process of administering a person’s estate after death, and while it may seem straightforward, it is often filled with procedural requirements and legal pitfalls. In Oklahoma, even small mistakes can cause delays, increased costs, or disputes among heirs. Understanding the most common errors can help…
Common law marriage impacts inheritance in several different ways. In an Oklahoma probate case, whether a surviving partner is legally recognized as a spouse can determine who inherits property, who has priority to administer the estate, and whether certain statutory protections apply. Because Oklahoma recognizes common law marriage under specific circumstances, disputes frequently arise after death—particularly when there is no…
When someone passes away in Tulsa, families often assume that a full probate proceeding is required. In many cases, that is true. However, Oklahoma law provides a simplified alternative for qualifying estates known as an Affidavit of Small Estate. This procedure allows certain assets to be transferred without opening a formal probate case, saving time and expense when the estate meets specific…
While the step-up basis in value is most commonly associated with the family home, it actually applies to a wide variety of assets. For your Oklahoma clients, focusing on these categories can help them identify where their greatest tax-saving opportunities lie. Here are the primary assets that can take advantage of a step-up in basis: 1. Real Estate Real property…
You can effectively reduce Estate Taxes by focusing on eliminating or lowering capital gains tax through a stepped-up basis. When it comes to protecting your legacy in Oklahoma, understanding the “stepped-up basis” (or step-up in value) is one of the most powerful tools in your kit. While many people focus solely on the 40% federal estate tax, the step-up in…
In Oklahoma probate cases, allegations of dementia frequently form the backbone of a will contest. Families often discover late-in-life estate planning changes and question whether the decedent truly understood what they were signing. While dementia is a serious medical condition, its presence alone does not automatically invalidate a will under Oklahoma law. Understanding how courts analyze dementia in testamentary capacity cases is critical…
When a loved one passes away without a will, families are often left unsure about what comes next. One of the first questions we hear in our Oklahoma estate planning and probate practice is: “Do I need to file probate if there is no will?” The short answer is yes—it is usually still required, even when there is no will….
Disputes in Oklahoma Estates and probate are a hassle and make a difficult situation even worse. When a loved one passes away, their estate enters a legal process that includes identifying assets, paying debts, and distributing property according to a Will or—if none exists—Oklahoma’s intestacy laws. While many estates are settled smoothly, disputes can arise, especially when family members disagree…
When someone passes away, you can file a quiet title or a probate to transfer their property in Oklahoma. The issue comes down to whether you can substitute filing a quiet title or if probate is the only way to transfer the decedent’s property. In Oklahoma, a quiet title action is appropriate when there is uncertainty, dispute, or a defect…
A Joint Tenancy Between Spouses is common but can cause issues if the deed isn’t handled correctly. When a husband and wife purchase property together in Oklahoma, one of the most common ways they hold title is as a joint Tenancy between spouses. Many people assume this arrangement automatically guarantees that when one spouse passes away, the surviving spouse inherits…
Oklahoma law sets some basic eligibility requirements to be an Executor or personal representative of an estate. Although there are rules, the rules are somewhat easy to satisfy. The rules are found in Title 58 of the Oklahoma Statutes. Here are the key requirements: General Eligibility in Oklahoma Disqualifications Of An Executor Under 58 O.S. § 102, certain people cannot…
A revocable trust—often called a “living trust”—is one of the most popular estate planning tools in Oklahoma. It allows you to manage your assets during your lifetime and control how they are distributed after your death. For many, a revocable trust offers flexibility, privacy, and efficiency compared to a traditional will-based estate plan. To see this article as a video,…
If your family member passed away owning property or financial assets, you may need to file probate in an Oklahoma court to legally manage and distribute those assets. Whether there is a will or not, probate is the legal process that ensures the decedent’s property is passed on correctly. Here’s what you need to know about how probate works in…
Transfer on Death Deeds can help you transfer real estate to a loved one without going through the probate process. Oklahoma law allows property owners to name a beneficiary who will automatically receive title to the property upon their death, without the time, expense, and hassle of probate court. This article explains how TOD deeds work in Oklahoma, their benefits,…
When it comes to strategic estate planning in Oklahoma, especially for families with significant assets, one option worth considering is the Generation-Skipping Trust, often called a GST. This specialized trust allows grandparents or parents to transfer wealth directly to grandchildren—or even great-grandchildren—bypassing the children’s generation. While that might sound like disinheriting your kids, that’s not the goal. Instead, it’s a…
Understanding the purpose of a family trust is important when considering estate planning. A family trust is a powerful estate planning tool designed to protect and manage assets for the benefit of family members. Whether used for wealth preservation, tax advantages, or asset protection, a family trust can provide significant benefits for both the grantor and beneficiaries. What Is a…
In Oklahoma, there are tools to protect an Inheritance for your children or even your current spouse. When planning your estate, one of the most common concerns for parents is how to leave an inheritance to a child without risking that inheritance being lost in a divorce. Whether you’re worried about your child’s current marriage or future relationships, Oklahoma law…
Whether an estate administrator can file for bankruptcy for a decedent is a common question. In Oklahoma, the role of the estate administrator (or executor) is to handle the decedent’s financial affairs according to probate law, but filing for bankruptcy on behalf of the deceased raises important legal questions. We will cover the basics here regarding the rights of an…
We often get questions about who exactly owns the assets in a family trust. A family trust is a powerful estate planning tool that allows individuals to manage and protect their assets while providing for their loved ones. The answer ultimately depends on the type of trust, its structure, and the roles of the individuals involved. What Is a Family…
While both can be beneficial, a trust is often better than a will in estate planning, particularly when it comes to avoiding probate, protecting assets, and maintaining privacy. We’ll explore the key reasons why a trust is often a better choice than a will and how it can benefit your estate planning strategy. Avoiding Probate A will must go through…
A consultation with a will and trust lawyer is often the beginning point for most people looking to plan ahead. Planning for the future is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure your loved ones are cared for and your wishes are respected. Whether you are drafting a will, establishing a trust, or updating an existing…
Understanding what makes a will legal can help ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes after your death. In Oklahoma, the state statutes outline the requirements for a will to be legally binding. If a will fails to meet these requirements, courts may declare it invalid, leaving the distribution of assets to fall under by Oklahoma’s intestacy laws….
Many wonder whether or not it’s necessary to notarize a will for it to be legally valid. While notarization is not a legal requirement for a will to be valid, including a self-proving affidavit that is notarized can make the probate process smoother and reduce the risk of challenges in court. This article explains the requirements for notarizing a will…
Creating a trust in Oklahoma isn’t as hard as many people think. When developing your estate plan, you have the option to incorporate trusts as part of your strategy. Trusts can serve as valuable tools to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes, while potentially avoiding the probate process. Understanding the process of creating a trust and the…
In Oklahoma, a bypass trust or family trust , sometimes called a credit shelter trust is an estate planning tool. This tool is designed to minimize federal estate taxes for married couples. It allows the first spouse to pass assets to a trust upon their death, taking advantage of their estate tax exemption, while preserving the remainder of the assets…
In Oklahoma, a Special Needs Trust and a Living Will serve very different purposes, each addressing specific needs within estate planning and healthcare decision-making. Like any trust, will or other estate planning document, before you draft one its crucial to understand the purpose you are trying to serve as part of your estate plan. Special Needs Trust in Oklahoma A…
Oklahoma probate court protect heirs from those people who interfere with an inheritance. An Inheritance can often involve not just significant financial assets but also strong personal emotions. If you’re expecting an inheritance and suspect someone is unfairly interfering with it, you may wonder if you can take legal action against them in Oklahoma. Here’s what the law says about…
In an Oklahoma probate Beneficiaries Waive Their Interest by filing a disclaimer. When you’re named as a beneficiary in a will or estate, you might wonder whether you have the option to decline your inheritance. Under Oklahoma law, beneficiaries waive their Interest in an estate, whether it comes from a will, intestacy (dying without a will), or even through other…
Transferring your parents’ home into your name may seem like a straightforward way to manage their assets, but when Medicaid is involved, it becomes more complex. If you’re considering this to avoid a Medicaid lien because of nursing home or other long-term care costs, you need to understand the rules under Oklahoma law. Understanding Medicaid Liens and Estate Recovery In…
Understanding the Burden of Proof When you’re involved in a civil lawsuit in Oklahoma, it’s crucial to understand the burden of proof. This is about how much evidence you need to present in order to win your case. The burden of proof is a legal standard that helps the court decide whether the claims you make are more likely true…
When you are making a will, understanding every term and condition that you include is crucial to ensuring your wishes are respected after you pass away. One common feature you might consider is a no contest clause (in terrorem clause). The following information addresses this and whether it is enforceable in Oklahoma. Understanding a No Contest Clause A clause in…
Funding a Trust that you own is a critical step towards accomplishing your goals in estate planning. When you decide to manage your assets for the future—whether for retirement, legacy goals, or estate planning—one option you might consider is setting up a trust. But what does it really mean to fund a trust? And how does this process work, especially…
When someone in Oklahoma dies with no will, state laws are in charge of distributing their belongings. This process is known as intestate succession. It can be complex and confusing, and understanding the different steps that occur can help you make informed decisions about your own estate planning or that of a loved one. This article will explain more about…
In Oklahoma estate planning, the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) and the Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA) are both crucial pieces of legislation. This legislation is a great benefit to citizens because it allows adults to transfer assets to minors without having to create a formal trust. These tools are essential for estate planning. This is because they…
Whether or not you should put your kids on the deed to your house is a tricky option. The primary parents consider doing this is to avoid creditors or for estate planning. It is trues that Estate planning is a crucial aspect of managing your assets after your pass. After all, most people want to help their kids after they…
When you pass away you can Gift Retirement Accounts and other assets to your loved ones as part of your estate. As you consider estate planning in Oklahoma, one of the key components you might think about is how to pass on your retirement accounts to your loved ones. It’s a major aspect of managing your financial legacy and ensuring…
There are circumstances where an ex-spouse can contest a will drafted by a former spouse. When dealing with the delicate matters of wills and estates in Oklahoma, it’s important to understand the specific legal avenues available. This is particularly relevant if you’re an ex-spouse wondering if you have the standing to contest a former partner’s will. Oklahoma law provides clear…
When it comes to settling someone estate when they pass, a very common question that arises is whether all wills need to go through probated in Oklahoma. Probate is the legal process through which a deceased person’s assets are distributed. This process includes paying off debts, distributing their assts and settling their estate as a whole. Additionally, the probate process…
For the purpose of Estate Planning its important to know how you transfer property to a Trust that you own. Understanding trusts and property transfers in Oklahoma can be complex, but it’s important for managing your estate effectively. The last thing that you want is for their plan to fail due to a lack of funding the trust. This blog…
Probating a loved ones estate sometimes involves an emotional component that makes an already difficult time event harder. Because of this, challenging a will based on incapacity is one of the most sensitive issues that can arise. It should be a time to honor a loved ones whishes regarding their assets. Most times their will is a reflection of their…
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 your spouse dies intestate, receiving property without a will might seem tricky. In Oklahoma, an individual who dies without a will has the distribution of their property determined by intestate succession laws. These laws serve as a default will for the deceased, establishing a hierarchy of beneficiaries based on familial relationships. This article dives into the nuances of these…
In Oklahoma having the right documents included in an estate plan is key to its success. An estate plan is a crucial tool for protecting your assets, providing for your loved ones, and ensuring that your wishes are carried out both during your lifetime and after your death. A well thought out estate plan typically consists of several key documents,…
In estate planning and probate law in Oklahoma, a unique situation arises when dealing with a pretermitted child. This is a child that is unintentionally omitted from a will. Some reasons might be because they were born or adopted after the will was made. The following information clarifies whether a pretermitted child in Oklahoma can challenge a will, and if…
When devising an estate plan, it’s crucial to understand the legal boundaries, particularly regarding the rights of a surviving spouse. 2022 Oklahoma Statutes Section 84-44 provides a framework for what you can and cannot do in terms of disinheriting a spouse. Read on to learn more about spousal disinheritance and why involving an experienced Oklahoma lawyer is crucial in navigating…
When a spouse dies in Oklahoma the loss is devastating. This time can be a whirlwind of emotions and activity. Even in this challenging time of personal loss, though, there are some essential things to pay attention to. This might begin with final arrangements, such as working with a funeral home for a viewing memorial and making decisions. A whole…
There are several concerns regarding estate planning and inherited IRA accounts in Oklahoma. An Individual Retirement Account or IRA is an investment account that holds retirement savings with certain tax advantages. This is as long as the money you deposit in a qualifying IRA is held until retirement age. Then, the account holder doesn’t pay any taxes, whether income or…
The responsibility of caring for a loved one in need is both an honor and a challenge. In the state of Oklahoma, two primary legal avenues can be utilized to assist those who cannot independently manage their personal and/or financial matters due to illness, disability, or age: Power of Attorney (POA) and Guardianship. Below, we will delve deep into both…
Children of deceased parents in Oklahoma are not directly responsible for the debts of their parents. In the midst of dealing with the loss of a parent, a question that often arises is, “Does a child have to pay their deceased parent’s debts?”. This issue can be confusing. Its filled with legal nuance and fraught with emotions. While the death…
The question can a deed override a will is one people ask us all the time. When a deed conflicts with the provisions of a will in Oklahoma, the outcome will depend on various factors. This can include the type of deed, the language in the will, and the legal requirements for property transfers. When a deed for real property…
Selling a home during probate is often seen as a daunting task, full of legal complexities and emotional turmoil. But for Oklahoma residents, understanding the probate process and Oklahoma probate laws can simplify the ordeal and make it manageable. So, if you find yourself asking, “Can I sell a home while it’s in probate?” the short answer is yes. But…
A disinheritance clause refers to the act of intentionally excluding someone from inheriting or receiving any portion of an individual’s estate, assets, or property upon their death. This typically occurs when a person who has the legal right to leave property to heirs or beneficiaries chooses to specifically exclude one or more individuals from their will or estate plan. One…
If you are married without children who gets one if you die depends if you have a will or not. In Oklahoma, the government has a default will for you if you die without one. This process of using the government’s will for you is called intestate succession. Your estate may go through probate court, and a judge will help…
In Oklahoma bad procedures can make a will Invalid if it doesn’t satisfy legal requirements. Estate planning is one of the most important legal procedures that many people go through. However, the effects of the choices and the legal validity of how you made in your will won’t be fully known until after you are gone. When considering how you…
In Oklahoma you can name a minor as a beneficiary of your will or insurance policy. In estate planning, people may want to give money or valuable property to a minor child, whether their own child or a grandchild or a special niece or nephew. They leave this money either in a will or as the beneficiary of an insurance…
The cost of a probate in Oklahoma can vary depending on several factors, such as the complexity of the estate and whether there are any disputes or challenges to a will. Some probate cases involve more administration than others and the probate process my involve more work. This also depends on the complexity of the case including the number of…
The potential for probate litigation in Oklahoma should inform the type of state planning you engage in. Going through probate court can be intimidating. Probate is the process your loved ones must go through to access your assets after your death. It is a court process where an induvial is appointed to locate all the assets of your estate and…
A well drafted buy-sell agreement for a business in Oklahoma is critical for transferring business assets. As a business owner, you know there are multiple ways to enter contracts with other business owners. You do it everyday as you run your business. You may be looking to outsource your payroll or find an induvial to deal with shipping products for…
Business Succession is an important part of well imagined estate planning. Life can change in the blink of an eye. One minute your life is excellent and exactly how you thought it would be. The next moment, you or a loved one needs immediate medical attention and may be recovering from a significant unplanned operation; you may be left to…
In order to sell property in a probate you need a court order signed by the Judge in the case. Oklahoma probate can be an overwhelming process, especially if you are unfamiliar with it and it is your first time. In the probate process, you may be appointed by the probate court as the personal representative of a loved one’s…
A special needs trust In Oklahoma is a part of a well planed estate. It is crucial to have an estate plan to help ensure that your belongings and assets go to the people you want them to after you’ve passed away. When considering what documents you’ll need to execute as part of your estate plan, it is essential to…
A gun trust in Oklahoma is a legal document commonly used in estate planning that helps to protect gun owners and their Second Amendment rights. A gun trust facilitates the lawful purchase, possession, and sale of class three weapons. Class three weapons include machine guns, submachine guns, suppressors or silencers, and other destructive devices. Like many other trusts, a gun…
The final accounting In Oklahoma probate case can be said to be the beginning of the end of the case. From its begging to its end a the probate process is very technical in the order and format the pleadings in the case are filed. The process and the way things go is also impacted by the size of the…
Estate planning and probate in Oklahoma is governed by state law statutes. Its designed to help people distribute their assets when they pass. As a society, we respect the wishes of the deceased. As a result, the law requires us to engage in the probate process when a friend or family member passes away. During this process, someone is appointed…
An irrevocable trust is a great estate planning tool. When you decide to strategize your estate plan, your estate planning attorney might recommend setting up a trust. A trust establishes a relationship where one party (the trustor) gives another party (the trustee) the right to hold assets for the benefit of a third party (the beneficiary). There can be advantages…
In Oklahoma and many states across the United States, the state legislature has provided a way for families with loved ones who have recently passed away to move some of their assets without needing to go to probate court if they meet certain characteristics. These forms are sometimes called Small Estate Affidavits in Oklahoma estate planning. It is called an…
Intestate distribution for out of wedlock children can be different than it is for children born to a marriage. In Oklahoma, the government has a default will for you if you die without one. This process of using the government’s will for you is called intestate succession. Your estate may go through probate court, and a judge will help your…
To transfer bank accounts when you die there are a few different methods available in Oklahoma. A will works as a way to transfer ownership of an asset like a bank account from someone deceased to someone who is living. The will or Estate plan is used as a guide for a probate court judge to help determine where the…
Probate delays in Oklahoma are frustrating. Probate is the Court’s process to distribute a deceased person’s estate. The probate process can be a difficult time for families. Emotions are running high, money is involved, and everyone is on edge. This article will describe some of the most common probate disputes and how these disputes might delay the probate process so…
Estate planning for blended families in Oklahoma continues to be more important. In the United States, the current divorce rate for first-time marriages is almost fifty percent. Of the fifty percent of marriages that end in divorce, most people re-marry. Bringing two different families together can be difficult and result in many emotions for both sides of the family. These…
Probate letters of administration in Oklahoma deal with who is responsible to administer a persons estate. During our lives, dealing with the loss of a loved one is, unfortunately, inevitable. Administering the estate of a deceased family member can be an arduous, complicated, and emotionally draining task. Many technical legal terms are used that complicate a probate process with which…
Paying estate debts In probate in Oklahoma comes out of the estate itself. If funds are available they are paid by the executor as part of their probate duties. Oklahoma’s Probate Code details the procedure for paying the creditor claims of a decedent. A question often asked by someone who is faced with going through probate on behalf of a…
How Long Does Probate Take in Oklahoma; The average time varies greatly depending on the assets and liabilities of the decedent and can take anywhere between four months to over a year. In Oklahoma, probate is required when a person dies as the sole owner of real estate or fails to name a designated beneficiary on their insurance policies, investment…
You can remove an Executor in a probate case In Oklahoma but there are things that must be done first. Imagine this: your loved one dies and leaves behind a will. The will named a specific person to be its executor. However, you and other relatives begin questioning the integrity of this executor. You believe that this executor isn’t fulfilling…
A living Will is part of any well prepared estate plan in Oklahoma. Are you interested in estate planning but completely lost on where to begin? Are you confused as your try to piece together all the legal jargon and make sense of what everything means? If so, don’t worry. You’re not alone. As people acquire more wealth and age,…
Oklahoma intestate law is what takes over by default. Creating a will is so important because if you don’t have one in place when you die, the state will decide what happens to everything you own. A will or a trust is a legal document that explains what to do with your property after death, among other things. You die…
A properly organized and operated business offers levels of legal protection for its owners. This is a great benefit but these protections are limited in scope and area. A corporation or an LLC can provide the owner a liability shield from the company’s actions and debts. It does this while it remains an asset on the individual’s personal balance sheet….
Saying “I do” typically comes with a ring, but it doesn’t always come with forever. So here you are, preparing for a divorce, and you realize that there’s so much to do. You realize that planning a wedding was much easier than planning for a divorce and the new estate planning that comes with it. The thing about estate planning…
An Oklahoma power of attorney is a powerful right one person gives to another. There are times when you may need to authorize someone to do something that you would normally do yourself but can’t for some reason cant do. This includes things like an illness or other incapacity. A legal document called a power of attorney allows you to…
Intestate distribution In Oklahoma impacts who gets what in a probate court. Losing a loved one is hard. It’s even harder when the family begins bickering over rights and inheritances. Did the deceased leave behind a will or did they die without a will? How do you know, for sure, who gets what? If you’re in Oklahoma and find yourself…
Executor duties in Oklahoma probate consist of much more than we normally think. Losing a loved one is painful. And now your loved one’s estate is going to probate court. There is all this talk about executors and administrators. Because you’re grieving, much of it is going over your head. Maybe you’re wondering whether there’s a difference between the two…
Second Marriage Estate Planning requires a more complex look at your current estate plan. A second marriage could be great for you. Many people find that after a prior marriage a second marriage will provide them personal comfort. But, the estate planning gets more complicated particularly if either of you have any children from your previous marriages. Estate planning is…
An Inherited IRA In Oklahoma Bankruptcy may be at risk if you file a chapter 7 bankruptcy. When you file a bankruptcy in Oklahoma certain assets are considered exempt from creditors and the court. If you have certain retirement accounts or Trusts they may be exempt assets in the event that you file a bankruptcy. Although your personal IRA and…
Pour-Over Wills In Oklahoma Estate Planning are one of many useful tools in the distribution of property after you pass away. The type of tools a person uses in their estate planning really depends on what property they have to distribute to heirs. It also depends on the type of trust they have and other probate avoidance tools at their…
Deciding on a Living Trust or a Will In Oklahoma depends on a few different things. When it comes to planning for your incapacity or death, you will naturally come across a number of terms including living trust or a will. These instruments play vital roles including allowing for the distribution of your assets to your loved ones according to…
The benefits of Estate Planning in Oklahoma are many fold. An estate plan provides individuals with a number of benefits including the opportunity to dictate what will happen with their assets at their incapacity and death. Completing a will, trust, and other estate planning documents can give you the peace of mind in knowing that you – rather than the…
It is possible to contest a Will in Probate Court in Oklahoma. Its best that you do the will contest as soon as possible while all the evidence is fresh. There are several basis for a will contest from the will not meeting statutory requirements down to out right fraud. The contest is filed in the Court where the probate…
Adult guardianships in Tulsa require the signature of an Oklahoma Family Court Judge before its granted. An individual who is at least 18 years of age, and is impaired due to physical or mental illness or disability, drug dependence, or other such reasons – which results in them not being able to care for their physical or financial safety, is…
Undue Influence In Estate Planning is a fairly common occurrence. Estate planning means much more than mitigating the tax liability associated with transferring assets to others at your death. It also involves choosing one or more fiduciaries (e.g. family members) to manage your financial and healthcare matters at your incapacity and death; choosing who will be responsible for administering your…
The probate process in Oklahoma is governed by the states probate laws. Each state throughout the country has its own rules for how probate works. The probate process in Oklahoma is kick started in the majority of deaths occurring in the state. Probate becomes necessary for facilitating the transfer of assets of a deceased and winding up their estate unless…
In an Oklahoma Trust the difference between a beneficiary and a trustee is important for deterring rights and duties. Under Oklahoma estate laws, a beneficiary in a Trust is an individual that will enjoy the Trust’s assets. In legal terms, beneficiaries are considered the Trust’s “equitable owners.” The beneficiaries may either receive the assets and cash from the Trust outright…
Oklahoma Spousal Lifetime Access Trust is a great tool used to shelter assets. A Spousal Lifetime Access Trust (SLAT) is a written irrevocable trust that one spouse establishes for the benefit of the other. The goal of a SLAT is to transfer assets into a trust that is available to provide some financial assistance to the spouse, but to exclude…
To transfer a deed when parents die often times involves filing a probate in Oklahoma. Many times, parents have a revocable transfer on death deed or a trust that keeps the family home out of the probate process. However, if your parents Estate Planning did not get this done, you would need to visit the local county assessor’s office in…
If someone makes a will and that person dies, you must probate a will in Oklahoma to determine if its valid. A last will and testament (known more simply as a will) is a legal document which lays out instructions for what to do with some or all of your assets at your death. Some of your assets that might…
Asset Protection in Oklahoma Estate Planning is not that difficult. Imagine the feeling of having your entire life savings vanish at the hands of your creditors or judgement holders. You might own a business where the risk of getting sued is greater than with other professions. Without adequate asset protection planning, a lawsuit or other unfortunate event – whether caused…
An Oklahoma adult guardianship is the means Courts use to allow an adult to handle the legal affairs of another adult. An adult guardianship is also know as a conservatorship. The two terms are the same and used interchangeably. The unfortunate truth is that as our society ages we find our-self needing an increased number of consevatorships. This is for…
In Oklahoma Hand Written Wills Are valid but they must satisfy certain requirements. In Oklahoma hand written wills are called holographic. Holographic wills are wills that are completely handwritten by the person wishing to will their property away when they die. Some people prefer to hand-write their final wishes because its easy and personal. Not all States allow for holographic…
Dying without a will in Oklahoma is costly. According to AARP, an unfortunate 60% of Americans do not have any estate plan or will in place to dispose of their property when they die. For those dying without a will in Oklahoma, or any other estate plan to dispose of their property, they have died intestate (not on the highway)….
Probate in Oklahoma is the judicial process of determining who is entitled to receive the deceased person’s property. Whether the person died with a valid will or died without a will, their estate must go through probate in Oklahoma. This is an important process because it ensures that the person’s property is properly distributed to those who are entitled to…
A Transfer on Death Deed in Oklahoma Estate Planning is an instrument to transfer or convey real property upon the death of the owner. This allows the owner to transfer their home upon death. They do this without the need of an Oklahoma will or intestate distribution. People have different reasons for using Transfer on Death Deeds in lieu of…
The type of trust you choose is important and there are many different choices. One type is the Oklahoma Charitable lead trust. This is an irrevocable trust that once established the donor will not be able to modify, terminate, or amend the terms of the trust. The purpose of a charitable lead trust is to provide support to one or…
Adoption and Estate Planning in Oklahoma is a common concern. One of the questions people have is if the person adopted is entitled to inherit from both their natural parents and their adopted parents. Still more questions involve if the adopted person can inherit property through a will or by intestate distribution. If you’ve got questions regarding adoption and estate…
In Estate Planning people often turn to trusts as a way of passing assets to avoid probate. One of the many trusts available is the Irrevocable trust. Irrevocable Trusts are trusts that cannot be altered or ended once they are executed. Unlike revocable trust, they don’t allow for modification and termination if the trust creator has to make changes. Although an irrevocable trust…
Sometimes a person wants to donate money to a charity in the event of their death. In fact, about 5% of Americans choose make charitable donations in wills and trusts. The law provides several ways for this possibility. This article will explain a few and what the perks are in donating this way. Charitable Donations in Wills and Trusts When…
Oklahoma ancillary probate is the process used to distribute property of a person that dies while a resident of one State but has property in a different State. When someone passes away the Probate Court in the State they reside is the state with jurisdiction over their Estate. This means that the Home State is the one that decides if…
Step Children and Estate Planning for after you die require certain things be done. Blended families and step-children are a common occurrence in American families today. This makes up over a quarter of a million families and children who are living with non-biological parents. With these statistics in mind, it is important to know how the law affects step-children and…
Holographic Wills in Oklahoma are valid if done correctly. Life expectancy in Oklahoma is 73 years old. A large percentage of people over the age of 65 do not have a valid will or trust in place. Sometimes, a will is put in handwriting before a person’s death though. This is legally a holographic will. Oklahoma recognizes holographic wills in…
Revoking a Tulsa will with Oklahoma divorce is one way to revoke a will. As we go through life and acquire more assets estate planning becomes more important. More importantly then acquiring more assets is the need to protect our family members even after we’ve left this earth. An important part of estate planning and probate in Oklahoma is understanding…
Our Tulsa Probate Lawyers will tell you that probate doesn’t have to be hard. Probate is the legal process by which the court, oversees and directs the distribution of assets and liabilities to beneficiaries. Thus, the probate process is the means by which legal title to real or personal property transfers to heirs or beneficiaries. The distribution of one’s property, whether they had…
Planning for incapacity is never a pleasant task. But there is significant risk in delaying the development of such a plan if you should become incapacitated. Most people associated this type of prolonged loss of consciousness may be elderly people suffering from mental ailments. However, young people can suffer the same type of incapacity. It is impossible to prevent temporary…